Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls (Printable version)

Soft rolls swirled with cheesecake and fresh strawberries

# What you need:

→ Dough

01 - 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
04 - 1/2 tsp salt
05 - 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
06 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
07 - 1 large egg

→ Cheesecake Filling

08 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
09 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
10 - 1 tsp vanilla extract

→ Strawberry Layer

11 - 1 1/2 cups diced fresh strawberries
12 - 2 tbsp granulated sugar
13 - 2 tsp cornstarch
14 - 1 tbsp lemon juice

→ Glaze

15 - 1 cup powdered sugar
16 - 2 tbsp milk
17 - 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

# How to make it:

01 - Combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl. Let stand for 5 minutes until foamy. Stir in melted butter, egg, and salt. Gradually incorporate flour until a soft dough forms. Knead for 8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Transfer to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour until doubled.
02 - Combine strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens to jam consistency, 6-8 minutes. Remove from heat and cool completely before using.
03 - Beat softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract with electric mixer until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Set aside until ready to assemble.
04 - Punch down risen dough and roll into a 16x12 inch rectangle on floured surface. Spread cheesecake filling evenly, leaving 1/2-inch border. Top with cooled strawberry mixture. Roll tightly from long edge to form log. Cut into 12 equal pieces.
05 - Place rolls cut-side up in greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake for 22-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Cool slightly before glazing.
06 - Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle generously over warm rolls. Serve immediately or store refrigerated.

# Expert tips:

01 -
  • The combination of warm, pillowy dough and cool, creamy cheesecake filling is absolute heaven
  • They bake up golden and gorgeous, making everyone think you spent hours in the kitchen
  • The strawberry layer adds this bright, fresh note that cuts through all the richness perfectly
02 -
  • The strawberry layer MUST be completely cool before spreading, or it'll melt your filling and make a total mess
  • Don't be tempted to skip the second rise, or your rolls will be dense instead of fluffy
  • Use unflavored dental floss or a sharp knife to cut clean slices without squishing the dough
03 -
  • If the dough feels too sticky while rolling, dust your work surface with flour rather than adding more to the dough
  • The glaze should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but thin enough to drizzle beautifully

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