Love is sweet, and there’s no better way to share that sentiment than with these Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls! 💕 Whether you’re serving these for a romantic breakfast in bed or a cozy dessert, they’re a delicious reminder that sometimes the sweetest gifts are homemade. These rolls combine the warmth of cinnamon with the bright, fruity sweetness of strawberries, all topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Let’s dive in and make your kitchen smell like love!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 4 cups White Lily Self-Rising Flour
- 1 tablespoon active yeast
- 1 cup warm milk
- ¼ cup cane sugar (add a little extra if you’re feeling indulgent!)
- 4 tablespoons salted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (use 2 if you want to go extra!)
For the Strawberry Filling:
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- ¼ cup cane sugar
- 2 cups strawberries, chopped
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- ½ block cream cheese, room temperature
- 4 tablespoons salted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup powdered sugar
How to Make Valentine’s Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a small mixing bowl, combine warm milk and active yeast. Stir it gently and set aside for 10 minutes until the top becomes frothy—this means the yeast is activated!
- In your KitchenAid Stand Mixer, attach the dough hook. Add the flour, sugar, butter, salt, and vanilla to the mixer bowl.
- Pour the yeast and milk mixture into the mixer, followed by the egg. Turn the mixer on medium speed and blend for about 5 minutes until everything is combined. If you notice any dry spots, mix a little longer.
- Cover the bowl with a dry kitchen towel and let the dough rise for about 1 hour at room temperature.
Step 2: Make the Strawberry Filling
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low-medium heat. Add the sugar and chopped strawberries, stirring slowly with a spatula.
- Continue stirring as the mixture simmers and thickens into a jam-like consistency. This should take around 10-15 minutes.
- Once the filling has thickened, place it in the fridge to cool for about 30 minutes.
Step 3: Assemble the Rolls
- Once your dough has risen and the strawberry filling has chilled, flour a clean surface and transfer the dough onto it.
- Roll out the dough into a large rectangle, about 1½ to 2 inches thick.
- Spread the cooled strawberry filling evenly across the dough, leaving a small border (about ½ inch) around the edges.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log, starting from one edge of the rectangle and rolling toward the other.
- Using a knife, cut the log into 6-7 even pieces.
Step 4: Bake the Rolls
- Preheat your oven to 375℉.
- Add 2 tablespoons of butter to your cast iron skillet and let it melt in the oven for about 1-2 minutes. Remove the skillet once the butter has fully melted.
- Place the cinnamon rolls into the skillet, arranging them so they’re just touching each other.
- Bake for 20 minutes until they’re golden brown. Once done, take them out and let them cool for a few minutes.
Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
- While the rolls are cooling, prepare the frosting. Using your stand mixer (with the wire whip attachment), combine the cream cheese, softened butter, vanilla, and powdered sugar.
- Mix on low-medium speed until smooth and creamy.
- Spread the frosting generously over the warm rolls and let it soak in for a minute before serving.
Details and nutritional information
Details:
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 7 rolls
Nutrition (per serving):
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Helpful Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened for easier mixing.
- Rolling Tip: If the dough is too sticky when rolling, add a little more flour to your surface to avoid sticking.
- Chill the Filling: Cooling the strawberry filling in the fridge makes it easier to spread without creating a mess.
Substitutions & Variations
- Fruit Swap: Try substituting the strawberries with raspberries or mixed berries for a different flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend if you need a gluten-free option. Just be sure to adjust liquid ratios accordingly.
- Extra Cheesecake Flavor: Add a few dollops of cheesecake filling inside the rolls before baking for an extra decadent treat!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the rolls, cover them tightly, and store them in the fridge overnight. The next morning, bring them to room temperature and bake as directed.
How do I know if my yeast is activated?
Your yeast mixture should become foamy after about 10 minutes. If it doesn’t foam, the yeast may be expired or your milk was too hot or too cold.
Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely! After rolling and cutting the dough, place the rolls on a baking sheet, freeze them for a few hours, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, thaw the rolls overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
Storage Instructions
- Room Temperature: Store any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the baked rolls for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, reheat in the oven or microwave for a freshly baked taste.
Make these Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls for a loved one, and I promise they’ll be asking for more! Nothing says “I love you” like freshly baked goodness. 💖
PrintValentine’s Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Author: Olivia Chenn
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 7 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for Valentine’s Day! Soft, fluffy rolls filled with sweet strawberry jam and topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast or dessert, these rolls will definitely win hearts! 💕 Follow the easy steps and enjoy the sweet, fruity flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 4 cups White Lily Self-Rising Flour
- 1 tablespoon active yeast
- 1 cup warm milk
- ¼ cup cane sugar
- 4 tablespoons salted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Filling:
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- ¼ cup cane sugar
- 2 cups strawberries, chopped
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- ½ block cream cheese, room temperature
- 4 tablespoons salted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a small bowl, combine warm milk and yeast, then set aside for 10 minutes. In a stand mixer with the dough hook, mix flour, sugar, butter, salt, and vanilla. Add the yeast mixture and egg, and mix for 5 minutes. Cover and let dough rise for 1 hour.
- Make the Strawberry Filling: In a saucepan, melt butter and add sugar and strawberries. Stir on low-medium heat until the mixture thickens to a jam-like consistency. Let it chill for 30 minutes.
- Assemble the Rolls: Roll out the dough into a rectangle, spread the strawberry filling, and roll into a log. Cut into 6-7 pieces and place in a buttered cast iron skillet.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F and bake rolls for 20 minutes until golden brown.
- Make the Frosting: In a stand mixer, beat cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and powdered sugar until smooth. Spread over cooled rolls and enjoy!
Notes
- If you want extra sweetness, feel free to add a touch more sugar to the filling.
- For a tangy twist, mix a bit of lemon zest into the frosting.
- These rolls can be prepped the night before and baked fresh in the morning!
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg