Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls combine the warm, spiced flavors of traditional cinnamon rolls with the sweet, juicy burst of fresh strawberries, creating a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Perfect for spring and summer mornings, special brunches, or whenever you crave a touch of sweetness, these rolls offer a beautiful balance of flavors that’s sure to impress. With their soft, fluffy texture, gooey strawberry filling, and luscious cream cheese frosting, these cinnamon rolls are a dream come true for pastry lovers seeking a fresh take on a beloved treat.
Why You’ll Love Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls:
- Seasonal Delight: Fresh strawberries make these rolls a perfect choice for enjoying the best of seasonal produce.
- Irresistibly Soft: The dough bakes up tender and fluffy, enveloping the sweet filling in every bite.
- Gourmet Flavors at Home: Experience bakery-quality pastries in the comfort of your own kitchen.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Ideal for a decadent breakfast, a delightful dessert, or a special celebration.
Ingredients Notes For Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls:
- Dough: Start with a basic sweet yeast dough, using milk, sugar, butter, yeast, flour, and eggs.
- Strawberry Filling: Fresh strawberries, sugar, and a touch of cinnamon combine for a juicy, flavorful filling. A bit of cornstarch helps thicken the mixture.
- Cinnamon Sugar: A classic mix of ground cinnamon and sugar adds warmth and depth to the filling.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: Cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract create a rich, creamy topping that perfectly complements the rolls.
Recipe Steps:
- Prepare the Dough: Mix warm milk with sugar and yeast, then add melted butter, eggs, and flour to form a soft dough. Knead until smooth, then let rise until doubled in size.
- Make Strawberry Filling: Cook diced strawberries with sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch until thickened. Cool before spreading on the dough.
- Assemble Rolls: Roll out the dough into a rectangle, spread the strawberry filling, then sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Roll up tightly and slice into individual rolls.
- Bake: Arrange the rolls in a baking dish and let rise again until puffy. Bake in a preheated oven until golden and cooked through.
- Frost: While the rolls are still warm, spread them with cream cheese frosting, allowing it to melt slightly into the rolls.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerate: Keep any leftover rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Warm slightly before serving.
- Freeze: Freeze baked rolls without frosting for up to 1 month. Thaw and reheat in the oven, then frost before serving.
INGREDIENTS
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F or 45°C)
- 2 and 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
For the Strawberry Filling:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk or cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
INSTRUCTIONS
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast and 1 tablespoon of the sugar in warm milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, until frothy.
- Add the remaining sugar, melted butter, salt, eggs, and gradually mix in the flour until a dough forms. Knead on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, covering it with a clean cloth. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Make the Strawberry Filling:
- While the dough is rising, combine the chopped strawberries, sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens. Allow it to cool.
- Assemble the Rolls:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Spread the cooled strawberry mixture evenly over the dough.
- Starting with the long side, roll the dough tightly. Cut the log into 12-14 equal pieces.
- Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving some space between each for them to expand. Cover and let them rise again for about 30 minutes.
- Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Prepare the Glaze:
- While the rolls are baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk (or cream), and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth.
- Finish and Serve:
- Once the rolls are done, let them cool for a few minutes before drizzling with the glaze.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
