Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls

The smell of warm cinnamon and sweet strawberries makes these rolls feel like a dream.
These Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls are soft, gooey, and filled with creamy cheesecake swirls and juicy berries.

I made them one morning for brunch, and they were gone before I could grab a second one.
They taste sweet, cozy, and just a little fancy—all at once.

If you love cinnamon rolls with a fruity twist, this one’s for you.
Let’s bake them up and fill your kitchen with that sweet strawberry smell.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Best of Both Worlds: Combines the comfort of cinnamon rolls with the elegance of strawberry cheesecake.
• Soft and Fluffy: The dough rises beautifully, creating pillowy rolls that melt in your mouth.
• Fresh Strawberry Flavor: Real strawberries and jam provide natural, fruity sweetness.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or Sunday breakfast.
• Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the night before and bake fresh in the morning.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus 1 hour 30 minutes rising time)
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: About 2 hours 25 minutes

Servings: This recipe makes 12 generous cinnamon rolls, perfect for serving 6-12 people depending on appetite. Planning a bigger brunch? Double the recipe easily.

Difficulty: Moderate. The dough requires some rising time, but the steps are straightforward and beginner-friendly.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or stand mixer with dough hook
• Rolling pin
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Clean kitchen towel
• Small mixing bowls
• Whisk or electric mixer
• Sharp knife or bench scraper

Ingredients

These strawberry cheesecake cinnamon rolls feature a tender yeast dough enriched with milk and butter. Fresh strawberries bring brightness, while the cream cheese frosting adds that signature cheesecake tang. Here’s everything you’ll need to create these delicious rolls:

For the Dough:

• 1 cup whole milk, warmed
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 and 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 3 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 4 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup strawberry jam
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced small
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 and 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 2 tablespoons whole milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Variations for Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls

• Add Lemon Zest: Mix lemon zest into the dough for a bright, citrusy note that complements the strawberries.
• Use Different Berries: Try raspberry jam and fresh raspberries for a different berry flavor.
• Add White Chocolate: Sprinkle white chocolate chips over the filling before rolling.
• Make Them Nutty: Add chopped pecans or almonds to the filling for extra crunch.
• Boost the Cheesecake Flavor: Add small cubes of cream cheese directly into the filling.

How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast

Warm the milk until it feels comfortable to touch, around 110 degrees. Add the sugar and yeast, then stir gently. Let this mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy. This shows your yeast is active and ready to work.

2. Make the Dough

In your large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture, egg, softened butter, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until a soft dough forms. If using a stand mixer, use the dough hook on medium speed for 5-6 minutes. By hand, knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

3. First Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning it once to coat all sides. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and set in a warm spot. Let it rise for about an hour until it doubles in size.

4. Prepare the Filling

While the dough rises, dice your fresh strawberries into small pieces. Mix the strawberry jam with the diced berries in a bowl. Set aside.

5. Roll Out the Dough

Once risen, punch down the dough gently to release air. On a floured surface, roll it into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches. The dough should be roughly 1/4 inch thick.

6. Add the Filling

Brush the melted butter evenly over the dough rectangle. Spread the strawberry mixture across the surface, leaving a small border along one long edge. Sprinkle the cinnamon evenly over everything.

7. Roll and Cut

Starting from the long edge opposite the border, roll the dough tightly into a log. Seal the seam by pinching it closed. Using a sharp knife or bench scraper, cut the log into 12 equal pieces.

8. Second Rise

Arrange the rolls in your greased baking dish, placing them close together but not touching. Cover again with the towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes. They should puff up and almost touch each other.

9. Bake the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees while the rolls finish rising. Bake for 25 minutes until the tops turn golden brown. The rolls should spring back lightly when touched.

10. Make the Glaze

While the rolls bake, beat together the softened cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. The glaze should be thick but pourable.

11. Glaze and Serve

Let the rolls cool for just 5 minutes, then spread the cream cheese glaze generously over the warm rolls. The glaze will melt slightly into the crevices, creating that classic cheesecake flavor.

Serving and Decoration

Serve these strawberry cheesecake cinnamon rolls warm for the best experience. The cream cheese glaze should be slightly melted and gooey. For an elegant touch, garnish with fresh strawberry slices on top and a light dusting of confectioners’ sugar. These rolls pair beautifully with hot coffee, fresh orange juice, or a glass of cold milk. They work wonderfully for Mother’s Day brunch, Easter breakfast, or Valentine’s Day morning treats.

How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls

These versatile rolls shine in many settings:

• Weekend Brunch: Serve alongside scrambled eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit for a complete breakfast spread.
• Dessert Option: Warm them slightly and add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
• Gift Idea: Package cooled rolls in a decorative box for a thoughtful homemade gift.
• Coffee Shop Style: Pair with your favorite coffee drinks for a bakery-style experience at home.
• Party Platter: Cut into smaller pieces for easy finger food at gatherings.

Storing Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The cream cheese glaze requires refrigeration if storing longer.
• Refrigerator: Keep leftover rolls covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Warm individual rolls in the microwave for 15-20 seconds before serving.
• Freezer: Freeze unfrosted rolls wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, warm in the oven, then add fresh glaze.
• Make-Ahead: Prepare rolls through step 8, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake as directed.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Check Your Yeast: Make sure your yeast is fresh and the milk is the right temperature. Too hot will kill the yeast, too cold will prevent activation.
• Don’t Over-Flour: Add flour gradually when kneading. Too much makes the rolls dense and dry.
• Even Thickness: Roll the dough to an even thickness so all rolls bake uniformly.
• Sharp Knife: Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to cut the rolls cleanly without squishing them.
• Warm Rising Spot: Place dough near a warm oven or in a sunny spot to help it rise faster.
• Test for Doneness: The internal temperature should reach 190 degrees when fully baked.
• Soften Cream Cheese: Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before making the glaze for a smooth, lump-free consistency.

Nutrition

Nutrient	Per Roll
Calories	385
Total Fat	12g
Saturated Fat	7g
Cholesterol	45mg
Sodium	180mg
Total Carbohydrates	64g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Sugars	32g
Protein	6g

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries? Fresh strawberries work best because frozen ones release too much liquid. If using frozen, thaw completely and drain well before adding to the filling.

Why didn’t my dough rise? Check that your yeast was fresh and the milk temperature was correct. Yeast dies in liquid hotter than 120 degrees and stays dormant in liquid cooler than 100 degrees.

Can I make these without a stand mixer? Yes. Mix the dough by hand and knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

How do I know when the rolls are done? They should be golden brown on top and reach an internal temperature of 190 degrees. The centers should not look doughy.

Can I use instant yeast instead? Yes. Use the same amount and skip the activation step. Add it directly to the flour and proceed with the recipe.

What if I don’t have strawberry jam? Make a quick filling by mashing fresh strawberries with 2 tablespoons of sugar. Let it sit for 10 minutes to release juices.