If you’ve ever wished you could bottle up the sweet scent of a bakery in early summer, these Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls are your answer! Imagine the classic cinnamon roll—tender, buttery spirals straight from the oven—now overflowing with juicy strawberries, swirls of fruity jam, and a dreamy cream cheese glaze. Every bite is a delightful balance of tangy fruit and cozy cinnamon, making this recipe a personal favorite for weekend brunches, birthday mornings, or any day that needs a little edible celebration. Trust me, these Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple, staple ingredients create pure magic together—each one plays a unique role in building the flavor, structure, and pop of color that makes these rolls stand out. Don’t skip the fresh strawberries; they’re the secret to that burst of summery sweetness!
- All-purpose flour: Provides the soft, sturdy base for our dough and gives the rolls their iconic chewy texture.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough just enough so it tastes delicious on its own.
- Active dry yeast: Helps these rolls puff up to pillowy perfection during rising.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- Whole milk: Adds richness and keeps the dough extra tender.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Gives our dough a luscious, buttery backbone—absolutely essential.
- Water: Just the right amount of moisture to bring everything together.
- Large egg: Binds the dough and adds extra richness.
- Fresh strawberries, finely chopped: Pops of sweet and slightly tangy flavor in every swirl—use the ripest berries you can find!
- Strawberry jam: Intensifies the strawberry punch and also creates a lovely gooey layer.
- Brown sugar: Melts with cinnamon and berries for that signature caramelized filling.
- Ground cinnamon: Delivers warming spice that’s essential to any cinnamon roll, strawberry or otherwise.
- Softened butter: Helps the filling adhere to the dough and adds richness.
- Powdered sugar: The foundation of our luxuriously smooth glaze.
- Cream cheese, softened: Gives the glaze a slight tang for contrast with the sweet rolls.
- Milk: Thins out the glaze for easy drizzling over warm rolls.
- Vanilla extract: Adds aromatic sweetness—you’ll taste the difference!
How to Make Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Make the Dough
Start by whisking together 2 1/4 cups of flour, granulated sugar, yeast, and salt in a large bowl. Meanwhile, gently warm the milk, melted butter, and water in a small saucepan until just warm to the touch—it should feel cozy, not hot. Pour this into the dry ingredients, add the egg, and beat until smooth. Stir in the remaining flour until a soft dough forms.
Step 2: Knead and First Rise
Turn the dough out onto a well-floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, or until it’s elastic, springy, and a little tacky but not sticky. Pop it into a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in size and pillow-soft.
Step 3: Roll and Fill
Punch down your puffed-up dough and roll it into a 14×9-inch rectangle. Spread the entire surface with softened butter, followed by a layer of strawberry jam. Sprinkle on the brown sugar, cinnamon, and scatter those irresistible chopped fresh strawberries all over for tons of fruity bursts.
Step 4: Roll Up and Slice
Starting from the long edge, carefully roll up the dough into a tight log. Slice into 12 even pieces—a bit of dental floss slipped under and pulled tight works like magic for neat spirals! Arrange each roll cut-side up in a greased 9×13-inch pan.
Step 5: Second Rise
Cover the pan loosely and let the rolls rise again for another 30 minutes. This second rise gives you that dreamy, pull-apart, fluffy crumb that makes these Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls truly irresistible.
Step 6: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and the kitchen smells like an absolute strawberry wonderland. Let them cool slightly in the pan while you whip up the glaze.
Step 7: Make the Glaze and Drizzle
Stir together the powdered sugar, cream cheese, milk, and vanilla extract until perfectly smooth and creamy. Drizzle generously over your warm Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls so the glaze melts into the cracks and crevices. Serve fresh, and get ready for happy faces all around!
How to Serve Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls
Garnishes
For an extra burst of color and flavor, top these rolls with more chopped fresh strawberries or a sprinkle of lemon zest right after adding the glaze. A few toasted sliced almonds scattered over the top make for a nutty crunch that wonderfully contrasts the soft rolls. Or, if you’re feeling indulgent, a dusting of powdered sugar adds a whimsical, cloud-like finish!
Side Dishes
Serve your Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls alongside a big bowl of fresh mixed berries or a simple fruit salad for a bright and festive breakfast table. For something extra cozy, a side of scrambled eggs or a vanilla yogurt parfait pairs beautifully with the rolls’ richness and sweetness. Don’t forget a steaming mug of coffee or a frothy latte on the side!
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the rolls on a pretty cake stand for a showstopping brunch centerpiece, topped with edible flowers or mint leaves. Individual rolls can be wrapped in bakery paper and tied with twine for a sweet grab-and-go treat. For gatherings, serve nestled on a platter with jam jars and fresh berries dotted between the rolls for a rustic, bountiful look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep leftover Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls fresh, transfer them to an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, pop them in the fridge—especially if your kitchen tends to get warm—where they’ll keep soft and tasty for up to 4 days. Be sure to let them come back to room temperature or give them a quick warm-up before serving again.
Freezing
These rolls freeze incredibly well! Once cooled, wrap the rolls individually or in their pan with several layers of plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently in the oven for that just-baked vibe.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the rolls with foil and warm in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until soft and warmed through. For a quick single serving, a few seconds in the microwave works wonders—just keep watch so the glaze doesn’t over-melt. Either way, your Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls will taste like they just came out of the oven!
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just thaw and thoroughly drain any excess liquid from the frozen strawberries before chopping and adding to the filling to prevent soggy rolls. The flavor will be just as vibrant.
Can I prepare Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls the night before?
Yes, you can assemble the rolls and place them in the pan, then cover and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, just let them come to room temperature and finish rising for about 30 minutes before baking as directed.
How do I know when the rolls are fully baked?
The rolls should be golden brown on top and your kitchen will smell amazing! If in doubt, check the center roll—it should be cooked through and not doughy. If needed, bake an extra few minutes and cover with foil if browning too quickly.
Can I make these rolls dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, use your favorite non-dairy milk and non-dairy butter throughout the recipe. For the glaze, swap in vegan cream cheese or omit it entirely and use a simple vanilla glaze with plant-based milk.
Why did my rolls turn out dense instead of fluffy?
Dense rolls are usually the result of under-proofing (not enough rise time) or too much flour. Be sure to let your dough double in size, and add only as much flour as needed for a soft, slightly sticky dough. Don’t rush the rise—patience pays off with fluffy rolls!
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to take your cinnamon roll game to the next level, these Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls are your ticket. Every swirl bursts with fresh berry flavor and kid-at-heart nostalgia. Whether you’re baking for a special breakfast, a sweet brunch surprise, or just because, I know this recipe will quickly become a beloved favorite in your kitchen too. Happy baking!
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Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours (including rise time)
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the sweet and fruity goodness of these Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls. Soft, pillowy dough filled with a luscious strawberry jam and fresh strawberries, topped with a creamy vanilla glaze.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 large egg
Filling:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup strawberry jam
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons softened butter
Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Dough: In a large bowl, combine 2 1/4 cups flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Heat milk, butter, and water, then add to the flour mixture with the egg. Knead until elastic.
- Filling: Roll dough, spread with butter and jam, sprinkle with sugar, cinnamon, and strawberries. Roll tightly, cut into rolls.
- Rising and Baking: Place rolls in a pan, let rise, then bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes.
- Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, cream cheese, milk, and vanilla. Drizzle over warm rolls.
Notes
- Enhance the filling with a hint of lemon zest.
- Prepare the rolls ahead, refrigerate overnight, and bake fresh in the morning.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 170 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
