Description
Soft cinnamon rolls filled with cheesecake and topped with strawberries and icing—an indulgent brunch or dessert favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough:
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk, lukewarm
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (120ml) sour cream or Greek yogurt
Cinnamon Sugar Filling:
- 1/2 cup (100g) packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
Strawberry Topping:
- 1 cup (150g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
Cream Cheese Icing:
- 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons whole milk (as needed for consistency)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
Make the Dough
- Activate Yeast: Stir yeast into lukewarm milk. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
- Mix Dough: In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add yeast mixture, butter, egg, and vanilla. Stir until dough forms.
- Knead: Knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until soft and elastic.
- First Rise: Place in greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1–1.5 hours until doubled.
Cheesecake Filling
- Beat cream cheese until smooth.
- Add sugar, vanilla, flour, and sour cream. Beat until creamy.
Cinnamon Sugar Filling
- Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl.
- Soften butter (not melted) for spreading.
Assemble Rolls
- Roll dough to a 16×12 inch rectangle.
- Spread butter evenly, then layer cheesecake filling.
- Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top.
- Roll dough into a log and slice into 12 rolls.
- Place in greased 9×13-inch pan. Let rise again for 30–45 minutes.
Bake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden. Cool for 10 minutes.
Prepare Icing
- Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, salt, and milk until smooth.
- Drizzle or spread over slightly cooled rolls.
Add Strawberry Topping
- Slice strawberries, toss with sugar if desired.
- Spoon over frosted rolls.
Notes
Always soften butter and cream cheese for smooth fillings.
Use dental floss to slice clean rolls.
Don’t skip the second rise—it ensures fluffiness.
- Prep Time: 1 hr 20 min
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cinnamon rolls, strawberry cheesecake rolls, cream cheese rolls, brunch pastry