Delicious Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls Recipe

Cinnamon rolls are a classic comfort food, their sweet, warm, and pillowy goodness making them a beloved breakfast or dessert treat. However, there’s something incredibly indulgent about taking this beloved classic and transforming it into a new, exciting flavor profile. The combination of cheesecake and strawberry, when paired with the soft, fluffy dough of a cinnamon roll, takes the texture and flavor to a whole new level.

These Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls merge the rich tang of cream cheese and the fruity sweetness of fresh strawberries with the warm, spicy sweetness of cinnamon. The result is a decadent treat that is ideal for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon dessert.

In this extended recipe, we will explore every step in excruciating detail, from the dough-making process to frosting and serving. Along with providing practical baking tips, this recipe will delve into the chemistry of baking, the art of perfecting a soft and airy dough, and troubleshooting common issues that arise when baking.

Let’s embark on this delicious journey to bake the perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls that will leave your guests in awe and your taste buds satisfied.

Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

The dough is the backbone of any great cinnamon roll, and achieving the perfect dough can be a bit tricky if you’re not familiar with the process. But don’t worry—we’ll walk through the process with detailed instructions, providing plenty of tips and tricks to ensure your dough turns out perfectly.

Activate the Yeast

1. Combine Warm Liquids: In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine the warm water, warm milk, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. The warmth of the liquids should be around 110°F (43°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, it should feel comfortably warm to the touch but not hot.

2. Add the Yeast: Sprinkle the yeast over the warm liquid mixture and stir gently. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, allowing the yeast to activate. After this time, you should see bubbles forming on the surface of the liquid—this means the yeast is alive and ready to go. If you don’t see bubbles, it’s possible that your yeast is expired or the liquid was too hot or cold.

Make the Dough

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and remaining sugar. The sugar helps feed the yeast and balance out the richness of the butter.

2. Add Wet Ingredients: Pour the yeast mixture, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract into the dry ingredients. Stir with a spatula until the dough begins to come together.

Kneading the Dough

1. Knead by Hand: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Use your palms to press the dough, folding it over itself and turning it 90 degrees. Continue kneading for 5-7 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a bit more flour onto the surface, but be careful not to add too much, as it will make the dough dense.

2. Kneading with a Stand Mixer: If you’re using a stand mixer, fit it with a dough hook. Knead on low speed for about 4-5 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.

First Rise

1. Grease a Bowl: Lightly grease a large bowl with a bit of vegetable oil or butter. Place the dough inside and turn it around so it’s lightly coated with oil, which will help prevent it from drying out.

2. Cover and Rise: Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free area for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 2: Preparing the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling

This filling is the heart of the Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls. It combines the tanginess of cream cheese with the fruity, fresh flavor of strawberries, making for an indulgent, smooth filling.

Mix the Cream Cheese Base

1. Beat the Cream Cheese: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Using an electric hand mixer will help get a smooth texture, but you can also use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment.

2. Add Sugar and Vanilla: Add the sugar and vanilla extract. Beat again until the mixture is creamy and well combined.

Prepare the Strawberry Puree

1. Cook the Puree: In a small saucepan, combine the pureed strawberries and cornstarch. Heat the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring constantly for about 2-3 minutes, until it thickens slightly. This step will help the filling maintain its consistency and not become too runny when it’s baked inside the rolls.

2. Cool the Puree: Allow the mixture to cool slightly before adding it to the cream cheese mixture.

Add Fresh Strawberries

1. Incorporate Chopped Strawberries: Gently fold in the fresh chopped strawberries. These add texture and a burst of fresh fruit flavor to each bite of the roll.

Step 3: Preparing the Cinnamon Filling

The cinnamon filling brings that signature sweet-spicy warmth to the rolls, which complements the strawberry cheesecake filling perfectly.

1. Mix the Butter and Spices: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and optional nutmeg. Mix until you have a smooth paste. This will be the spreadable filling for the rolls.

Step 4: Assembling the Rolls

This is where the magic happens—the process of creating the rolls by layering the cinnamon and strawberry cheesecake fillings.

1. Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches.

2. Spread the Cinnamon Filling: Spread the cinnamon butter mixture evenly across the surface of the dough, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges.

3. Add the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling: Gently spread the strawberry cheesecake filling over the cinnamon layer. Be careful not to overload it; you want a good balance of filling and dough.

4. Roll the Dough: Starting at the long edge, carefully roll the dough up tightly into a log shape. Pinch the seam to seal the roll.

5. Cut the Rolls: Use a serrated knife or dental floss to cut the dough into 12 equal pieces. Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, ensuring they are snug but not too crowded.

Step 5: Baking the Rolls

1. Second Rise: Cover the rolls with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until they puff up.

2. Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

3. Bake: Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the centers are cooked through.

Step 6: Glazing and Frosting

1. Prepare the Strawberry Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and fresh strawberry puree.

2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat together the cream cheese, butter, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Add milk to reach your desired consistency.

Step 7: Serving the Rolls

1. Serve Warm: Serve the rolls fresh out of the oven with the strawberry glaze drizzled on top and a generous amount of cream cheese frosting.

Tips for Success

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh strawberries will give the rolls the best flavor.

2. Be Patient with Rising: Allow ample time for the dough to rise. A rushed rise will result in denser rolls.

3. Store Properly: Keep leftover rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds to restore softness.

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Masterpiece

After all the time and effort, you’ll have a batch of incredibly indulgent Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls that are sure to wow anyone who tries them. Perfect for brunch, special occasions, or just because, these rolls are rich, soft, and packed with flavor. Happy baking!

Yield: 12 Rolls

Delicious Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls Recipe

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Cinnamon rolls are a classic comfort food, their sweet, warm, and pillowy goodness making them a beloved breakfast or dessert treat. However, there’s something incredibly indulgent about taking this beloved classic and transforming it into a new, exciting flavor profile. The combination of cheesecake and strawberry, when paired with the soft, fluffy dough of a cinnamon roll, takes the texture and flavor to a whole new level.

Prep Time 1 hour 30 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Dough:
• 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
• 1 packet active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• For the Cheesecake Filling:
• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• For the Strawberry Filling:
• 1 cup fresh strawberries (chopped)
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup butter (melted)
• For the Glaze:
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough:

1. In a bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Stir to dissolve, and let it sit for 5–10 minutes, until the mixture becomes frothy.
   
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine melted butter, vanilla extract, salt, eggs, and the yeast mixture. Gradually add flour, one cup at a time, until a dough forms.
   
3. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5–7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
   
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
   

2. Make the Strawberry Filling:

1. In a saucepan, combine chopped strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice.
   
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens (about 5–7 minutes). Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
   

3. Make the Cheesecake Filling:

1. Beat together softened cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
   

4. Assemble the Rolls:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
   
2. Roll the dough out into a large rectangle (about 12x18 inches).
   
3. Spread the cheesecake filling evenly across the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
   
4. Spoon the cooled strawberry filling evenly over the cheesecake layer.
   
5. Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log.
   
6. Slice the log into 12 rolls and place them in a greased 9x13-inch baking pan.
   

5. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

1. Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
   
2. Drizzle the melted butter over the rolls and sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly on top.
   

6. Bake the Rolls:

1. Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown and the center is cooked through.
   
2. Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
   

7. Glaze the Rolls:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until smooth.
   
2. Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls before serving.

Notes

• Dough Rising Tip: If you’re in a hurry, you can speed up the dough rise by placing it in a warm, draft-free area or preheating your oven to 200°F, turning it off, and then letting the dough rise inside.
  
• Strawberry Filling Alternative: If fresh strawberries aren't available, you can use frozen strawberries, but be sure to drain excess liquid after cooking.
  
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough and filling the night before, refrigerate it, and bake the rolls the next morning.