If you are ready to indulge in something irresistibly sweet, fragrant, and utterly comforting, this Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine soft, fluffy rolls generously filled with juicy, fresh strawberries and a warm swirl of cinnamon sugar, all topped with a silky vanilla glaze that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re planning a cozy weekend brunch or a special treat for your loved ones, these cinnamon rolls bring together the perfect balance of flavors and textures that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe starts with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that create a harmonious blend of taste, texture, and color. Each component is key to achieving that tender dough, the sweet strawberry filling, and the luscious glaze that ties everything together.
- Active dry yeast: Helps the dough rise and become fluffy with a lovely texture.
- Warm milk: Activates the yeast and adds moisture to keep the dough soft.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough just enough without overpowering.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and tenderness to every bite.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- Eggs: Bind the dough together and contribute to a golden, tender crumb.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for the dough, providing structure and chewiness.
- Fresh strawberries, diced: Bursts of natural sweetness and vibrant color to brighten every roll.
- Brown sugar: Creates a caramel-like depth in the cinnamon-sugar filling.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds warm spice that complements the strawberries perfectly.
- Powdered sugar: Forms the base of the smooth, sweet glaze.
- Milk: Helps thin the glaze for easy drizzling.
- Vanilla extract: Introduces a fragrant, mellow finish on the glaze.
How to Make Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Activate the yeast
Begin by dissolving the active dry yeast in warm milk. This crucial step wakes up the yeast, preparing it to work its magic in making the dough rise beautifully. Make sure the milk is warm but not hot, as too much heat can kill the yeast.
Step 2: Combine the wet and dry ingredients
To the yeast mixture, add the granulated sugar, melted butter, salt, eggs, and all-purpose flour. Mix everything well until the ingredients come together to form a soft dough sensation that’s a little sticky but manageable.
Step 3: Knead the dough
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about five minutes. This step is essential for developing gluten, which gives the rolls their tender yet chewy texture. You’ll know it’s ready when the dough is smooth and elastic.
Step 4: First rise
Place your dough ball into a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about one hour. Watch it double in size, a clear sign that your dough is becoming light and airy.
Step 5: Prepare the filling and shape the rolls
Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a large rectangle. Evenly spread the diced fresh strawberries, sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon over the top, creating a sweet, fruity, and spiced layer that promises delicious surprises in every bite.
Step 6: Roll and cut
Carefully roll the dough from one long side to the other, making a tight log. Use a sharp knife to cut the log into twelve even slices, ensuring each roll gets that perfect balance of dough and filling.
Step 7: Second rise
Place the rolls into a greased baking dish, leaving a bit of space between each one to allow them to puff up as they rise again. Cover and let them rest for 30 minutes until they puff up noticeably.
Step 8: Bake to golden perfection
Bake your rolls at 350°F for about 25 to 30 minutes, until they’re golden brown and tempting. The aroma in your kitchen will be irresistible at this point!
Step 9: Make the glaze and finish
While the rolls bake, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy. Drizzle this luscious glaze over the warm rolls fresh out of the oven to add a sweet, silky sheen that brings everything together.
How to Serve Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
To amp up the visual appeal and flavor contrast, sprinkle a few extra diced fresh strawberries or a light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving. A few mint leaves can also add a vibrant pop of green and a refreshing touch that beautifully complements the sweetness.
Side Dishes
These strawberry cinnamon rolls pair wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a warm cup of chai tea for a cozy breakfast. If you want to go savory on the side, some crispy bacon or scrambled eggs provide a perfect salty counterpoint.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these rolls straight from the baking dish for a casual, family-style vibe, or plate them individually with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert twist. For brunches or special occasions, arrange rolls on a tiered stand to impress your guests with their delightful beauty.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover strawberry cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep them soft and delicious. If you want to extend their life, placing them in the fridge can keep them fresh for about a week, just be sure to warm them slightly before enjoying.
Freezing
These rolls freeze very well! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep their freshness for up to three months in the freezer, making them a great option for busy mornings or last-minute treats.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the rolls in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F wrapped in foil for about 10 minutes. The glaze might soften nicely, and the rolls will regain that soft, fresh-baked feel you love.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Fresh strawberries work best in this recipe because they maintain better texture and flavor. If using frozen, thaw and drain them well to avoid adding extra moisture that could make the dough soggy.
Is the dough recipe suitable for making other flavored cinnamon rolls?
Absolutely! This dough is a versatile base that can be customized with various fillings such as classic cinnamon sugar, apples, or even chocolate chips for different delicious takes.
How can I make the rolls extra fluffy?
Be sure to knead well and allow both rises to complete fully. A warm, draft-free spot helps the dough rise better, resulting in fluffier rolls.
Can I prepare the dough the night before?
Yes! After kneading, cover the dough tightly and refrigerate overnight. Just allow it to come to room temperature and rise before continuing to roll, fill, and bake the next day.
What if I don’t have powdered sugar for the glaze?
You can make your own powdered sugar by blending granulated sugar until fine. Alternatively, a simple drizzle of honey or maple syrup over warm rolls offers a tasty glaze-like finish.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly special about making and sharing the Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe with your nearest and dearest. The combination of soft dough, sweet cinnamon-spiced strawberry filling, and luscious glaze is guaranteed to bring smiles to your table. Once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire. Go ahead and treat yourself—you deserve it!
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Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
These Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls combine the classic sweetness of cinnamon sugar swirls with fresh diced strawberries for a fruity twist. Soft, fluffy yeast dough rolled with brown sugar, cinnamon, and juicy strawberries delivers a perfect balance of flavors, topped with a smooth vanilla glaze that adds a delicate sweetness. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful dessert, these homemade rolls are sure to impress.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 package active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
Filling Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
Glaze Ingredients
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm milk. Let it sit until the mixture is foamy, indicating the yeast is activated.
- Prepare Dough: Add granulated sugar, melted unsalted butter, salt, eggs, and all-purpose flour to the yeast mixture. Mix thoroughly until a dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Roll Dough: Punch down the dough to release air and roll it out into a large rectangle on a floured surface.
- Add Filling: Evenly spread the diced fresh strawberries, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon over the rolled dough rectangle.
- Shape Rolls: Carefully roll up the dough from one long side to form a log. Cut the log into even slices to form individual rolls.
- Second Rise: Arrange the slices in a greased baking dish with some space between each. Cover and let them rise again for 30 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare Glaze: While the rolls are baking, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth to create the glaze.
- Glaze and Serve: Remove the warm cinnamon rolls from the oven and drizzle the vanilla glaze over them before serving to add a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- Ensure the milk is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
- Kneading the dough properly helps develop gluten for soft rolls.
- For a stronger strawberry flavor, you can macerate the diced strawberries with a teaspoon of sugar before spreading them on the dough.
- Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut the dough log to prevent squashing the rolls.
- These rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat gently before serving to restore softness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
