Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls

These Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on the classic cinnamon roll, featuring a soft, pillowy dough filled with a sweet cinnamon-strawberry filling and topped with a luscious strawberry glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat, these rolls are bursting with fruity flavor and warm spice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft and fluffy texture – Homemade dough that’s light and tender.
• Strawberry-filled goodness – A fruity take on classic cinnamon rolls.
• Perfect for any occasion – Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
• Easy to customize – Add cream cheese frosting, nuts, or chocolate chips.
• Make-ahead friendly – Prepare the night before for a stress-free morning treat.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Dough:

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Salt
• Active dry yeast
• Warm milk
• Unsalted butter, melted
• Egg
• Vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Cinnamon Filling:

• Fresh strawberries, diced
• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Cornstarch (to thicken the filling)
• Unsalted butter, softened

For the Strawberry Glaze:

• Powdered sugar
• Freeze-dried strawberries, finely ground
• Milk or heavy cream
• Vanilla extract

Directions

Make the Dough:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, egg, and vanilla. Mix until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead and Rise: Knead for about 8 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Make the Strawberry Cinnamon Filling:

1. Prepare the Strawberries: In a saucepan, cook diced strawberries, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch over medium heat until thickened. Let cool.
2. Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle.
3. Spread the Filling: Spread softened butter over the dough, then evenly spread the strawberry mixture on top.
4. Roll and Cut: Roll the dough tightly into a log, then slice into 10–12 rolls.

Bake the Rolls:

1. Second Rise: Place rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise for another 30 minutes.
2. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Make the Strawberry Glaze:

1. Mix the Ingredients: Whisk together powdered sugar, freeze-dried strawberry powder, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
2. Glaze the Rolls: Drizzle over warm rolls and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 10–12 rolls
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Rise Time: 1.5 hours
• Bake Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Variations

• Cream Cheese Frosting: Swap the glaze for a classic cream cheese frosting.
• Nutty Addition: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
• Chocolate Strawberry Rolls: Sprinkle chocolate chips inside the filling.
• Shortcut Version: Use store-bought pizza dough for a quicker option.
• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked rolls after slicing. Thaw, rise, and bake when ready.
• Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 20 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes! Just thaw and drain them before using to prevent excess moisture.

2. How do I make these ahead of time?

Prepare the rolls, place them in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature before baking.

3. Can I use a different fruit filling?

Absolutely! Try raspberries, blueberries, or peaches for a fun twist.

4. Why didn’t my rolls rise properly?

Your yeast may be expired, or your milk may have been too hot or too cold.

5. How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?

Leave a small border around the edges when spreading the filling and roll the dough tightly.

6. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Use dairy-free butter, milk, and frosting substitutes.

7. How do I get perfectly shaped rolls?

Use dental floss or a sharp knife to slice cleanly through the dough.

8. Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Just use a larger baking dish and increase the ingredient quantities accordingly.

9. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes! Instant yeast doesn’t need to be activated in warm milk and can be mixed directly with dry ingredients.

10. How do I make the glaze thicker?

Add more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze, or more milk for a thinner consistency.

Conclusion

These Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect combination of soft, fluffy dough, sweet cinnamon-strawberry filling, and a delightful glaze. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, they’re guaranteed to impress. Try them today and enjoy a fresh, fruity twist on a classic treat!

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