Imagine starting your day with the aroma of freshly baked sweet rolls wafting through your kitchen. These Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls are a delightful blend of soft, pillowy dough filled with creamy cheesecake and sweet strawberry jam, finished with a luscious cream cheese glaze and fresh strawberry slices on top. Each bite melts in your mouth, combining a delicate balance of tangy cream cheese, sweet strawberries, and buttery dough. Whether it’s for breakfast, brunch, or a special treat, these rolls are a crowd-pleaser for every occasion.
PrintStrawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls
✨ Indulge in these Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls—a delightful twist on a classic dessert! Fluffy rolls filled with creamy cheesecake and topped with luscious strawberries. Perfect for brunch or a sweet treat! 🍓🍰
- Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients
Dough
The dough is the foundation of these sweet rolls, made with common pantry items that yield a fluffy and tender texture.
- 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour – Gives structure to the dough.
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar – Adds subtle sweetness.
- 1 packet (7g) instant yeast – Helps the dough rise and become airy.
- 1 teaspoon salt – Balances the flavors.
- 1 cup (240ml) warm milk – Activates the yeast and adds richness.
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted – Adds moisture and flavor.
- 1 large egg – Provides structure and helps bind the dough.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds a touch of sweetness and aroma.
Filling
The filling is where the cheesecake and strawberry flavors come to life, creating a beautiful, creamy layer with a fruity swirl.
- 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened – Creates a rich, creamy filling.
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar – Sweetens the cream cheese filling.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the flavors of the cream cheese.
- 1/2 cup (120ml) strawberry jam or preserves – Adds sweetness and a burst of strawberry flavor.
Glaze
This glaze is the final, irresistible layer that tops off the sweet rolls with a smooth and creamy finish.
- 4 ounces (115g) cream cheese, softened – The base of the glaze.
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar – Sweetens and thickens the glaze.
- 2–3 tablespoons milk – Adjusts the consistency of the glaze.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds depth of flavor.
Topping
The fresh strawberries bring a bright, juicy contrast to the creamy, sweet rolls.
- Fresh strawberries, sliced – Adds a fresh garnish.
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Rolls: Roll out the risen dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Spoon the strawberry jam over the cream cheese filling, then use a butter knife or offset spatula to gently swirl the jam into the cream cheese.
- Roll and Slice: Starting from one long edge, tightly roll up the dough into a log and pinch the seam to seal. Slice the log into 12 equal rolls and arrange them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover with a towel and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have risen, bake them for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the rolls are baking, mix together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the milk to reach your preferred consistency.
- Glaze and Garnish: Let the rolls cool for a few minutes before drizzling with the glaze. Top with fresh strawberry slices for a burst of color and flavor.
Notes
- Milk Temperature: Ensure the milk is warm (about 110°F/43°C) to activate the yeast. Avoid using milk that’s too hot, as it can kill the yeast and prevent the dough from rising.
- Kneading the Dough: Kneading is essential for developing gluten, giving the dough its elasticity. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little extra flour, but avoid over-flouring to keep the rolls soft.
- Dough Rising: For best results, allow the dough to rise in a warm environment. If your kitchen is cold, preheat the oven to 200°F, turn it off, and place the bowl inside the warm oven to speed up the rising process.
- Thicker Glaze: To create a thicker glaze, reduce the milk. For a thinner drizzle, add a little more milk until you reach your desired consistency.
- Prep Time: 30minutes
- Cook Time: 30minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
The magic of these rolls lies in their simplicity—easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward preparation make this a fantastic recipe for home cooks of any skill level. This article will guide you through every step, from preparing the dough to creating a perfect swirl of cream cheese and strawberry filling. Plus, with tips on ingredient substitutions and variations, you can make these rolls uniquely your own!
Ingredients
Dough
The dough is the foundation of these sweet rolls, made with common pantry items that yield a fluffy and tender texture.
- 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour – Gives structure to the dough.
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar – Adds subtle sweetness.
- 1 packet (7g) instant yeast – Helps the dough rise and become airy.
- 1 teaspoon salt – Balances the flavors.
- 1 cup (240ml) warm milk – Activates the yeast and adds richness.
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted – Adds moisture and flavor.
- 1 large egg – Provides structure and helps bind the dough.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds a touch of sweetness and aroma.
Filling
The filling is where the cheesecake and strawberry flavors come to life, creating a beautiful, creamy layer with a fruity swirl.
- 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened – Creates a rich, creamy filling.
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar – Sweetens the cream cheese filling.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the flavors of the cream cheese.
- 1/2 cup (120ml) strawberry jam or preserves – Adds sweetness and a burst of strawberry flavor.
Glaze
This glaze is the final, irresistible layer that tops off the sweet rolls with a smooth and creamy finish.
- 4 ounces (115g) cream cheese, softened – The base of the glaze.
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar – Sweetens and thickens the glaze.
- 2-3 tablespoons milk – Adjusts the consistency of the glaze.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds depth of flavor.
Topping
The fresh strawberries bring a bright, juicy contrast to the creamy, sweet rolls.
- Fresh strawberries, sliced – Adds a fresh garnish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Rolls: Roll out the risen dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Spoon the strawberry jam over the cream cheese filling, then use a butter knife or offset spatula to gently swirl the jam into the cream cheese.
- Roll and Slice: Starting from one long edge, tightly roll up the dough into a log and pinch the seam to seal. Slice the log into 12 equal rolls and arrange them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover with a towel and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have risen, bake them for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the rolls are baking, mix together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the milk to reach your preferred consistency.
- Glaze and Garnish: Let the rolls cool for a few minutes before drizzling with the glaze. Top with fresh strawberry slices for a burst of color and flavor.
Flavor and Texture: A Delicious Experience
The flavors in these Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls are nothing short of delightful. The dough is soft, with a light, buttery taste that complements the creaminess of the cheesecake filling and the fruity sweetness of the strawberry jam. Each bite offers a contrast between the fluffy dough, creamy filling, and the slightly tangy cream cheese glaze. The fresh strawberries on top add a pop of brightness and a refreshing contrast, making each roll feel like a mini dessert in itself.
The texture is just as inviting—the rolls are light and airy, the filling smooth and creamy, and the glaze slightly thick yet easy to drizzle. Altogether, these elements make for a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will make your taste buds dance.
Tips and Tricks
- Milk Temperature: Ensure the milk is warm (about 110°F/43°C) to activate the yeast. Avoid using milk that’s too hot, as it can kill the yeast and prevent the dough from rising.
- Kneading the Dough: Kneading is essential for developing gluten, giving the dough its elasticity. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little extra flour, but avoid over-flouring to keep the rolls soft.
- Dough Rising: For best results, allow the dough to rise in a warm environment. If your kitchen is cold, preheat the oven to 200°F, turn it off, and place the bowl inside the warm oven to speed up the rising process.
- Thicker Glaze: To create a thicker glaze, reduce the milk. For a thinner drizzle, add a little more milk until you reach your desired consistency.
Variations and Substitutions
- Fruit Variations: Substitute strawberry jam with raspberry, blueberry, or peach preserves for a twist on flavors. Each adds a unique taste that complements the creamy cheesecake filling.
- Nutty Addition: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the filling for a bit of crunch.
- Alternative Glaze: If you prefer a lighter topping, skip the cream cheese and use a classic powdered sugar glaze (just powdered sugar and milk) for a simpler finish.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute regular milk with almond or soy milk and use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for a vegan-friendly version.
Make-Ahead Tips
For easy morning prep, you can make these rolls ahead of time. Assemble the rolls up to the point of baking, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let the rolls come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking as directed. This makes it a great recipe for special occasions, allowing you to serve freshly baked sweet rolls without the hassle of early morning preparation.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls slightly warm for the best experience. They pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea and are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light dessert. For a touch of elegance, you can add a sprinkle of powdered sugar over the top or drizzle additional jam for extra strawberry flavor. Whether for a cozy family breakfast or a delightful brunch with friends, these rolls are a lovely treat that will impress everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh for the topping? Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before using.
- Can I freeze unbaked rolls? Yes, you can freeze the unbaked rolls after slicing. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and let rise before baking.
- Can I use a different type of milk? Absolutely! Almond, soy, or whole milk can be used in this recipe.
- Can I omit the cream cheese from the glaze? Yes, you can use a simple powdered sugar glaze if you prefer. Just mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract for a light, sweet drizzle.