Best Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls Recipe
If you’re searching for a show-stopping breakfast or an irresistible dessert, the Best Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls Recipe is exactly what you need. These rolls combine the fluffy, tender crumb of a classic sweet roll with a luscious cheesecake filling and the bright, fruity burst of strawberry jam and fresh strawberries. Topped with a creamy, dreamy cheesecake glaze, each bite promises a perfect balance of tangy sweetness and soft, buttery richness. It’s a delightful twist on traditional sweet rolls that’s sure to become your new favorite treat to enjoy with family or friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, quality ingredients makes all the difference for creating rolls that are moist, flavorful, and perfectly textured. Each item plays an essential role, from the yeast that ensures a fluffy rise to the fresh strawberries that bring that lovely pop of color and freshness throughout.
- All-purpose flour: The base of your dough for that soft but sturdy roll structure.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness and helps the yeast activate.
- Active dry yeast: The magic ingredient that makes the dough rise and become airy.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor in the dough.
- Warm milk: Feeds the yeast and keeps the dough tender and moist.
- Unsalted butter (melted and softened): Enriches the dough and adds luscious creaminess to the glaze.
- Egg: Binds ingredients together and lends softness to the dough.
- Cream cheese: Used twice for the filling and the glaze to deliver that signature cheesecake flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses a subtle sweetness and warmth throughout the filling and glaze.
- Strawberry jam or preserves: Swirled inside for fruity sweetness that complements the cream cheese perfectly.
- Fresh strawberries (optional): Dice these up to add delightful texture and bursts of fresh flavor inside the rolls.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the glaze into the perfect drizzle.
- Milk (for glaze): Adjusts the glaze consistency to your liking.
How to Make Best Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by whisking together the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a large bowl. In another bowl, mix warm milk, melted butter, and the egg together. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until a soft dough forms. If it’s sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as you knead it on a floured surface for about 5 to 7 minutes until silky smooth. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for 1 to 1.5 hours until it doubles in size — this is the first crucial step to achieving those perfect rolls.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
While the dough rises, get your filling ready by beating the cream cheese with sugar and vanilla extract until it reaches a silky smooth consistency. This luscious filling is what sets this recipe apart, offering that irresistible tangy creaminess inside each sweet roll.
Step 3: Roll and Fill the Dough
Once your dough has risen beautifully, punch it down gently and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle about 12 by 18 inches. Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the dough, but be sure to leave a small border on all sides. Then, spread your strawberry jam or preserves on top, and sprinkle with diced fresh strawberries if you’re using them for extra texture and flavor.
Step 4: Roll and Slice
Starting from the long edge, roll the dough up tightly to form a log, sealing the edges well to keep the filling inside. Use a sharp knife to cut the roll into 12 to 14 even slices. Arrange these cut rolls in a greased baking dish, placing each one cut side up to showcase the lovely spirals. Cover and let the rolls rise again for 30 to 45 minutes until they puff up beautifully.
Step 5: Bake the Sweet Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the risen sweet rolls for 25 to 30 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. If you notice the tops browning too quickly, cover them loosely with foil during the last part of baking to avoid burning. After baking, allow them to cool slightly before glazing.
Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze
Beat together the softened cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and creamy. Adjust the milk to reach the perfect drizzle consistency — thick enough to coat but thin enough to pour. This glaze adds that final indulgent touch that makes these rolls utterly irresistible.
Step 7: Glaze and Serve
Drizzle the cream cheese glaze over warm rolls so it melts slightly into all those swirls of strawberry and cheesecake. Serve these rolls immediately to experience the best flavor and texture — warm, gooey, fruity, and decadently creamy with every bite.
How to Serve Best Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your presentation by topping the rolls with fresh mint leaves or a few extra diced strawberries. A light dusting of powdered sugar also adds a pretty touch that hints at sweetness. These simple garnishes make the rolls look even more inviting and perfect for sharing.
Side Dishes
Serve these sweet rolls alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee, a creamy latte, or a chilled glass of milk for a complete breakfast or brunch experience. They also pair wonderfully with fresh fruit salad or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, arrange the rolls on a decorative platter in a circular pattern to showcase their swirls. You can also serve individual rolls in mini ramekins or on sweet dessert plates drizzled with extra glaze. These little touches make the moment feel extra special and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover rolls, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps them soft and fresh. For longer storage, refrigeration is possible, though the rolls may firm up a bit and benefit from reheating.
Freezing
These rolls freeze beautifully either before or after baking. Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature before reheating.
Reheating
To enjoy your Best Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls Recipe fresh again, reheat in a microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10 minutes. Warming brings back the melt-in-your-mouth softness and rejuvenates that cheesecake glaze’s creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries in this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well so your dough doesn’t get soggy. Frozen strawberries still pack that wonderful flavor and work great in the filling.
How do I know when the rolls are done baking?
They should be golden brown on top, spring back slightly when pressed, and smell incredibly fragrant. If you have a kitchen thermometer, the internal temperature should reach about 190°F.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! After kneading, you can refrigerate the dough overnight, covered tightly. Just let it come to room temperature and rise again before rolling and filling.
What if I don’t have cream cheese for the glaze?
You can substitute with a simple powdered sugar glaze made with milk and vanilla, but the cream cheese glaze truly adds that signature cheesecake tang that makes this recipe special.
Can I use a different fruit jam?
Definitely! Raspberry, blueberry, or apricot jams are delicious alternatives and still pair beautifully with the cream cheese filling.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Best Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls Recipe, you’ll understand why it’s such a crowd-pleaser. The perfect combination of fluffy dough, tangy cheesecake filling, and bright strawberry flavor makes these rolls an absolute delight to bake and share. Trust me, once you make them, they’ll quickly become a favorite to whip up for gatherings or a special treat at home. So go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to these divine sweet rolls—you won’t regret a single bite!
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Best Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
These Best Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls combine a tender, fluffy dough with a rich cream cheese filling and sweet strawberry jam, topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful dessert treat, these rolls offer the perfect balance of creamy, fruity, and sweet flavors with a soft, comforting texture.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg, room temperature
Cheesecake Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Fruit Filling
- 1 cup strawberry jam or preserves
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced (optional)
Cream Cheese Glaze
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2–3 tablespoons milk (adjust for consistency)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together 3 cups of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. In a separate bowl, combine warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms. Gradually add remaining flour if sticky. Knead on floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Roll and Fill the Dough: Punch down the risen dough and roll it into a 12×18-inch rectangle. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Next, spread the strawberry jam on top of the cheesecake layer and sprinkle diced fresh strawberries if using.
- Roll and Slice: Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log and seal the edges to prevent filling leakage. Cut the log into 12 to 14 equal-sized rolls. Place the rolls cut side up in a greased baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30 to 45 minutes until puffy.
- Bake the Sweet Rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown. If they brown too quickly, cover loosely with foil. Once baked, allow rolls to cool slightly in the pan.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze: In a bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth. Adjust the milk quantity to achieve desired glaze consistency.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the cream cheese glaze generously over the warm rolls. Serve immediately to enjoy the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Make sure the milk is warm but not hot to activate the yeast properly.
- Use room temperature eggs and cream cheese to achieve a smooth batter and filling.
- Diced fresh strawberries are optional but add a nice texture contrast.
- Cover rolls with foil during baking if they start browning too fast to avoid burning.
- The glaze thickness can be adjusted by varying milk quantity.
- Leftover rolls can be stored in an airtight container and reheated gently before serving.
- For a vegan or dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese and butter with appropriate plant-based alternatives.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
