If there’s one treat guaranteed to bring smiles to the breakfast table—or turn an ordinary brunch into a showstopper—it’s these Strawberry Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing. Imagine pillow-soft homemade dough, a swirl of sweet-tart strawberries, and a generous slather of tangy cream cheese icing melting over the top. Every bite is a harmony of flavors, perfect for weekend mornings, Mother’s Day, or anytime you want to spoil yourself and your loved ones.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Strawberry Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing lies in a handful of simple ingredients, each playing a vital role. From the plush dough to the vibrant filling and lusciously sweet icing, every element shines with purpose—don’t skip a thing!
- Warm Milk (3/4 cup, 110°F): The foundation of a pillowy dough; ensure it’s not too hot so it doesn’t kill the yeast.
- Active Dry Yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons): Makes the rolls rise into their signature fluffiness; proofing is the secret to success!
- Granulated Sugar (1/4 cup + 1/3 cup): Sweetens both the dough and the filling, enhancing the strawberries and yeast alike.
- Egg (1 large): Adds richness and structure for that irresistible, tender crumb.
- Unsalted Butter (1/4 cup melted, plus 2 tbsp for icing): Gives the dough silkiness and adds creaminess to the icing—quality counts here!
- All-Purpose Flour (2 1/4 cups): The main body of the rolls; use the spoon-and-level method for accuracy.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough to balance sweetness and bring depth to the dough.
- Fresh Strawberries (1 cup, chopped): The star of the show! Use ripe, juicy berries for maximum flavor and color.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Thickens the strawberry filling to just the right texture—no soggy centers here!
- Lemon Juice (1 teaspoon): Brightens up the filling and makes the strawberries pop.
- Cream Cheese (4 oz, softened): The base for that velvety icing—softened cream cheese beats up beautifully smooth.
- Powdered Sugar (3/4 cup): Dissolves easily into the icing for a sweet, dreamy finish.
- Vanilla Extract (1/2 teaspoon): A touch of classic warmth in the icing—don’t skip it!
- Milk (1-2 tablespoons): Thins the icing to your preferred dripping consistency.
How to Make Strawberry Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by combining the warm milk, yeast, and just a pinch of sugar in a large mixing bowl. Wait 5–10 minutes until it’s all bubbly and foamy—this is proof your yeast is truly alive and ready to make magic. Add in the rest of the sugar, the egg, the melted butter, flour, and salt. Mix everything until a shaggy dough forms, then move it to a floured surface and knead for about 5–7 minutes. The dough should feel smooth and elastic under your hands, barely sticking. Place it in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot for an hour. This is when the anticipation really builds!
Step 2: Make the Strawberry Filling
While your dough takes its cozy nap, create the gorgeous strawberry filling. Toss the chopped strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch into a small saucepan and set it over medium heat. Stir constantly for 5–7 minutes, watching the berries soften and meld into a thick, luscious jam. Once it’s glossy and fragrant, pull it off the heat and let it cool completely. This layer is what gives Strawberry Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing their delightful sweet-tart zing.
Step 3: Roll Out and Fill
Take the risen dough and give it a gentle punch to deflate. Roll it out on a lightly floured counter into a 10×14-inch rectangle—get as close as you can. Spread the cooled strawberry mixture evenly all over, making sure every bite will get a little strawberry love. Now, roll the dough up tightly from the long edge, keeping the swirl compact. Slice into 9 equal pieces (a bit less than 2 inches each) and place them in a greased 8×8-inch baking dish. Don’t worry if they look snug; they’ll rise and nestle in cozily. Cover and let rise again for another 30 minutes, letting them puff up just a bit more.
Step 4: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place your strawberry rolls in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. The kitchen will start smelling amazing—the hallmark of strawberry rolls with cream cheese icing in progress! You’re looking for golden brown tops and the bubbling of filling around the rolls. Remove from the oven and admire your handiwork as they cool slightly.
Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Icing
While the rolls bake, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy and smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and a tablespoon of milk. Beat again, adding more milk if necessary to get that pourable, luscious consistency. This icing brings everything together; tangy, velvety, and perfectly sweet—it’s the crowning glory.
Step 6: Ice and Serve
Spread the cream cheese icing all over the warm rolls, letting it slide into every swirl and crevice. It melts slightly, adding shine and a decadent layer to each roll. Serve warm and dig in while the rolls are gooey and the icing is still drippy—the best part about homemade Strawberry Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing!
How to Serve Strawberry Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing
Garnishes
For a touch of elegance, sprinkle the tops of your Strawberry Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing with extra fresh strawberry slices or a scatter of finely chopped mint. A dusting of powdered sugar or a tiny zest of lemon can add a pop of color and flavor, making each roll look bakery-worthy and irresistibly inviting.
Side Dishes
Pair your rolls with a bowl of fresh fruit, a tangy fruit salad, or even some crisp, smoky bacon for an unforgettable sweet-and-savory brunch. They’re lovely next to a steaming mug of coffee or tea for a simple yet cozy breakfast, but also shine as part of a larger brunch spread with quiche, fresh yogurt, or granola parfaits.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling fancy? Arrange your Strawberry Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing in a circular pattern on a beautiful cake stand, or serve individually in cupcake liners for a grab-and-go twist. For parties, try baking the rolls in a cast iron skillet for a rustic, shareable centerpiece. You can even drizzle a little extra icing in fun patterns right before serving to wow your guests!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any Strawberry Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing left, cover them well and store at room temperature for up to one day, or pop them in the fridge for up to three days. The rolls stay soft and delicious—the flavors meld together even more!
Freezing
For long-term enjoyment, freeze un-iced rolls in an airtight container for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature or overnight in the fridge, then whip up fresh cream cheese icing before serving. You’ll be surprised how well the flavor and texture hold up!
Reheating
To reheat, microwave individual rolls for 10–15 seconds, just until warm and gooey. You can also cover the baking dish with foil and warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes. Be careful not to overheat, so the icing stays silky and the rolls stay moist.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for the filling?
Absolutely! Just thaw and drain the berries well before cooking down with the sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Frozen berries work perfectly when fresh ones aren’t in season.
Can I make these rolls the night before?
Yes! Prepare the Strawberry Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing up to the second rise, cover tightly, and pop in the fridge overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes and bake as directed. Fresh-baked rolls for breakfast with minimal morning effort!
Is it OK to use store-bought strawberry jam instead of homemade filling?
Definitely! A quality strawberry jam can be spread directly on the dough as a shortcut. This tweak still gives you the sweet and fruity swirl, saving you a little prep time.
Can I make these gluten-free?
With the right flour swap! Use a one-to-one gluten-free baking flour that includes xanthan gum for structure. The rolls might be slightly less fluffy, but will still taste amazing with the cream cheese icing.
What’s the best way to get neat, even rolls when slicing?
Dental floss does the trick! Slide a long piece of unflavored dental floss under the roll, pull up and cross the ends to slice cleanly, without squishing the swirl—perfect Strawberry Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing every time.
Final Thoughts
Few things beat the joy of pulling a pan of Strawberry Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing from the oven—especially when you know every swirl and smear of icing came from your own hands. Give them a try and watch how quickly they disappear; these sweet, fruity, and creamy rolls really are love at first bite!
Print
Strawberry Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours (including rising time)
- Yield: 9 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these delicious Strawberry Rolls with a sweet fruity filling and creamy cream cheese icing, perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the filling:
- 1 cup chopped fresh strawberries
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For the cream cheese icing:
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (to thin if needed)
Instructions
- Dough Preparation: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. Add remaining sugar, egg, melted butter, flour, and salt. Mix until a dough forms, then knead on a lightly floured surface for about 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Filling: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Stir constantly and cook for 5–7 minutes until the mixture is thick and jammy. Let cool completely.
- Assembly: Roll out the risen dough into a 10×14-inch rectangle. Spread the cooled strawberry filling evenly over the dough. Roll up tightly and slice into 9 rolls. Place in a greased 8×8-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Baking: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake rolls for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cream Cheese Icing: While the rolls bake, prepare the icing by beating together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Spread over warm rolls before serving.
Notes
- You can use strawberry jam instead of making the filling from scratch to save time.
- These rolls are best served warm, but they can be reheated gently in the microwave.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
