Ingredients Overview
Before starting, make sure all ingredients are at room temperature. This helps the dough rise properly and creates a smoother texture.
Ingredients for the Dough
- 1 cup warm milk (about 40–45°C / 105–110°F)
- 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 egg yolk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
Ingredients for the Cinnamon Filling
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Ingredients for the Strawberry Filling
- 1½ cups fresh strawberries, finely chopped
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Ingredients for the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 200 g (7 oz) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2–3 tablespoons milk or cream
Topping (Optional but Recommended)
- Fresh whole strawberries
- Extra strawberry sauce or jam
Preparing the Strawberry Sauce
Start with the strawberry filling so it has time to cool.
Add chopped strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch to a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously as the strawberries release their juices. After 5–7 minutes, the mixture will thicken into a glossy, jam-like sauce.
Remove from heat and let it cool completely. As it cools, it will thicken further, making it perfect for spreading inside the rolls and on top.
Making the Soft Cinnamon Roll Dough
In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. This step activates the yeast and ensures fluffy rolls.
Add the egg, egg yolk, and melted butter. Mix until well combined.
Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. Transfer to a floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
Preparing the Cinnamon Filling
In a small bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until smooth and spreadable. This filling is what creates those rich, gooey cinnamon layers.
Rolling and Filling the Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and roll it out into a rectangle, about 35 x 25 cm (14 x 10 inches).
Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Spoon strawberry sauce over the cinnamon layer, spreading gently. Don’t overdo it—too much filling can cause leaking.
Carefully roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log.
Cutting and Second Rise
Using a sharp knife or dental floss, cut the log into 9–12 equal rolls.
Place the rolls into a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each one. Cover and let them rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
This second rise is crucial for that soft, bakery-style texture.
Baking the Cinnamon Rolls
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes, or until lightly golden on top and cooked through. The centers should be soft but not doughy.
If the tops brown too quickly, loosely cover with foil for the last few minutes.
Making the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the rolls bake, prepare the frosting.
In a bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then beat again. Slowly add milk or cream until you reach a thick but pourable consistency.
The frosting should be rich, silky, and easy to spread.
Assembling and Decorating the Rolls
While the rolls are still warm (not hot), generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the top. Let it melt into the swirls.
Spoon extra strawberry sauce on top and finish with fresh strawberries, just like in the image. This final touch makes the rolls look stunning and taste even better.
Serving Suggestions
These strawberry cheesecake cinnamon rolls are best served:
- Warm and fresh from the oven
- With coffee, tea, or milk
- As a brunch centerpiece or dessert
They’re rich enough to serve on their own—no extras needed.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Room temperature: 1 day, covered
- Refrigerator: Up to 4 days in an airtight container
- Freezer: Freeze unfrosted rolls for up to 2 months
To reheat, microwave for 20–30 seconds or warm in the oven at low temperature.
Helpful Tips for Perfect Results
- Use room-temperature ingredients for smoother dough and frosting
- Don’t overfill with strawberry sauce
- Let rolls rest before frosting for best texture
- For extra softness, pour ¼ cup warm cream over rolls before baking
Delicious Variations to Try
- Blueberry Cheesecake Rolls – swap strawberries for blueberries
- Chocolate Strawberry Rolls – add chocolate chips to the filling
- Lemon Strawberry Rolls – add lemon zest to frosting
- No-Yeast Version – use baking powder dough for a quick recipe
Final Thoughts
These strawberry cheesecake cinnamon rolls are soft, creamy, fruity, and incredibly satisfying. They combine the comfort of classic cinnamon rolls with the freshness of strawberries and the richness of cheesecake frosting.