Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls

1. Preparing the Dough:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes foamy.
2. Add the melted butter, salt, and eggs to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine.
3. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms.
4. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

2. Preparing the Filling:

1. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together.
2. In another bowl, toss the chopped strawberries with cornstarch. This will help thicken the juice released by the strawberries during baking.

3. Preparing the Cheesecake Layer:

1. In a medium mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

4. Assembling the Rolls:

1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle (about 16×12 inches).
2. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough.
3. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the butter.
4. Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the cinnamon sugar layer, spreading it evenly.
5. Scatter the chopped strawberries over the cream cheese layer.
6. Starting from one of the long edges, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it.
7. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 12 equal pieces.

5. Baking the Rolls:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Place the rolls cut-side down in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Cover the dish with a towel and let the rolls rise for another 20-30 minutes.
4. Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the centers are cooked through.
5. Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly while you prepare the glaze.

6. Preparing the Glaze:

1. In a medium mixing bowl, beat together the powdered sugar, cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract.
2. Gradually add the milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the glaze reaches your desired consistency.

7. Glazing the Rolls:

1. Pour the glaze over the warm cinnamon rolls, spreading it to cover the tops evenly.
2. Allow the rolls to cool slightly, letting the glaze seep into the layers.

8. Serving:

1. Serve the Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls warm, allowing each bite to reveal the rich layers of sweet cinnamon, tangy cream cheese, and juicy strawberries.
2. Pair with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk for the ultimate treat.

Tips for the Perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature before using them to create a smooth and creamy texture.
• Don’t Overwork the Dough: Knead the dough just until it’s smooth and elastic. Overworking can result in tough rolls.
• Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh strawberries work best in this recipe, but if using frozen, make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture.
• Glaze Adjustments: If you prefer a thicker glaze, reduce the amount of milk. For a lighter drizzle, add a bit more milk.

These Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls are an indulgent and decadent twist on a breakfast classic. The combination of sweet cinnamon, rich cheesecake, and fresh strawberries will make these rolls a favorite at any gathering or a special treat for your loved ones. Enjoy the warm, gooey goodness with every bite!