Awaken your senses to the irresistible charm of Homemade Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls, a delightful twist on the classic breakfast pastry. These rolls combine the warm, spicy flavor of cinnamon with the sweet, tangy burst of fresh strawberries, all wrapped up in soft, pillowy dough and topped with a luscious strawberry cream cheese frosting. Perfect for leisurely weekend mornings, special brunches, or as a treat to brighten up any day, these cinnamon rolls are sure to become a cherished favorite. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at homemade dough for the first time, this recipe guides you through each step towards achieving bakery-quality rolls that are as beautiful as they are delicious.
Why You’ll Love Homemade Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls:
- Fresh and Fruity: The addition of real strawberries both inside the rolls and in the frosting adds a refreshing twist.
- Perfectly Spiced: Balanced with just the right amount of cinnamon to complement the sweetness of the strawberries.
- Decadently Creamy: Topped with a rich strawberry cream cheese frosting for the ultimate indulgence.
- Joy of Baking: There’s something incredibly satisfying about baking from scratch, especially when the results are this delightful.
Ingredients Notes For Homemade Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls:
- For the Dough:
- Milk, sugar, and yeast to create a rich, tender base.
- Butter and eggs add richness and flavor to the dough.
- Flour to bring it all together into a soft, workable texture.
- For the Filling:
- Fresh strawberries, finely chopped, for bursts of fruity flavor.
- Cinnamon and sugar mixed together for that classic warm spice.
- Softened butter to spread over the dough before adding the strawberry and cinnamon mixture.
- For the Frosting:
- Cream cheese and butter for a creamy, smooth base.
- Powdered sugar for sweetness and structure.
- Fresh strawberry puree or jam to infuse the frosting with bright strawberry flavor.
Recipe Steps:
- Prepare the Dough: Warm the milk and dissolve the sugar and yeast. Combine with melted butter, eggs, and flour to form a dough. Knead until smooth, then let rise until doubled in size.
- Make the Filling: Mix the chopped strawberries with cinnamon and sugar. Roll out the dough, spread with softened butter, and sprinkle the strawberry mixture evenly over the top.
- Form the Rolls: Roll the dough tightly, slice into individual rolls, and arrange in a baking dish. Allow to rise again until puffy.
- Bake: Cook in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare the Frosting: Beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and strawberry puree until smooth. Spread over the warm rolls before serving.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerate: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Warm slightly before enjoying.
- Freeze: Freeze unfrosted rolls for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat in the oven, then apply frosting.
How to Make Homemade Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F or 45°C)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
For the Strawberry Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk, as needed for consistency
Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
- Activate Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm milk. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the melted butter, eggs, and salt.
- Add Flour: Gradually mix in the flour, kneading until the dough comes together and is soft but not sticky. Add a little more flour if necessary.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Prepare the Strawberry Filling:
- Cook Strawberries: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and vanilla. Cook until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Allow to cool.
Assemble the Rolls:
- Roll Out Dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Spread Filling: Spread the cooled strawberry mixture evenly over the dough.
- Roll and Cut: Roll the dough tightly from the long end. Cut into 12-14 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss.
- Second Rise: Place the cut rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover and let rise again for 30 minutes.
Bake:
- Preheat Oven: While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake: Uncover the rolls and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Mix Ingredients: In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and enough milk to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Frost Rolls: Spread the frosting over the warm rolls before serving.
