If you’re looking to bring a fresh, fruity twist to a classic favorite, this Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. Imagine tender, fluffy rolls infused with warm cinnamon and bursting with sweet, juicy strawberries, all topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that’s just the right amount of tangy and sweet. These rolls are such a delightful treat for breakfast, brunch, or even a special snack, and once you try them, you’ll likely find yourself craving them on repeat. The combination of flavors and textures here is truly irresistible, making this recipe an instant go-to whenever you want a cozy, comforting baked good with a summery flair.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Putting together this Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is refreshingly straightforward. Each ingredient plays a crucial part, from the fluffy consistency of the dough to the juicy pop of strawberries and the sweet, creamy frosting finishing touch.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the dough providing structure and a soft crumb.
- 3 tablespoons sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the flavors in the dough.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: The leavening agent that helps the rolls rise and become light.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings warm spice notes to the dough.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and tenderness to the dough.
- 1/2 cup milk: Moistens the dough for a soft texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor profile with subtle sweetness.
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced: Provides juicy bursts of flavor and freshness.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Sweetens the strawberry filling with caramel undertones.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Seasoned with cinnamon for that classic cozy flavor in the filling.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: Creates the smooth, sweet frosting to glaze the rolls.
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened: Brings creamy tanginess to the frosting.
- 2 tablespoons milk (for frosting): Thins out the frosting to the perfect drizzle consistency.
How to Make Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Add the softened butter, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing everything until it forms a soft dough. You’ll want to knead the dough gently on a floured surface, which helps develop a tender texture and makes it easier to roll out later.
Step 2: Roll Out and Add Filling
Once your dough is ready, roll it out into a large rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Spread the diced fresh strawberries evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture on top. This filling creates an incredible harmony of sweet, spicy, and fruity notes that make these cinnamon rolls truly stand out.
Step 3: Form the Rolls
Carefully roll the dough tightly from one long edge to the other, creating a log shape. With a sharp knife, cut the log into 12 equal-sized rolls. This step is key to ensuring each roll has a beautiful swirl of strawberries and cinnamon sugar inside, ready to delight every bite.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving just a bit of space between them to allow for rising. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown and puffed up, filling your kitchen with the mouthwatering scent of baked cinnamon and strawberries. This is the moment where the magic of the Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe really shines.
Step 5: Make the Frosting
While the rolls are cooling slightly, whip up the frosting by beating the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar until smooth. Gradually add two tablespoons of milk to get a creamy, pourable glaze that will perfectly crown your warm rolls.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Drizzle the cream cheese frosting generously over the slightly cooled rolls. The frosting seeps into the swirls and edges, complementing the sweet and tangy flavors inside. These strawberry cinnamon rolls are now ready to be enjoyed warm, melting in your mouth with every bite.
How to Serve Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe, consider topping your rolls with fresh strawberry slices or a light dusting of powdered sugar. A few fresh mint leaves can add a refreshing color contrast and flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweet strawberries.
Side Dishes
These rolls naturally shine on their own but pairing them with a simple side can make your brunch feel extra special. Think freshly brewed coffee, a glass of cold milk, or even a bright citrus fruit salad that balances the rich sweetness of the rolls with a zesty kick.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve your strawberry cinnamon rolls in a decorative glass baking dish for a rustic look, or plate individual rolls with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a dessert twist. You can even pack a few into cute little boxes for a special homemade gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover rolls, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Keeping them sealed helps maintain their softness and freshness so you can enjoy them later without losing any of that delightful texture.
Freezing
For longer storage, these strawberry cinnamon rolls freeze beautifully. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen rolls keep well for up to three months, making it easy to have your favorite treat ready whenever you want a sweet pick-me-up.
Reheating
To bring your rolls back to life, simply reheat them in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. This step softens the dough and slightly melts the frosting, making each bite just as delicious as the first time.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
While fresh strawberries are best to avoid excess moisture, you can use frozen strawberries if you drain them well and gently pat them dry. This helps prevent the dough from becoming too soggy during baking.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives and use your favorite non-dairy milk to keep the rolls just as tasty and creamy without dairy.
Can I prepare the dough the night before?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight. Just bring it back to room temperature before rolling out and adding the strawberry filling for easier handling and the best texture.
How do I prevent the rolls from sticking to the baking dish?
Greasing your baking dish thoroughly with butter or a non-stick spray helps prevent sticking. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
Can I make these rolls gluten-free?
With the right gluten-free flour blends designed for baking, you can adapt this recipe to be gluten-free. Just note that texture and rise might vary slightly, but the delicious flavors will still shine through.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about homemade cinnamon rolls, and adding fresh strawberries makes them a fruity, irresistible delight. This Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is a wonderful way to bring warmth and sweetness to any occasion, whether it’s a cozy weekend breakfast or a delightful afternoon treat. Give it a try, and I promise it will become one of your favorite recipes to bake and share with loved ones!
Print
Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these luscious Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls, featuring a soft, cinnamon-spiced dough filled with fresh strawberries and brown sugar, all topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat any time of day, these rolls combine fruity freshness with classic cinnamon roll comfort.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Filling
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Frosting
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring a perfectly hot environment for baking your rolls evenly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon thoroughly to form the base of your dough.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Incorporate the softened butter, milk, and vanilla extract into the dry mixture, stirring gently until the dough just comes together.
- Knead and Roll: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead it slightly to bring it together, then roll it out into a rectangular shape to prepare for filling.
- Add Filling: Evenly spread the diced strawberries over the dough’s surface and sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon to infuse sweet and spicy flavors throughout.
- Roll and Cut: Carefully roll the dough tightly into a log shape, then slice the roll into even pieces to create individual rolls.
- Arrange and Bake: Place the cut rolls into a greased baking dish, ensuring they have room to expand, and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Prepare Frosting: While the rolls bake, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together in a bowl, gradually adding milk to achieve a smooth, spreadable frosting.
- Frost and Serve: Once the rolls have cooled slightly, drizzle or spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top for a luscious finish before enjoying.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh, ripe strawberries to maximize sweetness and moisture.
- You can substitute milk with any plant-based milk for a dairy-free option, but this may affect texture slightly.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the frosting.
- Store leftover rolls in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently before serving.
- To add an extra touch, sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on the filling before rolling.
