If you have a soft spot for warm, sweet treats with a fruity twist, this Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is about to become your new favorite indulgence. Each fluffy roll is packed with juicy, fresh strawberries and a fragrant cinnamon swirl, all topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth. Whether you want to impress guests or enjoy a cozy weekend breakfast, these strawberry cinnamon rolls strike the perfect balance between comforting aromas and vibrant flavors that make your kitchen smell like pure happiness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple ingredients work together beautifully to create a delightful balance of sweetness, spice, and freshness. From the soft, tender dough to the juicy strawberries and creamy frosting, every component plays an essential role in making this Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe shine.
- All-purpose flour: The base that gives the rolls their soft and fluffy texture.
- Sugar: Adds just the right hint of sweetness to the dough and filling.
- Baking powder: Helps the dough rise with a light and airy feel.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors in the recipe.
- Ground cinnamon: Brings the iconic warm and spicy aroma that pairs perfectly with strawberries.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and tenderness to the dough.
- Milk: Keeps the dough moist and soft, making eating these rolls pure joy.
- Vanilla extract: A little touch of vanilla deepens the flavor complexity.
- Fresh strawberries, diced: Juicy and sweet, they bring a fresh burst of flavor in every bite.
- Brown sugar: Used in the filling for a deep, caramel-like sweetness that complements the strawberries.
- Powdered sugar: The star ingredient in the frosting for smooth sweetness.
- Cream cheese: Adds creamy tang and richness to the frosting, making it irresistibly smooth.
- Milk (for frosting): Helps achieve the perfect creamy frosting consistency.
How to Make Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), so it’s nice and ready for baking. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon — this is the magic mix that creates the delightful flavor base for your rolls. Then, add the softened butter, milk, and vanilla extract, combining everything until a soft dough forms. Give it a gentle knead on a floured surface to bring it together—it should feel slightly soft but not sticky.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
Next, roll out your dough into a neat rectangle; this will make spreading the strawberry filling and rolling it up a breeze. The size should be enough to hold a generous layer of juicy strawberries and cinnamon sugar, but not so thin that it tears. Take your time here—getting the shape just right makes for beautiful, uniform rolls.
Step 3: Spread the Filling
Evenly distribute the diced fresh strawberries over the surface of the dough. Their vibrant red color and natural sweetness create a mouthwatering contrast to the buttery dough. Sprinkle brown sugar and an extra teaspoon of cinnamon on top, letting the sugar melt into the berries and release an intoxicating aroma. This filling is where the strawberry and cinnamon dance begins.
Step 4: Roll and Slice
Carefully roll the dough tightly from one long edge to the other, keeping your fingers close and your movements steady to avoid squishing the filling out. Once rolled, slice the log into 12 equal pieces to ensure each cinnamon roll is perfectly portioned. These spirals are the classic look everyone loves in cinnamon rolls, especially with the lively hints of strawberry peeking through.
Step 5: Bake the Rolls
Place the rolls snugly into a greased baking dish, which helps achieve those irresistibly crunchy edges while keeping the centers soft. Pop the dish into the oven to bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown and fluffy. As they bake, your kitchen will be filled with a warm, inviting scent that’s impossible to resist.
Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the rolls are baking and cooling, whip up the cream cheese frosting by beating the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar. Add milk little by little until the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency. This frosting makes the Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe complete—it’s creamy, tangy, and sweet all at once.
Step 7: Frost and Serve
Once the rolls are cool enough, drizzle or spread the frosting generously over the top. Don’t be shy—the frosting is the crowning glory that ties every bite together, balancing the sweet strawberry filling and warm cinnamon dough with its creaminess.
How to Serve Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
To make your strawberry cinnamon rolls even more inviting, sprinkle a few fresh strawberry slices or a light dusting of cinnamon on top right before serving. These little touches brighten the presentation and boost the fresh flavor profile, making every bite feel as special as the first.
Side Dishes
Pairing these rolls with a simple side like a fresh fruit salad or a cup of rich, dark coffee is a match made in heaven. The fruit salad complements the strawberry notes while the coffee’s slight bitterness balances the rolls’ sugary richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For brunch gatherings or festive occasions, serve these cinnamon rolls warm in a rustic wooden tray lined with a colorful napkin. Add some edible flower petals or a scattering of chopped nuts for texture and visual appeal. You can even warm a few on the spot and let guests add their own frosting—fun and interactive!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the rolls soft, and you can always refresh them by warming briefly before serving.
Freezing
To enjoy your Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe later, freeze the unbaked rolls after slicing. Arrange them in a baking dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw them overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, fresh and delicious.
Reheating
Reheat leftover cinnamon rolls in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes. If you want to bring back that freshly baked softness, covering them loosely with foil during oven reheating works wonders.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
While fresh strawberries provide the best texture and flavor for this Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe, you can use frozen strawberries if needed. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid extra moisture that can make the dough soggy.
Is it possible to make these rolls dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the butter with a vegan margarine and use a plant-based milk such as almond or oat milk. For the frosting, try a dairy-free cream cheese alternative to keep that creamy finish.
How long does this recipe take from start to finish?
This strawberry cinnamon rolls recipe takes about 55 minutes, including preparation and baking time, making it perfect for a leisurely morning or afternoon treat without a huge time commitment.
Can I add other fruits instead of strawberries?
Definitely! Blueberries, raspberries, or even chopped apples work wonderfully as alternatives, but strawberries provide that perfect balance of sweet and tart that makes this version so unique and special.
What’s the best way to roll the dough properly?
Rolling the dough evenly into a rectangle and keeping a tight but gentle roll are key. Use your fingertips to tuck in the filling as you roll and slice carefully to keep the logs uniform. A sharp knife or dental floss works great for clean cuts.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about making your own Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe from scratch. The warm scent, the perfect balance of fresh berries and cinnamon, and that irresistible cream cheese frosting make every bite a little moment of joy. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll quickly become a staple in your baking rotation. So go on, gather your ingredients and treat yourself to a batch—you’ll be rewarded with smiles and maybe even a few happy dance moves.
Print
Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightfully sweet and aromatic Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls featuring soft dough packed with diced fresh strawberries and warm cinnamon, topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, these rolls combine fruity freshness with classic cinnamon roll flavors in an easy-to-make, baked treat.
Ingredients
Dough and Filling
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Frosting
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the cinnamon rolls evenly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon, ensuring these ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Incorporate the softened butter, milk, and vanilla extract into the dry mix, stirring until the dough begins to come together.
- Knead and Roll Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface, knead gently until smooth, then roll it out into a rectangular shape to create the base for the filling.
- Add Filling: Spread the diced fresh strawberries evenly over the rolled dough, then sprinkle the brown sugar and ground cinnamon on top for a sweet and spicy flavor layer.
- Form Rolls: Roll the dough tightly from one edge to the other to form a log, then cut this log into individual rolls of your desired thickness.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the cut rolls into a greased baking dish, spacing them slightly apart to allow for expansion during baking.
- Bake: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Make Frosting: While the rolls bake, beat together softened cream cheese and powdered sugar in a bowl, gradually adding milk until the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Finish and Serve: After removing the rolls from the oven, allow them to cool slightly before drizzling the cream cheese frosting over the top. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor and texture in the filling.
- You can substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar for a healthier alternative.
- For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based butter and cream cheese alternative, along with non-dairy milk.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to make frosting preparation easier and smoother.
- These rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
