Introduction

Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on the classic cinnamon roll, featuring a sweet and tangy strawberry filling swirled into soft, fluffy dough. These rolls are topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze that perfectly complements the fruity and spiced flavors, making each bite a delicious experience.

I first made these rolls when I was looking to add a special touch to a weekend brunch, and they quickly became a favorite. The combination of the warm, gooey cinnamon filling with the bright strawberry flavor is simply irresistible. The cream cheese glaze adds a rich, tangy sweetness that takes these rolls to the next level.

Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion or just want to treat yourself to something extra sweet, these strawberry cinnamon rolls are sure to impress. They bring together the best of both worlds—comforting cinnamon rolls with a burst of fresh strawberry goodness, making them a perfect indulgence for any time of day.

Perfect for:

• Weekend brunches
• Holiday mornings
• Special celebrations
• Afternoon treats
• Strawberry and cinnamon lovers

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls

Here’s why Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls will become your new favorite:

• Soft and Fluffy Texture: The enriched dough creates tender and pillowy rolls that melt in your mouth.
• Sweet and Tangy Filling: The strawberry filling adds a fruity sweetness that perfectly balances the warmth of the cinnamon.
• Cream Cheese Glaze: The tangy cream cheese glaze adds richness and takes these rolls to the next level.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: These rolls can be prepared the night before and baked fresh in the morning.
• Beautiful Presentation: The bright pink swirls from the strawberry filling make these rolls as gorgeous as they are delicious.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (includes rise time)
• Preparation Time: 25 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
• Servings: 12 rolls
• Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 6g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 12g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls:

Dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F/45°C)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg

Strawberry Filling:

• 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen strawberries, chopped
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Cream Cheese Glaze:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 tablespoons milk (to thin, if needed)

Ingredient Highlights

• Fresh Strawberries: Provide a natural, tangy sweetness and vibrant color to the filling.
• Cinnamon: Adds warmth and complements the strawberry flavor beautifully.
• Active Dry Yeast: Ensures the dough rises perfectly, giving the rolls their signature fluffy texture.
• Cream Cheese Glaze: Balances the sweetness with a tangy finish, making the rolls indulgent and irresistible.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls:

Prepare the Dough:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and granulated sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2. Mix the Dough Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, softened butter, and egg. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5-7 minutes.
4. Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Prepare the Strawberry Filling:

5. Cook the Filling: In a medium saucepan, combine the strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and cinnamon. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and becomes jam-like (about 8-10 minutes). Let it cool completely.

Assemble the Rolls:

6. Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a large rectangle (about 12×16 inches) on a lightly floured surface.
7. Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the cooled strawberry filling over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges.
8. Roll and Slice: Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Slice the log into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss.
9. Arrange in a Pan: Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.

Bake the Rolls:

10. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
11. Bake: Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze:

12. Make the Glaze: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk, mixing until smooth and pourable.

Finish the Rolls:

13. Glaze the Rolls: Let the baked rolls cool for 10 minutes, then generously spread the cream cheese glaze over the top.

How to Serve Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls

Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls are best served warm and fresh out of the oven. Here are some serving ideas:

• With Coffee or Tea: Pair these rolls with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast or snack.
• As a Brunch Dish: Serve alongside eggs, bacon, or fresh fruit for a complete brunch spread.
• For Dessert: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a decadent dessert.
• For Celebrations: These rolls make an excellent addition to holiday mornings or birthday breakfasts.

Additional Tips for Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls

• Make Ahead: Prepare the rolls the night before and refrigerate them after assembling. Let them come to room temperature and rise for 30 minutes before baking.
• Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet glaze, reduce the amount of powdered sugar slightly.
• Use Frozen Strawberries: If using frozen strawberries, thaw and drain them before cooking.
• Chill the Filling: Ensure the filling is completely cool before spreading it on the dough to prevent the dough from becoming soggy.
• Use Dental Floss to Slice: Dental floss makes clean cuts without squishing the rolls.

Recipe Variations for Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls

Here are 10 variations to try for Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls:

1. Strawberry Cream Cheese Rolls: Add dollops of cream cheese into the filling for extra richness.
2. Mixed Berry Rolls: Use a combination of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries in the filling.
3. Lemon Strawberry Rolls: Add lemon zest and juice to the filling for a bright citrus twist.
4. Chocolate Strawberry Rolls: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the filling before rolling up the dough.
5. Almond Strawberry Rolls: Add sliced almonds to the filling and almond extract to the glaze.
6. Coconut Strawberry Rolls: Mix shredded coconut into the filling for a tropical flair.
7. Peach Strawberry Rolls: Combine chopped peaches with strawberries in the filling.
8. Vegan Strawberry Rolls: Use plant-based milk, butter, and cream cheese for a vegan-friendly version.
9. Spiced Strawberry Rolls: Add nutmeg and cloves along with the cinnamon for extra warmth.
10. Gluten-Free Strawberry Rolls: Substitute a gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour.

Freezing and Storage for Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls

• Freezing: Freeze the unbaked rolls after slicing. Place them in a greased dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
• Storage: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Special Equipment for Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls

Here are some tools to make preparing your Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls easier:

• Rolling Pin: For rolling out the dough evenly.
• Saucepan: To cook the strawberry filling.
• 9×13-Inch Baking Dish: To bake the rolls evenly.
• Electric Mixer: For mixing the dough and glaze.
• Dental Floss: For cleanly slicing the rolls.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure precise measurements.

Frequently Asked Questions for Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls

1. Can I use jam instead of fresh strawberries?
   Yes, you can use store-bought strawberry jam, but the flavor may not be as fresh and tangy.
2. Can I make the dough without yeast?
   For a quicker version, use a no-yeast dough, though the texture will be more biscuit-like.
3. Can I freeze baked rolls?
   Yes, bake the rolls, let them cool completely, then freeze. Thaw and warm in the oven before serving.
4. Can I use other fruits?
   Absolutely! Try blueberries, raspberries, or peaches for a different flavor profile.
5. How do I reheat the rolls?
   Warm individual rolls in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or reheat the entire dish in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes.

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Conclusion

Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls are a show-stopping treat that combines the sweetness of strawberries with the comforting warmth of cinnamon. With their soft, fluffy texture and irresistible cream cheese glaze, these rolls are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any time you’re in the mood for something special. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or a cozy morning at home, these rolls are guaranteed to delight.

This recipe is as fun to prepare as it is to enjoy, making it an ideal choice for family gatherings or a sweet indulgence just for yourself. Whether you’re serving them at a brunch or enjoying them as a treat, these strawberry cinnamon rolls are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face.

I’d love to see how your Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy baking!