There’s just something downright magical about Strawberry Cream Cheese Rolls. Imagine pillowy-soft homemade dough, swirled generously with rich vanilla-kissed cream cheese and bursts of sweet strawberry jam, all finished with a dreamy drizzle of sugary glaze. Whether you’re baking for a relaxed weekend brunch, a celebratory breakfast, or simply to indulge a craving for bakery-worthy treats, these rolls deliver flavor, comfort, and a pop of color that brightens any table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every delicious swirl in Strawberry Cream Cheese Rolls starts with simple pantry staples that come together for an irresistible harmony of flavors and textures. Let’s peek at what makes each ingredient shine in this recipe.
- Warm Milk: Helps activate the yeast and gives the dough tenderness and extra moisture.
- Active Dry Yeast: The leavening magic behind those fluffy, bakery-style rolls.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and encourages the yeast to bubble and grow.
- Egg: Binds the dough and brings extra richness to every bite.
- Unsalted Butter, Melted: Brings decadence and softness to the dough for that melt-in-your-mouth result.
- Salt: Just a touch elevates every other flavor in the mix.
- All-Purpose Flour: The key structure for our rolls; add gradually for perfect pillowy texture.
- Cream Cheese, Softened: The star of the filling; makes each bite creamy and tangy.
- Vanilla Extract: Heightens sweetness and rounds out the filling with cozy aroma.
- Strawberry Jam or Preserves: The signature fruity burst—choose your favorite for homemade flair.
- Powdered Sugar: Essential for that classic sweet glaze on top.
- Milk (for Glaze): Turns powdered sugar into a luscious, pourable finish.
How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Rolls
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Pour your warm milk into a large mixing bowl and sprinkle the active dry yeast over the surface. Let it sit undisturbed for around five minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when you see a creamy foam forming across the top—a sure sign your yeast is alive and set to make those Strawberry Cream Cheese Rolls beautifully fluffy.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Add the granulated sugar, egg, melted unsalted butter, and salt to the foamy yeast mixture. Give it all a good stir, ensuring everything is dissolved and well combined. This step is where the richness and subtle sweetness begin to layer into your dough.
Step 3: Form the Dough
Gradually start adding the all-purpose flour, about one cup at a time. You want the dough to become soft, just a little tacky but not sticky. Once it pulls away cleanly from the bowl, transfer it to a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes. The dough will soon turn wonderfully smooth and elastic—your hands will feel when it’s ready.
Step 4: First Rise
Place your kneaded dough into a greased bowl, turning it once to coat. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and set it in a warm spot in your kitchen. Allow it to rise for about 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until it’s doubled in size. As it grows, it develops the soft, bakery-style texture that defines great Strawberry Cream Cheese Rolls.
Step 5: Prepare the Filling
While your dough’s working its magic, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl. The mixture should be creamy and spreadable—don’t be shy about sampling a small spoonful to check for sweetness!
Step 6: Shape and Fill the Dough
When the dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to a big rectangle, roughly 12×18 inches. Evenly spread the luscious cream cheese filling, leaving just a small border around the edges. Next, drop spoonfuls of strawberry jam over the cream cheese and swirl lightly for a marbled effect—this is where the Strawberry Cream Cheese Rolls start looking irresistible.
Step 7: Roll, Slice, and Second Rise
Starting from one long side, carefully roll the dough up tightly, cinnamon roll style. Slice the roll into 12 even pieces, about 1 ½ inches thick, and arrange them in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover again and let them rise for a relaxed 30 to 45 minutes, until puffy and touching. This stage ensures beautifully risen rolls every time.
Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slide the pan into the oven and bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes, until the tops are golden and your kitchen fills with the scent of strawberries and warm bread. Watch the edges—they should be lightly browned but not dry.
Step 9: Make the Glaze
While the Strawberry Cream Cheese Rolls cool slightly, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until you have a smooth, pourable icing. Adjust the thickness to your liking—the glaze should ribbon beautifully over each roll.
Step 10: Glaze, Serve, and Savor
Drizzle the sweet glaze generously over the still-warm rolls. It’ll seep into every swirl and make for an irresistible finish. Serve warm for the ultimate comfort and joy in every bite!
How to Serve Strawberry Cream Cheese Rolls
Garnishes
For a special finishing touch, scatter a few fresh strawberry slices or a sprinkle of powdered sugar over the warm rolls. A handful of chopped toasted almonds also adds a little crunch and an elegant look, making these Strawberry Cream Cheese Rolls worthy of any occasion.
Side Dishes
These rolls pair perfectly with a light fruit salad or a bowl of juicy berries—the freshness balances the richness of the filling. If you’re serving for brunch, offer crisp bacon, scrambled eggs, or a fragrant cup of coffee or tea to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the rolls on a pretty cake stand for a bakery-style display, or serve them individually in parchment muffin liners for an easy, elegant brunch spread. For a playful twist, cut the rolls smaller and stack them like sticky buns for a shareable breakfast bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any Strawberry Cream Cheese Rolls left (though that’s rarely the case!) can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or in the fridge for up to a week. They’ll stay surprisingly soft and flavorful, making them the best kind of treat to sneak for breakfast or a snack.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze these rolls! After baking and cooling, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Store in the freezer for up to two months. For best results, freeze unglazed and add the fresh glaze after reheating.
Reheating
To restore that fresh-baked warmth, reheat Strawberry Cream Cheese Rolls in the microwave for 15-20 seconds each, or cover the pan with foil and warm in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. If you made them ahead, a little extra glaze will freshen them right up!
FAQs
Can I use homemade strawberry jam for these rolls?
Absolutely! Homemade jam brings a unique, pure fruit flavor and lets you control the sweetness. Just make sure your jam isn’t too runny, so it doesn’t ooze out during rolling.
Can I make the dough the night before?
Yes! After shaping the rolls and placing them in the baking dish, cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature and rise a bit before baking as directed.
What if I don’t have a stand mixer?
No worries—this dough is easy to work by hand! Use a sturdy spoon to mix until it gets too tough to stir, then knead on a floured surface just as described. You’ll get a little workout and perfectly fluffy rolls.
Can I substitute another fruit jam?
Definitely! Raspberry or blueberry jam would be delicious, or even a combination for a berry twist. Just make sure to use thick preserves for best results.
Why did my dough not rise?
The most common reason is inactive yeast, often due to milk that’s too hot or too cold. Be sure your milk is just warm, not hot, and always check that your yeast is fresh and bubbly after five minutes before proceeding.
Final Thoughts
Now you have everything you need to whip up a batch of Strawberry Cream Cheese Rolls that’ll dazzle friends and family alike. I hope you give this recipe a try—your kitchen will smell amazing, and each bite will be a pure delight. Happy baking!