Strawberry and Cream Cinnamon Rolls with Strawberry Filling: A Sweet Twist on a Classic
Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of freshly baked Strawberry and Cream Cinnamon Rolls with Strawberry Filling wafting through your kitchen. These soft, pillowy rolls are swirled with a luscious strawberry filling and topped with a velvety cream cheese glaze, creating the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or treating yourself to a special breakfast, these rolls are guaranteed to impress.
What makes these Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls truly special is the homemade strawberry filling, made with fresh strawberries that burst with natural sweetness. The dough is enriched with butter and eggs, giving it a tender crumb that melts in your mouth. Topped with a rich cream cheese frosting, these rolls are a delightful twist on traditional cinnamon rolls, perfect for spring and summer gatherings.
Quick Recipe Highlights
- Flavor Profile: Sweet and tangy strawberry filling paired with warm cinnamon and rich cream cheese frosting creates a harmonious blend of flavors.
- Texture: Soft, fluffy dough with a slightly gooey strawberry center and smooth, creamy frosting for the perfect bite.
- Aroma: The scent of fresh strawberries, warm cinnamon, and buttery dough baking will fill your kitchen with irresistible fragrance.
- Visual Appeal: Vibrant pink strawberry swirls peek through golden-brown rolls, topped with a snowy white cream cheese glaze.
- Skill Level Needed: Requires basic baking skills like working with yeast dough and making fruit fillings.
- Special Equipment: Rolling pin, stand mixer (optional), and 9×13 baking dish needed for best results.
Recipe Overview
- Difficulty Level: While not difficult, this recipe requires patience with yeast dough and careful rolling to create perfect swirls. The strawberry filling preparation adds an extra step but is well worth the effort.
- Category: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet dessert. These rolls straddle multiple meal categories beautifully.
- Cuisine: A modern American twist on classic cinnamon rolls, incorporating fresh fruit into a beloved pastry tradition.
- Cost: Mid-range ingredients with fresh strawberries being the most costly component, but frozen can be substituted when needed.
- Season: Ideal for spring and summer when strawberries are at their peak, but can be made year-round with quality frozen berries.
- Occasion: Perfect for special breakfasts, Mother’s Day, bridal showers, or any gathering where you want to impress with homemade baked goods.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The combination of sweet strawberries and warm cinnamon creates a flavor explosion that’s both familiar and excitingly new. Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls that can sometimes be overly sweet, the natural acidity of the strawberries balances the richness perfectly. Each bite offers layers of texture – from the tender crumb of the dough to the jammy strawberry filling and the smooth cream cheese topping.
These Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls are surprisingly versatile. Serve them warm for breakfast or brunch, at room temperature for afternoon tea, or even slightly chilled as a dessert. They’re perfect for entertaining because you can prepare them the night before and bake fresh in the morning, filling your home with that irresistible freshly-baked aroma when guests arrive.
Nutritionally, these rolls offer more than your average pastry. Strawberries provide vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, while the dairy in the dough and frosting contributes calcium and protein. While certainly a treat, using fresh fruit means you can feel slightly better about indulging in these sweet rolls compared to traditional versions.
The social value of these rolls can’t be overstated. There’s something magical about presenting a tray of homemade pastries that makes any gathering feel special. Whether it’s a holiday morning with family or a casual brunch with friends, these strawberry cinnamon rolls create lasting food memories and often become requested favorites.
Cost-wise, this recipe makes excellent use of seasonal strawberries when they’re most affordable. Even when using premium ingredients, the cost per serving remains reasonable compared to bakery versions. The recipe yields a generous dozen rolls, perfect for sharing or freezing extras for future treats.
The Recipe
Strawberry and Cream Cinnamon Rolls with Strawberry Filling
Serves: 12
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Stand mixer with dough hook (optional)
- Rolling pin
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Medium saucepan
- Parchment paper
- Sharp knife or dental floss for slicing
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
For the Strawberry Filling:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, diced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tbsp milk (as needed)
Directions
- Prepare the dough: In a stand mixer bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tbsp sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Add remaining sugar, eggs, melted butter, flour, and salt. Mix with dough hook for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled.
- Make strawberry filling: In a saucepan, combine strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Let cool completely.
- Assemble rolls: On a floured surface, roll dough into a 16×12 inch rectangle. Spread softened butter over dough, then sprinkle with cinnamon. Spread cooled strawberry filling evenly over butter. Starting with the long side, roll dough tightly into a log. Cut into 12 equal slices.
- Second rise: Place rolls in a greased 9×13 baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Bake: Bake for 22-25 minutes until golden brown. Let cool slightly while making frosting.
- Make frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until creamy. Add milk as needed for desired consistency. Spread over warm rolls.
Recipe Notes
- For overnight preparation: After assembling rolls in baking dish, cover and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
- Frozen strawberries can be used when fresh aren’t available. Thaw and drain excess liquid before using.
- For extra strawberry flavor, add 1/4 tsp strawberry extract to the frosting.
