🍓Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls 🍓
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Filling:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg yolk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup strawberry jam or preserves
Fresh strawberries, finely chopped (optional, for extra flavor)
For the Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pink food coloring (optional, for aesthetic appeal)
Instructions:
Prepare the Dough:
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add the warm milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead on a lightly floured surface for about 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Make the Filling:
In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
Assemble the Rolls:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle approximately 12x16 inches. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Drizzle the strawberry jam over the cream cheese layer and sprinkle with chopped fresh strawberries, if using.
Roll and Cut:
Starting from one of the long sides, tightly roll the dough into a log. Use a sharp knife to slice the log into 12 equal pieces. Place the rolls cut-side up in a greased baking pan, leaving some space between each roll for expansion.
Second Rise and Bake:
Cover the rolls with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
Glaze and Serve:
While the rolls cool slightly, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a drop of pink food coloring (if desired) to create the glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls and serve immediately.