Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls
Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls are the perfect indulgence for any time of day. Imagine soft, fluffy dough swirled with layers of creamy cheesecake and sweet, fruity strawberry preserves, all topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. These rolls are not just a treat for your taste buds but also a feast for the eyes, making them an irresistible choice for family gatherings, brunches, or even a cozy weekend breakfast at home. In this step-by-step recipe, you’ll learn how to create these delightful sweet rolls that are sure to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls are a true crowd-pleaser, and there are plenty of reasons to love them! First and foremost, they are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for both novice and experienced bakers. With minimal ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can whip up a batch without breaking a sweat. The delightful combination of strawberry and cream cheese flavors brings a nostalgic touch, evoking memories of warm summer days and sweet desserts.
Additionally, these rolls can be served warm right out of the oven or as part of a festive brunch. The dough is soft and airy, creating a comforting texture that pairs beautifully with the rich creaminess of the filling. Each bite provides a heavenly blend of flavors that is sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
To create these scrumptious Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls, you will need:
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F) – This creamy base is essential for creating the perfect dough.
- 2 1⁄4 tsp instant yeast – The magic ingredient that makes your rolls rise and become fluffy.
- 1⁄4 cup granulated sugar – Adds a touch of sweetness to the dough.
- 1 large egg – A binding agent that enriches the dough.
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, softened – This adds richness and flavor to your rolls.
- 3 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour – Provides the structure for your sweet rolls.
- 1⁄2 tsp salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances other flavors.
- 1 1⁄2 cups strawberry preserves – The star ingredient that infuses juicy sweetness.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened – Creates a wonderfully creamy filling.
- 6 oz cream cheese, softened (for topping) – Adds a rich and decadent frosting.
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened (for topping) – Enhances the creamy texture of the frosting.
- 1 1⁄2 cups powdered sugar (for topping) – Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for topping) – Adds a heavenly aroma and flavor.
- 1⁄2 cup strawberry glaze (store-bought or homemade) – Use as a final drizzle for that extra touch of sweetness.
- Crushed graham crackers (optional) – A crunchy topping that mimics cheesecake crust and adds texture.
Step-by-Step Directions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, instant yeast, and granulated sugar. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes, until it becomes foamy. This step is crucial for activating the yeast, which will help your rolls rise beautifully. Afterward, add the egg, softened butter, flour, and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Then, cover the dough and place it in a warm location to rise for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Once your dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it into a 12×18-inch rectangle. Spread the softened cream cheese evenly over the entire surface of the dough. Next, add a generous layer of strawberry preserves. Carefully roll the dough tightly into a log, ensuring the filling stays in place. Slice the log into 12 even rolls.
Place the rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, ensuring they are nicely arranged. Cover the dish and allow the rolls to rise for an additional 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the 30 minutes are up, bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until they turn a delightful golden brown.
While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Once the rolls are done baking, spread the frosting generously over the warm rolls. For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle some strawberry glaze on top, and sprinkle crushed graham crackers if desired.
Serve your Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls warm and enjoy the perfect balance of fruity sweetness and creamy richness! These rolls are sure to bring joy to your kitchen and smiles to your dining table.
Tips & Tricks
To ensure your rolls turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:
- Check the yeast: Always verify that your yeast is fresh for optimal rising. You can test it by dissolving it in warm water with a bit of sugar to see if it becomes bubbly.
- Knead properly: Kneading is crucial for gluten development, which contributes to the texture. Don’t skip this step!
- Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother frosting.
- Flavor variations: Feel free to experiment by adding chocolate chips or fresh fruit pieces within the rolls for a unique twist.
- To save time: You can prepare the dough the night before, let it rise in the refrigerator overnight, then shape and bake it the next morning.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
These Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls are perfect for a variety of occasions. They make a delightful breakfast treat or an eye-catching addition to any brunch table. Pair your rolls with a hot cup of coffee or a refreshing glass of orange juice for a delicious start to your day. Adding fresh strawberries on the side can enhance the presentation and provide a burst of freshness.
For a special gathering, serve alongside other sweet treats like muffins, pastries, and fresh fruit for a decadent dessert buffet. You can also enjoy these rolls warm as an afternoon treat when you need a little pick-me-up!
Nutritional Information
While the exact nutritional information can vary based on portion sizes and specific ingredient choices, a typical serving of one Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Roll contains approximately:
- Calories: 300
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 160mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 38g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 15g
- Protein: 4g
Enjoy these sweet rolls as part of a balanced diet. Consider pairing them with protein-rich options, like yogurt or scrambled eggs, to enhance nutritional value.
Storing Tips & Variations
To store your Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls, keep them in an airtight container or cover them with plastic wrap to maintain freshness. They can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the rolls. Individually wrap the cooled rolls in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature and reheat in the oven for a few minutes.
If you want to get creative, try making a no-bake version by layering your cream cheese filling and strawberry preserves on graham cracker crusts, resulting in a cheesecake-inspired dessert. Alternatively, swap out the strawberry preserves with other fruit preserves like raspberry or blueberry for a different flavor profile.
Conclusion
Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls are a deliciously comforting treat that anyone can master with a little practice. Their combination of creamy, fruity flavors wrapped in soft, fluffy dough makes them a perfect indulgence for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Don’t miss the opportunity to bake these rolls and share your experience with friends and family. You’ll soon have them asking for seconds—enjoy the sweetness!
FAQs
Can I use frozen dough for this recipe?
Yes, you can use thawed frozen dough, though the texture might differ slightly.How can I make these rolls healthier?
You can replace some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour and reduce the amount of sugar used in the filling.Can I prepare the dough the night before?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, let it rise overnight in the refrigerator, and bake it fresh in the morning.What can I substitute for the cream cheese?
A non-dairy cream cheese or whipped coconut cream can be used as a substitute for those who are dairy-sensitive.How do I know when the rolls are baked perfectly?
They should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. A toothpick inserted should come out clean.
Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F) Essential for creating the perfect dough.
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast The magic ingredient for fluffy rolls.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar Adds sweetness to the dough.
- 1 large egg A binding agent for the dough.
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened Adds richness and flavor.
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour Provides structure to the rolls.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt Balances sweetness.
For the Filling
- 1 1/2 cups strawberry preserves Infuses juicy sweetness.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened Creates a creamy filling.
For the Topping
- 6 oz cream cheese, softened Adds a rich frosting.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened Enhances the creamy texture of frosting.
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Adds flavor.
- 1/2 cup strawberry glaze For drizzling over rolls.
- Crushed graham crackers (optional) Add texture mimicking cheesecake crust.
Instructions
Making the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, instant yeast, and granulated sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add egg, softened butter, flour, and salt to the foamy mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a warm location to rise for about 1 hour.
Filling and Shaping
- Once risen, roll the dough into a 12x18-inch rectangle on a floured surface.
- Spread softened cream cheese over the dough, followed by a generous layer of strawberry preserves.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice into 12 even rolls.
Baking
- Place rolls in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish and cover. Let rise for an additional 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Preparing the Frosting
- In a medium bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until creamy.
- Spread the frosting generously over warm rolls and drizzle with strawberry glaze.

