Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls Recipe
Imagine waking up to the aroma of homemade Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls wafting through your kitchen—the sweet tang of strawberries, the creamy richness of cheesecake, and soft, pillowy rolls all swirling together in a single bite. These rolls are everything you adore about classic cinnamon buns, but with a fruity, decadent twist that feels just a little bit extra-special. They’re perfect for a leisurely weekend brunch, a cheerful breakfast surprise, or a show-stopping dessert to share. And best of all, they come together with a handful of simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s keep things simple but oh-so-delicious. Every ingredient here is chosen for the role it plays: tender dough, lush cheesecake filling, vibrant strawberries, and a dreamy glaze on top. These essentials come together to guarantee your Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls are truly unforgettable.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of your rolls, giving them structure and that classic, tender bite.
- Granulated sugar: Just enough to sweeten both the dough and the cream cheese filling, enhancing every flavor without becoming overpowering.
- Active dry yeast: This little packet is what makes your rolls rise beautifully, so the texture is airy and light.
- Salt: Balances out the sweetness and brings out the flavors of the dough.
- Warm milk: Adds moisture and richness, helping to create that soft, fluffy crumb we all love.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Adds an irresistible buttery taste and keeps the dough nice and tender.
- Large egg: Provides structure, binds everything together, and gives the dough a slight richness.
- Fresh strawberries (chopped): The star of the show! Their juicy sweetness and vibrant color put the “strawberry” in these sweet rolls. (Frozen, thawed, and drained berries work in a pinch!)
- Cream cheese (softened): Lends a creamy, tangy swirl in the middle that tastes just like cheesecake.
- Powdered sugar: Used in both the filling and the glaze, it ensures a silky-smooth, melt-in-your-mouth sweetness without any grittiness.
- Vanilla extract: Brings a beautiful warmth and depth to the filling.
- Milk (for glaze): Just enough to turn powdered sugar into a pourable, luscious glaze.
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls
Step 1: Mix the Dough
Start by whisking together your flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a large bowl—these are your flavor foundations. In another bowl, gently combine the warm milk, melted butter, and a beaten egg. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir until a soft dough begins to form, then transfer it to a floured surface for kneading. Working the dough by hand for 5 to 7 minutes will reward you with a dough that’s smooth, elastic, and ready to rise.
Step 2: Let the Dough Rise
Once kneaded, set your dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a towel or some plastic wrap, and find a cozy warm corner for it to rise. This is where the magic happens—the dough will double in size in about an hour, creating the pillowy base for your Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
While you wait, combine the softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Mixing until smooth and creamy ensures you avoid lumps and get that signature cheesecake flavor spread through every roll.
Step 4: Assemble and Fill
Turn your risen dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a rectangle approximately 12×16 inches. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the chopped strawberries generously so every roll gets a taste of strawberry in each bite.
Step 5: Roll and Slice
Roll the dough up tightly from the long edge—think jelly roll style. Using a sharp knife or a piece of unflavored dental floss, slice into 12 even pieces. Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish, giving them a bit of space to expand as they rise again.
Step 6: Second Rise
Cover the pan and let those beauties rise for another 30 minutes until they’re puffed and snuggled up together. This second rise is what gives you the irresistible, fluffy texture that makes fresh sweet rolls so special.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop your rolls in a preheated 350 degrees Fahrenheit oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for that gorgeous golden-brown color, with the scent of strawberries and cheesecake filling your kitchen.
Step 8: Glaze and Serve
While the rolls are still warm, whisk together 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons milk for a simple, glossy glaze. Drizzle it generously over the Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls—the glaze will delicately melt over the tops and settle into all the sweet swirls.
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls

Garnishes
Fresh strawberries make a beautiful garnish and a burst of color. You can also go for a sprinkle of lemon zest to brighten the flavors or even a dusting of powdered sugar for extra flair. These little touches add both pizzazz and pops of freshness to every plate.
Side Dishes
Serve your Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls alongside a bowl of Greek yogurt and fresh fruit for a balanced brunch, or pair them with a steaming cup of coffee or tea for an unbeatable breakfast combo. If you’re feeling indulgent, a dollop of whipped cream on the side takes things over the top.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging your rolls in a pretty circle on a cake stand and glazing them all at once for a shareable centerpiece. Alternatively, pop each sweet roll into a cupcake liner for a grab-and-go treat at brunch buffets or bake sales—it’s both practical and adorable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The rolls will stay soft and tender, but if your kitchen is warm, you might want to store them in the fridge to keep the cream cheese filling fresh.
Freezing
You can easily freeze these sweet rolls before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble, slice, and freeze the unbaked rolls on a parchment-lined tray. Once firm, transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, let them thaw and rise before popping in the oven. Already-baked rolls can be frozen individually and reheated as needed—just hold off on the glaze until ready to serve.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop a roll in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or warm them in a 300 degrees Fahrenheit oven until just heated through. If adding glaze, wait until after reheating for that perfectly gooey finish.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries in Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain the strawberries thoroughly before using so they don’t make the filling watery. Frozen berries work beautifully and ensure you can enjoy these rolls year-round.
What can I do if my dough isn’t rising?
Double-check that your yeast is fresh and that your milk wasn’t too hot (which can kill yeast) or too cold (which can slow rising). Placing your dough in a slightly warm, draft-free spot will help give it the cozy environment it needs.
Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Definitely! Prepare the rolls up to the second rise, cover tightly, and let them chill in the fridge overnight. The next morning, bring them to room temperature while the oven preheats and bake as usual for ultra-fresh Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls with minimal morning effort.
What if I don’t have cream cheese on hand?
Mascarpone or a thick Greek yogurt can be substituted in a pinch, but nothing beats the classic, tangy taste of cream cheese in these rolls. If you do substitute, taste and adjust sweetness as needed.
How do I keep the rolls from sticking together in the pan?
Be sure to grease your baking dish well and give each roll a bit of room to expand. If they do stick a little after baking, just gently nudge them apart with a spatula—they’ll still taste amazing!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about sharing a warm batch of Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls with people you care about. Every bite is a blend of soft bread, creamy filling, and juicy berries that makes breakfast or dessert feel unforgettable. Give this recipe a try—the hardest part will be waiting for them to cool enough to eat!
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Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes including rising
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of sweet strawberries and creamy cheesecake filling wrapped in soft, fluffy rolls with this easy-to-follow recipe for Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup warm milk
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
Filling:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Dough Preparation: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Gradually add wet ingredients to dry, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Kneading and Rising: Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Filling and Rolling: Mix softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Roll the dough into a 12×16 inch rectangle. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough, then sprinkle chopped strawberries on top. Roll the dough tightly and cut into 12 equal rolls.
- Baking: Place rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise for another 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake rolls for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Glazing and Serving: Mix powdered sugar and milk to make glaze and drizzle over warm rolls before serving.
Notes
- Use frozen strawberries thawed and drained if fresh are not available.
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese filling.
- These rolls are best enjoyed warm and fresh.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg