Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls

Imagine a world where the rich, creamy flavor of cheesecake meets the warm, gooey goodness of Cinnabon rolls. Sounds delightful, right? But what if I told you that you could create this indulgent treat in just 90 minutes? This blog post will guide you through the process of making Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls that not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also impress your friends and family. These rolls are perfect for any occasion, from brunch to dessert, and can easily become a family favorite. So, are you ready to dive into this mouthwatering recipe?

Ingredients List

To create your Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour for a healthier option)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup milk (whole or almond milk)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg

Cheesecake Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced (or frozen strawberries, thawed)

Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1-2 tbsp milk (to achieve desired consistency)

Optional Substitutions:

• Use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar for a healthier alternative.
• Swap strawberries for other berries like blueberries or raspberries for a different flavor profile.

Timing

Creating these Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls is a breeze! Here’s a breakdown of the timing:

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 90 minutes

This total time is about 20% less than the average cinnamon roll recipe, making it a quick and delightful treat for any day of the week!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Mix well.
2. In a separate bowl, heat the milk until warm (about 110°F). Add the melted butter and egg, whisking until combined.
3. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
4. Slowly incorporate the remaining flour until the dough is soft and slightly sticky.
5. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth.

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise

1. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes, or until it doubles in size.

Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Gently fold in the diced strawberries until evenly distributed.

Step 4: Roll Out the Dough

1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle (about 12×18 inches).
2. Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

Step 5: Add Cinnamon Sugar

1. In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon.
2. Spread the cinnamon sugar mixture over the cheesecake filling.

Step 6: Roll and Cut

1. Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log.
2. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased baking dish.

Step 7: Second Rise

1. Cover the rolls with a damp cloth and let them rise for another 20 minutes.

Step 8: Bake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake the rolls for 25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Step 9: Prepare the Frosting

1. While the rolls are baking, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Add milk as needed to achieve a smooth consistency.

Step 10: Frost and Serve

1. Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool slightly before drizzling the cream cheese frosting on top.
2. Serve warm and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information per serving (1 roll):

• Calories: 250
• Total Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 40mg
• Sodium: 200mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 34g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 10g
• Protein: 4g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on ingredient substitutions.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

If you’re looking to make your Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls a bit healthier, consider the following alternatives:

• Dough: Use whole wheat flour or almond flour to increase fiber content.
• Filling: Substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt for added protein and fewer calories.
• Sugar: Use honey or maple syrup instead of granulated sugar to reduce refined sugars.
• Frosting: Opt for a lighter frosting made with Greek yogurt and a touch of honey.

These modifications will help maintain the delicious flavor while enhancing the nutritional profile of your rolls.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls, consider the following serving suggestions:

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent dessert.
• Pair with a fresh fruit salad for a balanced brunch option.
• Drizzle with chocolate sauce or caramel for an extra touch of sweetness.
• Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls, be mindful of these common pitfalls:

• Overworking the Dough: Knead just until smooth; over-kneading can lead to tough rolls.
• Not Letting the Dough Rise: Allow adequate time for the dough to rise; this ensures fluffy rolls.
• Using Cold Ingredients: Ensure that your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for easy mixing.
• Skipping the Frosting: The cream cheese frosting is a key element; don’t skip it!

Storing Tips for the Recipe

To keep your Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls fresh, follow these storing tips:

• Room Temperature: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to a week.
• Freezing: Freeze individual rolls by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Conclusion

In just 90 minutes, you can create delicious Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls that are sure to impress. With a creamy filling, sweet cinnamon topping, and decadent frosting, this recipe is perfect for any occasion. Try it out and let us know how it turned out in the comments below! Don’t forget to subscribe for more delightful recipes and cooking tips!

FAQs

Q1: Can I use other fruits in this recipe?

A1: Absolutely! Feel free to substitute strawberries with blueberries, raspberries, or even peaches for a different flavor.

Q2: How can I make these rolls gluten-free?

A2: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour to make these rolls gluten-free.

Q3: Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

A3: Yes! You can prepare the dough the night before, let it rise, and then refrigerate it. The next day, allow it to come to room temperature before rolling and baking.

Q4: What should I do if my dough doesn’t rise?

A4: Ensure your yeast is fresh and that the liquids are warm but not hot. If the dough doesn’t rise, it might be due to inactive yeast.

Q5: How can I reheat leftover rolls?

A5: Reheat rolls in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through.