As the first light of dawn seeps through the kitchen window, the warm scent of baking fills the air, taking me back to cozy mornings spent with family. Today, I’m thrilled to share my recipe for Ultimate Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze, a delightful twist on a beloved classic. These irresistible rolls combine a soft, buttery brioche dough with a luscious strawberry filling, making them the perfect homemade comfort food. With a quick prep time and the option to use frozen strawberries, you can indulge anytime the craving strikes. Whether served at brunch or savored solo with a steaming cup of coffee, these rolls will surely bring a smile to your face. What flavor combination will you explore in your own kitchen?
Why are Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls irresistible?
Decadent flavor explosion: These rolls merge the sweetness of strawberries with the warmth of cinnamon, creating a delightful flavor harmony.
Unforgettable aroma: The scent of fresh strawberries and baked bread wafting from your kitchen will instantly elevate your mood.
Quick prep time: With easy steps and options for using frozen strawberries, you can whip these up even on a busy morning.
Perfect for sharing: Bring joy to your family gatherings or brunches—these rolls will make you the star of any meal! Consider pairing them with a warm cup of Vanilla Cinnamon Milk for an indulgent treat.
Versatile delight: Feel free to experiment with other fruits or flavors in your glaze. How about adding a dash of lemon for a zesty twist? Try swapping strawberries for raspberries in your next batch!
Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Ingredients
Dive into the joy of homemade Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with this carefully curated list of ingredients needed to create this delightful treat!
For the Dough
- Warm Milk – Provides moisture and activates yeast; whole milk slows dough cooling, while almond milk offers a dairy-free alternative.
- Instant Dry Yeast – The leavening agent for the brioche dough; if using active dry yeast, hydrate it first for optimal results.
- All-Purpose Flour – The structural backbone of your rolls; measuring by weight ensures accuracy, or opt for a gluten-free blend if needed.
- Granulated Sugar (⅓ cup) – Adds sweetness to both dough and filling; feel free to adjust based on your taste preferences.
- Salt – Enhances the overall flavor; fine sea salt is preferred for best results.
- Large Egg (room temperature) – Adds richness and helps bind the dough; swap it for ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce for a vegan version.
- Unsalted Butter (very soft, ⅓ cup) – Infuses the dough with rich flavor; coconut oil can be used as a vegan alternative.
For the Filling
- Fresh or Frozen Strawberries (1 ¾ cups) – The star of the filling; fresh strawberries offer the best flavor, while frozen requires longer cooking to reduce their moisture.
- Granulated Sugar (for filling, ¼ cup) – Sweetens the strawberry mixture; adjust based on the natural sweetness of the berries.
- Lemon Juice (half a lemon) – Brightens and balances the filling with a refreshing acidity.
For the Glaze
- Cream Cheese (softened, ½ cup) – The creamy base of the glaze; Philadelphia cream cheese ensures a smooth texture, while vegan cream cheese is a suitable substitute.
- Unsalted Butter (softened, for glaze, 3 tbsp) – Adds a rich creaminess to the glaze.
- Powdered Sugar (½ cup) – Sweetens the glaze and contributes to its lovely texture; add more for a thicker consistency.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp) – Enhances the delightful flavor profile of the glaze.
- Cold Strawberry Puree (2 tbsp from filling) – Fortifies the glaze with extra sweetness and fresh strawberry flavor.
Enjoy creating your Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls – a delightful twist on comfort food that will leave everyone wanting more!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Prepare Strawberry Filling
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine fresh or frozen strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens. Once thickened, blend the filling until smooth using an immersion blender or regular blender, then chill until ready to use.
Step 2: Make Brioche Dough
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, mix all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, salt, and instant dry yeast. Gradually add warm milk, very soft butter, and a room temperature egg. Knead the mixture on medium speed for 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and slightly tacky; it should pull away from the bowl’s sides.
Step 3: First Rise
Transfer the kneaded dough to a lightly greased bowl, covering it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Place the bowl in a warm, draft-free location, allowing the dough to rise for about 2 hours or until it has doubled in size. This step is crucial for achieving the light, fluffy texture in your Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls.
Step 4: Roll Dough
After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release air. Transfer it to a floured surface and roll it out into a large rectangle, approximately 16×12 inches. Spread the chilled strawberry filling evenly over the dough, then roll it up tightly into a log. Slice the log into 12 equal rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss for clean edges.
Step 5: Second Rise
Place the sliced rolls into a greased baking dish, arranging them close together. Cover the dish with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let the rolls rise for another 30-60 minutes, or until they are noticeably puffy. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) to prepare for baking.
Step 6: Bake Rolls
Once the rolls have risen, place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown on top. Be attentive during the last few minutes of baking, as they should smell heavenly and look irresistibly fluffy.
Step 7: Prepare Glaze
While the rolls bake, make the cream cheese glaze. In a mixing bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and the cold strawberry puree until smooth and creamy. Tailor the thickness of the glaze by adjusting the amount of powdered sugar to your liking.
Step 8: Glaze Rolls
After baking, remove the Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly in the dish for about 5-10 minutes. Generously spread the creamy glaze over the warm rolls for maximum indulgence, allowing it to melt into every nook and cranny before serving immediately.
Make Ahead Options
These Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for busy cooks looking to save time on hectic mornings! You can prepare the rolls and place them in a greased baking dish, then cover and refrigerate them up to 24 hours in advance. Allow the rolls to proof at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure they puff up nicely. Additionally, the strawberry filling can be made up to 3 days ahead; simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness. When it’s time to bake, follow the original baking instructions, and you’ll have soft, delicious Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with minimal effort ready to impress your family or guests!
How to Store and Freeze Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls
Room Temperature: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their softness and flavor.
Fridge: If you need to keep them longer, unglazed rolls can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Always wrap them well to prevent drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze unglazed rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy them warm, reheat frozen rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and soft.
Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Variations
Feel free to get creative with your Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls by exploring these delightful variations!
- Berry Blend: Substitute strawberries with raspberries or blueberries for a fresh and fruity twist. Imagine the vibrant colors and flavors dancing together!
- Gluten-Free: Use almond or coconut flour to make the rolls gluten-free, adjusting the liquid ingredients to achieve the right dough consistency. The result will still be just as cozy and delightful.
- Dairy-Free: Replace butter with coconut oil and use a vegan cream cheese for the glaze. It’s a great way to enjoy these rolls without compromising on taste!
- Lemon Zest: Add lemon zest to the filling for a bright, zesty enhancement. This small twist can really elevate the flavors, combining sour and sweet perfectly!
- Spiced Glaze: Experiment with flavored extracts like almond or lemon in the glaze to surprise your taste buds. A hint of almond can add a delightful depth to the creamy topping.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling for added texture and flavor. Imagine biting into a tender roll and hitting those sweet, nutty surprises!
- Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a touch of heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze for an unexpected kick. It’s a unique twist that tantalizes the senses!
- Brioche Swirl: Make the dough more decadent by adding a swirled layer of chocolate hazelnut spread before rolling. It adds richness that makes each bite even more irresistible.
For a cozy pairing, enjoy your warm rolls with a spiced drink like Vanilla Cinnamon Milk. Happy baking!
What to Serve with Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls
Indulging in warm, homemade Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls is a sensory delight, making the right pairings essential for a perfect meal experience.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing contrast, balancing the sweetness of the rolls beautifully.
- Crispy Bacon: The savory, salty flavor of crispy bacon harmonizes perfectly with the sweet rolls, creating a delightful taste experience.
- Vanilla Yogurt Parfait: Creamy yogurt layered with granola and strawberries creates a lovely texture contrast and pairs well with the cinnamon rolls.
- Coffee: A steaming cup of rich coffee enhances the flavors of the rolls, making every bite even more enjoyable, especially on a cozy morning.
- Herbal Tea: Notes of chamomile or mint soothe the palate and offer a calming complement to the sweet, rich flavors of the rolls.
- Syrup Drizzle: A light drizzle of maple syrup adds extra sweetness while introducing a different flavor profile that makes the rolls even more indulgent.
- Ice Cream: Serving the rolls warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a decadent dessert experience that everyone will love!
- Buttermilk Biscuit Bake: For a breakfast spread, the buttery, flaky biscuit bake serves as an alternate comfort food that pairs well with fruit flavors.
Expert Tips for Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Always ensure your ingredients are at room temperature for better emulsification, which helps to create a tender dough for your Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls.
- Check Yeast Freshness: Use fresh instant dry yeast for optimal rising; expired yeast may lead to dense, disappointing rolls.
- Knead to Perfection: Knead the dough until it pulls away from the bowl and becomes smooth and slightly tacky, ensuring the perfect texture.
- Flavor Boost: For exceptional taste, consider letting your dough undergo a slow, overnight cold ferment in the refrigerator to deepen its flavor profile.
- Avoid Overbaking: Keep an eye on the rolls during the last few minutes of baking to prevent them from drying out; they should be golden brown and fluffy.
Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe FAQs
What type of strawberries should I use?
Absolutely! Fresh strawberries are preferred for their vibrant flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, frozen strawberries work beautifully too. Just remember, frozen berries may release more moisture during cooking, so ensure you cook the filling long enough to thicken properly.
How should I store leftover Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls?
Leftover rolls can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, unglazed rolls should be placed in the refrigerator, where they’ll keep for up to 5 days. Make sure they’re well wrapped to retain their softness!
Can I freeze Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls?
Very much so! To freeze unglazed rolls, lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. Once they’re firm, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply bake from frozen at 350°F (180°C) for 20-25 minutes or until heated through.
What should I do if my dough isn’t rising?
If your dough isn’t rising, it might be due to the yeast being expired or not activated properly. Make sure to check the expiration date on your yeast. For instant dry yeast, mixing it directly with the flour works, but for active dry yeast, always hydrate it first in warm milk. Also, ensure your environment is warm enough; it can take longer for the dough to rise in a cooler area.
Are there any dietary considerations for these rolls?
Yes! If you’re making these Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls for guests or family members with dietary restrictions, consider using almond milk instead of regular milk for a dairy-free option. Additionally, for vegan-friendly rolls, substitute the egg with ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce and replace the butter with coconut oil. Always double-check for potential allergies with the ingredients you choose.
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls for Cozy Mornings
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare Strawberry Filling: In a saucepan, combine strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Cook until thickened, about 10 minutes, then blend until smooth and chill.
- Make Brioche Dough: In a stand mixer, combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Gradually add warm milk, butter, and egg. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and slightly tacky.
- First Rise: Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 2 hours or until doubled in size.
- Roll Dough: Punch down and roll out dough into a rectangle. Spread filling evenly, then roll tightly and slice into 12 rolls.
- Second Rise: Place rolls in a greased baking dish and let rise for 30-60 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Bake Rolls: Bake rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Prepare Glaze: Beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and strawberry puree until smooth.
- Glaze Rolls: Let rolls cool slightly, then generously spread the glaze on top before serving.
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