Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls Recipe
There’s something undeniably comforting about the smell of sweet rolls baking in the oven. The warm scent of rising dough, the rich, creamy notes of cheesecake filling, and the vibrant, fruity burst of strawberries combine into a sensory experience that speaks directly to the heart. For many, sweet rolls evoke memories of cozy weekend mornings, family breakfasts, or the indulgent pause during a busy day. They’re more than just a treat—they’re a celebration of comfort, tradition, and flavor.
In this recipe, we’re taking the classic cinnamon roll structure and giving it a vibrant, luscious twist by combining it with the flavors of strawberry cheesecake. The result? Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls that are as beautiful as they are delicious. These rolls are soft, fluffy, and generously filled with a sweetened cream cheese layer and real strawberry filling. Once baked to golden perfection, they’re topped with a velvety glaze that makes each bite irresistible.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or just beginning your journey into homemade pastries, this recipe guides you through each step with clarity and detail. You’ll learn how to make a rich, yeasted dough that’s both pillowy and sturdy enough to hold all the luscious filling. You’ll discover tips for preparing a smooth, tangy cream cheese layer, and how to cook down strawberries into a concentrated jam-like filling that bursts with real fruit flavor.
Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls are perfect for brunch gatherings, holiday mornings, or anytime you want to surprise your loved ones with something truly special. They can be made ahead of time, frozen, and reheated for convenience, making them both an indulgent treat and a practical addition to your baking repertoire.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything from selecting the best ingredients to mastering the art of rolling and slicing the dough, ensuring every roll you bake is a masterpiece. Along the way, you’ll find troubleshooting tips, variations to try (such as adding white chocolate or a crumble topping), and even ideas for seasonal adaptations.
So, grab your apron, preheat the oven, and prepare for your kitchen to be filled with the irresistible aroma of homemade Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls. Let’s dive into the process, where each layer adds to a roll that’s more than just a pastry—it’s an experience worth savoring.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
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4 cups (480g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
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1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
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¾ cup (180ml) whole milk, warmed to 110°F (43°C)
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¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
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¼ cup (56g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
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2 large eggs, at room temperature
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1 tsp pure vanilla extract
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½ tsp salt
For the Strawberry Filling:
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2 cups (300g) fresh or frozen strawberries, hulled and chopped
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½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
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1 tbsp lemon juice
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2 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp cold water (slurry)
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
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8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened
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⅓ cup (40g) powdered sugar
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1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Glaze:
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1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
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2–3 tbsp milk or heavy cream
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½ tsp vanilla extract
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Optional: pinch of salt for balance
Dough Preparation (Step-by-Step Instructions)
Creating the perfect dough is the foundation of any great sweet roll. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of how to make a soft, rich, and workable dough.
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
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In a small bowl or measuring cup, warm the milk to about 110°F (43°C). You can do this in the microwave for 30–40 seconds, but be sure it isn’t too hot or it will kill the yeast.
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Stir in the sugar and the yeast. Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes. The mixture should begin to foam or bubble, indicating the yeast is active and alive.
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Tip: If you don’t see any foam after 10 minutes, the yeast may be expired. It’s best to start over with fresh yeast.
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Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
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In the bowl of a stand mixer (or a large mixing bowl if mixing by hand), add the eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt.
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Pour in the activated yeast mixture and stir to combine.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients and Knead
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Gradually add the flour, about 1 cup at a time, mixing on low speed with the dough hook attachment (or stirring with a wooden spoon) until the dough begins to come together.
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Increase to medium speed and knead for 6–8 minutes, or knead by hand on a floured surface for 10 minutes. The dough should be smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not overly sticky.
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Troubleshooting Tip: If the dough is too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it becomes workable. If it’s too dry or stiff, add a tablespoon of milk.
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Step 4: First Rise
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Lightly oil a clean bowl and place the dough inside, turning it once to coat the surface. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel.
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Place the bowl in a warm, draft-free location (like inside a turned-off oven with the light on).
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Let the dough rise for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Tip: Rising time will vary depending on the temperature and humidity in your kitchen.
Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls Recipe
There’s something undeniably comforting about the smell of sweet rolls baking in the oven. The warm scent of rising dough, the rich, creamy notes of cheesecake filling, and the vibrant, fruity burst of strawberries combine into a sensory experience that speaks directly to the heart. For many, sweet rolls evoke memories of cozy weekend mornings, family breakfasts, or the indulgent pause during a busy day. They’re more than just a treat—they’re a celebration of comfort, tradition, and flavor.
Ingredients
- For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 2¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk, room temperature
- ½ tsp salt
- 3¾ cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
- For the Strawberry Filling:
- 1½ cups fresh or frozen strawberries, diced
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk or heavy cream
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Make the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
- Add melted butter, egg, egg yolk, and salt. Mix to combine.
- Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8–10 minutes (or 5 minutes with a stand mixer and dough hook) until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Strawberry Filling:
- In a saucepan, combine strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice.
- Cook over medium heat until thickened, about 5–8 minutes. Let cool completely.
3. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
- Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla together until smooth and creamy.
4. Assemble the Rolls:
- Roll out dough into a 14x9-inch rectangle.
- Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the dough.
- Spoon and gently spread the cooled strawberry mixture over the cheesecake layer.
- Roll the dough tightly from the long side and cut into 12 even pieces.
- Place rolls in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes.
5. Bake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake rolls for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
6. Glaze:
- Whisk together powdered sugar, milk/cream, and vanilla until smooth.
- Drizzle over slightly cooled rolls before serving.
Notes
- You can make the strawberry filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge.
- For an extra burst of flavor, add a little lemon zest to the cheesecake filling.
- These rolls are best enjoyed warm but can be stored in an airtight container for 2–3 days.
- To make ahead: Prepare the rolls and place them in the pan, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature before baking.