The Ultimate Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls

Imagine combining the fluffy, buttery texture of a classic cinnamon roll with the decadent, creamy richness of a New York cheesecake and the bright, summery flavor of fresh strawberries. That is exactly what you get with these Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls. This recipe is a showstopper for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or just a Tuesday when you need a little extra joy.

There is something universally comforting about a tray of warm sweet rolls fresh out of the oven. While cinnamon is the traditional go-to, swapping it out for a fruit and cream cheese filling transforms the dish into something entirely new. The tartness of the strawberries cuts through the richness of the cream cheese, while the soft yeast dough holds it all together in a perfect spiral of flavor. Whether you are an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, this guide will help you achieve bakery-quality results right at home.

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk through everything you need to know to make these rolls perfectly. From creating the softest brioche-style dough to nailing that gooey strawberry center, we have got you covered. Get your mixer ready, because your kitchen is about to smell like absolute heaven.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

These rolls are the definition of “comfort food with a twist.” Here is why they deserve a spot in your recipe box:

• Texture Contrast: You get fluffy bread, creamy filling, and sticky glaze all in one bite.
• Seasonal Versatility: While perfect for strawberry season, you can easily use frozen berries to enjoy this year-round.
• Crowd Pleaser: It looks impressive on a serving platter, making it perfect for hosting.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the dough the night before and bake them fresh in the morning.

Ingredients

To make these luscious Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls, you will need the following ingredients. We have broken them down by component to make shopping easier.

For the Dough

• – 4 cups all-purpose flour (approximate, start with 3.5 cups)
• – 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• – 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
• – 1 tsp salt
• – 1 cup whole milk, warm (about 110°F)
• – 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
• – 1 large egg, room temperature

For the Strawberry Filling

• – 1.5 cups fresh strawberries, diced small
• – 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• – 1 tbsp cornstarch
• – 1 tsp lemon juice

For the Cheesecake Filling

• – 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• – 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• – 1 tsp vanilla extract
• – 1 egg yolk

For the Cream Cheese Glaze

• – 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• – 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• – 1 cup powdered sugar
• – 2-3 tbsp milk (add slowly for consistency)
• – 1 tsp vanilla extract
• – Fresh strawberry slices for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Phase 1: Making the Dough

The foundation of any good sweet roll is the dough. We want a dough that is enriched with milk, butter, and egg for maximum tenderness.

1. Activate the Yeast (if using active dry): If you aren’t using instant yeast, mix the warm milk and 1 teaspoon of the sugar in a bowl. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. If using instant yeast, you can skip this step and mix it directly with the dry ingredients.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine 3.5 cups of flour, the rest of the sugar, instant yeast, and salt.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients.
4. Knead: Turn the mixer to low speed. Mix until a dough forms. If the dough is too sticky and clings to the sides of the bowl, add the remaining flour 1 tablespoon at a time. Increase speed to medium-low and knead for 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. It should be tacky to the touch but not stick to your finger.
5. First Rise: Lightly grease a large bowl with oil or cooking spray. Place the dough inside, turning it once to coat it in oil. Cover with plastic wrap or a warm towel. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Phase 2: Preparing the Fillings

While the dough rises, prepare your two fillings. This ensures they are ready to go when you roll out the dough.

1. Strawberry Filling: In a small bowl, toss the diced strawberries with the sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. The cornstarch helps thicken the juices that release during baking so your rolls don’t get soggy. Set aside.
2. Cheesecake Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the 8 oz of cream cheese, 1/4 cup sugar, vanilla, and egg yolk until smooth and creamy. Do not overbeat, just ensure it is well combined.

Phase 3: Assembly

This is the fun part where it all comes together!

1. Roll the Dough: Punch down the risen dough to release air bubbles. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Use a rolling pin to roll the dough into a large rectangle, approximately 12×18 inches.
2. Spread Cheesecake Layer: Using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon, spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the dough, leaving a thin margin around the edges.
3. Add Strawberries: Sprinkle the strawberry mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer. Try to drain any excess liquid that may have pooled in the bottom of the strawberry bowl before sprinkling.
4. Roll It Up: Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam at the end to seal it.
5. Cut the Rolls: Use unflavored dental floss or a very sharp serrated knife to cut the log into 12 even rolls. (Tip: Floss cuts without squishing the dough!).
6. Second Rise: Arrange the cut rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Cover and let them rise again for about 30-45 minutes. They should look puffy and touch each other.

Phase 4: Baking and Glazing

1. Preheat: While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake: Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top. If they start browning too quickly, you can cover them loosely with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes.
3. Make the Glaze: While the rolls bake, whisk together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk. Beat until smooth. Adjust the milk to get your desired pouring consistency.
4. Serve: Let the rolls cool for about 10 minutes, then drizzle (or drown!) them in the glaze. Top with fresh strawberry slices if desired.

Chef’s Tips for Success

Making sweet rolls is an art, but these tips will make you look like a pro:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature. This creates a smoother dough and filling without lumps.
• Don’t Overheat Milk: When activating yeast, if your milk is too hot (over 120°F), it will kill the yeast and your dough won’t rise. It should feel like warm bathwater.
• The Flour Factor: Humidity affects flour. You might need slightly more or less flour than the recipe calls for. Go by the feel of the dough—it should clean the sides of the bowl.
• Floss vs. Knife: As mentioned in the instructions, using dental floss to cut the rolls prevents them from getting squashed into ovals. You get perfect spirals every time.

Variations to Try

Once you master the base recipe, feel free to get creative:

Blueberry Lemon: Swap strawberries for blueberries and add lemon zest to the cheesecake filling.

Raspberry White Chocolate: Use raspberries for the fruit and sprinkle white chocolate chips inside the roll before rolling.

Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the glaze for a nice textural contrast.

Storing and Reheating

If you somehow have leftovers (which is rare!), here is how to keep them fresh:

Storage: Because of the cream cheese, these rolls should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Microwave individual rolls for 20-30 seconds. This makes the dough soft and the glaze melty again.

Final Thoughts

These Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls are a labor of love that pays off with the very first bite. The combination of the tangy cheesecake, the sweet fruit, and the rich dough is unmatched. Whether you are baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite. Happy baking!