Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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Introduction

Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls are a delicious fusion of two beloved desserts—cinnamon rolls and strawberry cheesecake. These rolls combine the warmth and spiciness of classic cinnamon rolls with the creamy, tangy flavor of cheesecake, topped off with sweet strawberry jam. The result is a decadent, gooey treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. With a soft, fluffy dough and a rich, flavorful filling, these rolls are sure to become a favorite in your household.

Overview of the Recipe

This recipe starts with a soft, yeast-based dough that’s filled with a cinnamon-sugar mixture, strawberry jam, and dollops of cream cheese. After rolling the dough into a log and slicing it into individual rolls, they’re left to rise before being baked to golden perfection. Once out of the oven, the rolls are drizzled with a sweet vanilla glaze and can be garnished with fresh strawberries for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.

History and Origin

Cinnamon rolls are believed to have originated in Sweden, where they are known as “kanelbullar.” Over time, they became a popular treat around the world, particularly in the United States. Cheesecake, on the other hand, has roots that go back to ancient Greece and has evolved into many forms, with the New York-style being one of the most famous. This recipe combines elements of both desserts, creating a unique and indulgent treat that’s a modern twist on classic flavors.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

  • 3 1/2 cups plain flour
  • 1/2 cup warm milk
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup strawberry jam
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened

For the Glaze:

  • 1 cup icing sugar
  • 2-3 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Fresh strawberries for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

  1. Activate the Yeast:
    • In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, 1/4 cup of sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
    • Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
      • Tip: Ensure the milk is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
  2. Mix the Dough:
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 1/2 cups of flour, the melted butter, egg, and salt.
    • Add the yeast mixture to the flour mixture.
    • Mix until a dough forms, then knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
      • Tip: If the dough is too sticky, gradually add a little more flour.
  3. Let the Dough Rise:
    • Cover the dough with a clean cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 2: Make the Filling

  1. Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture:
    • In a medium bowl, mix together the softened butter, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
  2. Prepare the Cream Cheese:
    • In a separate bowl, soften the cream cheese until smooth.

Step 3: Roll and Fill the Dough

  1. Roll the Dough:
    • Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
      • Tip: Use a rolling pin to achieve an even thickness.
  2. Spread the Filling:
    • Spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough.
    • Spread the strawberry jam over the cinnamon layer.
    • Drop spoonfuls of softened cream cheese over the jam layer and spread gently to cover.

Step 4: Form the Rolls

  1. Roll the Dough:
    • Starting from the long edge, carefully roll the dough into a log.
    • Use a sharp knife to cut the log into 12 even slices.
  2. Arrange the Rolls:
    • Place the slices in a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll.
    • Cover the dish and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes.

Step 5: Bake

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. Bake the Rolls:
    • Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
      • Tip: The rolls should be firm to the touch and lightly browned on top.

Step 6: Make the Glaze

  1. Prepare the Glaze:
    • In a small bowl, whisk together the icing sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
    • Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed.
  2. Glaze the Rolls:
    • Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls.

Step 7: Serve

  1. Garnish and Serve:
    • Garnish with fresh strawberries if desired.
    • Serve the rolls warm and enjoy!

Pairing and Serving Suggestions

Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls are best enjoyed warm, either fresh from the oven or slightly reheated. They pair perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making them an ideal breakfast or brunch treat. For a more indulgent experience, serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. These rolls are also a delightful addition to a dessert spread or as a sweet ending to a special meal.

Variations of the Recipe

  1. Blueberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls:
    • Replace the strawberry jam with blueberry jam for a different fruity flavor.
  2. Chocolate Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls:
    • Add a layer of chocolate chips over the strawberry jam before rolling up the dough.
  3. Nutty Strawberry Cheesecake Rolls:
    • Sprinkle chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, over the strawberry jam for added crunch and flavor.
  4. Vegan Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls:
    • Substitute the butter with vegan butter, use a plant-based milk for the dough and glaze, and opt for a dairy-free cream cheese.

Health Benefits

While Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls are an indulgent treat, you can still enjoy them as part of a balanced diet. Strawberries are rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber, which contribute to overall health. Additionally, by making these rolls at home, you can control the quality and quantity of ingredients used, allowing you to enjoy a homemade, fresh-baked dessert with fewer preservatives and artificial ingredients than store-bought versions.

Notes

  • Storage: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat before serving for the best texture.
  • Make Ahead: You can prepare the rolls the night before and let them rise in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, allow them to come to room temperature before baking.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend. Keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly.

2. How do I prevent the rolls from sticking to the pan?
Make sure to generously grease the baking dish before placing the rolls in it. You can also use parchment paper to line the dish for easier removal.

3. Can I use fresh strawberries in the filling?
Yes, you can use fresh strawberries in place of or in addition to the strawberry jam. Just be sure to slice them thinly and evenly distribute them over the dough.

4. How do I keep the rolls soft and fluffy?
Ensure that the dough rises properly during both rising stages. Over-kneading or using too much flour can make the rolls dense, so knead the dough just until it is smooth and elastic.

Conclusion

Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful and indulgent treat that combines the best of two desserts in one. With their rich, creamy filling and sweet glaze, these rolls are perfect for special occasions or as a sweet breakfast treat. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Whether you’re serving them for brunch, a holiday breakfast, or as a dessert, these rolls are sure to impress and satisfy any sweet tooth.

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