Name: Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-483896H27M15S
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Cinnamon roll dough (store-bought or homemade); 8 oz cream cheese (softened, for filling and glaze); 1 cup fresh strawberries (or strawberry preserves); 1/2 cup sugar (for filling); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 4 tbsp butter (softened, for dough); 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze); 2-4 tbsp milk (to thin the glaze); A pinch of salt (for filling)

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Hey friends! If you’re someone who loves a cozy, indulgent breakfast (or dessert), you’re going to fall head over heels for these Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls. Imagine buttery, fluffy cinnamon rolls swirled with sweet strawberry filling, topped with a rich cream cheese glaze. Sounds too good to be true, right? But it’s real, and it’s happening right here. Whether you’re treating yourself on a lazy weekend morning or making something special for a brunch gathering, these rolls are the perfect way to elevate your day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

These Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls are the best of both worlds. You get the warm, gooey goodness of a cinnamon roll, but with a sweet, creamy cheesecake filling and a tangy strawberry topping that takes everything to the next level. They’re perfect for when you’re craving something a little extra indulgent but still comforting. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make – no fancy baking skills required! Trust me, they’ll be the star of your breakfast table.

Ingredients

Let’s take a quick peek at what you’ll need to create these decadent cinnamon rolls. The full ingredient list is below, but here’s what to start with:

Cinnamon roll dough (store-bought or homemade)
Cream cheese (for the cheesecake filling and glaze)
Fresh strawberries (or strawberry preserves if fresh isn’t available)
Sugar and vanilla extract
Butter (for that melt-in-your-mouth texture)
Powdered sugar
Milk (to thin the glaze)

You’ll find all the specifics below in the full ingredient list, but these ingredients come together to create a dessert that’s almost too good to be true.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

If you’re using store-bought cinnamon rolls, just pop open that can and set the dough aside. If you’re making your dough from scratch, now’s the time to roll it out into a large rectangle. Aim for about a 1/4-inch thickness for the perfect swirl. Either way, you’ll be getting soft, pillowy rolls, so no worries!

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine your softened cream cheese, a couple tablespoons of sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat them together until smooth and creamy. This will give you that rich, cheesecake-like flavor that will complement the cinnamon and strawberries perfectly. Spread this mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges so it doesn’t spill out when you roll it up.

Step 3: Add the Strawberry Filling

Next, spread a layer of fresh strawberries (or strawberry preserves) on top of the cheesecake filling. If you’re using fresh strawberries, make sure to chop them up into small pieces so they distribute evenly throughout the rolls. You can even mix a bit of sugar with the strawberries beforehand if you want to enhance their sweetness.

Step 4: Roll and Slice

Now, carefully roll up the dough from one end to the other, creating a tight log. Once rolled, slice it into individual rolls – about 1 1/2 inches thick. You should get around 8 rolls, depending on the size. Place them into a greased baking dish, and give them a little space to rise and expand while they bake.

Step 5: Bake the Rolls

Pop your rolls into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake them for 20–25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown on top. Keep an eye on them because ovens vary, but you want them to be perfectly puffed and lightly browned.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze

While the rolls are baking, it’s time to whip up that dreamy cream cheese glaze! In a small bowl, mix together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a splash of milk until smooth and pourable. If you want it a bit thinner, just add more milk – it’s all about the consistency you like.

Step 7: Drizzle and Serve

Once your rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled, drizzle the cream cheese glaze generously over the top. Then, add a few extra fresh strawberries for garnish if you like. Serve warm, and enjoy the heavenly combination of cinnamon, strawberry, and cheesecake!

Expert Tips and Tricks

Make-Ahead Tip: You can prep these rolls the night before! Just assemble everything up until the baking step, cover the rolls with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, just pop them in the oven and bake.
Don’t Skip the Cream Cheese Glaze: It’s a total game-changer. It adds a rich, tangy sweetness that perfectly balances the cinnamon rolls.
Use Frozen Strawberries: If fresh strawberries aren’t in season, frozen strawberries work just as well. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before using, so you don’t end up with excess moisture in your rolls.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Dough Options: You can use homemade dough for the cinnamon rolls if you’re feeling ambitious, but store-bought dough is a huge time-saver and still makes a delicious result.
Fruit Substitutes: While strawberries are the star here, you can easily swap them for other berries like raspberries or blueberries, or even try a mix of berries for a unique twist.
Vegan Version: If you need a dairy-free version, you can use a non-dairy cream cheese for both the filling and glaze and swap the butter in the dough with a dairy-free alternative.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for:

A weekend brunch with fresh coffee or a chilled glass of orange juice.
A dessert for a gathering – they’re easy to share and will impress any guest.
A treat with a side of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

They’re soft, sweet, and completely irresistible.

Storage and Reheating Tips

These rolls are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers (or just want to make them in advance), you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, pop them in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat, just microwave them for 20–30 seconds or warm them in the oven for a few minutes to bring back that fresh-baked warmth.

4 FAQs

1. Can I use a different kind of fruit?

Yes, absolutely! You can swap the strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or even a mix of different berries. Peaches or apples would also be delicious!

2. Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare them the night before and refrigerate them. When you’re ready, bake them off in the morning for fresh cinnamon rolls with minimal effort.

3. Can I use store-bought frosting instead of the cream cheese glaze?

Sure! If you’re in a pinch, store-bought frosting works just fine. But the homemade cream cheese glaze really takes it up a notch with that tangy sweetness.

4. Can I freeze these cinnamon rolls?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked rolls! After assembling them, freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to bake, let them thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake as usual.

Conclusion

These Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls are pure bliss in every bite. Soft, gooey, and packed with flavor, they’re perfect for a special occasion or just when you’re craving something extra indulgent. With the creamy cheesecake filling, the sweet strawberries, and the irresistible glaze, this recipe will definitely be a crowd-pleaser. Treat yourself, and I’m sure you’ll be making these over and over again!

Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls

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Author: Emily
Prep Time: 15 minutes (if using store-bought dough)
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes (including cooling time)
Yield: 12–14 rolls 1x
Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Brunch
Method: Baking, No-mix
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These indulgent Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls are filled with a sweet cheesecake filling, topped with fresh strawberries, and drizzled with a rich cream cheese glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, they combine the comfort of cinnamon rolls with a cheesecake twist.

Instructions

Prepare the Dough: If using store-bought dough, open the can and set it aside. If making from scratch, roll the dough into a rectangle about 1/4-inch thick.
Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy. Spread evenly on the dough, leaving a border around the edges.
Add the Strawberry Filling: Spread fresh strawberries (or preserves) evenly over the cheesecake filling. If using fresh, chop them into small pieces.
Roll and Slice: Roll the dough from one end to the other and slice into 8 individual rolls (about 1 1/2 inches thick). Place in a greased baking dish.
Bake the Rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Make the Cream Cheese Glaze: While baking, mix softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk in a bowl until smooth. Adjust milk for desired consistency.
Drizzle and Serve: Once baked and slightly cooled, drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the rolls and garnish with extra fresh strawberries. Serve warm.

Notes

Make-Ahead: Assemble the rolls the night before, refrigerate, and bake in the morning for a quick breakfast.
Frozen Strawberries: Can be used instead of fresh—just thaw and drain them before use.
Vegan: Swap dairy ingredients with vegan cream cheese and butter alternatives.