Are you tired of the same boring breakfast pastries that leave you unsatisfied? Imagine biting into a pillowy soft roll filled with creamy, tangy cream cheese and sweet strawberry goodness that melts in your mouth with every bite. These Strawberry Cream Cheese Rolls are the perfect solution to your breakfast blues!
Hi, I’m Emma, the heart behind GusRecipes, and I’ve spent years perfecting these heavenly strawberry cream cheese rolls. My family gathers around the kitchen every Sunday morning in anticipation as the sweet aroma fills our home. What started as a weekend treat has become our most requested breakfast tradition, and now I’m sharing it with you!
In this guide, you’ll discover how to create these irresistible treats with my foolproof recipe, including tips for selecting the best ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and creative variations to suit your taste. Let’s transform your breakfast experience together!
Why These Strawberry Cream Cheese Rolls Work Magic
These strawberry cream cheese rolls aren’t just delicious they’re practically foolproof and versatile enough for any occasion:
- Uses simple, affordable ingredients you likely already have
- Prep time of just 25 minutes (plus rising time) for maximum convenience
- Perfect for breakfast, brunch gatherings, or indulgent afternoon treats
- Balance of sweet strawberry and tangy cream cheese creates irresistible flavor harmony
- Make-ahead friendly for busy mornings
Choosing the Right Ingredients for Strawberry Cream Cheese Rolls
Best Strawberries for Your Rolls
For the most flavorful strawberry cream cheese rolls, select bright red, fragrant strawberries that give slightly when pressed. During peak season (spring and early summer), fresh berries provide the best flavor, but high-quality frozen strawberries work wonderfully year-round—just thaw and drain excess moisture before using.
Cream Cheese Selection Tips
Opt for full-fat cream cheese for your strawberry cream cheese rolls—it creates the creamiest, most luxurious texture. Always bring it to room temperature before mixing to prevent lumps. For a lighter version, Neufchâtel cheese makes a great substitute with 1/3 less fat while maintaining that tangy creaminess.
Flour Fundamentals
All-purpose flour works perfectly for these strawberry cream cheese rolls, creating just the right texture. For extra softness, substitute up to 25% of your flour with bread flour. Always measure flour correctly by spooning into measuring cups and leveling off—never pack it down.
Ingredients & Prep for Strawberry Cream Cheese Rolls
Dough Essentials
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Strawberry Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, diced small
- 2 tablespoons strawberry jam for enhanced flavor
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (to prevent sogginess)
Sweet Glaze Topping
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 1 tablespoon finely diced strawberries for color

Step-by-Step Strawberry Cream Cheese Rolls Instructions
Pre-Cooking Prep for Strawberry Cream Cheese Rolls
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together warm milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla.
- Gradually add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled.
Filling and Shaping Strawberry Cream Cheese Rolls
- Mix softened cream cheese with sugar and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
- Toss diced strawberries with cornstarch and jam.
- On a floured surface, roll dough into a 16×20-inch rectangle.
- Spread cream cheese mixture evenly across the dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
- Distribute strawberry mixture over the cream cheese layer.
- Starting with the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log.
- Cut into 12 equal slices using dental floss or a sharp knife.
- Arrange rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Baking Your Strawberry Cream Cheese Rolls
- Cover rolls with a kitchen towel and let rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat oven to 350°F while rolls are rising.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before adding glaze.
Finishing Touches
- Whisk together powdered sugar, cream, and vanilla until smooth.
- Drizzle glaze over warm rolls.
- Sprinkle with additional fresh strawberry pieces if desired.
- Serve warm for the ultimate experience!
Pro Tips for Perfect Strawberry Cream Cheese Rolls
Avoiding Common Pitfalls in Strawberry Cream Cheese Rolls
- Too much filling can cause leakage spread thinly and evenly.
- Pat strawberries dry after washing to prevent soggy rolls.
- If dough is too sticky, add flour 1 tablespoon at a time.
- For clean cuts, refrigerate the roll for 15 minutes before slicing.
Tool Recommendations for Strawberry Cream Cheese Rolls
- Stand mixer with dough hook saves time and energy during kneading
- Silicone pastry mat with measurements ensures perfect rectangle size
- Unflavored dental floss creates clean slices without squishing the rolls
- Digital kitchen thermometer confirms proper milk temperature for yeast activation
Storage & Reheating Strawberry Cream Cheese Rolls
- Store cooled rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days
- Refrigerate for up to 5 days (warm before serving for best texture)
- Freeze unbaked rolls for up to 1 month thaw overnight in refrigerator before baking
- Microwave individual rolls for 15-20 seconds to restore freshness
Looking for more delicious breakfast inspiration? Check out my Pinterest page for hundreds of mouthwatering recipes that will transform your morning routine!
Flavor Variations for Strawberry Cream Cheese Rolls
Fruity Twists for Strawberry Cream Cheese Rolls
- Blueberry Lemon: Replace strawberries with blueberries and add lemon zest to filling
- Mixed Berry: Use a combination of strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries
- Strawberry Chocolate: Add mini chocolate chips to the strawberry filling for a decadent treat
Dietary Adaptations for Strawberry Cream Cheese Rolls
- Gluten-Free: Substitute a quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
- Dairy-Free: Use plant-based cream cheese and coconut milk
- Lower Sugar: Reduce sugar and use naturally sweet ripe berries
Seasonal Inspiration for Strawberry Cream Cheese Rolls
| Season | Flavor Variation | Special Ingredient |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Strawberry Rhubarb | Add 1/2 cup diced rhubarb to filling |
| Summer | Strawberry Basil | Add 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil to filling |
| Fall | Strawberry Apple Cinnamon | Add diced apples and extra cinnamon |
| Winter | Strawberry Orange | Add orange zest and a touch of nutmeg |
Serving Suggestions for Strawberry Cream Cheese Rolls
These strawberry cream cheese rolls pair beautifully with:
- Fresh fruit salad with mint for a balanced breakfast
- Crispy bacon for a sweet and savory combination
- Greek yogurt with honey for added protein
- Hot coffee or tea the slight bitterness complements the sweetness perfectly
- Chilled mimosas for special brunch occasions
For a complete breakfast spread, serve these rolls alongside a savory egg casserole and fresh fruit platter for a meal your guests will rave about.

FAQs About Strawberry Cream Cheese Rolls
Can I make strawberry cream cheese rolls ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the rolls up to the point of cutting and placing in the baking dish, then cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
Why did my strawberry filling leak out during baking?
This usually happens when the filling is too wet. Make sure to pat strawberries dry and mix with cornstarch to absorb excess moisture. Also, leave a 1-inch border around the edges when spreading the filling.
Can I use frozen strawberries for these rolls?
Absolutely! Thaw completely and drain excess liquid first. You may want to add an extra 1/2 tablespoon of cornstarch to compensate for additional moisture.
My dough isn’t rising. What went wrong?
Check your yeast’s expiration date, and ensure your milk wasn’t too hot (which kills yeast) or too cool (which won’t activate it). The ideal temperature is 105-110°F. Also, place dough in a warm, draft-free area for rising.
How do I know when the rolls are fully baked?
The tops should be golden brown, and an internal temperature of 190°F indicates they’re done. If browning too quickly, loosely cover with foil for the remainder of baking time.
Your New Breakfast Tradition Awaits!
These strawberry cream cheese rolls are more than just a recipe they’re an experience that brings joy to any morning. The combination of pillowy soft dough, tangy cream cheese, and sweet strawberries creates an irresistible treat that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Don’t be surprised if these rolls become your new weekend tradition! The effort is well worth the smiles they’ll bring to your table. Share your creations with me on social media I love seeing how these recipes become part of your family’s special moments.
Ready for more delicious breakfast inspiration? Try these family favorites next!
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Strawberry Cream Cheese Rolls: 5 Heavenly Bites You’ll Love
- Total Time: 1 hr 50 mins (includes rising time)
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, pillowy rolls filled with creamy sweetened cream cheese and fresh strawberry filling, then drizzled with vanilla glaze. Perfect for brunch, dessert, or a special breakfast treat.
Ingredients
Dough:
3/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
Filling:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups diced fresh strawberries (or strawberry jam)
Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp milk
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1. In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine remaining sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt. Add the yeast mixture.
3. Gradually stir in flour until a soft dough forms. Knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1 hour).
5. In a separate bowl, mix softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
6. Once dough has risen, roll it out into a 10×14-inch rectangle.
7. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough, then top with diced strawberries or jam.
8. Roll up tightly from the long side and cut into 12 equal slices.
9. Place rolls in a greased 9×13-inch pan. Cover and let rise again for 30–40 minutes.
10. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.
11. Whisk together glaze ingredients and drizzle over warm rolls before serving.
Notes
You can use strawberry preserves instead of fresh fruit for less moisture.
Add lemon zest to the glaze for a bright citrus twist.
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days — reheat gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 25 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: strawberry cream cheese rolls, sweet rolls, strawberry breakfast rolls, cream cheese pastry, strawberry dessert
