These Strawberry Cream Cheese Crumble Rolls have completely transformed my weekend breakfast routine! The first time I made them, the aroma of buttery dough and sweet strawberries filled my kitchen, instantly transporting me back to summer mornings at my grandmother’s farmhouse. There’s something magical about the way the tangy cream cheese filling melts into the tender dough while the strawberries release their juicy sweetness. I’ve tested this recipe countless times (my neighbors certainly aren’t complaining!), and I promise these rolls strike the perfect balance between indulgent treat and surprisingly simple preparation. Ready to create your new favorite breakfast tradition?
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Strawberry Cream Cheese Crumble Rolls
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 9–12 rolls
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Strawberry Cream Cheese Crumble Rolls are soft, gooey, and swirled with sweet strawberry jam and tangy cream cheese, topped with a buttery crumble and glaze. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Ingredients
• Dough:
3/4 cup warm milk (110°F)
2 1/4 tsp instant yeast
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup melted butter
1 egg
1/2 tsp salt
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• Filling:
1/2 cup strawberry jam or preserves
6 oz cream cheese, softened
3 tbsp powdered sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• Crumble Topping:
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tbsp cold butter
• Glaze:
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1–2 tbsp milk
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Add melted butter, egg, and salt. Mix in flour gradually to form a soft dough.
3. Knead by hand or mixer for 5–6 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled.
4. In a small bowl, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
5. Punch down dough. Roll into a rectangle (about 9×13 inches).
6. Spread cream cheese mixture, then strawberry jam evenly over dough.
7. Roll up tightly from the long side. Slice into 9–12 rolls and place in a greased 9×13 baking dish.
8. For crumble, mix flour and sugar, then cut in butter with a fork until crumbly. Sprinkle over rolls.
9. Cover and let rise for 30–40 minutes.
10. Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake rolls for 25–28 minutes until golden and cooked through.
11. Whisk glaze ingredients until smooth and drizzle over slightly cooled rolls.
Notes
• Use fresh mashed strawberries in place of jam if preferred.
• Make ahead: Chill unbaked rolls overnight, bring to room temp, then bake.
• Swap vanilla glaze for lemon for a citrus twist!
- Prep Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Cream Cheese Crumble Rolls
Perfect Balance of Flavors and Textures
The magic of these Strawberry Cream Cheese Crumble Rolls lies in their irresistible contrast of textures. The pillowy soft dough provides the perfect canvas for the creamy tang of the cream cheese filling, while fresh strawberries add bursts of juicy sweetness in every bite. The buttery crumble topping delivers that satisfying crunch that makes you close your eyes with each mouthful. What I love most is how the strawberry juices mingle with the cream cheese, creating pockets of jammy goodness that make these rolls utterly unforgettable.
Make-Ahead Convenience for Busy Mornings
As someone who values both sleep and amazing breakfast, I’m thrilled that these Strawberry Cream Cheese Crumble Rolls can be prepped the night before. Simply assemble everything, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature while your oven preheats, and you’re just 25 minutes away from bakery-worthy rolls! The dough actually develops more flavor during its overnight rest, making this not just convenient but a technique that improves the final result. Perfect for impressing weekend guests without sacrificing your morning calm.
Essential Tips & Tricks
Mastering the Perfect Dough
The foundation of exceptional Strawberry Cream Cheese Crumble Rolls begins with properly made dough. For the softest texture, ensure your milk is warmed to 110°F—too hot will kill the yeast, too cool won’t activate it. When kneading, look for the dough to pass the “window pane test”—it should stretch thin enough to see light through without tearing. Don’t rush the rise time! Those bubbles developing create the airy texture we’re after. If your kitchen is cool, create a warm environment by placing the covered dough near a preheating oven or on top of a dryer running a cycle.
Preventing Soggy Bottoms and Filling Leaks
Nobody wants a soggy roll! To prevent this common issue with Strawberry Cream Cheese Crumble Rolls, pat your strawberries completely dry after washing and hulling them. Toss them with a tablespoon of cornstarch to absorb excess moisture during baking. For the cream cheese filling, ensure it’s spread evenly but stops about ½-inch from the edges. When rolling, maintain tension without squeezing too tightly—this prevents the filling from escaping. For extra insurance against leaks, I like to pinch the seam firmly and place rolls seam-side down in the baking dish.
Serving Ideas & Creative Variations
Seasonal Fruit Adaptations
While strawberries create the classic version of these Cream Cheese Crumble Rolls, the recipe beautifully adapts to whatever fruit is in season. In summer, try ripe peaches or blueberries for a delightful twist. Fall calls for diced apples tossed with cinnamon, while winter shines with orange segments and a touch of cardamom. Spring rhubarb paired with strawberries creates a tangy-sweet combination that’s absolutely divine. The key is adjusting the sugar level based on your fruit’s natural sweetness—add a tablespoon more for tart fruits like cranberries or reduce slightly for super-sweet mangoes.
Elevating with Special Toppings
Take your Strawberry Cream Cheese Crumble Rolls to the next level with thoughtfully chosen toppings. A simple vanilla glaze drizzled while the rolls are still warm creates beautiful contrast against the red strawberries. For special occasions, try a cream cheese frosting with a hint of lemon zest that complements the filling perfectly. Toasted sliced almonds or crushed pistachios add wonderful texture and nutty depth. My personal favorite is a sprinkle of turbinado sugar just before baking for extra crunch and a professional bakery finish.
Storage & Troubleshooting Guide
Keeping Rolls Fresh for Days
To maintain the heavenly texture of Strawberry Cream Cheese Crumble Rolls beyond day one, proper storage is essential. Once completely cooled, store unfrosted rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to 5 days, though the texture will become slightly more dense. To revive refrigerated rolls, microwave individually for 15-20 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. If you’ve made a large batch, freeze unfrosted rolls by wrapping individually in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months.
Rescuing Common Baking Mishaps
Even experienced bakers encounter challenges with yeasted recipes like Strawberry Cream Cheese Crumble Rolls. If your dough isn’t rising, check your yeast’s expiration date and ensure your liquid wasn’t too hot. For rolls that spread too much during baking, your butter might have been too warm—next time, chill the assembled rolls for 15 minutes before baking. If the bottom crust turns out soggy, try baking on a lower rack or preheating a baking sheet and placing your pan directly on it. Filling leaking out? Make sure you’re not overfilling and are sealing those edges properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Strawberry Cream Cheese Crumble Rolls with frozen strawberries?
Yes! Thaw frozen strawberries completely, drain thoroughly, and pat dry with paper towels. Toss with an extra tablespoon of cornstarch to absorb excess moisture and prevent soggy rolls.
How do I know when my dough has risen enough?
Properly risen dough should roughly double in size and feel light and puffy. Press it gently with your finger—if the indentation remains, it’s ready. If it springs back completely, it needs more time.
Can I substitute the cream cheese filling?
Absolutely! Mascarpone offers a milder flavor, while Greek yogurt cream cheese provides a tangier, lighter option. For dairy-free versions, several plant-based cream cheese alternatives work well in these rolls.
Why did my Strawberry Cream Cheese Crumble Rolls turn out dense?
Dense rolls usually result from under-proofing, over-flouring, or expired yeast. Ensure your dough doubles during rising, measure flour carefully, and check your yeast’s freshness before starting.
Can I prepare everything the night before?
Yes! Assemble the Strawberry Cream Cheese Crumble Rolls completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking in the morning.
Final Thoughts
These Strawberry Cream Cheese Crumble Rolls have become my signature weekend treat—the recipe friends constantly request and family members drive miles to enjoy. There’s something deeply satisfying about creating something so beautiful from simple ingredients. The contrasting textures of soft dough, creamy filling, juicy strawberries, and crunchy topping create a truly memorable experience. Whether you’re serving them for a special brunch or simply elevating an ordinary morning, these rolls bring joy to the table. Find more delicious breakfast inspiration on Pinterest!