There’s something truly magical about rolling out soft, pillowy dough and discovering a ribbon of creamy strawberry cheesecake swirling through every bite. These Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls with Glaze marry the irresistible tang of cream cheese with the bright, juicy sweetness of strawberry preserves. Each bite feels like a cozy hug for your taste buds, with the dough’s gentle chewiness giving way to a luscious filling that’s both rich and fruity. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a home cook looking to flex your pastry muscles, these rolls offer a delightful challenge and a show-stopping result.
Weekends are made for baking projects that fill the house with warmth and anticipation, and this recipe delivers exactly that. From proofing the yeast to kneading the dough until it’s silky smooth, every step is an opportunity to connect with the process—and maybe sneak a lick of strawberry jam while you’re at it. The final act of drizzling a glossy vanilla glaze over the warm rolls brings everything together in a moment of pure, gooey bliss. By the time you slice into that first roll, you’ll be greeted with layers of soft dough and strawberry cream cheese, each swirl promising a perfect balance of flavors. Trust me, your brunch table — and everyone around it — will thank you.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE SWEET ROLLS WITH GLAZE
Before diving into the kitchen, let’s talk about the stars of the show. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, building layers of flavor and ensuring the perfect texture from dough to drizzle.
- Warm Milk
The soothing warmth of milk activates the yeast gently, ensuring a gradual rise. It also adds richness and tenderizes the dough for that dreamy, soft crumb.
- Granulated Sugar
Sugar not only sweetens the dough but also feeds the yeast, helping it bloom into those light, airy rolls. A touch in the filling balances tangy cream cheese.
- Active Dry Yeast
This tiny powerhouse transforms the flour and liquid into a fluffy dough. Patience during proofing leads to the pillowy texture that makes these rolls irresistible.
- Unsalted Butter
Melted butter enriches the dough, lending a tender, melt-in-your-mouth quality. A bit of fat also helps the rolls brown to a gorgeous golden hue during baking.
- Salt
Just a pinch of salt enhances the flavors of dough and filling, keeping the sweetness in check and adding depth to every bite.
- All-Purpose Flour
The backbone of the dough, this flour provides structure while allowing enough elasticity for rolling and filling. It’s the canvas for our strawberry cheesecake swirl.
- Egg
An egg binds the dough, contributes to its soft texture, and helps with browning. It adds a subtle richness that complements the sweet filling.
- Cream Cheese
Silky and tangy, softened cream cheese creates the signature cheesecake layer. It balances sweetness and provides a luscious mouthfeel.
- Strawberry Jam or Preserves
Vivid in color and flavor, strawberry jam infuses the rolls with fruity brightness. It melds beautifully with cream cheese for those iconic swirls.
- Vanilla Extract
A hint of vanilla deepens the filling’s aroma and ties the strawberry and cream cheese notes together in perfect harmony.
- Fresh Strawberries (Optional)
Chopped strawberries add bursts of juicy texture and fresh fruit flavor, elevating the jam for an extra-special touch.
- Powdered Sugar
The base of our glaze, powdered sugar dissolves smoothly and creates that sweet, glossy finish on top of each warm roll.
- Milk (for Glaze)
Just enough milk thins the glaze to a pourable consistency, allowing it to drizzle into every crevice and spiral.
- Vanilla Extract (for Glaze)
A final whisper of vanilla brightens the glaze, echoing the flavors in the filling for a cohesive, irresistible treat.
HOW TO MAKE STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE SWEET ROLLS WITH GLAZE
Ready to transform simple pantry staples into a brunch-worthy pastry? Follow these detailed steps to bake your way to strawberry cheesecake bliss, ensuring each technique is executed with care for the best results.
1. In a large bowl, combine warm milk, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes until the surface becomes frothy and bubbly, indicating the yeast is fully activated.
2. Add the melted butter, salt, and egg to the yeast mixture and stir until everything is thoroughly combined, creating a smooth, sticky batter.
3. Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour, one cup at a time, mixing after each addition. When the dough starts to pull away from the sides, transfer it to a floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1–1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
5. While the dough rises, prepare the filling by combining softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, strawberry jam, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Mix until the filling is smooth and well-combined. If you’re using fresh strawberries, gently fold them in.
6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
7. Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to a floured surface. Use a rolling pin to roll the dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle, ensuring even thickness.
8. Evenly spread the strawberry cream cheese filling over the dough, leaving about an inch of bare dough around the edges to seal the rolls.
9. Starting from the longer side, roll up the dough into a tight log. Use a sharp knife to slice the log into 12 equal pieces, revealing beautiful spirals of filling.
10. Arrange the rolls in the prepared baking dish, spacing them slightly apart. Cover with a towel and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes until puffy.
11. Bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. The centers should look set, and the edges should have a lovely crust.
12. While the rolls bake, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until the glaze is smooth and pourable.
13. Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes. Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls, allowing it to seep into every swirl before serving.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE SWEET ROLLS WITH GLAZE
Elevating these strawberry cheesecake rolls from delightful to truly memorable is all about presentation and pairings. Whether you’re hosting a cozy brunch or treating yourself to a decadent dessert, these serving suggestions will help you make every bite an occasion.
- Offer each roll on a warm plate alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of hot pastry and melting ice cream creates an indulgent dessert experience.
- Garnish the rolls with a few fresh strawberry slices and a sprig of mint. The bright colors and fresh aroma enhance both the look and taste.
- Serve with a side of rich coffee or flavored lattes (think vanilla or hazelnut) to balance the sweetness and complement the strawberry notes.
- Arrange the rolls on a tiered serving tray for a stunning brunch display. Add seasonal flowers or pastel linens for a festive touch at parties or holiday gatherings.
HOW TO STORE STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE SWEET ROLLS WITH GLAZE
Maintaining the texture and flavor of these sweet rolls requires a little planning, especially if you’re making them ahead or have leftovers. Proper storage keeps them soft, prevents the filling from drying out, and ensures the glaze remains delectably glossy.
- Room Temperature in an Airtight Container
Once the rolls have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This method keeps the dough tender and the filling moist without refrigeration.
- Refrigeration
Place cooled rolls in a sealed container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Before serving, let them come to room temperature or warm briefly in the oven, so the filling regains its creamy consistency.
- Freezer Storage
To freeze, wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently in the oven or microwave.
- Reheating Tips
For the best texture, reheat rolls in a preheated 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes, or microwave a single roll for 10–15 seconds. Add a light dusting of powdered sugar or extra glaze after warming for maximum gooey appeal.
CONCLUSION
These Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls with Glaze bring together the best of both worlds: the soft, buttery goodness of homemade sweet rolls and the creamy, fruity delight of cheesecake. From the moment you whisk together yeast and sugar to the final drizzle of vanilla glaze, you’re on a culinary journey that rewards patience with something truly special. While this recipe does ask for a bit of time—about 30 minutes of active work, 30 minutes of baking, and around 2 hours of rising—you’ll find that each step is part of the fun. It’s an intermediate-level project, yet definitely achievable for anyone who’s comfortable handling yeast and rolling dough. With approximately 360 calories per roll, these treats are perfect for a special brunch spread, a holiday breakfast, or an indulgent dessert.
Feel free to print this article and save it in your favorite recipe binder for future gatherings or cozy weekend mornings. You’ll find a helpful FAQ below to troubleshoot common questions, so you always feel supported in the kitchen. If you decide to try these rolls—perhaps adding that dash of cinnamon to the dough or swapping in raspberry preserves—please let me know how they turned out. Your feedback, questions, or stories about the process mean the world, and I’m here to help if you need any guidance. Happy baking!
Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls with Glaze
Description
These heavenly sweet rolls combine tender yeast dough with a luscious strawberry cream cheese swirl, then bake golden and get a glossy vanilla glaze for a warm, gooey treat everyone will love.
Ingredients
Instructions
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In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy and bubbly.
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Add the melted butter, salt, and egg to the yeast mixture, stirring to combine.
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Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing after each addition. Once the dough begins to come together, knead it for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
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Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
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While the dough rises, prepare the filling. In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sugar, strawberry jam, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well-combined. If you’re using fresh strawberries, fold them into the mixture.
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
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Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll it out into a rectangle about 12x18 inches.
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Spread the strawberry cream cheese filling evenly over the dough, leaving about an inch of space at the edges.
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Carefully roll up the dough from the longer side to form a tight log. Slice the log into 12 even pieces.
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Arrange the rolls in the prepared baking dish, leaving a little space between them. Cover with a towel and let rise for an additional 30 minutes.
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Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
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While the rolls bake, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
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Once the rolls are done baking, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for 5 minutes. Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls.
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Serve and enjoy the warm, gooey strawberry cheesecake sweet rolls!
Note
- For extra flavor, add a dash of cinnamon to the dough or filling.
- The rolls are best served warm, but they can be reheated in the microwave for a few seconds if needed.
- If you prefer, you can replace the strawberry jam with other fruit jams or preserves like raspberry or blueberry for variety.
- These rolls are perfect for a brunch or special occasion like Mother's Day or Easter.
- Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
