Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls

This strawberry cheesecake sweet roll recipe transforms breakfast into a dessert-worthy experience. The pillowy soft dough wrapped around creamy cheesecake filling and swirls of strawberry jam creates the perfect balance of sweetness with a touch of tanginess.

I first made these sweet rolls for a spring brunch with friends, and they disappeared faster than any other dish on the table. Now they've become my signature breakfast treat whenever I have overnight guests.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: Creates the perfect soft but sturdy dough texture that holds up to the rich filling
• Instant yeast: Speeds up the rising process no need for proofing
• Cream cheese: Forms the base of both the filling and glaze providing that classic cheesecake flavor
• Strawberry jam: Adds fruity sweetness use good quality preserves with real fruit pieces
• Fresh strawberries: For garnish brighten both the appearance and flavor
• Vanilla extract: Enhances both the dough and filling with warm aromatic notes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the dough:

Combine flour, sugar, yeast and salt in a large mixing bowl until thoroughly incorporated. In a separate bowl, whisk warm milk, melted butter, egg and vanilla until smooth. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until a shaggy dough forms. The mixture will look rough at first but will come together as you mix.

Knead to perfection:

Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface and knead vigorously for a full 5-7 minutes. This develops the gluten structure making your rolls tender and fluffy. The dough should feel smooth and elastic bounce back slightly when pressed with a finger.

First rise:

Place dough in a greased bowl turning once to coat both sides. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and set in a warm draft-free spot. Let it rise until doubled in size about 1 hour. The dough should look puffy and expanded.

Prepare filling:

While dough rises mix softened cream cheese with sugar and vanilla until completely smooth and no lumps remain. The filling should be spreadable but not runny room temperature cream cheese works best.

Roll and fill:

Roll dough into a large rectangle approximately 18×14 inches and ¼ inch thick. Spread cream cheese mixture evenly leaving a 1-inch border on all sides. Dollop strawberry jam across the surface and use a knife to create gentle swirls without fully mixing the jam and cream cheese.

Shape the rolls:

Starting from the long edge roll the dough into a tight cylinder pressing gently as you go to maintain an even shape. Pinch the seam firmly to seal. Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to cut into 12 even pieces.

Second rise:

Arrange rolls in a greased baking dish with minimal space between each one. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes until noticeably puffed. They should expand to touch each other slightly.

Bake to golden perfection:

Bake in preheated oven for exactly 25-30 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the centers reach 190°F on an instant-read thermometer. The kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma of sweet bread and berries.

Glaze and garnish:

Let rolls cool for 5-10 minutes before adding glaze. The cream cheese glaze should be thick but pourable adjust milk as needed. Drizzle generously over warm rolls and top with fresh sliced strawberries just before serving.

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The strawberry jam is truly the star ingredient here. I discovered that warming the jam slightly before spreading makes it easier to create those beautiful swirls throughout the filling. My daughter now requests these for her birthday breakfast every year instead of cake.

Make-Ahead Magic

These strawberry cheesecake rolls can be prepared through the shaping stage then covered tightly and refrigerated overnight. In the morning simply remove from refrigerator let stand at room temperature for 45 minutes then bake as directed. This makes them perfect for holiday mornings or when entertaining overnight guests when you want something special without early morning prep.

Flavor Variations

While strawberry creates that classic cheesecake flavor pairing these rolls welcome other fruit combinations too. Try raspberry preserves for a more tart profile or blueberry jam for a deeper berry flavor. You can even use peach preserves in summer when stone fruits are at their peak. For chocolate lovers add mini chocolate chips to the filling before rolling they melt slightly during baking creating pockets of chocolaty goodness.

Serving Suggestions

These sweet rolls shine as the centerpiece of a brunch spread. Pair them with savory elements like a simple egg casserole or bacon to balance the sweetness. For a dessert application warm slightly and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They also make delightful gifts wrap individual rolls in parchment paper and deliver to neighbors or friends for an unexpected treat that travels well.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use fresh strawberries instead of jam?

Yes, you can. Simply chop the fresh strawberries finely and sprinkle them over the cream cheese filling as an alternative to the jam.

→ How can I ensure the dough rises properly?

Ensure your milk is warm, not hot, and place the dough in a warm, draft-free area to rise for the best results.

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare the rolls, refrigerate overnight, and bake them fresh the next day.

→ What can I use instead of cream cheese for the filling?

Mascarpone cheese or ricotta can be substituted for a slightly different flavor profile.

→ How do I store leftover sweet rolls?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.