If you adore the cozy warmth of cinnamon rolls but crave a fresh, fruity twist that feels like a burst of spring in every bite, this Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Imagine soft, fluffy dough rolled up with a luscious cinnamon and brown sugar filling, perfectly complemented by juicy strawberries and a tangy cream cheese glaze that ties it all together. This recipe isn’t just about sweets; it’s about sharing comfort, sunshine, and a touch of homemade magic with everyone around your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is simple yet crucial, coming together to create that irresistible balance of fluffy, sweet, and tart. Each element plays a vital role in ensuring the rolls rise perfectly, taste decadent, and look inviting enough to impress any crowd.
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base for the dough, providing structure and that soft, pillowy texture you love in rolls.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds subtle sweetness that balances the cinnamon and strawberries.
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast: The magic starter that makes the dough rise beautifully fluffy and tender.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
- 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed: Helps activate the yeast and enriches the dough for softness.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and moisture, crucial for melt-in-your-mouth rolls.
- 2 large eggs: Provide structure while keeping the dough tender and rich.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Used in the filling to blend with the cinnamon and brown sugar.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed: Gives the filling a deep, caramel-like sweetness.
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon: The heart of the roll’s classic flavor, warming every bite.
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped: Brings juicy bursts of freshness and a pop of color right inside the spirals.
- 1/2 cup strawberry jam or preserves: Enhances the strawberry flavor and keeps rolls delightfully moist.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened: The star of the glaze, adding creamy tanginess that balances sweetness.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the glaze to a perfect finish.
- 1/4 cup heavy cream: Gives the glaze a luscious, pourable consistency.
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the glaze’s flavor.
How to Make Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by combining warm milk and yeast in a large bowl, letting it sit until foamy—this means your yeast is alive and ready. Then, whisk in sugar, melted butter, salt, and eggs before gradually adding flour. Knead this lovely dough until it’s smooth and elastic, which usually takes about 8 minutes. Let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size—this patience pays off with perfect fluffiness.
Step 2: Making the Filling
While the dough rises, mix together softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until creamy and fragrant. Once ready, gently fold in the finely chopped strawberries and swirl in the strawberry jam, ensuring each bite of these rolls will be a delightful blend of sweet cinnamon spice and fresh strawberry tang.
Step 3: Roll and Fill
On a floured surface, roll the dough out to a large rectangle—thin enough to roll tightly but thick enough to hold the luscious filling. Spread the strawberry cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, then roll it up tightly from the long side, sealing the edge carefully to keep all that goodness inside. Slice the roll into 12 even pieces for that perfect serving size.
Step 4: Let the Rolls Rise Again
Place your sliced rolls into a greased baking dish, spaced slightly apart to give room for a final rise. Cover them loosely and let them puff up until nearly doubled in size again—this final proofing step ensures softness that’s nothing short of heavenly once baked.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop the rolls into a preheated oven at 350°F and bake for about 25-30 minutes, until golden brown and irresistible. The smell alone will have everyone in the kitchen eagerly waiting for the first bite.
Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze
While the rolls bake, whip together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until silky smooth and creamy. This glaze is what transforms these cinnamon rolls from delightful to downright unforgettable.
Step 7: Glaze and Enjoy
Once the rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled, generously spread the cream cheese glaze over each one, letting it melt into every crevice. Serve warm for that comforting, gooey indulgence that defines the ultimate cinnamon roll experience.
How to Serve Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
For a fun and fresh presentation, add a few sliced strawberries or a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top of the glazed rolls. A mint leaf or two can also brighten the look and add a hint of herbal freshness that complements the strawberry perfectly.
Side Dishes
Serve these cinnamon rolls alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a tall glass of cold milk to balance the sweetness. A simple fruit salad with citrus notes can add refreshing contrast, making your breakfast or brunch spread a total crowd-pleaser.
Creative Ways to Present
Try pulling apart the rolls for a share-friendly dish at gatherings, or assemble them in individual ramekins for a fun single-serving approach. You can even drizzle additional strawberry sauce over the top to amp up the fruity factor and wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with any leftover Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps the rolls soft and the glaze fresh without drying out.
Freezing
These rolls freeze beautifully either baked or unbaked. For baked rolls, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. For unbaked rolls, cover the wrapped dish well and freeze; thaw in the fridge overnight before allowing the rolls to rise and bake fresh.
Reheating
Warm leftover rolls in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 10 minutes to bring back that fresh-baked softness and melty glaze feeling. You might want to add a touch more glaze on top before serving to refresh the flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
While fresh strawberries are ideal for that bright texture and flavor, you can use frozen if you thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture that could sog the filling.
How do I know if the yeast is still active?
When mixed with warm milk and a little sugar, the yeast should bubble and foam after about 5-10 minutes—this foam signals that it’s active and ready to make your dough rise beautifully.
Can I make the rolls vegan?
Absolutely! Swap out the milk for plant-based alternatives, use vegan butter, and replace eggs with a flax egg or commercial egg replacer. The filling and glaze can also be adapted using vegan cream cheese and non-dairy milk.
What’s the best way to chop strawberries for the filling?
Finely chop them into small pieces so they evenly distribute throughout the cinnamon sugar filling. This ensures you get fruity bursts without large chunks that might disrupt the roll’s texture.
Can I add nuts to the filling?
Yes! Toasted pecans or walnuts add a lovely crunch and complement the strawberry cinnamon flavors. Just sprinkle them evenly over the filling before rolling up the dough.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is such a joyful way to elevate a classic favorite into something fresh, sweet, and utterly memorable. Whether for a weekend morning treat or a special occasion, I truly believe once you try these rolls, they’ll become a beloved staple in your baking rotation. So grab those ingredients and get ready to bake some happiness into every swirl!
Print
Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls combine the classic warmth of cinnamon rolls with a fresh strawberry twist, perfect for a delightful breakfast or brunch. Soft, fluffy dough is layered with cinnamon sugar, fresh strawberries, and strawberry jam, then topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze infused with vanilla and a hint of heavy cream, creating an irresistible sweet treat.
Ingredients
Dough
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
Filling
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup strawberry jam or preserves
Glaze
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Warm the whole milk until lukewarm and add it to the dry ingredients along with melted butter and eggs. Mix until a soft dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
- Make the Filling: In a bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until well blended. Stir in the finely chopped fresh strawberries gently. This mixture will provide a sweet and fruity filling for the rolls.
- Assemble the Rolls: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle approximately 16×12 inches. Spread the strawberry jam evenly over the dough, then spread the cinnamon-sugar-strawberry filling evenly over the jam. Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log and cut into 12 equal pieces.
- Second Rise: Place the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, leaving some space between them. Cover with a cloth and let rise for an additional 30-45 minutes, or until puffy.
- Bake the Rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls in the center of the oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before glazing.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract, beating until the glaze is smooth and creamy.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the cream cheese glaze generously over the warm cinnamon rolls. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- The milk should be warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly.
- Use fresh strawberries for a vibrant flavor and texture in the filling.
- Allow enough time for both rises to ensure fluffy, soft rolls.
- For a stronger strawberry flavor, use strawberry preserves with small chunks of fruit.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently before serving.
