Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines the warm, spiced flavor of cinnamon rolls with the fresh sweetness of strawberries.
- Perfect for any occasion, from weekend brunches to holiday gatherings.
- Made with simple ingredients that are easy to find.
- The homemade dough is soft, pillowy, and packed with flavor.
- Can be prepared ahead of time for a stress-free morning treat.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Active dry yeast
- Whole milk
- Unsalted butter
- Egg
- Salt
- Ground cinnamon
- Fresh strawberries
- Brown sugar
- Cornstarch
- Vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar
Directions
- Prepare the dough: In a small bowl, warm the milk and dissolve the yeast with a teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit until foamy.
- Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg, then knead until a soft dough forms.
- Let it rise: Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours until it doubles in size.
- Make the strawberry filling: In a saucepan, cook the diced strawberries, brown sugar, and cornstarch until thickened. Let it cool.
- Roll out the dough: Once risen, roll the dough into a rectangle and spread the strawberry filling evenly. Sprinkle with cinnamon.
- Shape the rolls: Roll the dough tightly, then cut into 8 equal pieces. Arrange them in a greased baking dish.
- Second rise: Cover and let the rolls rise for another 30-45 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Prepare the glaze: Mix powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a little milk to create a smooth glaze.
- Glaze and serve: Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls and enjoy.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8 rolls
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Rise Time: 1.5-2 hours
- Bake Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 2.5-3 hours
Variations
- Cream Cheese Glaze: Swap the vanilla glaze for a tangy cream cheese frosting.
- Nutty Addition: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the filling for added crunch.
- Chocolate Twist: Add chocolate chips to the strawberry filling for a decadent treat.
- Spiced Flavor: Enhance the cinnamon flavor by adding nutmeg or cardamom.
- Jam Substitute: If fresh strawberries aren’t available, use strawberry jam for the filling.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes.
- Freezing: Freeze unglazed rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
FAQs
How do I know when the dough has risen enough?
The dough should double in size. You can test it by pressing a finger into the dough—if it slowly springs back, it’s ready.
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast. You don’t need to proof it—just mix it directly with the dry ingredients.
What if my dough is too sticky?
Add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough is soft but not overly sticky.
Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the rolls up to the second rise, then refrigerate overnight and bake in the morning.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, but thaw them first and drain excess liquid to prevent a soggy filling.
How can I make the rolls extra soft?
Use room-temperature ingredients, don’t over-knead, and avoid overbaking.
What can I use instead of powdered sugar for the glaze?
You can blend granulated sugar until fine or use honey or maple syrup for a different glaze.
Why did my rolls turn out dry?
Overbaking or using too much flour can dry out the rolls. Bake just until golden and soft.
Can I make these rolls vegan?
Yes, use dairy-free milk, vegan butter, and an egg substitute like flaxseed meal.
What’s the best way to cut the rolls evenly?
Use unflavored dental floss or a sharp knife for clean slices without squishing the dough.
Conclusion
Strawberry cinnamon rolls are a delicious twist on the classic, bringing fruity sweetness and warm cinnamon flavors together in a soft, fluffy roll. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or reheated the next day, these rolls make any morning special. Try out different variations to suit your taste, and enjoy this delightful homemade treat.
Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls
Soft and fluffy strawberry cinnamon rolls filled with a sweet strawberry filling and topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze. These homemade rolls are the perfect breakfast or dessert, bursting with fruity goodness and warm cinnamon flavor!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours (including rise time
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) instant yeast
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup warm milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the Strawberry Filling
- 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, chopped
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 ½ tsp cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Glaze
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp milk
Instructions
-
Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- Add warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead for about 8–10 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
-
Make the Strawberry Filling:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice.
- Cook until thickened (about 5 minutes), stirring occasionally.
- Let cool completely.
-
Assemble the Rolls:
- Roll out dough into a 12×16-inch rectangle.
- Spread strawberry filling evenly over the dough.
- Roll up tightly from the long side and slice into 12 rolls.
-
Second Rise & Bake:
- Place rolls in a greased baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
-
Make the Glaze:
- Whisk together cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
- Drizzle over warm rolls and serve!
Notes
-
Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- Add warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead for about 8–10 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
-
Make the Strawberry Filling:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice.
- Cook until thickened (about 5 minutes), stirring occasionally.
- Let cool completely.
-
Assemble the Rolls:
- Roll out dough into a 12×16-inch rectangle.
- Spread strawberry filling evenly over the dough.
- Roll up tightly from the long side and slice into 12 rolls.
-
Second Rise & Bake:
- Place rolls in a greased baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
-
Make the Glaze:
- Whisk together cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
- Drizzle over warm rolls and serve!
