If you love the warm, comforting aroma of cinnamon rolls but crave a fresh fruity twist, this Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with juicy strawberries and sweet cinnamon sugar, each bite delivers a perfect balance of soft dough, luscious filling, and a creamy glaze. Whether it’s for a special breakfast, a weekend brunch, or a delightful dessert, these rolls will fill your kitchen with irresistible scents and your heart with joy. I cannot wait to share every detail of this amazing recipe with you!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind these strawberry cinnamon rolls starts with simple, familiar ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from the tender, fluffy dough to the sweet, fruity filling and the smooth, luscious glaze that ties it all together.
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for soft, tender rolls that hold their shape perfectly.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to the dough.
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast: Helps the dough rise beautifully, making the rolls fluffy and light.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- 3/4 cup warm milk: Nourishes the yeast and keeps the dough moist and tender.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and a buttery flavor to the dough.
- 1 large egg: Provides structure and enriches the dough’s texture.
- 1 cup diced fresh strawberries: The star of the filling, offering fruity bursts in every bite.
- 1/2 cup strawberry jam: Amplifies the strawberry goodness and adds smooth sweetness.
- 1/3 cup brown sugar: Combines with cinnamon for that classic cinnamon roll flavor.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: Brings warmth and spice to the filling.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the filling so it stays perfectly inside the rolls.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: The base for the glaze that adds a creamy, sweet finish.
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened: Gives the glaze a tangy richness.
- 2 tablespoons milk: Ensures the glaze reaches the perfect, pourable consistency.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the glaze with a smooth, aromatic note.
How to Make Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by combining 2 3/4 cups of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Add warm milk, melted butter, and the egg, stirring until the dough starts to come together. Gradually add the remaining flour to achieve a soft dough that pulls away from the bowl. Knead the dough for about 8–10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes with a mixer until it feels smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, which usually takes about an hour.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a small bowl, mix the diced fresh strawberries with strawberry jam, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and flour. This combination creates a luscious, thick filling that perfectly complements the dough without making it soggy.
Step 3: Assemble the Rolls
Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a 14-by-10-inch rectangle. Spread the strawberry filling evenly over the dough, making sure every inch is covered for maximum flavor. Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log and cut it into 9 equal-sized rolls. Place the rolls in a greased 9-inch square baking dish, cover, and let them rise again for 30 to 40 minutes until they puff up.
Step 4: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. The smell while baking is truly heavenly and will have everyone eagerly waiting!
Step 5: Make the Glaze
While the rolls bake, whisk together powdered sugar, softened cream cheese, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This glaze adds that perfect finishing touch—sweet, tangy, and silky.
Step 6: Glaze and Serve
Once the rolls come out of the oven, drizzle the glaze generously over the warm rolls so it seeps into every swirl. Serve them warm for the best experience!
How to Serve Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Add a few fresh strawberry slices or a light sprinkle of powdered sugar on top to elevate presentation and add an extra fresh touch. A small mint leaf can also brighten up the look while complementing the sweet flavors.
Side Dishes
Pair your strawberry cinnamon rolls with a cup of freshly brewed coffee, a latte, or even a chilled glass of milk for a perfect balance. Fresh fruit salad or Greek yogurt with honey also complements the rolls beautifully and rounds out your breakfast or brunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the rolls in individual ramekins topped with a dollop of whipped cream and extra strawberry jam. You could also turn the leftovers into breakfast parfaits layered with granola and strawberries for an inventive and delicious option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover strawberry cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Keeping them sealed helps preserve their moisture and softness.
Freezing
You can freeze baked rolls by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to two months. This way, you can enjoy your Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe whenever the craving strikes!
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated rolls in the microwave for about 20–30 seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10 minutes. This brings back their freshly baked softness and warmed glaze delightfully.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before mixing into the filling to avoid excess moisture, which can make the rolls soggy.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the milk with almond or oat milk, and swap butter for a dairy-free margarine. Use a dairy-free cream cheese for the glaze as well.
How do I know when the dough has risen enough?
The dough should roughly double in size and feel soft and puffy to the touch. If you gently press your finger into it, the indentation should slowly spring back.
Can I add other fruits to the filling?
Definitely! Blueberries, raspberries, or chopped peaches would make delicious variations. Just be mindful of moisture content to keep the dough from getting too wet.
What’s the best way to make the rolls extra fluffy?
Be sure to knead the dough well to develop gluten, and allow enough time for the dough to rise properly. Using warm milk helps activate the yeast for a light, airy texture.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is a delightful way to brighten any morning or treat your loved ones to something spectacular. The combination of fresh strawberries and warm cinnamon in tender, buttery rolls makes every bite feel like a happy celebration. I hope you enjoy baking and sharing these as much as I do—they’re sure to become a beloved favorite in your kitchen too!
Print
Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 9 rolls
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these homemade Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls featuring a soft, fluffy dough filled with a luscious strawberry and cinnamon filling, baked to golden perfection and topped with a creamy vanilla and cream cheese glaze. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, these rolls deliver a fruity twist on a classic favorite.
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the filling:
- 1 cup diced fresh strawberries
- 1/2 cup strawberry jam
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, mix 2 3/4 cups flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Add warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Stir until a soft dough forms. Gradually add the remaining flour as needed until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Knead the dough by hand for 8–10 minutes or with a dough hook for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, about 1 hour.
- Make the Filling: In a small bowl, combine diced strawberries, strawberry jam, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and all-purpose flour to create the filling.
- Shape the Rolls: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a 14×10-inch rectangle. Spread the filling evenly over the dough. Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut the log into 9 even rolls.
- Second Rise: Place the rolls in a greased 9-inch square baking dish. Cover and allow to rise again for 30–40 minutes until they become puffy.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare the Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, softened cream cheese, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the glaze over the warm cinnamon rolls and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add lemon zest to the glaze or swap strawberry jam for raspberry or mixed berry jam.
- Frozen strawberries can be used in the filling but should be thawed and drained of excess liquid before mixing.
