Irresistible Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Delicious and moist strawberry cinnamon rolls with a tender dough infused with a sweet strawberry cinnamon filling, topped with a creamy strawberry cream cheese icing. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls combine the warmth of cinnamon and the fresh flavor of ripe strawberries in a soft, yeasted pastry that will impress everyone at your table.
- Author: Rami
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 7 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Category: Breakfast & Brunch, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
For the Dough
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp yeast (Red Star Platinum recommended)
- 1/3 cup butter, melted and cooled to room temperature
- 2 eggs
- 3 1/2 cups bread flour (King Arthur recommended)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp cream
For the Filling
- 2 cups strawberries, finely chopped into 1/4-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp water (for cornstarch slurry)
For the Icing
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature (about 70°F)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 tbsp strawberry filling (reserved from filling)
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Activate Yeast and Build the Dough Base: Warm the milk to about 110°F, just warm to the touch but not hot. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk with sugar and yeast. Let it sit for 10 minutes until foamy, indicating activated yeast. Add the cooled melted butter, eggs, bread flour, and salt into the bowl. Using a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, mix on medium speed for 6-8 minutes until the dough comes together and is smooth and elastic. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky, which develops gluten for a tender, chewy texture.
- First Rise and Prepare Strawberry Filling: Transfer the dough into a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let rise at room temperature for 1 hour or until roughly doubled in size. Meanwhile, prepare the filling by placing the chopped strawberries, sugar, and freshly squeezed lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat. Simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until strawberries soften and release juices. Mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to form a slurry, then whisk it and cinnamon into the strawberry mixture. Simmer for an additional minute until thickened. Pour filling into a shallow dish and allow to cool completely to avoid soggy dough.
- Shape and Second Rise: Once dough has doubled, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll or gently stretch it into a 12×16 inch rectangle. Evenly spread the cooled strawberry filling over the dough, leaving a 1/2 inch border around the edges. Starting at the long edge nearest you, roll tightly into a log and pinch the seam to seal. Using a sharp knife or dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal slices. Place the rolls cut side up in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise for 45 minutes at room temperature until puffy and nearly touching.
- Bake the Rolls: Preheat oven to 375°F. Remove plastic wrap and bake rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Rolls should feel set yet soft when lightly pressed. Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 5 minutes before icing.
- Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Icing: In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter together until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add sifted powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of the reserved strawberry filling, milk, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and spreadable with no lumps.
- Frost and Serve: Generously spread the strawberry cream cheese icing over warm rolls in the pan, letting it melt into the crevices. Serve warm for the best texture or cool to room temperature if preferred.
Notes
- Use bread flour for a better chew and structure in the dough.
- Be sure to cool the strawberry filling completely before spreading to prevent sogginess.
- Mark the center of the dough log and cut it into halves and thirds for even-sized rolls.
- Sift powdered sugar before mixing icing to ensure smooth texture.
- Serve rolls warm for optimal flavor and softness.
- You can substitute fresh strawberries with frozen ones, thawed and drained well.
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