If you’ve ever dreamed of waking up to the irresistible aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls bursting with fruity goodness, you are in for a real treat with this Strawberry and Cream Cinnamon Rolls with Strawberry Filling Recipe. These rolls marry the classic warmth of cinnamon-spiced dough with luscious, sweet strawberry filling and a dreamy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for a spring brunch or a special dessert, each bite offers a soft, tender crumb layered with bright, juicy strawberries that elevate this comfort food into something truly spectacular. Let me take you through every delicious step so you can share these lovely rolls with your favorite people.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a key role, combining simplicity and flavor to create the perfect balance between soft dough, sweet strawberry filling, and creamy frosting. Let’s break down what you’ll need, and why each component is essential for achieving those melt-in-your-mouth cinnamon rolls.
- Warm milk (1 cup): Activates the yeast and adds moisture to form a tender dough.
- Active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons): The magic starter that makes the dough rise beautifully fluffy.
- Granulated sugar (â…“ cup): Sweetens the dough and helps activate the yeast.
- Large eggs (2, room temperature): Adds protein and richness to the dough’s structure.
- Unsalted butter (6 tablespoons melted + 5 tablespoons softened + 2 tablespoons softened for frosting): Adds richness and moisture throughout the dough, filling, and frosting.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- All-purpose flour (4 ½ cups plus extra for dusting): The foundation of your dough, giving it structure and chewiness.
- Fresh strawberries (1 cup finely chopped): Provide natural strawberry flavor and texture in the filling.
- Strawberry jam (½ cup): Amplifies the strawberry sweetness and helps bind the filling.
- Brown sugar (â…“ cup): Combines with cinnamon for a classic, deep-sweet filling layer.
- Ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons): Brings warm spice that complements the strawberries perfectly.
- Cream cheese (4 oz softened): Base of the luscious frosting that adds tangy sweetness.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Sweetens and thickens the frosting for that perfect spread.
- Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon): Adds depth and enhances the cream cheese frosting flavor.
- Milk (1–2 tablespoons as needed): Used to adjust frosting consistency for a creamy spread.
How to Make Strawberry and Cream Cinnamon Rolls with Strawberry Filling Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast and Prepare the Dough
Start by whisking the warm milk and yeast in a large mixing bowl. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until the surface becomes foamy—this proves that your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic. Then add the granulated sugar, eggs, melted butter, and salt, mixing everything together. Gradually stir in the flour until a soft yet manageable dough forms. Knead for 6 to 8 minutes until your dough feels smooth and elastic—that’s the texture that bakes into perfectly tender rolls.
Step 2: First Rise
Place your dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. This little resting period of about an hour allows the dough to double in size, which means those cinnamon rolls will become light and airy. Patience here rewards you with the softest rolls.
Step 3: Prepare the Strawberry Filling
While the dough is rising, mix the finely chopped strawberries with the strawberry jam in a small bowl to form a juicy, flavorful filling. In a separate bowl, combine brown sugar and ground cinnamon; this mixture will create a beautifully sweet and spicy layer in your rolls.
Step 4: Roll Out and Fill the Dough
Once your dough has doubled, transfer it to a floured surface and roll it out into a 16 by 12-inch rectangle. Now, spread the softened butter evenly across the dough. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture all over, then gently spread the strawberry and jam mixture on top. Each layer builds flavor and creates that wonderful, gooey texture you want in every bite.
Step 5: Shape the Rolls
Starting from the long edge, roll up the dough tightly like a jelly roll, making sure it’s snug but not squished. Slice this log into 12 even rolls, which gives you just the right portion size with a perfect balance of filling and dough in each one.
Step 6: Second Rise and Baking
Place the rolls into a greased 9 by 13-inch baking dish spaced evenly. Cover them and let them rise again for 30 to 40 minutes until they puff up nicely. During this time, preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through—your kitchen will start smelling incredible!
Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the rolls bake, beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually mix in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a little milk to get the perfect spreading consistency. As soon as your rolls come out of the oven and have cooled slightly, spread this luscious frosting over the top so it melts into nooks and crannies, creating that ultimate sweet finish.
How to Serve Strawberry and Cream Cinnamon Rolls with Strawberry Filling Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, sprinkle freshly chopped strawberries or a light dusting of powdered sugar over the frosted rolls just before serving. These simple garnishes add a burst of fresh color and hint at the delicious strawberry filling hidden inside.
Side Dishes
These strawberry and cream cinnamon rolls pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea to complement the sweetness. For a fuller brunch, consider serving alongside crispy bacon or scrambled eggs, offering a balance of sweet and savory flavors that your guests will adore.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn these rolls into a delightful dessert platter by slicing them into smaller bite-sized pieces and arranging them with fruit and nuts. You can also drizzle warm strawberry glaze over the frosting for an extra pop of fruity flavor and a glossy finish that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover rolls, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep them soft, briefly warm in the microwave wrapped with a damp paper towel before serving.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked cinnamon rolls after shaping them. Wrap the baking dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to three months. When ready, let them thaw and rise before baking fresh. Alternatively, bake the rolls, freeze fully cooled, and reheat later for convenience.
Reheating
Reheat leftover cinnamon rolls in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. This method helps maintain that fresh-baked texture better than the microwave, though a quick zap is fine if you’re in a hurry.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
While fresh strawberries yield the best texture and flavor, you can use thawed frozen strawberries. Make sure to drain any excess liquid well to avoid soggy dough and adjust the jam or sugar slightly to balance moisture.
Is it okay to substitute cream cheese frosting with other toppings?
Absolutely! You can swap the cream cheese frosting for a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk, or a strawberry glaze for even more fruity goodness. Each option gives a slightly different but equally delicious result.
How do I know when the dough has risen enough?
Good dough rise looks like it has doubled in volume and feels slightly puffy when gently pressed with a finger. If the indentation remains, it means the dough has risen enough and is ready for the next step.
Can I make these rolls vegan or dairy-free?
Yes, you can use plant-based milk and vegan butter substitutes, and swap regular cream cheese for a dairy-free alternative. The yeast dough will still rise nicely and deliver delicious flavor.
What is the best way to slice cinnamon rolls evenly?
Use a sharp serrated knife and gently saw back and forth without squishing the rolls. Chill the dough log briefly before slicing if it feels too soft to help keep rolls neat and uniform.
Final Thoughts
I truly cannot recommend this Strawberry and Cream Cinnamon Rolls with Strawberry Filling Recipe enough. It’s a spectacular way to brighten your mornings or impress guests with a homemade loaf brimming with fresh strawberry flavor and creamy frosting. Once you try these, you’ll find it hard to go back to ordinary cinnamon rolls. So, roll up your sleeves, gather those simple ingredients, and fill your kitchen with the cozy sweet scent of homemade joy!
Print
Strawberry and Cream Cinnamon Rolls with Strawberry Filling Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in soft, fluffy strawberry and cream cinnamon rolls filled with a luscious strawberry mixture and topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting. Perfect as a sweet breakfast treat or a delightful dessert, these rolls combine the warmth of cinnamon with the fresh burst of strawberries for a deliciously fruity twist on classic cinnamon rolls.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- â…“ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
Filling
- 1 cup finely chopped fresh strawberries
- ½ cup strawberry jam
- â…“ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
Frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (as needed)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together warm milk and active dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating that the yeast is active.
- Prepare Dough: Add granulated sugar, eggs, melted butter, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until fully combined. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing continuously until a soft dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 6–8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Prepare Filling: In a small bowl, combine finely chopped fresh strawberries and strawberry jam. In another bowl, mix together brown sugar and ground cinnamon.
- Roll Out Dough: On a floured surface, roll the risen dough into a 16×12 inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface of the dough.
- Add Filling: Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough, then spread the strawberry and jam mixture evenly on top.
- Form Rolls: Carefully roll the dough tightly from the long edge into a log. Slice the log into 12 equal rolls.
- Second Rise: Place the rolls into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover and let them rise for an additional 30–40 minutes until puffy.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through.
- Make Frosting: While the rolls bake, beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until the frosting is creamy and spreadable.
- Frost and Serve: Once the rolls have cooled slightly, spread the cream cheese frosting on top. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use slightly firm strawberries to avoid excess moisture in the filling which can make the rolls soggy.
- You can prepare the rolls ahead of time and refrigerate them overnight before baking to save time.
- For an extra burst of strawberry flavor, consider drizzling the rolls with a strawberry glaze instead of cream cheese frosting.
