If you are looking for a delightful treat that combines the warm, comforting flavor of cinnamon rolls with the fresh, fruity burst of strawberries, this Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is just what you need. Each bite offers a perfect balance of soft, fluffy dough infused with cinnamon and pockets of sweet strawberries, topped off with a luscious cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or a special dessert, these strawberry cinnamon rolls will quickly become a beloved classic in your home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create a surprisingly flavorful and textured pastry. Each component is essential, adding to the softness of the dough, the sweetness of the filling, or the richness of the frosting.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base for your dough, providing structure and tenderness.
- 3 tablespoons sugar: Adds subtle sweetness to balance the cinnamon’s warmth.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: The leavening agent that ensures fluffy, light rolls.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Gives the signature spicy warmth to the dough.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened: Brings richness to the dough and keeps it moist.
- 1/2 cup milk: Hydrates the dough and adds a tender crumb.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Provides a lovely aromatic background flavor.
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced: The star of the filling, imparting juicy sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Adds depth of caramel-like sweetness to the strawberry filling.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Sprinkled with brown sugar to complement the strawberries perfectly.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: Essential for a silken-smooth frosting that ties everything together.
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened: Creates a tangy, creamy frosting that balances the roll’s sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons milk (for frosting): Helps achieve the perfect frosting consistency.
How to Make Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Dry Ingredients
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s primed for baking. Combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and the half teaspoon of cinnamon in a large bowl. This mix of dry ingredients sets the foundation for the perfect dough texture and flavor.
Step 2: Form the Dough
Next, add the softened butter, milk, and vanilla extract to your dry ingredients and stir until fully combined. This step brings moisture and flavor into the dough, preparing it for kneading.
Step 3: Knead and Roll Out the Dough
Lightly flour your work surface and knead the dough a few times until it’s smooth and elastic. Roll the dough out into a neatly sized rectangle—that’s your canvas for creating those heavenly rolls filled with strawberry goodness.
Step 4: Add the Strawberry Filling
Evenly spread the diced fresh strawberries across the dough’s surface. Then sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon on top, letting the sugars and spice pair beautifully with the juicy berries.
Step 5: Shape the Rolls
Carefully roll the dough tightly from one edge to the other, much like a jelly roll. Use a sharp knife to slice the rolled dough into twelve equal rolls, each promising a gorgeous swirl of strawberry and cinnamon.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the rolls neatly into a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each so they can puff up beautifully. Bake them for about 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown and irresistibly fragrant.
Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the rolls are baking, beat together the cream cheese and powdered sugar, gradually adding milk until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. This frosting adds richness and a slight tang that complements the sweetness of the rolls.
Step 8: Frost and Serve
Once the rolls have cooled just enough (warm but not hot), drizzle the frosting lavishly over the top. Serve right away for the perfect balance of soft dough, fruity filling, and creamy goodness.
How to Serve Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few delicate garnishes can elevate your presentation and taste. Fresh strawberry slices on top, a light dusting of cinnamon, or a sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts can add exciting texture and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit salads, creamy yogurt, or even a simple cup of coffee or tea. These sides complement the sweetness while keeping the meal light and refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these rolls in rustic baskets lined with a pretty cloth napkin for a charming breakfast or brunch presentation. Or, arrange them on a tiered cake stand for festive gatherings, making them the centerpiece that everyone will eagerly reach for.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover strawberry cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This allows you to enjoy the comforting flavors without losing the soft, fresh texture.
Freezing
For longer storage, these rolls freeze beautifully. Wrap each one individually or place them together in a sealed container, then freeze for up to two months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the rolls gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or microwave for a few seconds until warm. Add a fresh drizzle of frosting if needed, and enjoy them as if freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
While fresh strawberries are best for texture and flavor, frozen strawberries can work in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture that might make the rolls soggy.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute butter with plant-based margarine and use your favorite dairy-free milk, such as almond or oat milk. The cream cheese frosting can also be swapped with a vegan cream cheese alternative.
How long will these rolls stay fresh?
When stored properly in an airtight container, these strawberry cinnamon rolls will stay fresh for up to two days at room temperature. Beyond that, refrigeration or freezing is recommended.
Can I prepare the dough the night before?
Yes! You can make the dough and refrigerate it overnight, then roll, fill, and bake the next day for fresher rolls with less morning prep.
What makes this Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe different from traditional cinnamon rolls?
The addition of fresh strawberries in the filling adds a juicy, fruity brightness that perfectly complements the cinnamon-spiced dough, creating a delightful twist on the classic cinnamon roll.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is truly a treasure to have in your baking repertoire. Its combination of simple ingredients transforming into a show-stopping dish will impress family and friends every time. Give it a try—you might find it becoming your new favorite way to welcome the day or to treat yourself sweetly any time you crave something special.
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
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these soft and flavorful Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls, combining the classic warmth of cinnamon with fresh strawberries for a delicious twist. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, these rolls are topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting for added indulgence.
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 the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the rolls.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon to form the dry base of the dough.
- Add wet ingredients and combine: Incorporate the softened butter, milk, and vanilla extract into the dry mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
- Knead and roll dough: On a floured surface, knead the dough gently until smooth, then roll it out into a rectangular shape, approximately 12×9 inches.
- Prepare filling: Evenly spread the diced strawberries over the dough rectangle, then sprinkle the brown sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon on top for a sweet and spicy flavor.
- Roll and cut dough: Carefully roll the dough tightly from one long side to the other to form a log, then slice into 12 equal rolls.
- Arrange and bake: Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving small gaps between each roll, and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Make frosting: While the rolls bake, beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar. Gradually add 2 tablespoons of milk until the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Frost and serve: Allow the baked rolls to cool slightly before drizzling or spreading the cream cheese frosting generously over the top. Serve warm for best flavor.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can lightly toast the diced strawberries before adding them to the dough.
- If fresh strawberries are not in season, frozen and thawed strawberries can be used but may add extra moisture.
- Make sure the cream cheese is properly softened for a smooth frosting texture.
- These rolls can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheated gently before serving.
- To make the rolls dairy-free, substitute butter with vegan butter and cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative.
