Irresistible Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Introduction

These irresistible strawberry cinnamon rolls combine the classic warmth of cinnamon with a fresh, fruity twist. Soft, tender dough wraps around a luscious strawberry filling, finished with a creamy strawberry icing. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or a sweet treat any time of day.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 1/4 tsp yeast (Red Star Platinum recommended)
• 1/3 cup butter (melted and cooled to room temperature)
• 2 eggs
• 3 1/2 cups bread flour (King Arthur recommended)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3 tbsp cream
• 2 cups strawberries (finely chopped into 1/4-inch pieces)
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 4 oz cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
• 2 tbsp strawberry filling (from the filling mixture)
• 2 tbsp milk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Step 1: Warm the milk to about 110°F (just warm to the touch, not hot), then combine it with sugar and yeast in a large mixing bowl. Let sit for 10 minutes until foamy to activate the yeast.
2. Step 2: Add the cooled melted butter, eggs, bread flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix with a stand mixer using a dough hook on medium speed for 6–8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic but slightly tacky.
3. Step 3: Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let rise for 1 hour at room temperature, until roughly doubled in size.
4. Step 4: Meanwhile, prepare the strawberry filling by combining chopped strawberries, 1/2 cup sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until strawberries soften and release juices.
5. Step 5: Mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water to make a slurry. Whisk into the strawberry mixture with cinnamon and cook for another minute until thickened. Transfer to a shallow dish and cool completely to prevent sogginess.
6. Step 6: After the dough has doubled, roll it out on a floured surface into a 12×16 inch rectangle. Spread the cooled strawberry filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2 inch border around edges.
7. Step 7: Starting from the long side closest to you, tightly roll the dough into a log, pinching the seam to seal. Slice the log into 12 equal pieces with a sharp knife or dental floss.
8. Step 8: Arrange rolls cut-side up in a greased 9×13 inch pan. Cover and let rise for 45 minutes at room temperature, until puffy and nearly touching.
9. Step 9: Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake the rolls uncovered for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in pan for 5 minutes.
10. Step 10: Make the icing by beating softened cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy. Add sifted powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of strawberry filling, milk, and vanilla extract, then beat until smooth and spreadable.
11. Step 11: Spread the icing generously over warm rolls, allowing it to melt into crevices. Serve warm for best texture or at room temperature if preferred.

Tips & Variations

• Use freshly squeezed lemon juice in the filling for a brighter flavor and better acidity balance.
• Sift powdered sugar for smooth, lump-free icing that spreads evenly.
• Replace strawberries with raspberries or blueberries for a different berry twist.
• For extra shine, brush the baked rolls with melted butter right after removing from the oven.

Storage

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to soften before serving. You can also freeze un-iced rolls after the second rise; thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough by hand if I don’t have a stand mixer?

Yes, you can knead the dough by hand on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. It will take slightly longer but works just as well.

How do I prevent the filling from making the dough soggy?

Cooking and cooling the strawberry filling before spreading it helps reduce moisture and stops the dough from becoming soggy during baking.

Irresistible Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 64 reviews

These Irresistible Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls combine soft, chewy bread with a luscious strawberry cinnamon filling and a creamy strawberry-infused cream cheese icing. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls balance fruity sweetness and warm spice to delight your taste buds.

• Author: Ria
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 rolls 1x
• Category: Breakfast & Brunch, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Dough

• 3/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 1/4 tsp yeast (Red Star Platinum recommended)
• 1/3 cup butter (melted and cooled to room temperature)
• 2 eggs
• 3 1/2 cups bread flour (King Arthur preferred)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3 tbsp cream

For the Filling

• 2 cups strawberries (finely chopped into 1/4-inch pieces)
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

For the Icing

• 4 oz cream cheese (softened to room temperature, about 70°F)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
• 2 tbsp strawberry filling (reserved from filling)
• 2 tbsp milk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Activate Yeast: Warm the milk to about 110°F, then combine it with sugar and yeast in a large mixing bowl. Let sit for 10 minutes until foamy to ensure the yeast is alive and active.
2. Make Dough: Add cooled melted butter, eggs, bread flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Using a stand mixer with a dough hook, mix on medium speed for 6-8 minutes until dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky.
3. First Rise: Transfer dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap or damp towel, and let rise at room temperature for 1 hour until doubled in size.
4. Prepare Filling: While dough rises, combine chopped strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat. Simmer for 5 minutes until strawberries break down. Mix cornstarch and water to make a slurry, add it with cinnamon to the strawberry mixture, and simmer for another minute until thickened. Cool completely in a shallow dish to prevent sogginess during assembly.
5. Shape Rolls: Turn out risen dough onto a floured surface and roll into a 12×16 inch rectangle. Spread cooled strawberry filling evenly, leaving a 1/2 inch border. Roll dough tightly from the long side and pinch to seal. Cut rolled log into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss.
6. Second Rise: Arrange rolls cut-side up in a greased 9×13 inch pan. Cover and let rise at room temperature for 45 minutes until puffy and nearly touching.
7. Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F. Remove cover and bake rolls for 20-25 minutes until tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Rolls should feel set but slightly soft. Cool in the pan for 5 minutes.
8. Prepare Icing: Beat softened cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes). Add sifted powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons strawberry filling, milk, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and spreadable.
9. Ice Rolls: Spread icing generously over warm rolls. Serve warm for best texture or cooled to room temperature if preferred.

Notes

• Ensure milk is warm, not hot, to avoid killing yeast.
• Let the strawberry filling cool completely before spreading to prevent soggy dough.
• Use dental floss or a sharp knife to cut rolls cleanly without squishing.
• Sifting powdered sugar improves icing texture by removing lumps.
• Serve rolls warm for a soft, melty experience or cooled for easier slicing.
• Red Star Platinum yeast helps achieve a better rise but any active dry yeast can be substituted.
• Bread flour is preferred for chewiness, but all-purpose flour can be used if needed.

Keywords: Strawberry cinnamon rolls, strawberry rolls, sweet rolls, breakfast pastries, cinnamon rolls with fruit filling, cream cheese icing, baking, strawberry desserts