Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls

Introduction

Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls are a dreamy, fruit-filled twist on the classic cinnamon roll, combining soft, pillowy dough with a sweet cinnamon-sugar filling and bursts of fresh strawberries. Each roll is swirled with rich, buttery goodness and finished with a luscious strawberry glaze or velvety cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls offer the perfect balance of warm spice and juicy, berry-filled sweetness in every bite.

The first time I made these, I was amazed at how the strawberries added a fresh, tangy contrast to the classic cinnamon flavor. Rolling out the dough, layering the filling, and watching them bake to golden perfection felt like a labor of love—but one that was absolutely worth it. The scent of cinnamon, butter, and strawberries filled the kitchen, and when I drizzled the glaze over the warm rolls, they looked (and tasted) like a bakery-worthy treat.

What I love most about Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls is their versatility. You can swap fresh strawberries for jam or even add a handful of blueberries for a mixed berry twist. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or tea, and you’ve got a treat that turns any morning into something special. Whether you’re making them for a holiday brunch, a weekend indulgence, or just because, these rolls are guaranteed to impress and satisfy!

Perfect for:

• Weekend breakfasts
• Brunch gatherings
• Holiday treats
• Sweet cravings
• Special occasions

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Here’s why Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls will become a new favorite:

• Soft and Fluffy: The dough is light and airy, creating the perfect texture.
• Fresh and Fruity: Juicy strawberries add natural sweetness and a vibrant flavor.
• Cinnamon-Sugar Perfection: A classic spiced filling enhances the rich, buttery rolls.
• Customizable Frosting: Choose between strawberry glaze or cream cheese frosting.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare them the night before for a stress-free morning bake.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 2 hours (including rising time)
• Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
• Servings: 12 rolls
• Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
• Key Nutrients: Carbs: 50g, Fat: 12g, Protein: 6g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls:

Dough:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• ¾ cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon salt

Filling:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Strawberry Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons strawberry puree (blended fresh strawberries)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)

For Cream Cheese Frosting (Alternative Topping):

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 tablespoons milk

Ingredient Highlights

• Strawberries: Adds natural sweetness and a pop of fresh flavor.
• Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture: Creates the classic warm, spiced filling.
• Soft Dough: Enriched with butter and milk for a tender, fluffy texture.
• Strawberry Glaze: A fruity alternative to traditional icing.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: A rich, tangy topping option.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Dough:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. Mix Dough Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, melted butter, egg, and the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough: Knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Prepare the Filling:

5. Mix the Cinnamon-Sugar Butter: In a small bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until well combined.
6. Prepare the Strawberries: Dice fresh strawberries and set them aside.

Assemble the Rolls:

7. Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll the dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle.
8. Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the cinnamon-sugar butter over the dough.
9. Add Strawberries: Sprinkle diced strawberries evenly over the filling.
10. Roll and Cut: Roll the dough tightly from the long edge into a log. Slice into 12 equal rolls.
11. Second Rise: Place rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise for another 30 minutes.

Bake the Rolls:

12. Preheat Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C).
13. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
14. Cool Slightly: Let the rolls cool for about 10 minutes before adding the glaze or frosting.

Make the Strawberry Glaze:

15. Blend the Strawberries: Puree fresh strawberries until smooth.
16. Mix the Glaze Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk powdered sugar, strawberry puree, vanilla, and milk until smooth.

Make the Cream Cheese Frosting (Alternative Topping):

17. Mix Frosting Ingredients: Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until creamy.

How to Serve Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls

• Drizzle with Cream Cheese Glaze – A warm, tangy cream cheese icing complements the sweet strawberry filling perfectly. Let it melt slightly over the rolls for extra indulgence.
• Top with Fresh Berries – Garnish with fresh sliced strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for added freshness and a pop of color.
• Pair with Whipped Cream – Serve with a dollop of homemade whipped cream or mascarpone whipped cream for a light and creamy touch.
• Dust with Powdered Sugar – A simple dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant finish and a hint of extra sweetness.
• Serve with a Scoop of Ice Cream – Turn your rolls into a dessert by serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla bean, strawberry, or cinnamon ice cream.
• Drizzle with Chocolate or Caramel – A light drizzle of melted chocolate or caramel sauce adds a gourmet twist and enhances the flavors.
• Make it a Breakfast Platter – Pair your rolls with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or a fresh fruit salad for a balanced and indulgent brunch spread.
• Add a Nuts & Crunch – Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans, almonds, or walnuts over the rolls for added texture and nuttiness.
• Serve with a Cup of Coffee or Tea – A warm cinnamon roll pairs beautifully with a latte, chai tea, or strawberry-infused herbal tea for a cozy treat.
• Turn it into a Bread Pudding – If you have leftover rolls, chop them up and bake them into a strawberry cinnamon roll bread pudding with a custard base for a decadent second-day treat.

Additional Tips for Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls

• Use Fresh Strawberries: Avoid frozen strawberries as they release too much moisture.
• Roll Dough Evenly: Keep the thickness consistent for uniform rolls.
• Soft Rolls Trick: Brush the tops with melted butter after baking for extra softness.
• Overnight Method: Assemble the rolls the night before, refrigerate, and bake fresh in the morning.
• Thicker Glaze: Reduce the milk for a thicker, spreadable glaze.

Recipe Variations for Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls

1. Strawberry Shortcake Rolls: Add whipped cream and fresh strawberries before serving.
2. Chocolate Strawberry Rolls: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips in the filling.
3. Lemon Strawberry Rolls: Add lemon zest to the glaze for a citrusy twist.
4. Nutty Delight Rolls: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
5. Mixed Berry Rolls: Use a combination of strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries.
6. Caramel Strawberry Rolls: Drizzle caramel sauce instead of glaze.
7. Honey Vanilla Rolls: Replace sugar with honey in the filling for a natural sweetness.
8. Strawberry Cheesecake Rolls: Spread a thin layer of cream cheese before adding the filling.
9. Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter, milk, and cream cheese for a dairy-free version.
10. Gluten-Free Rolls: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.

Freezing and Storage for Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls

• Freezing: Freeze unbaked rolls in a pan. When ready to bake, let them thaw and rise before baking.
• Storage: Store baked rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for 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 a few minutes.

Special Equipment for Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls

• Stand Mixer with Dough Hook (optional)
• Rolling Pin
• Baking Dish
• Pastry Brush
• Blender (for strawberry puree)

FAQ for Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls

1. Can I use frozen strawberries? It’s best to use fresh strawberries to prevent excess moisture.
2. Can I make the dough in advance? Yes, refrigerate the dough overnight and bake the next morning.
3. What if I don’t have yeast? Use self-rising flour and baking powder, but the texture will be different.
4. Can I make them dairy-free? Yes, substitute plant-based butter, milk, and cream cheese.
5. Can I add nuts? Yes, pecans or almonds add a nice crunch.

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Conclusion

Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect combination of warm cinnamon spice and sweet, juicy strawberries, all wrapped in soft, fluffy dough. Whether topped with a luscious strawberry glaze or rich cream cheese frosting, these rolls are an irresistible treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. The burst of fresh strawberries adds a fruity twist to the classic cinnamon roll, making each bite extra special.

Easy to customize and perfect for making ahead, these rolls are great for any occasion. Serve them warm for the ultimate gooey, melt-in-your-mouth experience, and enjoy the delightful balance of cinnamon warmth and berry sweetness.

I can’t wait to see your Strawberry Cinnamon Roll creations! Snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see how you make this recipe your own. Don’t forget to share your favorite twists in the comments. Happy baking!