Cakes

Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls 2023

 

 

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

  • 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm milk
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting

For the Filling:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup strawberry preserves or fresh strawberries, mashed
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Mix:

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

  • 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2-3 tablespoons milk

Instructions:

  1. Activate the Yeast:
    • In a bowl, combine warm milk and a pinch of sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the mixture and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
  2. Prepare the Dough:
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the activated yeast mixture, sugar, softened butter, salt, eggs, and flour. Mix until a dough forms.
    • Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth. Place it in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1-2 hours).
  3. Make the Filling:
    • In a bowl, mix together softened butter, cream cheese, strawberry preserves (or mashed strawberries), sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  4. Roll Out the Dough:
    • Roll out the risen dough on a floured surface into a large rectangle (about 16×20 inches).
  5. Add the Filling:
    • Spread the strawberry cheesecake filling evenly over the rolled-out dough.
  6. Sprinkle with Cinnamon-Sugar Mix:
    • In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the strawberry cheesecake filling.
  7. Roll and Slice:
    • Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal slices.
  8. Place in Baking Dish:
    • Arrange the slices in a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll.
  9. Second Rise:
    • Cover the baking dish and let the rolls rise for another 30-45 minutes.
  10. Preheat and Bake:
    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
  11. Make the Cream Cheese Glaze:
    • While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze. In a bowl, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and enough milk to achieve a drizzle-consistency.
  12. Drizzle with Glaze:
    • Once the rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled, drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the top.
  13. Serve and Enjoy:
    • Serve the Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls warm. Watch them disappear as everyone enjoys the delightful combination of strawberry, cream cheese, and cinnamon!

These Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls are a sweet and fruity twist on a classic favorite, perfect for breakfast or a delightful dessert.

Here are some helpful tips to make your Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls even more delightful:

  1. Fresh Strawberries:
    • If using fresh strawberries in the filling, choose ripe and sweet strawberries. Dice them finely to ensure even distribution of flavor throughout the rolls.
  2. Room Temperature Ingredients:
    • Make sure your cream cheese, butter, and eggs are at room temperature. This helps in achieving a smoother and more consistent texture in both the filling and the dough.
  3. Flour Wisely:
    • When rolling out the dough, use a minimal amount of flour to prevent the dough from becoming too dense. Too much flour can make the rolls dry.
  4. Even Rolling:
    • Roll out the dough into a consistent thickness to ensure even baking. This helps in creating uniform cinnamon rolls with a perfect balance of softness and fluffiness.
  5. Sharp Knife or Dental Floss:
    • When slicing the rolled dough into individual rolls, use a sharp knife or dental floss for clean and easy cuts. This prevents the dough from getting squished or deformed.
  6. Properly Greased Baking Dish:
    • Ensure that the baking dish is well-greased to prevent the rolls from sticking. This makes it easier to remove them from the pan without losing any delicious filling.
  7. Not Too Hot Filling:
    • Allow the strawberry cheesecake filling to cool slightly before spreading it on the dough. This prevents the heat from affecting the yeast in the dough.
  8. Add a Hint of Citrus:
    • Enhance the strawberry flavor by adding a small amount of fresh lemon or orange zest to the filling. The citrus notes complement the sweetness of the strawberries.
  9. Experiment with Nuts or Chocolate:
    • For added texture and flavor, consider mixing chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the strawberry cheesecake filling.
  10. Fresh Glaze:
    • Drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the rolls just before serving for a fresh and gooey texture. This adds a delightful finishing touch.
  11. Serve Warm:
    • Cinnamon rolls are best enjoyed when warm. If reheating leftovers, do so in the oven for a few minutes to maintain their softness.
  12. Customize the Glaze:
    • Customize the cream cheese glaze by adding a touch of strawberry extract or a tablespoon of strawberry preserves for an extra burst of strawberry flavor.
  13. Presentation:
    • Present the rolls on a beautiful serving platter or plate for an inviting and delightful visual appeal.

With these tips, your Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls are sure to be a crowd-pleaser, offering a perfect blend of sweetness and comfort. Enjoy baking!

Here are some tips to ensure your rolls turn out absolutely delightful:

  1. Quality Ingredients:
    • Use high-quality cream cheese, fresh strawberries, and real butter for the best flavor. Fresh, ripe strawberries will impart a more vibrant and natural taste.
  2. Enhance Strawberry Flavor:
    • Boost the strawberry flavor by adding a touch of strawberry extract or a few tablespoons of strawberry preserves to the cream cheese filling. This intensifies the strawberry essence.
  3. Proper Dough Consistency:
    • Pay attention to the dough consistency. It should be soft, elastic, and slightly sticky. Adjust the flour or liquid as needed during the mixing process to achieve the right texture.
  4. Slow Rise for Flavor:
    • Allow the dough to rise slowly in the refrigerator overnight for enhanced flavor development. This slow rise allows the yeast and other ingredients to meld, resulting in a richer taste.
  5. Layer Filling Evenly:
    • When spreading the strawberry cheesecake filling on the rolled-out dough, ensure an even layer. This consistency guarantees that each bite has a perfect balance of flavors.
  6. Pre-Chill the Dough:
    • Before rolling out the dough, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes. This makes the dough easier to handle and prevents it from becoming too sticky during the rolling process.
  7. Add a Citrus Zest Twist:
    • Incorporate a bit of citrus zest, such as lemon or orange, into the cream cheese filling for a subtle and refreshing citrus undertone that complements the strawberries.
  8. Uniform Rolling Thickness:
    • Roll the dough to a uniform thickness to ensure even baking. An even thickness helps each roll cook consistently, preventing overdone edges or undercooked centers.
  9. Layering Techniques:
    • Experiment with different layering techniques. You can create a swirl by rolling the dough tightly or a pinwheel effect by leaving some space between each roll in the baking dish.
  10. Brush with Butter:
    • Before baking, brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter. This adds a golden color and enhances the flavor.
  11. Fresh Strawberry Garnish:
    • For a decorative touch, add a few sliced fresh strawberries on top of the rolls just before baking. They’ll caramelize slightly and add a burst of freshness.
  12. Warm Glaze for Drizzling:
    • Prepare the cream cheese glaze just before serving the rolls. Warm the glaze slightly so that it drizzles smoothly over the warm rolls, creating a delicious gooey topping.
  13. Serve with a Strawberry Sauce:
    • Consider serving the rolls with a side of homemade strawberry sauce for dipping. This extra layer of strawberry goodness adds a delightful touch.

By incorporating these secrets into your Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls, you’ll elevate them to a new level of perfection, ensuring a truly delightful and memorable treat. Enjoy baking!

Here are some popular questions and answers related to Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls:

  1. Q: Can I use frozen strawberries in the filling?
    • *A: While

fresh strawberries are recommended for the best flavor, you can use frozen strawberries in the filling. Thaw and drain them well before incorporating into the cream cheese mixture to prevent excess moisture in the filling.

  1. Q: Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
    • A: Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. After the first rise, refrigerate the dough overnight. Allow it to come to room temperature before rolling and assembling the rolls.
  2. Q: Can I freeze Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls?
    • A: Yes, you can freeze the unbaked rolls after assembling. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then let them rise at room temperature before baking.
  3. Q: How can I prevent the rolls from becoming too dry?
    • A: To prevent dryness, avoid overbaking the rolls. Keep a close eye on them, and as soon as they turn golden brown, remove them from the oven. Additionally, brushing with melted butter before baking helps keep them moist.
  4. Q: Can I use a different fruit preserve instead of strawberries?
    • A: Yes, you can experiment with different fruit preserves or fillings. Raspberry, blueberry, or even a mixed berry preserve can be delicious alternatives.
  5. Q: Can I substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour?
    • A: While you can use whole wheat flour, be aware that it will yield a denser texture. You may want to blend whole wheat and all-purpose flours for a balance of flavor and texture.
  6. Q: How do I store leftover Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls?
    • A: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them individually and reheat in the oven when ready to enjoy.
  7. Q: Can I make the rolls smaller for bite-sized servings?
    • A: Yes, you can make smaller rolls for bite-sized servings. Adjust the size of the rolls and reduce the baking time accordingly.
  8. Q: What can I use instead of cream cheese for the glaze?
    • A: You can use a vanilla glaze with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk as an alternative to the cream cheese glaze.
  9. Q: How can I add a crunchy texture to the rolls?
    • A: Add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the filling before rolling the dough for a delightful crunchy texture.

Remember to adjust these answers based on your preferences and dietary considerations. Enjoy your Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls!