If you love the idea of a dessert that combines the gooey richness of cheesecake with the warm, comforting allure of freshly baked rolls, you’re in for a treat. This Best Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls Recipe captures the perfect balance of sweet strawberry jam, luscious cream cheese filling, and soft, fluffy dough, all wrapped up in one irresistible bite. Whether you’re making breakfast special or craving a decadent afternoon snack, these rolls bring a delightful burst of fruity flavor with every mouthwatering swirl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create these heavenly sweet rolls, you’ll rely on basic ingredients that each play a crucial role in building flavor, texture, and that gorgeous golden-brown finish. Each component is simple yet essential to making this recipe shine in both taste and appearance.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure for soft, pillowy rolls; having extra on hand helps if the dough feels sticky.
- Granulated sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and helps activate the yeast for a tender crumb.
- Active dry yeast: The magic behind the fluffy dough that rises beautifully and bakes up light and airy.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Warm milk (110°F): Activates the yeast while keeping the dough smooth and pliable.
- Unsalted butter (melted and softened): Adds richness and moisture to the dough and glaze.
- Egg: Binds ingredients and enriches the dough for a tender bite.
- Cream cheese: Used in both the filling and glaze, providing that classic tang and creamy texture.
- Vanilla extract: Lifts flavor with warm, sweet notes that pair perfectly with strawberries.
- Strawberry jam or preserves: The star fruit component that delivers bright, juicy bursts of flavor throughout the rolls.
- Fresh strawberries (optional): Adds delightful texture and freshness for strawberry lovers craving an extra fruity touch.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the glaze and brings that smooth, glossy finish.
- Milk (for glaze): Adjusts glaze consistency for drizzling perfection.
How to Make Best Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by whisking together your dry ingredients: flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Then, mix warm milk, melted butter, and a room temperature egg in a separate bowl. Combine wet and dry components until a soft dough forms. You might need to gradually add the last bit of flour if it’s too sticky, but aim to keep the dough soft and elastic. Knead for 5 to 7 minutes on a floured surface until smooth and supple. Place it into a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for about 1 to 1.5 hours, until doubled in size. This resting phase is key for that perfectly tender crumb.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
While the dough rises, beat softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This luscious filling is what makes these rolls stand out, offering a tangy, sweet surprise in every bite. Ensuring your cream cheese is well softened makes mixing easier and the texture silkier.
Step 3: Roll and Fill the Dough
Once your dough has doubled, punch it down gently to release the air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a 12 by 18-inch rectangle. Spread the cheesecake filling generously over the dough, but remember to leave a little border around the edges to prevent leakage. Next, dollop strawberry jam evenly over the filling, and sprinkle diced fresh strawberries if you want an added burst of sweet texture.
Step 4: Roll and Slice
Carefully roll the dough tightly starting from the long edge, then pinch the seam to seal. Using a sharp knife, slice the roll into 12 to 14 even pieces. Arrange these cut rolls in a greased baking dish with the spirals facing up. Cover and allow them to rise again for 30 to 45 minutes until they puff up beautifully. This second rise will give you soft, fluffy spirals filled with strawberry cheesecake goodness.
Step 5: Bake the Sweet Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown. If the tops begin to brown too quickly, loosely tent with foil to keep them from burning while the center finishes baking. Once done, let them cool just slightly — warm rolls are the best for glazing, but a brief rest prevents the cream cheese glaze from melting away.
Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze and Glaze the Rolls
Beat together softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until luscious and smooth. Adjust milk quantities to create the perfect drizzle texture. Drizzle the glaze generously over your warm rolls, letting it cascade into every swirl. This final decadent touch seals this Best Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls Recipe as an absolute must-bake.
How to Serve Best Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra pop of freshness and color, sprinkle some chopped fresh strawberries or a few mint leaves on top of the glazed rolls. You can also dust lightly with powdered sugar to give a gorgeous bakery-style finish. These simple garnishes elevate presentation and bring subtle flavor contrasts.
Side Dishes
These rolls are rich enough to stand alone, but if you want to create a full brunch experience, pair them with freshly brewed coffee, a glass of cold milk, or even a light fruit salad. The tartness of citrus fruits or berries complements the creamy sweetness and keeps the palate balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these rolls stacked on a pretty cake stand for a festive feel, or box them individually in cute parchment paper for gift-giving. You could also frost them with colored cream cheese glaze for seasonal celebrations like Valentine’s Day or summer picnics, making this Best Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls Recipe as beautiful as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover rolls store wonderfully at room temperature in an airtight container for up to two days, keeping their softness and flavor fresh. For longer storage, refrigeration helps maintain freshness but may dry the rolls slightly if not properly covered.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked, sliced rolls arranged on a tray and covered until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, let them rise again briefly, and bake as usual for freshly baked taste any day.
Reheating
Reheat leftover rolls gently in a microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a 300°F oven wrapped loosely in foil to bring back warmth without drying. Add a little extra drizzle of cream cheese glaze after reheating; it feels like a fresh batch straight out of the oven!
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
While fresh strawberries provide the best texture and flavor, frozen strawberries can work as long as they’re thawed and drained well so excess moisture doesn’t make the dough soggy.
Is it necessary to let the dough rise twice?
Yes! The first rise develops flavor and lightness in the dough, while the second rise after shaping allows the rolls to puff perfectly during baking. Skipping either rise affects texture and fluffiness.
How do I make the cream cheese glaze thicker or thinner?
Adjust the milk quantity gradually — add more milk to thin the glaze for drizzling or reduce milk to thicken it for spreading or piping.
Can I substitute strawberry jam with another fruit?
Absolutely! Raspberry, blueberry, or apricot preserves all make delicious alternatives and pair nicely with the cheesecake filling.
Can I prepare these rolls the night before baking?
You can prepare and refrigerate the shaped rolls overnight, covered tightly. Allow them to warm and rise a bit before baking in the morning for fresh, warm rolls at breakfast.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Best Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls Recipe, it will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire. The combination of creamy, fruity, and tender sweet rolls creates a magical treat perfect for sharing with family and friends. Don’t hesitate to make these rolls your own by experimenting with fillings and toppings, but be sure to savor each warm, delicious bite exactly as they are—pure joy on a plate.
Print
Best Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Best Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls feature a soft, fluffy dough filled with a creamy cheesecake mixture and sweet strawberry jam, topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, these rolls are a delightful treat for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
Dough
- 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 Layer
- 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 all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, active dry yeast, and salt. In a separate bowl, combine warm milk, melted unsalted butter, and room temperature egg. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms. If the dough is sticky, gradually add the remaining flour. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise until doubled in size, approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In a medium bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Roll and Fill the Dough: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a large rectangle roughly 12 by 18 inches. Spread the prepared cream cheese filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Next, spread the strawberry jam over the cream cheese layer and sprinkle diced fresh strawberries on top if using, for added texture and freshness.
- Roll and Slice: Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log, sealing the edges to prevent filling from oozing out. Cut the roll into 12 to 14 evenly sized slices. Place the slices cut-side up into a greased baking dish. Cover the dish and allow the rolls to rise again for 30-45 minutes until puffed and nearly doubled.
- Bake the Sweet Rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until they turn golden brown. If they start browning too quickly, tent the baking dish with foil to prevent burning. Once baked, remove from oven and allow the rolls to cool slightly for easier handling.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze: In a bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk until the mixture is smooth and pourable. Adjust milk quantity to achieve your desired glaze consistency.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the cream cheese glaze generously over the warm sweet rolls. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture, and enjoy your delicious strawberry cheesecake rolls!
Notes
- Ensure milk is warm but not hot to activate yeast properly without killing it.
- Use room temperature eggs and cream cheese for smooth mixtures.
- Cover dough during rising to prevent drying out.
- Optional fresh strawberries add texture but can be omitted if preferred.
- Adjust powdered sugar and milk in glaze for desired sweetness and thickness.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate.
- Reheat rolls gently before serving to refresh softness and melt glaze slightly.
