Cheesecake rolls are an irresistible twist on the classic cheesecake, combining the rich and creamy flavors of cheesecake with a fluffy, golden pastry. Perfect for brunches, parties, or simply a treat to satisfy your sweet cravings, these rolls are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.
Imagine the aroma of freshly baked rolls wafting through your kitchen, paired with the creamy, sweet taste of cheesecake filling that melts in your mouth. Let’s dive into how to make these delightful cheesecake rolls that are sure to impress your friends and family.
Ingredients Needed
To get started, gather the following ingredients:
- 2/3 cup of heavy cream (preferably refrigerated): This adds a luxurious richness to your dough, ensuring a tender and moist texture.
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 cup of milk (whole, 1%, or 2%, at room temperature): The milk provides moisture and a slight sweetness, helping the dough rise beautifully.
- 1 large egg (room temperature): The egg contributes to the dough’s structure and adds a slight richness.
- 1/4 cup of sugar: Sweetens the dough and enhances the flavors.
- 4 cups of all-purpose flour (or 3 1/2 cups of bread flour plus 1/2 cup of cake flour for an alternate recipe): Provides the foundation for the dough, ensuring it’s fluffy yet sturdy enough to hold the cheesecake filling.
- 1 tablespoon of active dry yeast (or quick yeast): This is essential for the dough to rise and become light and airy.
- 1 1/2 tablespoons of salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the rolls.
For the finishing touches:
- 1 egg beaten with 1 teaspoon of water: This egg wash gives the rolls a beautiful golden color when baked.
- 1 tablespoon of sugar dissolved in 1 tablespoon of hot water: A simple syrup that adds a sweet and shiny finish to the rolls.
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Dough
Start by preparing the dough, which is the base for your cheesecake rolls:
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook attachment, combine the heavy cream, milk, egg, sugar, flour (all-purpose or a mix of bread and cake flour), yeast, and salt. It’s important to add the ingredients in this order to ensure even mixing.
- Set the mixer to “stir” and knead the dough on low speed for about 15 minutes. Pause occasionally to gather the dough and ensure everything is well combined.
- If the dough sticks to the sides of the bowl, gradually add more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough releases from the sides but still adheres to the bottom. If kneading by hand, you may need to extend the kneading time by 5-10 minutes to achieve the right consistency.
Step 2: First Rise
Once the dough is kneaded, it’s time for the first rise:
- Cover the dough with a damp cloth and place it in a warm area to rise until it has doubled in size, which typically takes about 1-2 hours. For a creative hack, use a microwave-safe cup of water that has just been boiled to create a warm, humid environment to help the dough rise effectively.
- While the dough is rising, prepare your baking pans. Butter two pans thoroughly, ensuring all sides are coated. You can use two 9-inch round pans, one loaf pan and one round pan, or two standard loaf pans, depending on your preference.
Step 3: Shaping the Dough
Once the dough has doubled in size, it’s time to shape it into rolls:
- Return the dough to the mixer and stir for another 5 minutes to remove any air bubbles.
- Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and divide it in half. Shape each half into a rough rectangle, then cut each half into three equal pieces for rolls or into smaller pieces for buns.
- For rolls, place each piece into the prepared baking pans, ensuring they are evenly spaced. If making buns, roll each piece into a ball or shape it into a rope and twist it into a bun shape.
- Cover the shaped dough and let it proof for an additional hour, allowing it to rise again before baking.
Step 4: Baking the Rolls
The final step is to bake the rolls to perfection:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and position the oven rack in the middle.
- Brush the top of the risen dough with the egg wash, which will give the rolls a beautiful golden color as they bake.
- Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 23-25 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and the rolls sound hollow when tapped.
- Once baked, remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly before brushing them with the simple syrup. This adds a sweet and shiny finish, making the rolls even more irresistible.
Conclusion :
Cheesecake rolls are a delightful fusion of classic cheesecake and freshly baked bread, offering a unique and delicious treat that can be enjoyed any time of day. With their golden-brown exterior and creamy, sweet interior, they’re perfect for any occasion, from breakfast to dessert. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, this recipe is accessible and rewarding, bringing the rich flavors of cheesecake to your table in a new and exciting way. Try this recipe, and let the joy of baking and sharing homemade treats bring smiles to those around you. Enjoy your freshly baked cheesecake rolls with a cup of coffee or tea, or serve them at your next gathering for a sweet treat that everyone will love.
Source of the picture : Barbara O’Neill Lectures
