Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls

There’s something undeniably magical about the combination of fluffy cinnamon rolls, rich cheesecake filling, and sweet strawberries. Imagine the aroma of cinnamon and vanilla wafting through your kitchen, the warm rolls fresh out of the oven, and the first bite—soft, creamy, and bursting with flavor. Inspired by classic Cinnabon-style rolls, these take things to the next level with a luscious cheesecake layer and a fruity strawberry twist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Triple-Layer Filling – Combines the traditional brown sugar-cinnamon gooeyness with a tangy cheesecake cream and a thickened strawberry compote.
• Cinnabon-Style Texture – The dough is enriched with milk, butter, and egg to create a soft, pillowy crumb that stays tender even after cooling.
• Gourmet Brunch Appeal – These rolls transform a standard breakfast into a sophisticated dessert-like experience, perfect for holidays or special occasions.
• Balanced Sweetness – The tartness of the cream cheese and the acidity of the fresh strawberries cut through the richness of the cinnamon sugar.
• Customizable Glaze – The cream cheese glaze is easily adjustable to be a thick frosting or a light, pourable drizzle.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Dough

• 4 cups All-Purpose Flour – The structural foundation; use the “spoon and level” method to keep the dough light.
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) Active Dry Yeast – The engine that provides the airy, fluffy rise.
• 3/4 cup Warm Milk (100–110°F) – Liquid gold for yeast; ensures a soft, enriched dough.
• 1/4 cup Unsalted Butter, melted – Adds richness and flavor.
• 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar, 1 tsp Salt, & 1 Egg – Provides sweetness, seasoning, and structure.

The Fillings

• Cinnamon Layer: 1/2 cup softened butter, 3/4 cup brown sugar, and 1 1/2 tbsp ground cinnamon.
• Cheesecake Layer: 8 oz softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla extract.
• Strawberry Layer: 1 cup chopped fresh strawberries, 2 tbsp sugar, and 1 tsp cornstarch.

Cream Cheese Glaze

• 4 oz Cream Cheese, softened – For that signature Cinnabon tang.
• 1 cup Powdered Sugar – Provides sweetness and a smooth finish.
• 2 tbsp Milk & 1/2 tsp Vanilla – To adjust consistency and add aroma.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Activate the Yeast and Mix In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a teaspoon of sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Add the melted butter, remaining sugar, egg, and salt. Gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms.

Knead and First Rise Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Prepare the Fillings

• Cinnamon: Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until a paste forms.
• Cheesecake: Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
• Strawberry: Simmer chopped strawberries, sugar, and cornstarch in a saucepan for 5 minutes until thickened. Let cool completely.

Assemble the Rolls Roll the risen dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle. Spread the cinnamon filling first, then the cheesecake mixture, and finally the strawberry compote. Roll tightly into a log starting from the long side.

Slice and Second Rise Cut into 12 even rolls. Place in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise for another 30 minutes. This second rise is crucial for the “fluff” factor.

Bake and Glaze Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown. While they bake, whisk the glaze ingredients together. Let the rolls cool for 10 minutes before drizzling the glaze over them.

Recipe Notes & Tips

• Room Temperature is Key – Ensure your cream cheese and butter are truly soft. Cold cream cheese will result in a lumpy cheesecake filling and glaze.
• Yeast Safety – Use a thermometer for the milk. If the milk is above 120°F, it will kill the yeast; if it’s too cold, the dough won’t rise.
• Strawberry Prep – Ensure the strawberry filling is cooled before spreading it on the dough. If it’s hot, it will melt the butter in the cinnamon filling and make the dough difficult to roll.
• Clean Slicing – For perfect rounds without squishing the dough, use a piece of unflavored dental floss or a very sharp serrated knife to cut the rolls.

Nutritional Information

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus rising)
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 12 large rolls
• Approx. Calories: 420 kcal per roll

Perfect Pairings

• Cold Brew Coffee – The acidity and bitterness of coffee perfectly balance the sweet strawberry and rich cream cheese.
• Crispy Peppered Bacon – A side of salty bacon creates an irresistible “sweet and savory” brunch plate.
• Vanilla Bean Ice Cream – Serve a warm roll with a scoop of ice cream for an decadent “Strawberry Cheesecake Sundae” dessert.

Why This Recipe Works

The science of this roll depends on enriched dough fermentation. The fats from the butter and milk slow down the yeast slightly but produce a much softer crumb than a standard water-based bread dough. The cornstarch in the strawberry filling is essential; it binds the fruit juices during the baking process, preventing the bottom of the rolls from becoming soggy. Furthermore, the cream cheese glaze acts as an insulator, trapping the internal steam of the warm roll to keep the bread moist for hours after baking.

Final Thoughts

Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls are the ultimate labor of love. They take the comfort of a classic cinnamon roll and elevate it with the bright, seasonal flavor of strawberries and the indulgence of cheesecake. While the process takes a few steps, the result is a professional-quality pastry that rivals any bakery. Serve these warm, and watch as they disappear in minutes!