Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls: Decadent Sweet Rolls with Creamy Filling

Indulgent strawberry cheesecake Cinnabon rolls with cream cheese filling and fresh strawberries! These bakery-style sweet rolls are perfect for special occasions and weekend treats.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F)
• 1/4 cup warm water
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1 large egg

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced small
• 2 tbsp strawberry jam

For the Cinnamon Sugar:

• 1/3 cup butter, softened
• 2/3 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 3-4 tbsp milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Make the Dough: In large bowl, combine warm milk, water, and yeast. Let sit 5 minutes until foamy. Add melted butter, egg, sugar, and salt. Gradually mix in flour until soft dough forms.
2. Knead: Turn onto floured surface and knead 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in greased bowl, cover, and rise 1 hour until doubled.
3. Prepare Filling: Beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla until smooth. Fold in diced strawberries and jam gently.
4. Make Cinnamon Mixture: Combine softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in small bowl.
5. Roll Out: Punch down dough and roll into 18×12-inch rectangle on floured surface.
6. Add Fillings: Spread cinnamon mixture evenly over dough, leaving 1-inch border. Dollop cheesecake filling over cinnamon layer and spread gently.
7. Roll and Cut: Starting from long side, roll tightly into log. Cut into 12 equal pieces using dental floss or sharp knife.
8. Second Rise: Place cut rolls in greased 9×13-inch pan. Cover and rise 45 minutes until puffy.
9. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake 28-32 minutes until golden brown and center is set.
10. Make Glaze: Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth and pipeable.
11. Finish: Cool rolls 10 minutes, then drizzle with cream cheese glaze while still warm.

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Rise Time: 1 hour 45 minutes | Bake Time: 32 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 47 minutes | Serves: 12

Why This Recipe Works

These strawberry cheesecake Cinnabon rolls combine the best of both worlds – fluffy, tender cinnamon roll dough with rich cheesecake filling. The key is using softened cream cheese for smooth mixing and fresh strawberries for bursts of fruity flavor. The double rise creates incredibly light, airy rolls, while the cream cheese glaze adds the signature Cinnabon-style finish. Baking at moderate temperature ensures the cheesecake filling sets properly without curdling.

Nutritional Benefits

While these are definitely an indulgent treat, each roll provides approximately 380 calories with quality ingredients. The cream cheese provides protein and calcium, while fresh strawberries add vitamin C and antioxidants. The enriched dough offers B vitamins and iron. These are perfect for special occasions when you want to treat yourself and loved ones to something extraordinary.

Pro Tips & Techniques

• Temperature Matters: Ensure milk is 110°F for proper yeast activation
• Soft Cream Cheese: Let cream cheese come to room temperature for smooth mixing
• Rolling Technique: Roll dough evenly for consistent-sized rolls
• Cutting Method: Use unflavored dental floss to cut rolls without squishing
• Don’t Overbake: Centers should be just set – they’ll continue cooking from residual heat
• Glaze Timing: Apply glaze while rolls are still warm for best absorption

Recipe Variations & Flavor Combinations

• Blueberry Version: Replace strawberries with fresh blueberries and blueberry jam
• Chocolate Twist: Add mini chocolate chips to the cheesecake filling
• Lemon Cheesecake: Use lemon zest in filling and lemon juice in glaze
• Mixed Berry: Combine strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries
• Reduced Sugar: Cut sugar in filling by half and use sugar-free jam
• Individual Portions: Bake in muffin tins for personal-sized treats

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

These rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored covered at room temperature up to 2 days. Reheat individual rolls in microwave for 15-20 seconds. For make-ahead convenience, prepare through step 8, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Let come to room temperature and rise 30 minutes before baking. Unbaked rolls can be frozen up to 1 month – thaw overnight and proceed with rising and baking.