Introduction To Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls Recipe
If you’re dreaming of a sweet, gooey, bakery-style dessert that combines the best of two worlds—classic cinnamon rolls and creamy strawberry cheesecake—then look no further than these Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls. This indulgent treat fuses fluffy cinnamon roll dough with a rich cheesecake filling and vibrant strawberry swirl, all topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze. It’s everything you love about brunch, dessert, and indulgent baking wrapped into one unforgettable bite. Perfect for holidays, weekend breakfasts, or surprising your family with a made-from-scratch treat, these rolls will become your go-to showstopper. The combination of warm cinnamon dough, sweet-tart strawberries, and velvety cheesecake is irresistible—making every bite taste like love from the oven.
Why Is This Recipe So Popular?
This recipe has skyrocketed in popularity on food blogs and social media because it elevates the familiar comfort of cinnamon rolls with an unexpected but welcome twist. The strawberry cheesecake layer adds fruity brightness and rich creaminess that contrast beautifully with the buttery, cinnamon-sugar dough. Plus, the visual appeal of strawberry swirls, cream cheese frosting melting into warm spirals, and the aroma of baked cinnamon and vanilla make this a treat that’s as Instagrammable as it is delicious. It’s a fusion of dessert and breakfast, cheesecake and pastry—what’s not to love?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
✅ Bakery-Style Quality at Home – Fluffy, soft, and decadent rolls baked from scratch
✅ Two Desserts in One – A heavenly combo of cheesecake and cinnamon rolls
✅ Make-Ahead Friendly – Prep the night before and bake fresh in the morning
✅ Perfect for Sharing – Great for holidays, brunches, or gifting
✅ Customizable Flavors – Add fresh fruit, jam, or flavored glaze for variety
Ingredients:
These ingredients come together to create decadent, swirled strawberry cheesecake bliss:
For the Dough:
- 🥛 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 🍬 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 🧈 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 🍳 2 large eggs
- 🧂 1/2 tsp salt
- 🍞 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
- 🥄 1 packet instant yeast (2 1/4 tsp)
For the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling:
- 🍓 1 cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped
- 🍬 2 tbsp sugar (for strawberries)
- 🧁 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 🍬 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 🍨 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Layer:
- 🍬 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 🥄 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 🧈 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 🧁 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 🧈 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 🍬 1 cup powdered sugar
- 🥄 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 🥛 1–2 tbsp milk (as needed for consistency)
Preparation:
Step 1: Make the Dough 🍞
In a large bowl, whisk together warm milk, sugar, and melted butter. Add eggs and salt, and whisk until smooth. Sprinkle in the yeast and let sit for 5 minutes. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Make the Strawberry Filling 🍓
While the dough rises, mix chopped strawberries with 2 tbsp sugar and let sit for 10 minutes. Strain excess liquid. In another bowl, beat cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until creamy. Set aside.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough and Add Fillings 🍥
After the dough has doubled, punch it down and roll it out into a 16×12 inch rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough. Mix the cinnamon and brown sugar together and sprinkle over the buttered surface. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly, then spoon the strawberries across the top.
Step 4: Roll and Slice 🍥
Starting from the long end, tightly roll the dough into a log. Slice into 12 even rolls using a serrated knife or unflavored dental floss. Place rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for another 30–45 minutes, or refrigerate overnight.
Step 5: Bake and Glaze 🍰
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. While baking, prepare the glaze: beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Spread over warm rolls and let it melt into every delicious swirl.
Variation:
Here are a few ways to remix this recipe for new flavors:
- Blueberry Swirl – Replace strawberries with fresh or frozen blueberries
- Chocolate Chip – Sprinkle mini chocolate chips with the cheesecake layer
- Nutty Delight – Add crushed pecans or walnuts for crunch
- Lemon Twist – Add lemon zest to the cheesecake filling and glaze
- Jam Shortcut – Use strawberry jam instead of fresh berries for quicker prep
COOKING Note:
These rolls are very forgiving, but a few key tips ensure success:
- Let your dough rise in a warm, draft-free area to get the best texture
- Strain the strawberries to avoid excess moisture making your dough soggy
- Slice with dental floss for perfectly clean roll cuts
- Bake until lightly golden; don’t overbake or they’ll lose their softness
- Frost while warm for melty, gooey perfection
Serving Suggestions:
These rolls shine in cozy breakfast or brunch settings:
- 🥛 Serve with a glass of cold milk or hot coffee
- 🍓 Add a fresh fruit salad on the side
- 🍹 Pair with mimosas or strawberry smoothies for brunch
- 🍽️ Dust with extra powdered sugar or top with extra berries for decoration
- 🎁 Gift a tray of these rolls to friends or neighbors—they’ll love you forever
Tips:
- Make the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge overnight
- Use room-temperature cream cheese and butter for a smooth filling and glaze
- Add a splash of almond extract for a subtle bakery-style flavor
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and warm before serving
- Freeze unbaked rolls, then thaw and bake when needed for easy treats
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Rise Time: 90 minutes
Baking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Roll Approximate):
- Calories: 410
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 20g
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 190mg
FAQs:
Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, crescent roll or refrigerated cinnamon roll dough can be used, but homemade dough gives the best flavor and texture.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Absolutely. Thaw and drain well before using to prevent soggy rolls.
Can I make this dairy-free?
You can substitute dairy-free butter, milk, and cream cheese—just expect a slight change in flavor and texture.
How long do these rolls keep?
They’re best fresh but can be stored in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat before serving.
Can I freeze them?
Yes! Freeze unbaked rolls after slicing. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed.
Conclusion:
Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls are a dreamy fusion of comfort and indulgence. With swirls of buttery cinnamon sugar, rich cheesecake filling, and juicy strawberries, all draped in cream cheese glaze, each bite delivers a bakery-worthy experience straight from your oven. Whether you’re making them for a holiday morning, Sunday brunch, or just a sweet surprise, they’re guaranteed to impress. With make-ahead options, endless variations, and foolproof dough, this recipe belongs in your regular baking rotation. Treat yourself—you deserve rolls this soft, sweet, and strawberry-swirled.
