Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
If you have a sweet tooth and love the comforting aroma of freshly baked treats, then you are in for a real delight with this Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe. These rolls combine the tender, fluffy texture of classic cinnamon rolls with a luscious strawberry filling and a creamy cheesecake glaze that makes every bite irresistibly indulgent. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a special dessert, this recipe elevates the humble cinnamon roll into a show-stopping treat bursting with vibrant color and fresh, fruity flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe is thoughtfully chosen to build layers of flavor and texture, making the process straightforward but the result truly spectacular. From the warm milk that activates your yeast to the fresh strawberries that give a sweet punch and texture, these ingredients work harmoniously to create a memorable treat.
- 1 cup whole milk, warm: Softens the dough and activates the yeast for perfect rising.
- 1/4 cup sugar: Adds subtle sweetness to the dough and helps yeast activation.
- 3/4 ounce active dry yeast: The key agent for making the dough light and fluffy.
- 3-1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure and the perfect chewiness in the rolls.
- 1 large egg, room temperature: Enriches and binds the dough together.
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened: Adds richness and tenderness to the dough.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses warm, aromatic flavor into the dough.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
- 3/4 cup seedless strawberry jam: Delivers a concentrated sweet and fruity layer inside the rolls.
- 3/4 cup chopped fresh strawberries: Gives fresh bursts of juicy flavor and a delightful texture contrast.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Blends classic spice with the strawberry filling for depth.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for dusting): Prevents sticking when rolling out the dough.
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened: Creates the tangy and creamy base of the glaze.
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened: Makes the glaze luscious and smooth.
- 1-1/4 cups confectioners’ sugar: Sweetens and thickens the glaze perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon whole milk: Adjusts glaze consistency for easy spreading.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a finishing touch of aromatic sweetness to the glaze.
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start the magic by combining warm milk with sugar and sprinkling the yeast on top. Give it about 5 to 10 minutes to get bubbly — this little foamy peek means your yeast is alive and ready to give your rolls that wonderful rise and fluffiness.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Using a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, blend in the flour, egg, softened butter, vanilla, and salt gradually. The dough will come together smoothly and pull away from the sides, creating a soft, stretchy ball packed with promise.
Step 3: First Rise
Place your dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rest at room temperature for about 1.5 to 2 hours. This waiting game is essential for the dough to double in size and develop the airy texture we all crave in cinnamon rolls.
Step 4: Roll Out Dough
Lightly dust your workspace with flour and roll your dough out into a 1/4-inch thick rectangle. The size and thickness here are important because they’ll determine how evenly your cinnamon rolls bake.
Step 5: Fill and Shape Rolls
Mix the strawberry jam, chopped fresh strawberries, and cinnamon, then spread this delightful mixture evenly on the dough. Cut the dough into eight strips lengthwise, and roll each strip tightly to lock in that sweet and spicy filling.
Step 6: Second Rise
Arrange your rolls in a greased 13×9-inch baking dish, cover again, and let them puff up for another 30 minutes. This short rise will give your rolls their final lift before baking.
Step 7: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 35 to 38 minutes. They’ll be golden on the edges while soft and cooked through in the center — a perfect balance you’re aiming for.
Step 8: Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze
While the rolls bake, whip up your cream cheese glaze by beating together cream cheese and butter until smooth, then slowly adding confectioners’ sugar, milk, and vanilla. This glaze will bring that classic cheesecake tang and creamy sweetness that sets these rolls apart.
Step 9: Glaze and Serve
Slather your warm rolls generously with the cream cheese glaze right out of the oven. Serve them warm to enjoy that melt-in-your-mouth softness combined with the luscious strawberry and cheesecake flavors at their best.
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Garnishes
Giving these rolls a final flourish is easy and fun. Fresh strawberry slices placed on the glaze add a pop of color and freshness, while a light dusting of powdered sugar can enhance the visual appeal and hint at sweetness before the first bite.
Side Dishes
These cinnamon rolls pair beautifully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a warm chai latte. For a brunch spread, consider serving alongside fresh fruit salad or a light green salad to balance the richness of the rolls.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving mini versions of these strawberry cheesecake cinnamon rolls in decorative paper cups for parties, or layer slices with whipped cream and strawberries in clear glasses for a beautiful and delicious dessert parfait inspired by the rolls.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover strawberry cheesecake cinnamon rolls tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for 1 to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days while maintaining their tender texture.
Freezing
This recipe freezes wonderfully! Wrap individual rolls or the whole batch tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to protect against freezer burn. They can be frozen for up to 3 months and thawed overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To enjoy the rolls warm and fresh-tasting, reheat them individually in the microwave for about 20 seconds or in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes. Add a quick brush of cream cheese glaze on top after warming for an extra indulgent treat.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute with frozen strawberries, but be sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly before chopping and adding to avoid excess moisture that could make the dough soggy.
Is it necessary to let the dough rise twice?
Absolutely! The first rise develops the dough’s flavor and texture, while the second rise ensures the rolls become light and fluffy after shaping.
Can I make the dough by hand instead of a stand mixer?
Definitely! Just mix and knead the dough by hand until smooth and elastic; it may take a bit longer but yields the same wonderful results.
How do I know when the yeast is activated?
When the yeast bubbles and forms a foamy layer on the surface of the milk and sugar mixture, it means it’s active and ready to use.
Can I skip the cream cheese glaze?
You could, but that smooth, tangy sweetness is what really elevates this Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe, so it’s well worth keeping for the full experience.
Final Thoughts
Making these Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe from scratch is a joyful adventure that fills your kitchen with warmth and heavenly aromas. The balance of sweet strawberries, creamy cheesecake glaze, and tender cinnamon rolls is pure comfort food magic. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and see just how effortlessly you can transform a simple dough into a spectacular treat that your friends and family will keep asking for again and again.
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Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
These Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls combine classic fluffy cinnamon rolls with a delicious strawberry and cinnamon filling, topped with a creamy and tangy cream cheese glaze. Perfect for a sweet breakfast treat or dessert, these rolls feature fresh strawberries and strawberry jam for a fruity twist that elevates the traditional cinnamon roll experience.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 cup whole milk, warm
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 3/4 ounce active dry yeast
- 3–1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for dusting)
Filling
- 3/4 cup seedless strawberry jam
- 3/4 cup chopped fresh strawberries
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Cream Cheese Glaze
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1–1/4 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1 tablespoon whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast on top and let it stand for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy and bubbly, confirming the yeast is active.
- Prepare the Dough: With the mixer on medium speed, gradually add 3-1/2 cups all-purpose flour, the room temperature egg, softened butter, vanilla extract, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until the dough comes together and pulls away from the sides of the bowl, forming a soft, cohesive ball.
- First Rise: Transfer the dough into a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise at room temperature for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Roll Out Dough: Lightly dust a cutting board or clean surface with the reserved 1/4 cup flour. Place the risen dough on the floured surface and roll it out using a rolling pin into a thin rectangle approximately 1/4 inch thick.
- Fill and Shape Rolls: In a small bowl, mix together the seedless strawberry jam, chopped fresh strawberries, and ground cinnamon. Spread this strawberry filling evenly over the rolled dough. Using a knife, cut the dough into 8 even strips lengthwise. Starting at the long edge, roll each strip tightly to form individual cinnamon rolls.
- Second Rise: Arrange the rolls in a greased 13×9-inch baking dish. Cover loosely with a towel and allow them to rise again for about 30 minutes until they become slightly puffy.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 35-38 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are fully cooked through.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze: While the rolls bake, beat the softened cream cheese and butter in a large mixing bowl on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Gradually add in the confectioners’ sugar, whole milk, and vanilla extract, continuing to beat for another 1-2 minutes until the glaze is spreadable.
- Glaze and Serve: Spread the cream cheese glaze generously over the warm cinnamon rolls immediately after removing them from the oven. Serve warm to enjoy the best flavor and soft texture.
Notes
- Ensure the milk is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- Letting the dough rise properly is key to soft, fluffy rolls.
- Use fresh strawberries for best texture and flavor; frozen strawberries may release too much moisture.
- The rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.
- You can substitute cream cheese with a vegan alternative to make the glaze dairy-free, but it may alter the texture slightly.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 38 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American