Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls

Ah, Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls! The moment I first pulled a tray of these beauties out of the oven, I was transported back to my childhood, where the scent of baking filled our home with warmth and love. My mom would whip up her famous cinnamon rolls every Sunday, and we'd gather around the kitchen table, eagerly waiting for that first gooey bite. But this twist, combining the classic flavors of strawberry cheesecake with soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls, quickly became a cherished family favorite. It's perfect for spring gatherings, brunches, or just any day that could use a little sweetness.

These rolls are not just delicious; they're a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something magical. Whether it's a lazy weekend morning or a special occasion, these Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls are bound to bring smiles and satisfied sighs at the breakfast table. So, let's dive in and make some delicious memories together!

Why You'll Love "Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls"

• Quick prep time of just 30 minutes, perfect for busy mornings or last-minute dessert cravings.
• Minimal ingredients make it easy to whip up without a trip to the store.
• Family-friendly and a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike!
• Freezer-friendly, so you can make a batch ahead of time and enjoy them later.
• Rich, creamy cheesecake filling combined with soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls for a delightful treat.
• Versatile enough for any occasion - from casual brunches to festive gatherings.

Ingredients You'll Need

• For the Dough:
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup whole milk, warmed (about 110°F for best results)
  • ¼ cup butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
• For the Cheesecake Filling:
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened (bring it to room temperature for easy mixing)
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced (feel free to use frozen if fresh aren't available)
  • 2 tablespoons strawberry jam
• For the Cinnamon Sugar:
  • ½ cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • ¼ cup butter, softened (for spreading over the dough)
• For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• For Topping:
  • Graham cracker crumbs (for a delightful crunch)
  • Fresh strawberry slices (for garnish and extra flavor)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of all-purpose flour, ¼ cup of granulated sugar, 2 ¼ teaspoons of instant yeast, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix them together until well blended.
2. Warm 1 cup of whole milk in the microwave or on the stove until it's about 110°F - it should feel warm but not hot to the touch.
3. Pour the warmed milk into the flour mixture, along with ¼ cup of melted butter and 2 large eggs (make sure they're at room temperature for better mixing). Stir until the dough begins to come together.
4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until it's smooth and elastic. If it's too sticky, sprinkle a little extra flour as you knead.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. While the dough is rising, prepare the cheesecake filling. In a medium mixing bowl, beat 8 oz of softened cream cheese until it's creamy and smooth.
2. Add in ¼ cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 cup of diced fresh strawberries, and 2 tablespoons of strawberry jam. Mix everything together until well combined, and set aside.

Assemble the Rolls

1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it out into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick.
2. Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
3. Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Make sure to keep the filling inside as you roll!
4. Once rolled, cut the log into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or a string, so the filling doesn't squish out. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish.

Sprinkle Cinnamon Sugar and Bake

1. In a small bowl, mix together ½ cup of packed brown sugar and 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon.
2. Spread ¼ cup of softened butter over the tops of the rolls, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously on top.
3. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Let the rolls sit for about 15 minutes while the oven is preheating, allowing them to rise a bit more.
4. Bake the rolls for 25 minutes or until they're golden brown and your kitchen smells heavenly.

Prepare the Frosting

1. While the rolls are baking, make the cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together 4 oz of softened cream cheese and 2 tablespoons of softened butter until smooth.
2. Add in 1 ½ cups of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of heavy cream, and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well blended and creamy.

Frost and Serve

1. Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for about 10 minutes - but not too long, as you want to frost them while they're still warm!
2. Spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the warm rolls.
3. Finally, top them off with graham cracker crumbs and fresh strawberry slices for extra flavor and a fun crunch!

Variations

• For a chocolate twist, add mini chocolate chips to the cheesecake filling for a delightful surprise.
• Make it seasonal by using diced peaches or blueberries instead of strawberries.
• Try a dairy-free version using almond or coconut milk and dairy-free cream cheese.
• For a lighter option, reduce the sugar in the filling and frosting or use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese.
• Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or cardamom in the cinnamon sugar for a unique flavor.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving

These Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls are best served warm, fresh out of the oven. Pair them with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk for a delightful treat. For an extra touch, drizzle some additional strawberry jam on top or serve with whipped cream for a special occasion!

Storage

Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the rolls individually wrapped for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving for that freshly baked taste!

Helpful Notes

• If you don't have instant yeast, you can use active dry yeast; just let it proof in warm milk for 5-10 minutes before mixing.
• Feel free to substitute coconut or almond milk for a dairy-free option.
• For a nutty flavor, add chopped nuts to the filling or topping.
• Use low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt for a lighter frosting.
• These rolls can also be made the night before; simply refrigerate after assembling and bake in the morning!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls?

Yes, you can freeze these rolls! After baking, let them cool completely, then individually wrap each roll in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

How can I substitute ingredients in this recipe?

You can easily substitute ingredients! For a dairy-free option, use almond or coconut milk and dairy-free cream cheese. If you don't have instant yeast, active dry yeast works too; just proof it in warm milk first. You can also swap fresh strawberries for frozen ones if needed.

What is the best way to serve these rolls?

These rolls are best served warm, straight from the oven. Pair them with coffee or milk, and for an extra treat, drizzle some strawberry jam or add whipped cream on top. They're perfect for brunch or a cozy dessert!

Final Thoughts

Making Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls is not just about baking; it's about creating joyful moments and sweet memories in the kitchen. I hope you gather your loved ones around the table, sharing these delightful rolls fresh out of the oven, and savoring every gooey bite together. Remember, the best part of cooking is the love and laughter that comes with it. So, roll up your sleeves, give this recipe a try, and let the smell of cinnamon and strawberries fill your home. You've got this, and I can't wait for you to taste the magic!