Introduction
There’s something truly magical about the combination of creamy cheesecake and soft, warm cinnamon rolls. Enter the Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Roll! These delightful rolls not only offer a burst of flavor but also fill your kitchen with the sweet aroma of strawberries and vanilla. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent dessert, these rolls will have everyone asking for seconds. Let’s get started on this sweet journey!
Ingredients
To whip up these heavenly rolls, gather the following ingredients:
- For the dough:
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 3 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
- For the filling:
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
Directions and Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and granulated sugar. Allow it to sit for about 5 minutes, or until frothy and bubbly.
- Add the melted butter, salt, and egg to the yeast mixture and mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft, pliable dough forms. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
- Meanwhile, prepare the filling by mixing the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. On a floured surface, roll it out into a large rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Sprinkle the chopped strawberries and cornstarch mixture over the cream cheese layer, distributing evenly for a delightful fruity burst.
- Starting from one end, roll the dough tightly into a log, and pinch the seams to seal the roll.
- Cut the rolled dough into 12 even pieces and arrange them in a greased baking dish.
- Cover the rolls and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes to puff up nicely.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the rolls are rising.
- Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until they are golden brown and the aroma is irresistible.
- As the rolls bake, prepare the glaze by combining powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla in a bowl. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Once the rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled, drizzle the glaze over them while they’re still warm for that perfect finishing touch!
Notes or Tips
- For an extra pop of flavor, try incorporating a few drops of almond extract into the cream cheese mixture.
- If strawberries are out of season, feel free to substitute with raspberries or blueberries for a different twist.
- The rolls can be prepared the night before; simply refrigerate them after cutting and allow them to come to room temperature before baking.
Cooking Techniques
This recipe involves a few key cooking techniques, such as proofing the yeast, which helps the dough rise and become fluffy, and kneading, which develops the gluten structure in the dough. Rolling the dough evenly is crucial for ensuring every bite is filled with that delicious filling.
FAQ
- Can I freeze these rolls? Yes! Once baked, you can freeze the rolls for up to 2 months. Let them cool completely, then wrap tightly and store. Reheat in the oven before serving.
- What if I don’t have fresh strawberries? You can use frozen strawberries; just ensure they are fully thawed and drained before adding them to the filling.
Conclusion
These Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls are sure to become a family favorite, combining the richness of cheesecake with the comforting warmth of cinnamon rolls. Perfect for special occasions or a sweet weekend breakfast, they are easy to make and even easier to devour. Enjoy every gooey, strawberry-laden bite with your loved ones!