Description
Indulge in the best Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls recipe, combining soft, fluffy dough with a luscious cream cheese and fresh strawberry filling, all topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, these rolls offer a delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough:
- ¾ cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg plus 1 egg yolk (room temperature)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries (diced)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- â…“ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active and ready.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl or with a stand mixer, whisk together sugar, egg, egg yolk, and melted butter until well combined.
- Combine Dough: Add the yeast mixture to the wet ingredients and mix to combine. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Knead the dough for about 8 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This can be done by hand or with a dough hook.
- First Rise: Place the dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1½ hours or until it doubles in size.
- Prepare Strawberry Filling: Meanwhile, heat diced fresh strawberries, granulated sugar, and cornstarch in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and allow it to cool completely.
- Make Cream Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Shape Rolls: Once dough has doubled, roll it out on a floured surface into a 14×9-inch rectangle. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough, then spread the cooled strawberry filling on top.
- Form Rolls: Roll the dough tightly from the long edge into a log. Cut into 9 to 12 equal-sized rolls.
- Second Rise: Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise again for 30 to 45 minutes until puffed.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown on top.
- Prepare Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually mix in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until desired consistency is reached.
- Finish and Serve: Spread the frosting over the slightly cooled rolls and serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- These rolls can be prepared the night before and baked fresh in the morning for convenience.
- Frozen strawberries work well—just thaw and drain excess liquid before cooking the filling.
- For an added fresh twist, add a splash of lemon juice to the strawberry filling to enhance brightness.
