Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Imagine waking up to the sweet, inviting aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls with a fruity twist. Now, picture that same comforting pastry infused with juicy strawberries, adding a burst of flavor with every bite. That’s exactly what you’ll get with these Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls!

If you love the classic combination of cinnamon and sugar but crave something a little different, these rolls are perfect for you. The strawberries add a refreshing burst of sweetness that balances the warm spice of cinnamon, creating a treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. This recipe is easy to follow, even if you’re new to baking, and will bring a touch of excitement to your kitchen.

Not only are these Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls visually stunning with their pink swirls, but they’re also incredibly soft and flavorful. Whether you’re making them for a weekend breakfast, brunch with friends, or a special occasion like Mother’s Day, they’re bound to impress. You can even prepare them ahead of time, making your mornings a breeze!

Ready to take your baking game to the next level? Let’s dive into the recipe for these irresistible Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls and turn your kitchen into a bakery! Follow along for step-by-step instructions that will guide you from dough to icing with ease.

Ingredients for Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls

Dough Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 (.25 ounce) package instant yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg

Filling Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
• 1/4 cup strawberry jam (or homemade strawberry compote)
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, adds warmth)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (to thicken the filling)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons strawberry compote or jam
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (adjust based on your sweetness preference)
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• Heavy cream or milk (as needed to thin the icing)

Supplies You’ll Need:

• Rolling pin
• Serrated knife or pizza cutter
• Large mixing bowl
• Rubber spatula
• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Stand mixer (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Making the Dough

The foundation of any good cinnamon roll is the dough. Here’s how to make it:

1. Heat the milk – In a small saucepan, heat the milk until warm but not boiling. Add in the butter and stir until melted. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly until it’s lukewarm (around 110°F).
2. Mix the dry ingredients – In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 1/4 cups of flour, yeast, sugar, salt, and lemon zest. Stir with a whisk to combine.
3. Combine wet and dry ingredients – Add the egg and milk mixture to the flour mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon (or use a stand mixer with the dough hook attachment). Gradually add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until the dough starts to come together.
4. Knead the dough – Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can also knead the dough using the stand mixer on medium speed for about 5 minutes.
5. Rest the dough – Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rest for 10 minutes to relax the gluten.

2. Prepare the Strawberry Filling

While the dough rests, you can make the strawberry filling, which will be the star of the rolls.

1. Cook the filling – In a small saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries, strawberry jam (or compote), sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
2. Optional cinnamon – If you want an extra touch of warmth, you can sprinkle cinnamon over the strawberry filling before rolling the dough. The cinnamon will enhance the flavors and give the rolls a cozy twist.

3. Rolling Out the Dough and Adding the Filling

1. Roll the dough – After the dough has rested, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a 12×9-inch rectangle.
2. Spread the filling – Using a rubber spatula, spread the strawberry filling evenly over the surface of the dough, making sure to reach the edges. If you are using cinnamon, sprinkle it over the filling now.
3. Cut the dough – Using a pizza cutter or serrated knife, cut the dough into 12 equal strips.
4. Roll the strips – Starting from one end, roll each strip of dough tightly to form individual rolls.

4. Let the Rolls Rise

1. Place the rolls in the pan – Place the rolled dough into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, spacing them evenly.
2. Let them rise – Cover the pan with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and place it in a warm spot to let the rolls rise for about 45 minutes, or until doubled in size.

5. Bake the Rolls

1. Preheat the oven – While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake the rolls – Once the rolls have risen, bake them in the preheated oven for 23-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
3. Cool the rolls – Let the rolls cool for about 10 minutes before adding the frosting.

6. Making the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

1. Beat the cream cheese and butter – In a medium-sized bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Add strawberry compote – Mix in the strawberry compote and lemon zest.
3. Add powdered sugar – Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired sweetness. If the frosting is too thick, you can thin it with a tablespoon of heavy cream or milk.
4. Spread the frosting – Once the rolls have cooled slightly, spread the frosting generously over the top using an offset spatula.

Tips for Success

1. Check the dough texture – If the dough feels too sticky while kneading, add a little more flour (a tablespoon at a time) until the dough is smooth and elastic.
2. Use room temperature ingredients – Using room temperature butter, cream cheese, and eggs will make the dough and frosting smoother and easier to work with.
3. Make the dough ahead – You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise overnight in the refrigerator. The next morning, bring it to room temperature before rolling and baking.

How to Store and Reheat

1. Storing – Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
2. Reheating – Reheat the rolls in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to enjoy them warm.
3. Freezing – You can also freeze the unbaked rolls. After rolling and placing them in the pan, wrap the pan tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to bake, let them thaw and rise at room temperature before baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought strawberry jam instead of homemade compote?

Absolutely! While homemade strawberry compote provides a fresher flavor, a good quality store-bought jam will work perfectly fine.

Can I make these rolls gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum, which helps mimic the texture of gluten in baking.

How do I make these vegan?

To make this recipe vegan, replace the milk with almond or oat milk, and use vegan butter and cream cheese alternatives. You can also use flaxseed as an egg substitute (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons of water).

Conclusion

These Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls are a beautiful and delicious way to elevate the classic cinnamon roll recipe. The combination of sweet strawberries, zesty lemon, and the warmth of cinnamon is a match made in heaven. With the tips and detailed instructions provided, you can be sure to impress your friends and family with these irresistible rolls. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, brunch, or a special treat, they are guaranteed to brighten your day.

Happy baking