Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls: The Showstopping Breakfast Upgrade You Need!
Picture this: warm, pillowy cinnamon rolls swirled with luscious strawberry cheesecake filling, fresh from the oven with a sweet glaze dripping down the sides. These aren’t your average cinnamon rolls – they’re a bakery-worthy masterpiece that combines the best of strawberry cheesecake and classic Cinnabon into one irresistible breakfast treat.
As a pastry chef, I’ve spent years perfecting this recipe to give you:
The perfect dough – Fluffy yet sturdy enough to hold that creamy filling
Real strawberry flavor – No artificial taste here!
Make-ahead magic – Prep the night before for stress-free mornings
That iconic Cinnabon texture – Gooey center with slightly crisp edges
Whether you’re hosting brunch, celebrating a special occasion, or just treating yourself, these rolls deliver restaurant-quality results with home kitchen simplicity. The secret? A clever cream cheese technique that prevents soggy bottoms and ensures every bite is pure bliss.
Pro Tip: The strawberry jam swirl isn’t just for flavor – it creates beautiful red ribbons through each roll!
Ingredients
(Makes 12 rolls)
For the Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2¼ tsp) instant yeast
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup warm milk
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
For the Filling:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp strawberry jam
For the Topping:
- ½ cup heavy cream (for pouring over rolls before baking)
- 1 cup powdered sugar glaze (optional)
(Pro Tip: Use freeze-dried strawberries in the filling for intense flavor!)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Dough
- Mix flour, yeast, sugar, and salt in a bowl.
- Add warm milk, melted butter, and eggs. Knead for 5-7 minutes.
- Let rise for 1 hour (or overnight in the fridge).
2. Prepare the Filling
- Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Fold in strawberries and jam.
3. Assemble & Bake
- Roll dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle.
- Spread filling evenly, then roll tightly.
- Cut into 12 slices, place in a greased pan, and pour heavy cream over top.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes.
4. Glaze & Serve
- Drizzle with powdered sugar glaze (optional).
- Enjoy warm!
(💡 Chef’s Tip: For extra gooeyness, add a spoonful of jam under each roll before baking!)
Recipe Variations
🔹 Gluten-free? Use 1:1 GF flour blend.
🔹 Healthier? Swap cream cheese for Greek yogurt.
🔹 More decadent? Add white chocolate chips to the filling.
FAQ
How do you know when cinnamon rolls are done baking?
Your rolls are perfectly baked when they’re golden brown (about 25-30 minutes at 375°F/190°C) and the internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C) on an instant-read thermometer. The centers should look set but still slightly soft – they’ll firm up as they cool!
What happens when you pour cream over cinnamon rolls?
Pouring heavy cream (about ½ cup) over the rolls before baking creates an ultra-moist, custard-like texture in the bottom layers while keeping the tops beautifully crisp. It’s the secret to that iconic Cinnabon-style gooeyness!
Does cream cheese icing on cinnamon rolls need to be refrigerated?
Yes! Any rolls with cream cheese frosting should be refrigerated after 2 hours at room temperature. They’ll keep for 3-4 days in the fridge – just microwave for 15 seconds to restore that fresh-baked warmth.
How to keep cinnamon rolls soft?
Store cooled rolls in an airtight container with:
A slice of bread (absorbs excess moisture)
Or parchment between layers
Reheat gently (300°F for 5-8 minutes) to revive texture.
How hot should cinnamon rolls be?
Serve warm (ideal between 120-140°F) for the best texture and melted icing. Use a food thermometer or check that icing melts slightly when drizzled over rolls fresh from the oven.
Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls (Better Than the Mall!)
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2¼ tsp instant yeast
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1 cup melted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup diced strawberries
- 2 tbsp strawberry jam
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup powdered sugar glaze
Instructions
- Make dough: Mix flour, yeast, sugar, salt. Add milk, butter, eggs. Knead 5-7 min. Rise 1 hr.
- Make filling: Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla. Fold in strawberries and jam.
- Assemble: Roll dough to 12×18". Spread filling. Roll tightly, cut 12 slices.
- Bake: Place in greased pan. Pour cream over. Bake 25-30 min at 375°F.
- Glaze: Cool 10 min, drizzle with powdered sugar glaze.
Final Thoughts: Your New Signature Brunch Showstopper
There you have it—the ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls that deliver all the indulgence of a bakery treat with the heartwarming charm of homemade goodness. Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion or turning an ordinary weekend into something extraordinary, these rolls are guaranteed to:
Steal the show at any brunch gathering
Make you feel like a pastry pro (even if it’s your first time baking with yeast)
Leave everyone begging for the recipe (that cheesecake swirl is pure magic!)
A few parting secrets to ensure perfection every time:
- For the fluffiest texture, let the dough rise slowly overnight in the fridge
- Warm the jam slightly before spreading for easier swirling
- Don’t skip the heavy cream pour—it creates that signature gooey center
I’d love to see your beautiful creations! Did you add a personal twist? Maybe some lemon zest in the glaze or dark chocolate chips in the filling? Share your masterpieces with me on [email protected] —nothing inspires me more than seeing your kitchen adventures!
Don’t forget to save this recipe by pinning the image below. Happy baking, and may your home always smell like sweet strawberries and warm cinnamon!