If you love the warm, comforting embrace of cinnamon rolls but want to add a fresh, fruity twist, this Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is going to steal your heart. Imagine fluffy, soft rolls layered with juicy strawberries and cinnamon sugar, all finished with a luscious cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth. It’s the perfect blend of sweet and tart, spice and softness, making each bite a little moment of morning magic or delightful dessert. Whether you’re baking for brunch or just treating yourself, these rolls are sure to become a beloved favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple pantry staples with a fresh pop of strawberry that turns classic cinnamon rolls into something truly special. Each item plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and that irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives the rolls their soft, tender crumb.
- 3 tablespoons sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to complement the strawberries without overpowering.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the rolls rise beautifully and stay light.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness and fruitiness.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses warm spice into the dough itself for a subtle depth.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened: Makes the dough rich and tender with a delicate buttery flavor.
- 1/2 cup milk: Moistens the dough and helps activate the baking powder for fluffiness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a subtle, sweet aroma that marries perfectly with cinnamon and strawberries.
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced: Bursts of fresh, juicy sweetness that make these rolls uniquely irresistible.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Brings a deep caramel note to the strawberry layer, enhancing their natural flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Sprinkled alongside the brown sugar for that classic cinnamon roll spice punch.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: The base for a smooth, dreamy frosting that coats the rolls.
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened: Creamy and tangy, it balances the sweetness in the frosting flawlessly.
- 2 tablespoons milk (for frosting): Adjusts the frosting to the perfect consistency for drizzling.
How to Make Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms up, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a big mixing bowl. This dry mixture is the base that ensures your dough has that perfect rise with a hint of spice through every bite.
Step 2: Add Butter, Milk, and Vanilla
Next, toss in the softened butter, milk, and vanilla extract to your dry ingredients. Mix them well until everything just comes together. The butter adds richness while the milk and vanilla contribute moisture and a fragrant sweetness that hints at what’s to come.
Step 3: Knead and Roll Out the Dough
Turn your dough out onto a floured surface and knead gently until it becomes smooth and elastic. Then roll it into a neat rectangle. This shape makes it easy to layer your strawberries and cinnamon sugar evenly for that classic swirl effect.
Step 4: Add the Strawberry Cinnamon Filling
Spread the diced fresh strawberries evenly over the dough rectangle. Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon on top of the strawberries. This luscious, spiced fruit layer will caramelize slightly during baking, infusing every bite with that exquisite sweet-and-spicy flavor.
Step 5: Roll Up and Slice Your Cinnamon Rolls
Carefully roll the dough tightly from one long end to the other, creating a beautiful spiral. Using a sharp knife, slice the roll into twelve even pieces. This step is where your rolls start to take shape, promising that charming swirl of strawberry and cinnamon in every serving.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the rolls into a greased baking dish with a little space between each one. Bake in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until they puff up and turn a lovely golden brown. The smell while baking will be absolutely mouthwatering, filling your kitchen with cozy sweetness.
Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the rolls bake, whip together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar. Gradually add in the 2 tablespoons of milk until the frosting achieves the perfect smooth and drizzle-friendly consistency. This luscious topping adds a creamy, slightly tangy finish that complements the fruity rolls beautifully.
Step 8: Frost and Serve
Once the rolls have cooled enough so your frosting won’t melt completely, drizzle it generously over the top. The frosting will settle and create the signature glaze that makes these Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe truly irresistible.
How to Serve Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, consider garnishing these rolls with a few fresh strawberry slices or a sprinkle of cinnamon. A little fresh mint can add a surprising brightness that contrasts nicely with the sweet and spicy notes.
Side Dishes
These rolls pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a relaxing morning. For a brunch spread, try serving with scrambled eggs or fresh fruit salad to balance the sweetness with some savory or fresh elements.
Creative Ways to Present
To turn these rolls into a stunning centerpiece, arrange them in a circular pattern on a large platter and drizzle the frosting in a zigzag or swirl design. You can also serve individual rolls in pretty ramekins for a charming personal touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which might be unlikely!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This keeps them soft and fresh, ready for a quick snack or sweet breakfast on the go.
Freezing
Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the rolls in a microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until soft and warm. For that fresh-baked feel, add a little extra drizzle of cream cheese frosting after reheating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
While fresh strawberries give the best texture and flavor, you can use thawed frozen strawberries. Just make sure to drain them well to avoid soggy dough.
Is there a way to make these rolls vegan?
Yes! Substitute butter with a plant-based margarine and use a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk. For frosting, use vegan cream cheese and powdered sugar.
How do I know when the rolls are fully baked?
They should be golden brown on top and firm to the touch. If unsure, insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, your rolls are done.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to use a larger baking dish or bake in batches, adjusting the time slightly if needed to avoid overcrowding.
What’s the best way to dice strawberries for these rolls?
Cut the strawberries into small, evenly sized pieces, about 1/4 inch, so they distribute evenly throughout the roll and don’t make the dough soggy.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is one of those magical treats that feels like a hug in food form. From the soft, fluffy dough to the juicy strawberry layers and the creamy frosting finish, it’s a recipe that’s not only delicious but also fun and rewarding to make. Give it a try and watch how it becomes a cherished staple for any cozy morning or special occasion.
Print
Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these homemade Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls, a perfect blend of sweet strawberries and warm cinnamon wrapped in soft, fluffy dough. Topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting, they make an irresistible treat for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 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
Filling Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Frosting Ingredients
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons milk (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the cinnamon rolls.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon thoroughly.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Incorporate the softened unsalted butter, milk, and vanilla extract into the dry ingredients and mix until the dough starts to come together.
- Knead Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it gently until smooth, then roll the dough out into a rectangular shape.
- Prepare Filling: Spread the diced fresh strawberries evenly over the rolled dough, then sprinkle the brown sugar and ground cinnamon on top to add sweetness and spice.
- Roll and Slice Dough: Carefully roll the dough tightly from one edge to form a log, then cut the log into equal-sized rolls.
- Arrange and Bake: Place the individual rolls into a greased baking dish, spacing them slightly apart, and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Make Frosting: While the rolls bake, beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until creamy. Gradually add the milk to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Frost and Serve: Allow the cinnamon rolls to cool slightly, then drizzle or spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh, ripe strawberries to maximize flavor.
- You can substitute milk with a non-dairy alternative if needed.
- Allow rolls to cool a bit before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting excessively.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Reheat warmed rolls in the microwave for 15 seconds for a fresh-baked taste.
