If you have a sweet tooth and love the cozy charm of cinnamon rolls, then you are absolutely going to fall head over heels for this Strawberry and Cream Cinnamon Rolls with Strawberry Filling Recipe. Picture warm, fluffy rolls bursting with luscious strawberry filling, swirled with cinnamon sugar, and topped with a dreamy cream cheese glaze that melts into every bite. This recipe combines everything delightful about classic cinnamon rolls with the fresh vibrancy of strawberries and a creamy touch that makes it irresistibly special. Trust me, once you try these, they will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the list intimidate you because every ingredient here is simple, familiar, and plays a crucial role in delivering the rich flavor, soft texture, and delightful aroma that make these rolls stand out.
- All-purpose flour (3 ½ cups): The sturdy foundation that creates the perfect, tender roll.
- Granulated sugar (¼ cup + ¼ cup for filling): Adds just the right touch of sweetness to both dough and filling.
- Active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons): The magical ingredient that makes these rolls rise beautifully fluffy.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances the flavors and balances sweetness perfectly.
- Warm milk (½ cup, 110°F/43°C): Activates the yeast and helps form a supple dough.
- Unsalted butter, melted and softened (¼ cup + ¼ cup): For richness in the dough and a luscious cinnamon sugar spread.
- Large eggs (2): Bind the dough and add tenderness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon + 1 teaspoon for filling and glaze): Infuses the entire recipe with a comforting, sweet aroma.
- Fresh strawberries, chopped (1 cup): The star ingredient in the strawberry filling, offering fresh, juicy bursts of flavor.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Thickens the strawberry filling so it’s perfectly jam-like without being runny.
- Lemon juice (½ teaspoon): Brightens the strawberry filling and prevents it from getting too sweet.
- Brown sugar (¼ cup): Adds a deep caramel-like sweetness to the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon): The warm spice that’s a must-have for that classic cinnamon roll taste.
- Cream cheese, softened (4 ounces): For the rich, velvety glaze that ties everything together.
- Powdered sugar (½ cup): Sweetens and thickens the cream cheese glaze.
- Milk (2 tablespoons or more): Used to adjust the glaze to your perfect consistency.
How to Make Strawberry and Cream Cinnamon Rolls with Strawberry Filling Recipe
Step 1: Make the Dough
Start by activating the yeast in warm milk with a bit of granulated sugar—this little waiting game is where the magic begins, giving you those light and airy rolls. Once frothy, whisk in melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Slowly add the flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms. Then give it a good knead on a floured counter until it’s smooth and elastic, usually 5 to 7 minutes. This kneading develops gluten, resulting in tender-yet-structured rolls.
Step 2: Let the Dough Rise
Pop your dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and tuck it somewhere warm. Waiting about an hour for it to double in size can seem like forever, but this rise creates that soft, pillowy texture you dream about in cinnamon rolls. It’s worth the patience!
Step 3: Prepare the Strawberry Filling
While the dough is doing its thing, get that strawberry filling ready. Combine the chopped strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mix thickens to a luscious, jammy consistency. Cooling it down before spreading keeps the filling intact and not gooey inside the rolls.
Step 4: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar
This simple blend makes the rolls utterly addictive: mix softened butter with brown sugar and cinnamon until smooth. This sweet-spiced layer melts into the dough during baking, creating those signature gooey swirls.
Step 5: Assemble the Rolls
Now comes the fun part! Punch down your risen dough and roll it out into a large rectangle about 12 by 18 inches. Spread the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the surface, then dollop and spread the cooled strawberry filling on top. This layering technique ensures that every bite has a perfect balance of cinnamon sweetness and strawberry brightness.
Step 6: Roll and Cut
Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log, then slice it into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss for clean cuts. Arrange the rolls snugly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish so they rise up against each other for that soft and moist texture.
Step 7: Second Rise
Cover the rolls with a towel and let them rise another 30 minutes. This final rise is essential to get that perfect fluffy height and light texture once baked.
Step 8: Bake the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes or until they are beautifully golden and cooked through. Your kitchen will smell heavenly by the time they’re done!
Step 9: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze
While the rolls bake, whip together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until the glaze is smooth and creamy. Add more milk if you want your glaze a bit thinner for drizzling.
Step 10: Glaze the Rolls
Let the rolls cool for 5 to 10 minutes after baking so the glaze doesn’t completely melt away, then drizzle the cream cheese glaze generously over the warm rolls. The creamy topping is the cherry on top, adding a luscious texture contrast and a touch more sweetness.
How to Serve Strawberry and Cream Cinnamon Rolls with Strawberry Filling Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of finely chopped fresh strawberries or a few tiny mint leaves can add a beautiful pop of color and fresh flavor when serving these rolls. For an extra indulgent touch, a few toasted almond slivers make a satisfying crunch to contrast the soft rolls.
Side Dishes
Serve these rolls alongside a simple cup of hot coffee or a rich latte for an unforgettable breakfast or brunch treat. Fresh fruit salad or a light green smoothie can also complement the sweetness without overpowering the main star.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gatherings, arrange individual rolls in pretty cupcake liners inside the baking dish for easy serving and a charming look. Or slice the rolls and layer them on a platter dusted with powdered sugar and fresh strawberry halves for an inviting display everyone will admire.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. They maintain their softness well, especially when covered properly to prevent drying out.
Freezing
These Strawberry and Cream Cinnamon Rolls with Strawberry Filling Recipe can be frozen both before and after baking. For unbaked rolls, wrap the pan tightly in plastic wrap and foil, freeze, then bake from frozen adding a few extra minutes. For baked rolls, cool completely, then freeze in a sealed container or bag.
Reheating
Warm refrigerated or frozen rolls in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through. Reapplying a touch of glaze after reheating brings them back to their fresh-from-the-oven glory.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for the filling?
Absolutely! Just thaw and drain excess liquid before cooking the filling, and reduce any extra juice while simmering to get that perfect thickness.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, by substituting dairy milk with plant-based milk, using vegan butter, and replacing eggs with flaxseed or chia egg alternatives, you can create a delicious vegan version.
How do I know when the rolls are done baking?
Look for golden-brown tops and that the rolls spring back lightly when pressed. Internal temperature around 190°F (88°C) also indicates thorough baking if you want to be precise.
Can I prepare the rolls the night before?
Definitely! You can assemble the rolls, cover them tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature and rise a bit before baking the next day.
What’s the best way to prevent the rolls from sticking to the pan?
Greasing the baking dish thoroughly or lining it with parchment paper helps keep the rolls from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Strawberry and Cream Cinnamon Rolls with Strawberry Filling Recipe enough for anyone looking to wow friends, family, or simply treat themselves to a truly delightful homemade pastry. The blend of fresh strawberries, classic cinnamon sweetness, and creamy glaze is pure comfort and joy. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, bring these rolls to life, and get ready for big smiles at the table!
Print
Strawberry and Cream Cinnamon Rolls with Strawberry Filling Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these Strawberry and Cream Cinnamon Rolls featuring a soft, yeasted dough layered with a cinnamon sugar butter and a luscious homemade strawberry filling. Baked to golden perfection and topped with a creamy cream cheese glaze, these rolls offer a perfect balance of sweet, fruity, and spiced flavors, ideal for breakfast or brunch gatherings.
Ingredients
Dough
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Strawberry Filling
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cinnamon Sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Cream Cheese Glaze
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk (or more for desired consistency)
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir and let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active. Add melted unsalted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Let the Dough Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl. Cover with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size. This fermentation step develops flavor and texture in the dough.
- Prepare the Strawberry Filling: In a small saucepan, combine chopped strawberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens to a jam-like consistency. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.
- Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, mix together softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until well combined. This will serve as the spiced layer spread over the dough.
- Assemble the Rolls: After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a large rectangle about 12×18 inches. Spread the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the surface, then spoon the cooled strawberry filling on top, spreading it out evenly to cover.
- Roll and Cut: Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Using a sharp knife, cut the rolled dough into 12 equal pieces. Arrange these pieces cut-side up in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Second Rise: Cover the arranged rolls with a towel and let them rise again for 30 minutes. This second fermentation ensures the rolls become fluffy and light during baking.
- Bake the Rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes until they turn golden brown and are fully cooked through.
- Make the Cream Cheese Glaze: While the rolls bake, beat together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and creamy. Add more milk if a thinner glaze is preferred.
- Glaze the Rolls: Remove the rolls from the oven and allow them to cool for 5-10 minutes. Drizzle the cream cheese glaze generously over the warm rolls before serving for a rich, sweet finish.
Notes
- Make sure the milk is warm but not hot (110°F/43°C) to activate the yeast without killing it.
- Allow the strawberry filling to cool completely before spreading to prevent dough sogginess.
- You can substitute fresh strawberries with frozen ones, just thaw and drain excess liquid.
- For an extra fruity touch, add chopped strawberries on top before glazing.
- If you want a thinner glaze consistency, add milk gradually until desired texture is reached.
