Raspberry Swirl Sweet Rolls

Who can resist the irresistible aroma of freshly baked sweet rolls wafting through the kitchen? Imagine biting into a soft, fluffy roll, with sweet raspberry filling swirled inside and topped with a luscious glaze. These Raspberry Swirl Sweet Rolls are a perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or any time you’re craving something warm and sweet. The combination of soft dough, tangy raspberries, and a sweet glaze is simply heavenly. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make—no need for professional baking skills to impress your family and friends with these delightful rolls. Trust me, you’re going to fall in love with these!

Why You’ll Love Raspberry Swirl Sweet Rolls

Here’s why these sweet rolls will quickly become a family favorite:

• Fluffy and Soft: The dough is light and airy, with the perfect texture that pulls apart into soft layers.
• Perfectly Sweet: The raspberry swirl filling adds just the right amount of sweetness and tang, making each bite burst with flavor.
• Easy to Make: While they may look like something you’d find at a bakery, these rolls are surprisingly simple to prepare.
• Customizable: If you’re not a fan of raspberries, you can easily swap them out for another berry, or even a cinnamon-sugar filling for a different twist.
• Impressive: These rolls are perfect for gatherings, and they’re sure to impress your guests when served warm straight from the oven.

Ingredients

To make these delicious Raspberry Swirl Sweet Rolls, you’ll need a few basic ingredients. Here’s a rundown:

• All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of your dough, giving the rolls their soft, fluffy texture. It’s versatile and perfect for baking.
• Active Dry Yeast: This will help the dough rise and give it that light, airy texture. Make sure your yeast is fresh for best results.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps activate the yeast. A small amount is also used in the raspberry filling.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the dough.
• Whole Milk: Adds richness to the dough and helps keep it soft. Warm it slightly to help activate the yeast.
• Butter: This gives the dough richness and tenderness, making each roll melt in your mouth.
• Egg: Provides structure to the dough, ensuring it rises properly and has a soft texture.
• Fresh Raspberries: These are the star of the filling! Fresh berries provide a tangy, juicy contrast to the sweet dough.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the raspberry filling, preventing it from becoming too runny.
• Powdered Sugar: Used for the glaze to add that sweet finishing touch to your rolls.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the sweetness of the glaze and adds a lovely aroma to the finished rolls.

(Note: The exact measurements for each ingredient are available in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Let’s walk through the steps to make these delicious Raspberry Swirl Sweet Rolls. They’re easier to make than you might think!

1. Prepare the Dough

In a bowl, combine the warm milk and granulated sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy. This means the yeast is activated and ready to go.

2. Mix the Dough

In a separate large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, along with the melted butter and egg. Mix until the dough starts to come together. You may need to knead it by hand for about 5 minutes, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook until the dough is smooth and elastic.

3. Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.

4. Prepare the Raspberry Filling

While the dough is rising, make the raspberry filling. In a saucepan, combine the fresh raspberries and granulated sugar. Cook over medium heat, mashing the raspberries as they cook. Once the berries break down, stir in the cornstarch mixed with a little water to thicken the mixture. Allow the filling to cool.

5. Roll Out the Dough

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about 12 inches by 18 inches.

6. Spread the Filling

Spread the cooled raspberry filling evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

7. Roll Up the Dough

Starting from one edge, carefully roll up the dough into a tight log. Pinch the seam closed and cut the roll into 12 even pieces.

8. Place the Rolls in the Pan

Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each one. Cover the dish with a towel and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes.

9. Bake the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have risen, bake them for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.

10. Glaze the Rolls

While the rolls are baking, make the glaze by combining powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a small amount of milk until it reaches a smooth, pourable consistency. Once the rolls are done, remove them from the oven and drizzle the glaze over the top while they’re still warm.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12 rolls
Calories per serving: 270 calories
(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and based on 1 roll serving.)

How to Serve Raspberry Swirl Sweet Rolls

These Raspberry Swirl Sweet Rolls are perfect for a variety of occasions:

• For Breakfast or Brunch: Serve them with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delicious start to your day.
• As a Sweet Treat: These rolls are perfect for an afternoon snack or dessert. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
• At Parties or Gatherings: Whether it’s a family breakfast, a brunch with friends, or a holiday gathering, these sweet rolls will steal the show and impress your guests.

Additional Tips

• Use Frozen Raspberries: If fresh raspberries aren’t in season, frozen raspberries work just as well. Just be sure to thaw them and drain off any excess liquid before using them in the filling.
• Add Lemon Zest: For an extra zing, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the raspberry filling. It complements the fruit beautifully and enhances the flavor.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the dough and filling the night before, then refrigerate them overnight. In the morning, just let the rolls come to room temperature, rise, and bake as usual.
• Try Different Berries: If you’re not a fan of raspberries, you can swap them out for other berries like strawberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a different twist on this recipe.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen raspberries for the filling? Yes, frozen raspberries work great! Just be sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before using them in the filling.
2. Can I prepare these rolls ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and filling the night before and refrigerate them. Let the rolls rise and bake in the morning for fresh, warm rolls.
3. How can I make these rolls dairy-free? Substitute the butter and milk with non-dairy alternatives like coconut milk and vegan butter for a dairy-free version of these rolls.
4. Can I freeze these rolls? Yes, you can freeze the rolls after baking. Allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Reheat them in the oven before serving.
5. How do I store leftover rolls? Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week.
6. Can I make these rolls without the glaze? Yes, the rolls are delicious on their own without the glaze. You can also top them with a dusting of powdered sugar or enjoy them as they are.
7. How do I know when the rolls are done baking? The rolls are done when they are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Can I use a bread machine to make the dough? Yes, you can use a bread machine to mix and knead the dough. Just follow the manufacturer’s instructions for making dough in your machine.
9. Can I use a different filling besides raspberry? Absolutely! You can substitute the raspberry filling with other fruit fillings like strawberry, blueberry, or even apple cinnamon.
10. Can I make these rolls without yeast? These rolls are traditionally made with yeast for a soft, fluffy texture, but you could try using a biscuit or scone dough as a substitute for a quicker, yeast-free version.

Conclusion

These Raspberry Swirl Sweet Rolls are the perfect combination of sweet, tangy, and comforting. With soft, fluffy dough and a luscious raspberry filling, they are guaranteed to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, these rolls will quickly become a go-to recipe in your baking rotation. Enjoy them warm from the oven, drizzled with a sweet glaze for the perfect finishing touch!

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