Homemade Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls
Let me tell you, there’s something truly magical about walking into a kitchen that smells like fresh-baked rolls! One whiff of these Homemade Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls, and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a cozy bakery filled with the sweet aroma of strawberries and cream cheese. I especially love making these for weekend brunch when friends come over – it’s like having a little party with each fluffy, sweet morsel.
I first stumbled upon a version of this recipe when I was attempting to impress my best friend for her birthday brunch. Little did I know that my kitchen would turn into a floury battleground with dough flying everywhere. But once those rolls popped out of the oven, I was a hero! The mixture of cheesy creaminess, sweet strawberry goodness, and soft dough created a sweet symphony that we devoured in seconds. And let’s not forget about that moment when I dusted them with powdered sugar – sheer perfection!
What’s in Homemade Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls?
– 4 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of our dough! You can use unbleached flour too for a slightly different taste.
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar: This adds just the right amount of sweetness to the dough. Make sure you use a fine granulated sugar.
– 1 tsp salt: A must for balancing the sweet flavors!
– 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet): The magical ingredient that makes our rolls fluffy and light – don’t skimp on this one!
– 1/2 cup milk, warmed (about 110°F): Warm milk helps activate the yeast. Just be careful not to overheat it!
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness to the dough. Go for a high-quality butter if you can – it makes all the difference!
– 2 large eggs: These help bind everything together and add to that lovely texture.
– 1 tsp vanilla extract: The secret ingredient that adds a hint of warmth and flavor.
For the Cream Cheese Swirl:
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened: The star of the filling. Make sure it’s softened to avoid lumps!
– 1/4 cup powdered sugar: Because who doesn’t love a little extra sweetness?
– 1 tsp vanilla extract: It enhances the flavor of our cream cheese – yum!
And for the Strawberry Compote:
– 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced: The fresher, the better! They add vibrant color and taste.
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Helps draw out the juices in our strawberries.
– 1 tbsp lemon juice: A splash of acidity to brighten everything up.
Lastly, for the Topping:
– Additional powdered sugar: Because who can resist a sweet dusting right before serving?
Is Homemade Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls Good for You?
Now, let’s chat health, because I know some of you might be wondering if there’s any good to be found in this sweet treat. These rolls contain a good amount of fresh strawberries, which are rich in vitamins and antioxidants – so there’s that little nutritional bonus! And the cream cheese provides some calcium and protein, too.
However, let’s be honest – they are still a sweet treat, loaded with sugar and carbs. If you’re watching your sugar intake or are on a strict diet, these rolls are best enjoyed in moderation. Perhaps save them for a special occasion – trust me, you won’t want to resist that gooey, strawberry-infused goodness.
Ingredients List
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tsp salt
– 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
– 1/2 cup milk, warmed (about 110°F)
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Swirl:
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup powdered sugar
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Compote:
– 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tbsp lemon juice
For the Topping:
– Additional powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
How to Make Homemade Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls?
1. **Prepare the Dough**: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. In another bowl, mix the warmed milk and yeast, allowing it to sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy. Magic starts to happen here!
2. **Mix Dough Ingredients**: Add the butter, eggs, and vanilla to the yeast mixture, then combine it with the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms. Get your hands ready because the next step is kneading!
3. **Let the Dough Rise**: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size. Feel free to scroll through Instagram or binge-watch a show while you wait – I won’t judge!
4. **Make the Cream Cheese Filling**: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Set aside that delightful concoction.
5. **Prepare the Strawberry Compote**: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook for about 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries release their juices and the mixture thickens slightly. Let it cool – if you can resist a taste!
6. **Roll the Dough**: Once the dough has risen, punch it down (yes, really!) and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle (about 1/4 inch thick).
7. **Spread the Fillings**: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small margin around the edges. Drizzle half of the cooled strawberry compote over the cream cheese. Your kitchen is about to smell incredible!
8. **Roll and Cut the Dough**: Starting from one long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased baking dish.
9. **Second Rise**: Cover the rolls with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes. Pop a movie on while they puff up, and get ready for the deliciousness.
10. **Bake**: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until lightly golden on top. The anticipation will be worth it!
11. **Top with Strawberry Compote**: Once baked, let the rolls cool slightly, then drizzle the remaining strawberry compote over the top. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar before serving. Don’t forget to take that Instagram pic!
Take Your Rolls to the Next Level
Serve these rolls warm for a delightful experience. They pair perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea, making them a fantastic brunch treat! You can also experiment with the filling – try using blueberries or raspberries if you’re feeling adventurous, or switch up the cream cheese with flavored varieties like strawberry or vanilla.
I truly encourage you to give these Homemade Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls a whirl! They’re a hug in pastry form, sure to impress anyone who bites into that lovely combination of cream, strawberries, and soft dough. After you make them, I’d love to hear how your experience went. Did they turn out as delicious as I promise? Share your stories with me – I can’t wait to see how it all unfolds for you! Happy baking!
