When it comes to baking, I love making mashups of different treats, such as s’mores cookies or Oreo brownies. There are so many delicious crossover desserts, and for cheesecake lovers looking for a sweet breakfast, strawberry cheesecake cinnamon rolls are sure to become a new favorite.

The rolls are made with yeasted dough, just as in a classic cinnamon roll recipe. However, instead of a traditional cinnamon-sugar filling, they’re dressed up with strawberry jam and chopped fresh strawberries for bright and fruity flavor. For the cheesecake component, we spread a dreamy cream cheese glaze over the top and serve the cinnamon rolls warm. They’re the perfect addition to a special occasion brunch spread or lovely for a cozy Sunday morning at home.

Ingredients for Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls

• Milk: Milk provides a base of rich flavor and moisture for the dough in this recipe. It should be warmed to a range of 105° to 115°F to help activate the yeast. Milk that’s too hot can potentially kill the yeast.
• Sugar: Sugar feeds the yeast during activation. It helps the yeast to release carbon dioxide, which makes the dough rise. Sugar also adds just a touch of sweetness to the dough.
• Yeast: Active dry yeast is an important ingredient in yeast bread recipes. Once activated in a mixture of warm milk and sugar, the yeast is ready to get to work to help the dough rise.
• Flour: All-purpose flour provides structure for these strawberry cheesecake cinnamon rolls. There’s no need to use a different type of flour, like bread flour, for this recipe.
• Egg: One large egg helps bind the dough while providing rich flavor and texture. It’s best to use room-temperature eggs for baking because they’re easier to incorporate.
• Butter: Butter adds flavor and plays a role in the tender texture of these rolls. Take your egg and butter out of the refrigerator at the same time so both reach room temperature.
• Vanilla extract: Just a touch of vanilla extract enhances the flavors of both the dough and the cream cheese glaze spread on top of these strawberry cheesecake rolls.
• Salt: A small amount of salt goes a long way in balancing the flavor in the dough.
• Strawberry jam: Instead of a traditional butter and cinnamon-sugar filling, this strawberry cheesecake cinnamon rolls recipe makes use of strawberry jam in the center. Choose your favorite brand of strawberry jam. If the jar is in the refrigerator, let it come to room temperature so it’s easier to spread.
• Fresh strawberries: For a pop of fresh fruit in every bite, use chopped strawberries in the filling as well. Be sure to wash your berries and let them dry ahead of time.
• Cinnamon: While these rolls don’t have as much cinnamon as traditional cinnamon roll recipes, a small amount enhances the flavor of the strawberry filling.
• Cream cheese: Cinnamon rolls are the perfect canvas for a delicious cream cheese glaze. For the smoothest glaze, be sure to soften the cream cheese to room temperature ahead of time.
• Confectioners’ sugar: Confectioners’ sugar provides structure to thicken the glaze while adding a touch of sweetness.

Taste of Home