Best Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls Recipe

Introduction

There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into a warm, freshly baked sweet roll, especially when it’s filled with the delightful flavors of strawberry and cream cheese. The Best Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls have quickly become a favorite in my household. I remember the first time I made them; the aroma of baking dough filled the kitchen, and my family eagerly gathered around, drawn by the delicious scent. When I finally pulled the rolls from the oven and drizzled them with cream cheese glaze, their eyes lit up with excitement. The combination of fluffy dough, rich cheesecake filling, and sweet strawberry jam is simply irresistible. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, as a sweet treat, or served at brunch gatherings, these rolls always impress.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg, room temperature

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Filling:

• 1 cup strawberry jam or preserves
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced (optional, for added texture)

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2-3 tablespoons milk (adjust for consistency)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough:

• In a large bowl, whisk together 3 cups of flour, granulated sugar, yeast, and salt.
• In a separate bowl, combine the warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms. If the dough is sticky, gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup of flour until it pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
• Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
• Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

2. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:

• In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

3. Roll and Fill the Dough:

• Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle (about 12×18 inches).
• Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
• Spread the strawberry jam (and fresh strawberries, if using) on top of the cream cheese layer.

4. Roll and Slice:

• Starting from the longer side, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Pinch the edges to seal.
• Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 12-14 rolls.
• Place the rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or round cake pan, cut side up. Cover and let them rise again for 30-45 minutes, or until puffed.

5. Bake the Sweet Rolls:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown on top. If the tops start to brown too quickly, cover with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
• Remove from the oven and let the rolls cool slightly.

6. Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze:

• In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk together until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency with more milk if needed.

7. Glaze and Serve:

• Spread the cream cheese glaze generously over the warm rolls. Serve the Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls warm for the best flavor!

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 12 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 310 kcal
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 220mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 50mg

Preparation Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve

• Warm: Serve the rolls warm for the best texture and flavor.
• Dipped in Glaze: Drizzle with cream cheese glaze for added sweetness.
• With Fresh Fruit: Pair with fresh strawberries or a side of whipped cream.
• Coffee or Tea: Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast or snack.

Additional Tips

1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the cream cheese and egg are at room temperature for easy mixing.
2. Knead Well: Proper kneading helps develop gluten, giving the rolls a nice texture.
3. Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the sugar in the cream cheese filling to your taste.
4. Flavor Variations: Experiment with different jams or preserves, like raspberry or blueberry, for unique flavors.
5. Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough and fillings ahead of time and refrigerate overnight for an easy morning bake.

Recipe Variations

• Cinnamon Roll Variation: Add cinnamon and sugar to the cream cheese filling for a cinnamon roll twist.
• Nutty Addition: Mix in chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for added crunch.
• Chocolate Chip: Fold in mini chocolate chips into the cheesecake filling for a chocolatey surprise.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free version.

Serving Suggestions

• Breakfast Treat: These sweet rolls make a perfect breakfast or brunch item.
• Dessert Option: Serve as a dessert after dinner, especially when paired with ice cream.
• Picnic Delight: Pack them for a picnic; they are portable and easy to enjoy.
• Potluck Favorite: Bring them to potlucks or gatherings; they are sure to be a hit with guests.

Freezing and Storage

• Storing: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the rolls before baking. Wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Glaze Storage: Keep the glaze in the refrigerator and drizzle over rolls just before serving.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use a different type of cheese for the filling?

• Yes, you can use mascarpone or ricotta cheese for a different flavor profile.

1. What if I don’t have fresh strawberries?

• You can omit them and use only strawberry jam or preserves.

1. Can I make these rolls vegan?

• Substitute the cream cheese with a vegan alternative and use a flax egg instead of a regular egg.

1. How do I know when the rolls are done baking?

• They should be golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.

1. Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

• Yes, you can make the dough the night before and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight.

1. What should I do if my dough is too sticky?

• Gradually add more flour until you achieve a workable dough consistency.

1. Can I bake these in a different pan?

• Yes, you can use a round cake pan or a muffin tin for individual servings.

1. Is it necessary to chill the dough?

• Chilling the dough helps with shaping and prevents it from being too sticky.

1. Can I substitute the flour for a gluten-free option?

• Yes, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-free version.

1. What is the best way to reheat the rolls?
   • Reheat in the oven at a low temperature (around 300°F) for about 10 minutes to restore warmth without drying them out.

Conclusion

The Best Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls are a delightful combination of flavors and textures, perfect for any occasion. With their fluffy, sweet dough, creamy filling, and vibrant strawberry flavor, they are a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love. Making these rolls is not just about baking; it’s about creating a memorable experience with family and friends. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the process of making these scrumptious treats that will bring smiles to your table. Happy baking!

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