Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls – Sweet & Creamy Morning Bliss! 🍓🍰
Introduction: If you’ve ever dreamed of combining the irresistible fluffiness of cinnamon rolls with the indulgent creaminess of cheesecake, then Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls are your new favorite breakfast or dessert! Imagine soft, pillowy dough rolled with a cinnamon-sugar swirl, filled with a rich cheesecake mixture, and topped with fresh, juicy strawberries and a sweet, velvety glaze. These rolls offer the perfect balance of warm, comforting flavors and a refreshing burst of fruit.
This delightful treat combines the cozy familiarity of cinnamon rolls with the tangy sweetness of cheesecake and the vibrant, fruity goodness of strawberries. Perfect for lazy weekend mornings, special occasions, or as a delightful brunch treat, these rolls will turn any ordinary morning into something extraordinary. The combination of textures—from the soft dough to the creamy filling and fresh fruit—is sure to please everyone at the table.
History:
Cinnamon rolls, also known as sticky buns or cinnamon swirls, have a long history rooted in Scandinavian and German baking traditions. Originating in Sweden, cinnamon rolls (called “kanelbullar” in Swedish) became a beloved pastry around the 17th century. They eventually made their way to the United States in the 19th century, where they became a breakfast and brunch staple.
Cheesecake, on the other hand, has an even longer history, dating back to ancient Greece. The Greeks were the first to use cheese in a cake-like dessert, and over the centuries, this evolved into the rich, creamy cheesecake we know today. The American cheesecake, with its tangy cream cheese filling, became popular in the early 20th century, especially in New York.
Combining the rich creaminess of cheesecake with the comfort of cinnamon rolls is a modern twist, resulting in a deliciously indulgent treat that has quickly become a favorite in many homes. The addition of fresh strawberries adds a fruity freshness that complements the richness of the filling and brings the entire dessert to life.
🍓 Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
For the Strawberry Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1-2 tbsp sugar (to taste)
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tbsp milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
🍴 Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and granulated sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is activated.
- Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Create a well in the center and add the yeast mixture, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until the dough begins to come together.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step, kneading for about 6-8 minutes.
- Let the Dough Rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
2. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, sour cream, and heavy cream, and mix until the filling is creamy and well combined. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl:
- In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Mix until smooth and the sugar is evenly distributed. Set aside.
4. Assemble the Rolls:
- Roll out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and roll it out into a large rectangle, about 16 inches by 12 inches.
- Spread the Cheesecake Filling: Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Add the Cinnamon Swirl: Spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the cheesecake filling.
- Roll the Dough: Starting from one of the long edges, carefully roll the dough into a tight log.
- Cut the Rolls: Using a sharp knife or dental floss, cut the dough into 12 equal-sized rolls.
- Prepare the Baking Pan: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and arrange the rolls inside. Make sure they are placed close together for a soft, pull-apart texture. Cover the rolls with a towel or plastic wrap and let them rise for another 30 minutes, or until they’ve puffed up.
5. Bake the Rolls:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- While the rolls bake, prepare the strawberry topping. In a small bowl, mix the sliced strawberries with sugar. Let them sit for 10-15 minutes to draw out some juice and soften.
6. Prepare the Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (or heavy cream), and vanilla extract until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add a bit more milk, a teaspoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
7. Assemble and Serve:
- Once the rolls are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls.
- Top each roll with a few slices of the sugared strawberries.
- Serve the rolls warm, and enjoy the sweet, creamy bliss with every bite!
Methods to Perfect Your Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls:
- Dough Temperature: Make sure the milk is warm (about 110°F) when activating the yeast. Too hot or too cold milk can affect the yeast’s ability to rise.
- Flour Measurement: Be sure to measure your flour correctly by spooning it into your measuring cup and leveling it off. Too much flour can make the dough dense.
- Rising Time: Don’t rush the rising process. Let the dough rise fully before rolling it out. This ensures the rolls will be light and fluffy.
- Softened Butter: Ensure your butter for the cinnamon swirl and the glaze is softened but not melted. This makes it easier to spread and incorporate evenly.
- Glaze Thickness: Adjust the thickness of the glaze by adding more milk for a thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for a thicker one, depending on your preference.
Conclusion:
Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect combination of sweet, creamy, and comforting flavors. With their soft, fluffy dough, cheesecake filling, cinnamon swirl, and fresh strawberry topping, these rolls are a crowd-pleaser that will make any morning feel like a celebration. Whether for brunch, a holiday, or a special occasion, these rolls will undoubtedly become a beloved treat in your recipe collection. Easy to make, indulgent in flavor, and utterly irresistible, this recipe is one you’ll want to return to time and time again.
Lovers of this Dessert:
- Cinnamon Roll Lovers: If you’re a fan of cinnamon rolls, this recipe gives a whole new twist on the traditional version, adding layers of cheesecake and fruit.
- Cheesecake Lovers: For those who love the tangy richness of cheesecake, this dessert is a dream come true.
- Strawberry Fans: If strawberries are your go-to fruit, the sweet, fresh strawberry topping adds a burst of flavor that’s the perfect complement to the rich rolls.
- Brunch Enthusiasts: This is the ideal dish to serve at any brunch gathering—it’s impressive, easy to make, and guaranteed to be a hit with your guests.
Lovers of Baking:
- Bakers Looking for a Challenge: If you love a fun, indulgent baking project, these cinnamon rolls offer both a delicious challenge and a rewarding result. From making the dough to assembling the rolls and adding the glaze, it’s a hands-on, enjoyable process.
- Home Bakers Wanting to Impress: These rolls look and taste like they came from a high-end bakery, making them perfect for impressing friends and family. With a little effort, you can create something that’s both visually stunning and wonderfully tasty.