SPREAD LOVE

Short, Catchy Intro

So you want something that tastes like a hug from a bakery but you also want to act like you made it in five minutes. I see you. These Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls pull off major bakery vibes with very little snooty effort. Fluffy dough, tangy cream cheese, jammy strawberries and that sticky frosting that makes you forget how many spoonfuls you licked. Let us make a mess, sing badly to the oven timer, and eat warm rolls like a champion.

Why This Recipe is Awesome

First off, this recipe balances dreamy cheesecake filling and classic cinnamon roll comfort without turning your kitchen into a science lab. The dough is soft and forgiving, so even if you forget to measure like a civilized adult you will probably still end up with glorious rolls. It also uses familiar ingredients that you likely already have or can snag from the store without taking out a second mortgage.

These rolls are the kind of thing you make for brunch when you want people to say wow and then immediately ask for seconds. Bonus points if you serve them with coffee and a dramatic story about how you forgot to set the timer. Also FYI I snuck in a link to a fun cookie recipe because sharing is caring Decadent Cadbury Egg Cookies Recipe. No pressure to try it but your sweet tooth might file a formal complaint if you ignore it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

3 ½ cups all purpose flour, plus more for dusting. Use your elbows for the flour toss if you feel dramatic.
¼ cup granulated sugar, sweet but not smug.
1 teaspoon salt, because balance matters.
1 packet 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast, check expiry or yeast will ghost you.
1 cup milk, warmed to 110-115°F, like a cozy bath for yeast.
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted, for dough that smiles.
2 large eggs, lightly beaten, they glue the dough together.
8 ounces cream cheese, softened, for the cheesecake filling.
½ cup unsalted butter, softened, for the filling.
1 cup powdered sugar, to make that filling behave.
½ teaspoon vanilla extract, perfumy and kind.
½ cup strawberry jam, high quality seedless preferred, jam is the soul of the swirl.
½ cup finely diced fresh strawberries, tiny bursts of joy.
4 ounces cream cheese, softened, for the frosting.
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened, frosting needs it.
2 cups powdered sugar, the frosting foundation.
2-3 tablespoons milk, to loosen the frosting as needed.
½ teaspoon vanilla extract, in frosting too, because why not.
¼ cup strawberry jam, same as filling, for the swirl.
1 tablespoon water, to thin the jam into a drizzle.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Dough 1 Mix the flour, sugar and salt in a large bowl. Whisk like you mean it.
Preparing the Dough 2 In a separate bowl dissolve the yeast in the warm milk. Wait 5 to 10 minutes until it looks foamy. If it does not foam your yeast might be old.
Preparing the Dough 3 Add the melted butter and beaten eggs to the yeast mixture. Whisk to combine into a smooth pool.
Preparing the Dough 4 Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
Preparing the Dough 5 Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 6 to 8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add flour one tablespoon at a time if it gets sticky. Do not overdo the flour or the rolls go dry.
Preparing the Dough 6 Place dough in a lightly greased bowl and turn to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled. I usually put mine in the oven with the light on.
Making the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling 1 While dough rises beat the softened cream cheese and butter in a large bowl until smooth and creamy.
Making the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling 2 Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until evenly combined.
Making the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling 3 Stir in the vanilla, strawberry jam and diced strawberries. Mix until evenly distributed. Set aside.
Assembling the Rolls 1 Punch down the doubled dough to release air.
Assembling the Rolls 2 Turn dough onto a floured surface and roll into a 12 by 18 inch rectangle. Keep it even for neat rolls.
Assembling the Rolls 3 Spread the strawberry cheesecake filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border along one long edge.
Assembling the Rolls 4 Starting from the opposite long edge tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal so nothing escapes.
Assembling the Rolls 5 Cut the log into 12 equal slices. Use a sharp serrated knife or unflavored dental floss for a cleaner cut.
Assembling the Rolls 6 Grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish and place the rolls cut side up in the dish. Give them a little space to fluff.
Assembling the Rolls 7 Cover and let the rolls rise another 30 to 45 minutes until puffy. This is nap time for dough.
Baking the Rolls 1 Preheat your oven to 350°F 175°C. Warm oven, happy rolls.
Baking the Rolls 2 Bake rolls for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. A toothpick should come out clean.
Baking the Rolls 3 Let rolls cool in the dish for 10 to 15 minutes before frosting so the filling does not run away.
Preparing the Cream Cheese Frosting 1 While rolls bake beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
Preparing the Cream Cheese Frosting 2 Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until combined. Add milk one tablespoon at a time to reach desired consistency.
Preparing the Cream Cheese Frosting 3 Stir in vanilla and keep it ready to spread generously.
Making the Strawberry Swirl 1 In a small bowl whisk the strawberry jam and water until smooth so it drizzles easily.
Frosting and Finishing Touches 1 Spread cream cheese frosting over slightly cooled rolls. Be generous.
Frosting and Finishing Touches 2 Drizzle the strawberry swirl over the frosting. Get artsy or lazy, either works.
Frosting and Finishing Touches 3 Serve warm and enjoy. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to three days and reheat for a few seconds in the microwave.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Thinking you do not need to preheat the oven. Rookie move. Preheat it.
Using cold cream cheese. Room temp cream cheese makes the smoothest filling and frosting.
Skipping the rise time because you are impatient. Let the dough relax or you get dense rolls.
Adding too much flour while kneading. A little sticky is fine. Too much flour equals sad texture.
Cutting sloppy slices. If the log squishes use dental floss to slice cleanly. No squish, no drama.

Alternatives & Substitutions

No fresh strawberries on hand Try extra jam or stir in a handful of frozen chopped strawberries that you drain well.
Want less sugar Use slightly less powdered sugar in the filling and frosting and taste as you go. I would not go too low or you lose structure.
Dairy free option Use vegan cream cheese and plant based butter. Texture changes but flavor still slaps.
Short on time Make smaller rolls and bake 18 to 22 minutes. They cook faster and still look impressive.
Want a different fruit Swap strawberries for raspberries or diced peaches. I personally love raspberry for a tangy hit.

FAQ

Can I make the dough ahead and refrigerate overnight What about that lazy planning move Yes you can. Let the dough rise once, punch it down, wrap, and refrigerate. Next day bring to room temp and finish the roll and rise steps.
Can I use margarine instead of butter Well technically yes but why hurt your soul like that Use real butter if you can. It changes texture and flavor for the better.
What if my yeast does not foam Is it dead This happens. If it does not foam discard and try a fresh packet. Yeast needs the warm milk to wake up.
How do I store leftovers in case of overachievement Pop cooled rolls in an airtight container in the fridge up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven so they taste fresh.
Can I freeze these before baking Absolutely. Assemble, slice, place in the dish, cover tightly and freeze. Bake from frozen but add about 10 minutes to the bake time.
Do I have to use dental floss to cut the rolls No but floss makes neat slices. A serrated knife works fine as long as you cut with care.
Can kids help with the assembly Totally. Rolling and spreading are great small hands jobs. Just guard the knife.

Final Thoughts

You just made bakery level rolls that smell like heaven and taste like celebration. Serve these to friends and watch them try to guess your secret. Tell them it was skill and a little kitchen chaos. You now own the power to bring sweet joy to any morning or brunch table. Go on, be generous or hoard the pan for yourself. Either way you win.

Conclusion

If you loved this fruity twist and want to keep the strawberry theme going try this Decadent Chocolate Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe for a chocolaty sibling to these rolls. For another showstopper that shares the cheesecake vibe check out this Strawberry Cheesecake Monkey Bread. Go forth and bake something delicious.