There’s a certain joy that comes from enveloping your kitchen in the sweet, comforting aroma of freshly baked goods. As I rolled out the dough for these strawberry cinnamon rolls, I could already picture the delighted expressions of my family when they would sink their teeth into these soft, gooey treats. The decision to add strawberries was a spontaneous one, inspired by a basket of plump, red berries I could no longer resist at the farmer’s market.
This twist on a classic breakfast favorite breathes new life into ordinary mornings, making them feel special with every delicious bite. The marriage of warm cinnamon and bright, tangy strawberry filling, drizzled with a creamy glaze, is a perfect antidote for anyone tired of fast food and seeking a touch of homemade warmth. Prepare to indulge in this delightful experience, and I promise you’ll be left with a lingering sweetness that makes it easy to conquer the day ahead!
Why are Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls a must-try?
Heavenly Flavor Combination: These rolls blend sweet strawberries with warm cinnamon for an irresistible taste sensation.
Baking Simplicity: Despite the rich flavors, they require just basic baking skills—perfect for both seasoned chefs and beginners.
Impressive Presentation: The vibrant pink glaze and plump rolls make for a stunning centerpiece at any brunch.
Seasonal Freshness: Using fresh strawberries not only elevates the flavor but also celebrates summer’s bounty.
Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake in advance and enjoy the ease of warming up fresh rolls whenever you desire.
Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Great for gatherings, they’re bound to delight friends and family, putting smiles on everyone’s faces!
Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Ingredients
For the Strawberry Filling
• Frozen or Fresh Strawberries – Fresh strawberries bring vibrant flavor, but frozen berries work well year-round.
• Brown Sugar – Adds sweetness and depth to the filling; granulated sugar can be used if you’re in a pinch.
• Lemon Juice – Brightens the strawberry flavor; optional but highly recommended.
• Cornstarch – Thickens the filling to a jam-like consistency, ensuring a gooey surprise in every bite.
• Water – Helps adjust the filling consistency for perfect spreadability.
For the Dough
• Unsalted Butter – Essential for richness; make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
• Light Brown Sugar – Sweetens the dough while keeping it moist; dark brown sugar can be swapped in for a deeper taste.
• Ground Cinnamon – The key flavor for that signature cinnamon roll experience.
• Bread Flour – Preferred for structure and chewiness over all-purpose flour for the best rolls.
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the dough and balances flavors.
• Instant Yeast – Allows quick rising; can be substituted with active dry yeast, but proofing will be necessary.
• Fine Sea Salt – Enhances the overall flavor and balances sweetness in the dough.
• Whole Milk and Heavy Cream – Provide moisture and richness; ensure they’re at room temperature for even mixing.
• Large Egg – Adds moisture and richness; best to use one that’s at room temperature.
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances flavor depth in the dough.
For the Glaze
• Cream Cheese – The creamy base for your glaze, adding richness.
• Powdered Sugar – Sweetens and thickens the glaze to a delightful spreadable consistency.
• Reserved Strawberry Filling – Incorporate for an extra layer of flavor in the frosting—optional but strongly suggested!
How to Make Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls
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Make Strawberry Filling: In a saucepan, combine strawberries, brown sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until thickened, then stir in cornstarch and water. Cool before using.
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Prepare Tangzhong: Whisk together water and bread flour in another saucepan over low heat until it forms a thick paste. Set aside to cool slightly.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine bread flour, granulated sugar, yeast, and fine sea salt. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: Add whole milk, heavy cream, egg, vanilla extract, and the cooled tangzhong to the dry ingredients. Knead until a rough dough forms.
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Incorporate Butter: Gradually add softened unsalted butter to the dough while kneading. Continue until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 5-7 minutes.
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First Rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover with a kitchen towel and let rise in a warm spot for 30 minutes.
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Roll Dough: On a floured surface, roll the dough into a 15×21 inch rectangle. Evenly spread the cinnamon sugar filling and dollops of strawberry filling over the dough.
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Cut and Roll: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the dough into 12 equal strips. Roll each strip into a coil and place them in a greased baking pan.
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Second Rise: Cover the rolls with a towel and let them rise for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
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Bake: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Bake the rolls for 30-40 minutes until golden brown on top.
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Make Glaze: In a mixing bowl, whisk cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, milk, and reserved strawberry filling until smooth and creamy.
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Glaze Rolls: Once baked, spread the glaze over warm rolls and serve immediately for the best experience.
Optional: Sprinkle extra crushed strawberries on top for added freshness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Variations
Feel free to get creative and customize your strawberry cinnamon rolls with these delightful twists!
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Berry Blend: Mix in blueberries or raspberries for a medley of fruity flavors that will dance on your palate. Each added berry brings a unique tartness to the glaze.
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Nutty Crunch: Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling. The added texture elevates these rolls to an unforgettable experience.
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Dairy-Free Delight: Swap out whole milk and heavy cream for almond or oat milk. This will keep the rolls moist while catering to dairy-free diets.
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Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour to make these rolls gluten-free. Just ensure your baking powder and other ingredients are also gluten-free.
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Spiced Up: Add a touch of cardamom or nutmeg to the cinnamon filling. These spices complement strawberries beautifully, creating a warm, cozy flavor.
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Citrus Zing: Add some grated orange zest to both the filling and glaze for a refreshing citrus note. It brightens up the sweetness and gives a fresh twist.
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Chocolate Drizzle: For chocolate lovers, drizzle some melted dark chocolate over the glaze. The combination of strawberries and chocolate is a match made in heaven.
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Maple Sweetness: Replace powdered sugar in the glaze with maple syrup for a unique maple-strawberry flavor combo. This adds a rich depth to each bite.
Explore these options to tailor your strawberry cinnamon rolls to your family’s palate, and make every batch uniquely yours!
How to Store and Freeze Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls
Fridge: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For best flavor, reheat in the microwave or oven until warm and gooey.
Freezer: You can freeze unglazed rolls for up to 3 months. Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: To enjoy the rolls after freezing, warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes. Glaze after reheating for the best flavor and texture.
Make-Ahead: Prepare rolls in advance and refrigerate overnight before baking. This way, you can easily pop them in the oven for a warm breakfast featuring your delightful strawberry cinnamon rolls!
What to Serve with Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls?
There’s something truly magical about crafting a gathering centered around warm, gooey delights. Let’s enhance the experience with complementary dishes that will brighten your brunch table.
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Rich Coffee: A cup of freshly brewed coffee balances the sweetness of the rolls, awakening your senses for a delightful morning.
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Herbal Tea: For those seeking a lighter option, a soothing herbal tea can harmonize beautifully, adding warmth to your breakfast spread.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: Bright, seasonal fruits like melon, berries, and citrus create a refreshing contrast, adding a burst of brightness to your plate.
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Egg Strata: A savory egg strata, baked until golden, offers a heartier element, ensuring a well-rounded breakfast for mixed palates.
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Yogurt Parfait: Layer creamy yogurt with granola and berries for a chilled, textural contrast against the soft, warm cinnamon rolls.
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Lemonade or Mimosas: Add a splash of celebration with zesty lemonade or bubbly mimosas, invigorating your brunch atmosphere and enhancing the fruity notes of the rolls.
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Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream on the side complements the sweet-tangy glaze, creating an indulgent, dessert-like quality.
These delightful pairings promise to elevate your strawberry cinnamon rolls from a simple treat to a memorable brunch experience!
Expert Tips for Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls
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Accurate Measurements: Use the spoon-level method for flour to avoid dry rolls. Too much flour can lead to a dense texture.
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Perfect Rest Time: Allow the dough to rise adequately to ensure it becomes light and fluffy. Skipping this step can yield tough rolls.
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Watch Your Bake Time: Keep an eye on the rolls while they bake. Look for a golden top and a slight spring in the center; overbaking can dry them out.
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Make Ahead: Prepare the rolls the night before and refrigerate them overnight. This way, you can simply bake them fresh in the morning for a delightful breakfast.
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Flavor Variations: Don’t hesitate to experiment with other fruits, like blueberries or raspberries. They also pair beautifully with cinnamon for a delicious twist on classic strawberry cinnamon rolls.
Make Ahead Options
These Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the strawberry filling up to 3 days in advance by cooking the strawberries, brown sugar, and lemon juice, then refrigerating it in an airtight container. Additionally, the dough can be made and shaped into rolls—just allow them to rise, then tightly wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, let the rolls come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before the second rise, then bake as directed. This way, you’ll enjoy freshly baked rolls with minimal effort, ideal for busy mornings when time is tight!
Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe FAQs
Are fresh or frozen strawberries better for the filling?
Absolutely! Fresh strawberries offer a vibrant flavor that enhances the rolls, particularly in summer. However, frozen strawberries are a convenient option year-round, providing similar sweetness when fresh strawberries aren’t available.
How should I store leftover strawberry cinnamon rolls?
For best results, place your leftover rolls in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds, or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Can I freeze strawberry cinnamon rolls?
Yes, you can freeze unglazed rolls for up to 3 months. Here’s how: After baking and allowing them to cool completely, wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a resealable freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as described above for freshly-baked goodness.
What if my dough isn’t rising properly?
If your dough isn’t rising as expected, the yeast may be inactive. Make sure you’re using fresh instant yeast. If you suspect your yeast or dough is having trouble, try placing it in a warm area (around 75°F to 80°F) and give it more time. Ensuring all liquids are at room temperature helps as well, creating an inviting environment for the yeast to flourish!
Are these rolls suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
I recommend checking for allergies specifically to dairy and gluten in the ingredients. For a gluten-free alternative, consider using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. You can also create a dairy-free glaze using coconut cream and powdered sugar. Always consult with those who have dietary restrictions to assure they can safely enjoy the treat.
What’s the best way to adjust the sweetness of the rolls?
You can easily tailor the sweetness by adjusting the amounts of brown and granulated sugar in both the dough and strawberry filling. If you prefer a less sweet roll, reduce the sugar in the glaze or use less filling. Alternatively, consider adding a pinch of salt to balance flavors without overly sweetening.
Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls: A Sweet Summer Morning Treat
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a saucepan, combine strawberries, brown sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until thickened, then stir in cornstarch and water. Cool before using.
- Whisk together water and bread flour in another saucepan over low heat until it forms a thick paste. Set aside to cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, combine bread flour, granulated sugar, yeast, and fine sea salt. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
- Add whole milk, heavy cream, egg, vanilla extract, and the cooled tangzhong to the dry ingredients. Knead until a rough dough forms.
- Gradually add softened unsalted butter to the dough while kneading. Continue until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 5-7 minutes.
- Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover with a kitchen towel and let rise in a warm spot for 30 minutes.
- On a floured surface, roll the dough into a 15x21 inch rectangle. Evenly spread the cinnamon sugar filling and dollops of strawberry filling over the dough.
- Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the dough into 12 equal strips. Roll each strip into a coil and place them in a greased baking pan.
- Cover the rolls with a towel and let them rise for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Bake the rolls for 30-40 minutes until golden brown on top.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, milk, and reserved strawberry filling until smooth and creamy.
- Once baked, spread the glaze over warm rolls and serve immediately for the best experience.