Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls

Strawberry cinnamon rolls combine the comforting warmth of classic cinnamon rolls with the sweet and fruity flavor of strawberries. These soft, fluffy rolls are filled with a cinnamon-strawberry mixture and topped with a luscious glaze, making them perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unique Flavor Twist: A fruity addition to the classic cinnamon roll.
• Soft and Fluffy Texture: Thanks to the homemade dough that bakes to perfection.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or even as a dessert.
• Customizable Toppings: Add a cream cheese glaze, powdered sugar, or even fresh strawberries for extra indulgence.

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
• Instant yeast
• Salt
• Warm milk
• Unsalted butter, melted
• Eggs

For the Filling:

• Fresh strawberries, finely chopped
• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Unsalted butter, softened

For the Glaze:

• Powdered sugar
• Milk
• Vanilla extract

Directions

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
   • Add melted butter, eggs, and salt. Gradually mix in the flour until a soft dough forms.
   • Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8 minutes or until smooth and elastic.
   • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1–1.5 hours until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Filling:
   • In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon.
   • Roll out the dough into a rectangle (about 12×18 inches). Spread softened butter over the surface, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly.
   • Sprinkle the chopped strawberries over the cinnamon-sugar layer.
3. Roll and Slice:
   • Tightly roll the dough from the longer side into a log. Slice into 12 equal pieces.
   • Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
4. Bake:
   • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown.
5. Make the Glaze:
   • Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over the warm rolls.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 rolls
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Rise Time: 1.5–2 hours
• Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
• Total Time: 2.5–3 hours

Variations

• Cream Cheese Frosting: Swap the glaze for a rich cream cheese frosting.
• Berry Medley: Combine strawberries with raspberries or blueberries for a mixed berry filling.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend for the dough.
• Vegan Adaptation: Replace milk with almond or oat milk, use vegan butter, and substitute eggs with flaxseed meal.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate over the glaze.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked rolls after slicing, or freeze baked rolls for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking or reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, but thaw them first and drain any excess liquid to avoid soggy filling.

Why didn’t my rolls rise?

Ensure your yeast is fresh and the milk is warm but not too hot (about 110°F).

Can I prepare these rolls the night before?

Yes, assemble the rolls, cover them tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature and rise for 30 minutes before baking.

How do I prevent the filling from leaking?

Roll the dough tightly and avoid overfilling with strawberries.

Can I use a stand mixer?

Absolutely. Use the dough hook attachment to knead the dough for about 5–6 minutes.

What if I don’t have instant yeast?

You can use active dry yeast but activate it in warm milk with sugar before mixing it into the dough.

How do I make the glaze thicker?

Add more powdered sugar until the desired consistency is reached.

Can I use other fruits?

Yes, peaches, cherries, or even apples work well in this recipe.

How do I keep the rolls soft?

Store them tightly covered to retain moisture, and don’t overbake them.

Can I add nuts to the filling?

Yes, chopped pecans or walnuts add a delightful crunch to the rolls.

Conclusion

Strawberry cinnamon rolls bring together the cozy flavors of cinnamon and the fresh sweetness of strawberries for a delightful treat. Perfect for breakfast or a special brunch, these rolls are soft, fluffy, and irresistibly delicious. Give them a try, and they’re sure to become a favorite in your home!

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