Description
These Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on the classic cinnamon roll, combining the warmth of cinnamon and brown sugar with the fresh, tangy sweetness of strawberries and the rich creaminess of cheesecake. The soft, fluffy rolls are filled with a luscious cinnamon butter mixture, studded with fresh strawberries, and topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting swirled with strawberry jam. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls are sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1 cup diced fresh strawberries
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons strawberry jam
For the Topping:
- Fresh strawberries, sliced
- Crushed graham crackers (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
Add sugar, eggs, melted butter, and salt. Mix well.
Gradually add flour, mixing until the dough comes together.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Filling:
In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.
Roll out the dough into a large rectangle, approximately 16×12 inches.
Spread the cinnamon butter mixture evenly over the dough.
Sprinkle diced fresh strawberries over the filling.
3. Roll and Cut the Dough:
Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log.
Cut the log into 12 equal slices.
Place the slices in a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll.
Cover with a damp cloth and let rise for another 30 minutes.
4. Bake the Rolls:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and mix until creamy.
Drizzle the strawberry jam over the frosting and gently swirl it to create a marbled effect.
6. Frost and Serve:
Allow the rolls to cool slightly, then generously spread the cream cheese frosting over them.
Top each roll with a slice of fresh strawberry.
Sprinkle with crushed graham crackers for added texture, if desired.
Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Using Frozen Strawberries: If fresh strawberries are not available, you can use frozen strawberries. Be sure to thaw and drain them well to prevent excess moisture from making the rolls soggy. Pat them dry with paper towels before using.
- Make-Ahead Option: These rolls can be prepared a day in advance. After cutting the rolls and placing them in the baking dish, cover them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. Allow them to come to room temperature and rise slightly before baking the next day.
- Gluten-Free Variation: For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend that includes a binding agent like xanthan gum. Adjust the liquid content as needed to achieve the correct dough consistency.
- Alternative Frosting: If you’re looking for an alternative to cream cheese frosting, consider using mascarpone cheese for a similar texture, or make a simple buttercream frosting by combining butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a splash of milk or cream.