Why You’ll Love Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
These Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls take everything you love about traditional cinnamon rolls and elevate it with the bright, fruity addition of strawberries. The natural sweetness of the berries pairs perfectly with the warm cinnamon spice and soft dough. Whether you’re serving them fresh from the oven or enjoying leftovers, they remain irresistibly delicious. Plus, they’re a beautiful treat that looks as good as it tastes — ideal for entertaining or special occasions.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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All-purpose flour
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Granulated sugar
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Salt
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Whole milk
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Unsalted butter
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Active dry yeast
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Eggs
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Fresh strawberries (or frozen, thawed and drained)
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Brown sugar
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Ground cinnamon
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Cornstarch
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Vanilla extract
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Powdered sugar (for glaze)
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Cream cheese or milk (optional, for glaze)
Directions
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Prepare the dough: Warm the milk slightly and combine it with yeast and a bit of sugar. Let it sit until foamy. Mix with eggs, melted butter, and gradually add flour and salt until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough until smooth and let it rise until doubled in size.
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Make the strawberry filling: In a saucepan, cook down chopped strawberries with sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch until thickened. Let it cool.
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Roll and fill: On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle. Spread the strawberry filling evenly over the dough.
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Shape the rolls: Roll the dough tightly from one end to the other and slice into even rolls. Place them in a greased baking dish.
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Second rise: Let the rolls rise again for about 30–45 minutes until puffy.
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Bake: Preheat the oven to 350 °F (175 °C) and bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown.
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Glaze: Mix powdered sugar with milk or cream cheese and vanilla to make the glaze. Drizzle over warm rolls before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields 12 strawberry cinnamon rolls.
Prep time: 25 minutes
Rise time: 1.5–2 hours
Bake time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: About 2.5–3 hours
Variations
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Lemon twist: Add lemon zest to the filling and glaze for a citrusy brightness.
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Cream cheese glaze: Use softened cream cheese in the glaze for a richer finish.
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Nutty addition: Sprinkle chopped almonds or pecans over the filling before rolling for added crunch.
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Chocolate version: Add mini chocolate chips to the strawberry filling for a chocolate‑strawberry fusion.
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Whole wheat option: Substitute half of the flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly healthier twist.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To reheat, microwave individual rolls for 20–30 seconds or warm in a 300 °F oven for 10 minutes until heated through. For freezing, place unglazed rolls in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before glazing.
FAQs
How do I keep the rolls from getting soggy?
Make sure the strawberry filling is thickened properly and cooled before spreading. Also, avoid overfilling.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, just be sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid excess moisture.
Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them up to the second rise, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature before baking.
Why didn’t my dough rise?
This could be due to expired yeast or the milk being too hot or too cold. Make sure the yeast is fresh and the milk is just warm.
Can I skip the glaze?
Yes, the rolls are sweet enough without it, but the glaze adds a nice finish.
What’s the best way to slice the rolls cleanly?
Use unflavored dental floss or a very sharp knife to slice without squishing the dough.
Can I add more cinnamon?
Absolutely. Adjust the cinnamon in the filling to your taste preference.
Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free milk and butter substitutes and skip or modify the glaze accordingly.
How do I know when the rolls are fully baked?
They should be golden brown on top and sound slightly hollow when tapped. The internal temperature should be around 190 °F.
Can I add other fruits?
Yes, you can mix in raspberries, blueberries, or even peaches for different flavors.
Conclusion
Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful and fruity take on the classic roll that adds a burst of flavor and vibrant color to your baking. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, they’re a guaranteed crowd‑pleaser. Try them once, and they’re bound to become a regular favorite in your kitchen.
