Description
Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls combine fluffy, soft rolls with a rich cream cheese and fresh strawberry filling, perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any joyful occasion. This recipe uses simple, common ingredients and offers a beautiful swirl of pink strawberry and creamy white cheesecake, creating a visually stunning and delicious treat that will brighten your day.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour – 3 ½ cups (440g)
- Yeast (active dry) – 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet)
- Granulated Sugar – ⅓ cup (67g), divided
- Butter (melted) – ⅓ cup (75g)
- Milk (warm) – 1 cup (240ml)
- Eggs – 2 large, room temperature
Filling Ingredients
- Cream Cheese (softened) – 8 oz (225g)
- Granulated Sugar – ¼ cup (50g)
- Vanilla Extract – 1 tsp
- Lemon Zest – 1 tsp (optional but recommended)
- Fresh Strawberries (chopped) – 1 cup (about 150g)
Glaze
- Powdered Sugar – 1 cup (120g)
- Milk or Cream – 2-3 tbsp (to desired consistency)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Activate the yeast by combining it with warm milk and a pinch of sugar. Wait until it becomes bubbly and frothy, indicating the yeast is alive. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, eggs, and melted butter. Gradually add in the yeast mixture while mixing. Knead the dough on a floured surface until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Make the Filling: While the dough is rising, mix the softened cream cheese with sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until smooth and creamy. Chop fresh strawberries into small pieces and gently fold them into the cream cheese mixture to create a luscious, fruity filling.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle approximately 12 by 16 inches. Spread the strawberry and cheesecake filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border along the edges to prevent leaking.
- Shape the Rolls: Starting from one of the long edges, tightly roll the dough into a log. Slice the log into evenly sized rolls about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. Place the rolls spaced apart on a greased baking dish or parchment-lined tray.
- Second Rise and Bake: Cover the rolls with a clean kitchen towel and allow them to rise again for 30 to 45 minutes until puffy. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Add the Sweet Glaze: Mix powdered sugar with a bit of milk or cream until smooth. Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm rolls for a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs, milk, and cream cheese for smooth mixing and optimal dough rising.
- Do not overfill the rolls to avoid leaks and sogginess during baking.
- Knead the dough well to develop gluten, resulting in fluffier rolls.
- Monitor the rolls in the oven closely toward the end to prevent over-browning.
- Choose ripe but firm strawberries for the best flavor and to minimize excess moisture.
- Prep Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: Strawberry, Cheesecake, Sweet Rolls, Breakfast, Dessert, Baked Goods, Soft Rolls