If you’ve ever dreamed of a sweet, fluffy treat that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and melts in your mouth, then this Strawberry Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe is exactly what you need. These rolls perfectly balance the soft, tender dough with the bright freshness of strawberries and the rich, tangy sweetness of cream cheese icing. It’s a cozy, homemade delight that feels like a warm hug on a plate and is bound to become your new favorite indulgence for breakfast, brunch, or any time you crave a little sweetness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe brings together simple, everyday ingredients that each play a crucial role in creating the perfect Strawberry Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe. From the tender flour that forms the dough’s base, to the fresh strawberries that add bursts of flavor and color, every component is essential for that ultimate bite.
- ½ cup milk: Warmed gently to activate the yeast and bring moisture to the dough.
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast: The magic agent that makes the dough rise and become fluffy.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and tenderness that rolls need.
- ¼ cup sugar: Sweetens the dough just enough to complement the strawberry filling.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter or margarine, softened: Adds richness and a tender crumb.
- 1 egg: Binds the dough together and adds a slight richness.
- ¾ cup strawberry jam: Creates a jammy, flavorful layer inside each roll.
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped: Offers a fresh, juicy texture and pops of color.
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened: The star of the icing that gives a creamy tang.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened: Adds smoothness to the icing.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Lifts the icing with a warm, fragrant note.
- 1½ cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the cream cheese icing to perfection.
How to Make Strawberry Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe
Step 1: Activate Yeast
Start by warming your milk in the microwave for about 30 seconds—just until it’s warm, not hot. Stir in the active dry yeast and let it sit for 5 minutes until it dissolves and gets a little foamy. This step wakes up the yeast, essential for that light, airy dough.
Step 2: Mix Dough
In the bowl of your stand mixer, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, and salt. Add in the softened butter, egg, and your yeast mixture. Attach the dough hook and knead everything together for about 3 to 5 minutes until you have a smooth, elastic dough that’s soft to the touch. This thorough mixing develops the gluten and builds that perfect structure.
Step 3: First Rise
Place your dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size. If you want to speed things up, pop it into a warm oven that’s been preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 1 minute, then turned off. This cozy environment helps the yeast do its magic quickly.
Step 4: Prepare Baking Dish
While your dough is rising, butter a 9-inch pie plate or a cast-iron skillet. This will keep the rolls from sticking and add a bit of buttery flavor to the edges.
Step 5: Roll and Fill
Once the dough has doubled, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle measuring approximately 18 by 12 inches. Spread the strawberry jam evenly across the surface, then sprinkle the chopped fresh strawberries on top. This combination ensures every roll bursts with fruity sweetness.
Step 6: Shape Rolls
Starting from the far side of your rectangle, roll the dough towards you, forming a tight log. Pinch the seam closed to seal it, then slice the roll into 8 equal pieces. Each piece becomes one luscious strawberry roll.
Step 7: Second Rise
Arrange the rolls in your prepared baking dish, leaving a little space between them. Cover with plastic wrap and let them rise again until doubled in size. Using the warm oven trick works beautifully here to speed up this final rise.
Step 8: Prepare Icing
While your rolls get fluffy, combine the cream cheese, softened butter, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar in a mixer. Blend until smooth and creamy. You can adjust the consistency with a little milk or more powdered sugar, whichever you prefer, to make it perfect for drizzling or spreading.
Step 9: Bake Rolls
Bake your rolls in a preheated 350°F oven for 30 minutes, or until they turn that perfect golden brown on top. The smell that fills your kitchen at this point is nothing short of irresistible.
Step 10: Ice and Serve
Let the rolls cool for about 10 minutes before generously drizzling the cream cheese icing over each one. The icing adds that velvety finish that turns this treat from delicious to unforgettable. Serve warm and savor each bite of your strawberry masterpiece.
How to Serve Strawberry Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Strawberry Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe even more, consider sprinkling a handful of finely chopped fresh mint or a light dusting of powdered sugar on top. These little touches introduce a fresh aroma and a pretty presentation that makes your rolls look as good as they taste.
Side Dishes
Pair these rolls with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or herbal tea to complement their sweet and tangy flavors. Light fruit salads or a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette also make fantastic accompaniments, balancing the indulgence with a touch of brightness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the rolls in individual ramekins with a small dollop of whipped cream on the side or layering them with strawberries and cream cheese in trifles for a stunning dessert variation. You could also warm individual rolls and serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra rolls—which is always a delicious possibility—you can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Just make sure to cover them well so they stay soft and moist.
Freezing
Strawberry Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag. They keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently before icing.
Reheating
To revive your rolls, warm them in the oven at 300°F for about 10-15 minutes or microwave for 15-20 seconds. This brings back that fresh-baked softness and enhances the flavor, especially when served with freshly made cream cheese icing.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Fresh strawberries provide the best texture and flavor, but you can use frozen strawberries if needed. Just thaw and drain them well to prevent the dough from becoming soggy.
Is it okay to substitute margarine for butter?
Yes, margarine can be used in place of butter to make this recipe dairy-free or for convenience. Keep in mind that butter tends to give a richer flavor and better texture.
How long does the dough need to rise?
The dough should rise until it has doubled in size, which typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours depending on room temperature. Using a warm environment helps speed up this process.
Can I make the rolls without a stand mixer?
Absolutely! You can mix and knead the dough by hand on a floured surface. It will take a bit more effort, around 8 to 10 minutes of kneading, but the results will be just as delicious.
What if my icing is too thick?
If your cream cheese icing feels too thick, simply add a teaspoon or two of milk and blend again until you get a smooth, spreadable consistency that’s perfect for drizzling over warm rolls.
Final Thoughts
Now you have everything you need to create the most delightful Strawberry Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe that’s sure to warm hearts and satisfy sweet cravings. Don’t be surprised if these rolls become the centerpiece of your family breakfasts or weekend brunches. Trust me, once you try these irresistibly soft strawberries rolls drizzled with creamy icing, you’ll be making them again and again!
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Strawberry Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these soft and fluffy Strawberry Rolls filled with sweet strawberry jam and fresh strawberries, topped with a luscious cream cheese icing. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, this recipe combines tender yeast dough with a delightful fruity filling and creamy topping, baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Dough
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup unsalted butter or margarine, softened to room temperature
- 1 egg
Filling
- ¾ cup strawberry jam
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped into small pieces
Cream Cheese Icing
- ½ cup cream cheese, at room temperature
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- Milk (optional, to adjust icing consistency)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: Warm the milk in the microwave for 30 seconds until lukewarm. Stir in the active dry yeast and let it sit for 5 minutes until it dissolves and becomes foamy.
- Mix Dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, and salt. Add the softened butter, egg, and the yeast mixture. Using the dough hook, knead for 3 to 5 minutes until the dough is elastic and soft.
- First Rise: Lightly oil a bowl and place the dough inside. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size. To speed up the process, preheat the oven to 350°F for 1 minute, then turn it off and place the dough inside.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Butter a 9-inch pie plate or a cast-iron skillet thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Roll and Fill: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out into an 18×12 inch rectangle. Spread strawberry jam evenly over the dough surface, then sprinkle the chopped fresh strawberries on top.
- Shape Rolls: Starting from the far side, roll the dough tightly towards you. Pinch the edge to seal and cut into 8 equal rolls.
- Second Rise: Arrange the rolls close together in the prepared baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap and let them rise again until doubled in size. Use the warm oven method (350°F for 1 minute then off) if you want to quicken the rising.
- Prepare Icing: In a mixer, combine the cream cheese, softened butter, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar. Beat until smooth and creamy. Add a little milk if needed to reach desired spreading consistency.
- Bake Rolls: Bake the rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F for 30 minutes or until they turn golden brown on top.
- Ice and Serve: Allow the rolls to cool for 10 minutes after baking. Drizzle generously with the cream cheese icing, then serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Using fresh strawberries in addition to jam adds texture and fresh flavor.
- The warm oven method helps speed up dough rising without overheating.
- Adjust icing consistency with milk for easier drizzling or spreading.
- Ensure butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for smooth icing.
- Store leftover rolls in an airtight container and reheat gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American