Let me take a moment to introduce you to the most magical, melt-in-your-mouth creation you’ll ever have the pleasure of tasting: Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls. Imagine pulling apart a warm, fluffy cinnamon roll, only to find juicy, sweet strawberries swirled inside and a rich, creamy glaze dripping all over. These are the cinnamon rolls you never knew you needed but now can’t live without. Sweet, fruity, and perfectly spiced with cinnamon, each bite is like a hug for your taste buds. Trust me, they’re worth every second of the baking time—and you’ll want to make them again and again!
Why You’ll Love Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls
These strawberry cinnamon rolls are the perfect mix of sweet, fruity, and comforting. Here’s why you’ll absolutely fall in love with them:
Sweet and Fruity
The addition of fresh strawberries gives these cinnamon rolls a burst of natural sweetness, adding an extra layer of flavor that’s totally irresistible. You’ll love the combination of cinnamon and strawberry with each bite.
Soft and Fluffy
The dough is soft, pillowy, and just the right amount of chewy. These rolls are everything you want in a cinnamon roll, with the added bonus of fruity goodness.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re having a lazy Sunday morning breakfast, celebrating a special occasion, or just craving a sweet treat, these strawberry cinnamon rolls are perfect for any time you want to indulge in something truly special.
Easy to Make
Despite their bakery-worthy taste, these rolls are surprisingly simple to make. The dough comes together easily, and the strawberry filling takes just a few minutes to prep.
A Showstopper
These rolls will have everyone asking for the recipe. They’re visually stunning with swirls of pink from the strawberries and a gorgeous glaze that will make them look like they came straight from a fancy pastry shop.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these decadent strawberry cinnamon rolls. Simple ingredients come together to create an incredible flavor experience.
Fresh Strawberries
Sweet, ripe strawberries are the star of these rolls. Their natural sweetness and juiciness create a delicious contrast with the cinnamon-spiced filling.
Cinnamon
The warm, spicy cinnamon is the perfect complement to the strawberries. It’s a flavor combination you won’t get enough of.
Yeast
Yeast is what gives these cinnamon rolls their soft, fluffy texture. It helps the dough rise to perfection.
Flour
All-purpose flour is the foundation for the dough, giving it the structure it needs to hold those beautiful swirls of filling.
Sugar
Sugar sweetens the dough and the cinnamon filling, helping to create a perfect balance of flavors.
Butter
Melted butter is added to both the dough and the filling, providing richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Milk
Milk makes the dough soft and tender while also helping to activate the yeast.
Eggs
Eggs are key to giving the dough structure and a beautiful golden color once baked.
Vanilla Extract
A splash of vanilla extract adds depth to the dough, making it fragrant and irresistible.
Powdered Sugar
This will be used to make the glaze that drizzles over the cinnamon rolls, adding sweetness and a beautiful finish.
(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)
Instructions
Let’s get started on making these delicious strawberry cinnamon rolls:
Make the Dough
In a large bowl, combine warm milk and sugar, and sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, allowing the yeast to activate and become frothy. Then, add in the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour and a pinch of salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough begins to come together. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic.
First Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Prepare the Strawberry Filling
While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a small bowl, mix together the cinnamon and sugar. Then, slice the strawberries and set them aside.
Roll Out the Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll the dough into a rectangle, about 12×18 inches in size.
Add the Filling
Brush the rolled dough with melted butter, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the surface. Add the sliced strawberries on top of the cinnamon mixture, spreading them out evenly.
Roll and Slice the Dough
Carefully roll the dough into a log, starting from one long edge. Slice the roll into about 12 even pieces, each about 1 inch thick.
Second Rise
Place the slices into a greased baking dish, leaving a bit of space between each roll. Cover with a towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
Bake the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Make the Glaze
While the rolls are baking, make the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar and a bit of milk until smooth. Once the rolls are out of the oven and still warm, drizzle the glaze generously over the top.
Serve and Enjoy
These rolls are best served warm! Watch as they melt in your mouth with each bite, and enjoy the perfect blend of cinnamon, strawberries, and sweetness.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 300
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours (including rise time)
How to Serve Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls
These strawberry cinnamon rolls are perfect on their own, but here are some ideas to make them even more irresistible:
With a Hot Beverage
Pair your warm rolls with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for the ultimate breakfast or snack.
A Side of Fresh Fruit
Serve the rolls with extra fresh strawberries or other berries for a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the rolls.
With Whipped Cream or Ice Cream
For an indulgent dessert, top the rolls with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
As a Breakfast Treat
Enjoy these rolls as the star of a special breakfast, paired with a side of eggs or bacon.
Additional Tips
Make Ahead
You can prepare the dough and fill the rolls the night before. Simply refrigerate them overnight, then let them rise in the morning before baking.
Freezing Tips
These cinnamon rolls freeze beautifully! After baking and cooling, place the rolls in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake them at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or microwave them for 30 seconds.
Customize the Filling
Feel free to mix things up by adding chocolate chips, nuts, or even a swirl of cream cheese frosting into the filling for an extra special treat.
Store Properly
Keep leftover rolls in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?
A1: Yes, frozen strawberries can work well, but make sure to thaw and drain them to avoid excess moisture in the filling.
Q2: Can I make these rolls without yeast?
A2: These rolls rely on yeast for their soft, fluffy texture. For a non-yeast option, you can try a biscuit or scone-style recipe, but the texture will be different.
Q3: How do I store leftover rolls?
A3: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate them for up to 5 days.
Q4: Can I freeze these cinnamon rolls?
A4: Yes, you can freeze them after baking. Let the rolls cool completely, then freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Q5: How do I reheat frozen cinnamon rolls?
A5: To reheat, place the rolls in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes or microwave them for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Q6: Can I add other fruits to these rolls?
A6: Absolutely! You can substitute strawberries with other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or even blackberries.
Q7: Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
A7: Yes! You can prepare the dough and filling the night before and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, allow the rolls to rise before baking.
Q8: How can I make the glaze more flavorful?
A8: You can add a bit of vanilla extract, lemon zest, or even a splash of almond extract to the glaze for extra flavor.
Q9: Can I make these rolls gluten-free?
A9: Yes, you can substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to add xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t contain it.
Q10: Can I make these rolls without the glaze?
A10: Absolutely! If you prefer a less sweet option, you can skip the glaze or serve the rolls with a dusting of powdered sugar instead.
Conclusion
These Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls are a perfect mix of sweetness, fruitiness, and cinnamon goodness. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion, as a sweet treat for breakfast, or just because you deserve it, they’re sure to be a hit. Soft, fluffy, and bursting with flavor, these rolls will quickly become a family favorite. Happy baking!
PrintStrawberry Cinnamon Rolls
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, fluffy, and filled with the perfect combination of sweet cinnamon and juicy strawberries, these Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate breakfast or brunch treat! With a luscious cream cheese glaze, they’re sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
For the 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
For the 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
For the Cream Cheese 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 flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, and eggs.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir to combine. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes on a floured surface until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. - Make the Filling:
In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth and well combined.
Stir in the chopped strawberries and strawberry jam to create a spreadable filling. - Assemble the Cinnamon Rolls:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle (about 12×18 inches).
Spread the cinnamon-strawberry filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
Roll the dough tightly from the longer side, forming a log. Slice the log into 12 even pieces.
Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, leaving a little space between each roll. Cover and let the rolls rise for an additional 30 minutes. - Bake the Rolls:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. - Make the Cream Cheese Glaze:
While the rolls are baking, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. - Serve and Enjoy:
Once the rolls are done baking, allow them to cool slightly before drizzling the cream cheese glaze over the top. Serve warm and enjoy the delicious combination of strawberries and cinnamon!
Notes
- If using frozen strawberries, thaw and drain them before chopping to prevent excess moisture in the filling.
- For extra flavor, you can add a few tablespoons of strawberry puree to the cream cheese glaze.
- These rolls can be made the night before: After assembling, cover and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, just let them come to room temperature before baking.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cinnamon roll
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg