I have to tell you about one of my all-time favorite sweet treats: Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls! Imagine buttery, pillowy rolls swirled with a luscious cheesecake filling and topped with a sweet strawberry glaze. It’s a delightful combination that never fails to impress. I first made these rolls for a brunch with friends, and they disappeared faster than a flick of the switch! One bite transports me back to summer picnics, where strawberries were the star of the show, and every moment was filled with laughter and warmth.
What makes this recipe extra special is how versatile it is; you can serve these rolls for breakfast, dessert, or even as a sweet snack while lounging around. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become a staple in your home!
What’s in Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls?
All-Purpose Flour: The foundation for these rolls; this flour gives them that amazing soft and chewy texture. I usually go for unbleached all-purpose flour for a more natural taste.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetness is key! We’ll use this both in the dough and the cheesecake filling to balance the tanginess of the cream cheese.
Yeast: Instant yeast is a game-changer here; it allows the dough to rise quickly, making the process a breeze.
Salt: Just a pinch! Salt enhances every flavor and makes the rolls even more delicious.
Milk: Warmed up, this will help activate the yeast and create a tender dough.
Eggs: These help to enrich the dough, giving our rolls that lovely richness and color.
Butter: Melted and slathered into the dough, butter creates a wonderfully tender roll that you’ll fall in love with at first bite.
Cream Cheese: The star of our cheesecake filling! We’ll use softened cream cheese to create that dreamy cheesecake texture.
Strawberries: Fresh or frozen, these juicy gems are the fruit that brings everything together in a sweet, tart way.
Powdered Sugar: Perfect for our glaze, adding that final touch of sweetness and a lovely glossy finish over the rolls.
Is Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls Good for You?
I won’t lie: these rolls are definitely a sweet indulgence! However, they do have some positives. The fresh strawberries packed into the rolls are rich in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, which gives you a little nutritional boost.
Cream Cheese: While it’s creamy and delicious, a little cream cheese goes a long way in adding flavor and richness to the filling. You can look for lower-fat versions if you’re keeping an eye on your caloric intake.
The main consideration is portion size. These are treats, so enjoying them occasionally as part of a balanced diet is the best way to experience their joy without guilt!
Ingredients
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 packet instant yeast (about 2 1/4 tsp)
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup milk, warmed to about 110°F
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup strawberries, chopped (fresh or frozen)
– 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
This recipe yields about 12 rolls.
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls?
1. In a small bowl, combine warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it’s frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Add the melted butter, eggs, and the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes on a floured surface until it’s smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
4. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a rectangle (about 12×18 inches).
5. In a separate bowl, mix softened cream cheese with a bit of sugar until smooth. Spread this over the rolled-out dough, and then sprinkle the chopped strawberries evenly.
6. Roll up the dough tightly from the long side into a log. Cut it into 12 equal rolls and place them in a greased baking dish.
7. Cover again and let rise for about 30 minutes, until puffy.
8. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
9. While the rolls are baking, make the glaze by mixing powdered sugar with a tablespoon of milk until smooth and runny.
10. Once the rolls are done, let them cool for a few minutes before drizzling the glaze on top.
Sweet Tips and Variations for Perfect Rolls
– **Make-ahead Magic:** If you want to prep these rolls ahead of time, you can assemble them the night before and refrigerate them before the second rise.
– **Fun Flavors:** Feel free to experiment! You can add some lemon zest to the cream cheese filling for a zesty kick or substitute blueberries if strawberries aren’t your jam.
– **Serving Suggestions:** Serve warm or at room temperature. They are delightful alongside a cup of coffee or tea and are perfect for brunch gatherings.
I genuinely can’t wait for you to try these Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls! They combine all the flavors I love into one scrumptious treat, so share your experiences and let me know how they turn out! Happy baking!
