Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls

Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls – Soft & Fruity Homemade Treats

ByBella Skye
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Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls

Strawberry cinnamon rolls are a delightful twist on the classic cinnamon roll, combining the comforting warmth of soft, pillowy dough with the bright, sweet flavor of fresh strawberries. The rolls are often topped with a rich cream cheese icing, adding a creamy layer that complements the fruity filling perfectly. Each bite delivers a balance of sweet, tangy, and buttery flavors that melt in your mouth.

More Hearty Desserts

What makes strawberry cinnamon rolls special is the combination of textures and flavors. The soft, slightly chewy dough provides the perfect canvas for the sweet strawberry filling, while the cream cheese icing adds smoothness and tang. Unlike standard cinnamon rolls, these rolls feature a fruity freshness that is perfect for spring and summer mornings, brunch gatherings, or a sweet treat any time of the day. People love them for both their taste and visual appeal, often shaped in heart designs or generously swirled for a bakery-quality presentation.

Making strawberry cinnamon rolls at home allows you to experience bakery-quality flavors while customizing sweetness, fruitiness, and icing richness. From strawberry cinnamon rolls easy recipes to more indulgent strawberry cheesecake cinnamon rolls, this dish offers endless possibilities for creativity in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Fresh Strawberry Flavor
    By using fresh strawberries, you get natural sweetness and juiciness that elevate the rolls beyond standard cinnamon flavors.
  • Soft and Fluffy Dough
    The dough is enriched with butter, eggs, and a touch of sugar, resulting in rolls that are tender yet substantial, perfect for filling with fruit.
  • Cream Cheese Icing
    The cream cheese icing adds a creamy, tangy layer that balances the sweetness of the strawberries and sugar filling.
  • Bakery Quality at Home
    With step-by-step guidance, you can achieve rolls that rival those from professional bakeries, complete with visually appealing swirls and perfect texture.
  • Versatile Presentation
    These rolls can be made in classic spirals, heart-shaped designs, or layered with extra strawberry filling for a decadent brunch centerpiece.
  • Customizable Sweetness
    Control sugar levels in both filling and icing to suit your taste, making it perfect for family-friendly recipes or indulgent treats for guests.
Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Preparation Time: 40 minutes
  • Dough Rising Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 20–25 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
  • Servings: 8–10 rolls

This makes strawberry cinnamon rolls ideal for leisurely weekend baking or special brunch occasions.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup whole milk, warm
  • 1/4 cup water, warm
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg

For the Strawberry Filling:

  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp lemon juice

For the Cinnamon Sugar:

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Icing:

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1–2 tsp milk, as needed for consistency

Substitution Notes:

  • Use dairy-free milk or butter for a vegan option
  • Light brown sugar can replace dark brown sugar
  • Frozen strawberries can be used if fresh are unavailable; thaw and drain excess liquid
  • Gluten-free flour blend may be substituted for all-purpose flour with slight texture differences
Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cinnamon rolls vector

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. Add melted butter, egg, and salt, then gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise for 1–1.5 hours until doubled in size.

Cinnamon rolls vector

Step 2: Make the Strawberry Filling

While the dough rises, prepare the strawberry filling. In a small saucepan, combine chopped strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently until the mixture thickens and becomes jam-like. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.

Cinnamon rolls vector

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and roll it into a rectangle approximately 12×16 inches. Spread softened butter over the surface, then sprinkle evenly with the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture. Spread the cooled strawberry filling evenly on top of the cinnamon sugar layer.

Cinnamon rolls vector

Step 4: Shape the Rolls

Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 8–10 equal slices. Place the slices in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan, spacing slightly apart. Cover and allow to rise for another 20–30 minutes.

Cinnamon rolls vector

Step 5: Bake the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and puffed. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before icing.

Cinnamon rolls vector

Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Icing

While the rolls are baking, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Add milk one teaspoon at a time to reach your desired consistency. Drizzle or spread over warm rolls before serving.

How to Serve

  • Serve warm from the oven for maximum flavor and softness.
  • Arrange rolls on a platter, drizzle with cream cheese icing, and garnish with fresh strawberry slices.
  • Perfect alongside a cup of coffee, tea, or a fruit salad for a complete brunch.
  • For parties, consider heart-shaped rolls or mini-rolls for individual servings.

Additional Tips

  • Ensure yeast is active by using warm liquids (105–115°F).
  • Do not over-roll dough; a thin layer helps maintain soft, fluffy rolls.
  • Chill strawberry filling slightly before spreading to avoid making the dough soggy.
  • Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut rolls for clean edges.
  • Allow rolls to cool slightly before icing to prevent the cream cheese from melting too much.
Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls

Recipe Variations

  • Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls
    Add a layer of cream cheese filling beneath the strawberry jam for a richer dessert experience. Top with extra cream cheese icing and sliced strawberries.
  • Strawberry Heart Cinnamon Rolls
    Shape each roll into a heart instead of a spiral for a visually stunning presentation perfect for Valentine’s Day or special occasions.
  • Fruit Cinnamon Rolls Homemade Combo
    Combine strawberries with other fruits like blueberries or raspberries for a mixed fruit filling, creating a colorful, tangy twist on the classic strawberry cinnamon rolls.
  • Strawberry Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls
    Mix cream cheese with the strawberry filling to make a creamy fruit layer inside the rolls. This variation yields a soft, indulgent center.
  • Cinnamon Roll Recipe With Strawberries and Glaze
    For extra sweetness, top rolls with a simple glaze of powdered sugar and strawberry puree instead of traditional cream cheese icing for a fruity finish.

Freezing and Storage

  • Unbaked Rolls: Assemble rolls, place on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a ziplock bag. Bake from frozen, adding 5–10 minutes to cooking time.
  • Baked Rolls: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F for 5–7 minutes to refresh softness.
  • Cream Cheese Icing: Store separately in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Spread on rolls just before serving.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Protein: 5g
  • Fat: 14g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 23g

Values may vary depending on ingredients and serving size.

Final Words

Baking strawberry cinnamon rolls at home is a rewarding experience that transforms a simple breakfast into a special occasion. The combination of soft, buttery dough, sweet strawberry filling, and rich cream cheese icing delivers a multi-layered flavor that’s both comforting and indulgent. By making them yourself, you control the sweetness, freshness, and presentation, creating a dessert or breakfast that’s both delicious and visually stunning. Each roll offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making them a crowd-pleaser for brunches, holidays, or weekend treats.

Beyond taste, homemade strawberry cinnamon rolls allow you to experiment with shapes, fillings, and toppings, making it an ideal recipe for both beginner and advanced home bakers. From heart-shaped rolls to layered strawberry cream cheese fillings, the possibilities are endless. Serving these rolls warm, with a drizzle of icing and fresh strawberry garnish, not only elevates your kitchen creations but also provides a sense of pride and joy that comes from creating bakery-quality treats in your own home. Once you try this recipe, you’ll see why strawberry cinnamon rolls are a favorite for families and food lovers alike.

FAQ’s

Yes, you can assemble the rolls the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake fresh in the morning for warm, soft rolls.

Yes, thaw and drain frozen strawberries before using to avoid excess moisture in the dough.

Use dairy-free butter and milk substitutes, and replace the egg with a flax egg for a vegan-friendly version.

Baked rolls last 2–3 days at room temperature in an airtight container. They can be refreshed in the oven for a few minutes.

Yes, freeze baked rolls individually wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in a ziplock bag for up to 2 months. Thaw and warm before serving.

Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls - Soft & Fruity Homemade Treats
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Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls – Soft & Fruity Homemade Treats

Recipe by Bella SkyeCourse: Desserts
Servings

8

servings
Prep time

40

minutes
Cooking time

25

minutes
Calories

320

kcal

Ingredients

  • For the Dough:

  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar

  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)

  • 1 tsp salt

  • 1/2 cup whole milk, warm

  • 1/4 cup water, warm

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

  • 1 large egg

  • For the Strawberry Filling:

  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped

  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar

  • 1 tbsp cornstarch

  • 1 tsp lemon juice

  • For the Cinnamon Sugar:

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar

  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

  • For the Cream Cheese Icing:

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

  • 1 cup powdered sugar

  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1–2 tsp milk, as needed for consistency

Directions

  • In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. Add melted butter, egg, and salt, then gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise for 1–1.5 hours until doubled in size.
  • While the dough rises, prepare the strawberry filling. In a small saucepan, combine chopped strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently until the mixture thickens and becomes jam-like. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
  • Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and roll it into a rectangle approximately 12×16 inches. Spread softened butter over the surface, then sprinkle evenly with the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture. Spread the cooled strawberry filling evenly on top of the cinnamon sugar layer.
  • Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 8–10 equal slices. Place the slices in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan, spacing slightly apart. Cover and allow to rise for another 20–30 minutes.
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and puffed. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before icing.
  • While the rolls are baking, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Add milk one teaspoon at a time to reach your desired consistency. Drizzle or spread over warm rolls before serving.

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