If you are ready to delight your taste buds with a treat that combines the comforting warmth of cinnamon rolls and the fresh, juicy burst of strawberries, then this Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These rolls are pillowy soft, swirled with a perfect cinnamon-sugar blend, and studded generously with vibrant fresh strawberries that elevate each bite to a whole new level of deliciousness. Whether it’s a weekend brunch or a special occasion, this recipe offers an irresistible way to bring a fruity twist to a classic favorite that everyone will fall in love with instantly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the perfect balance of flavors and textures starts with these simple yet crucial ingredients. Each one plays a key role—warm milk activates the yeast for a fluffy dough, while fresh strawberries add natural sweetness and color that makes these rolls as beautiful as they are tasty.
- Warm milk (1 cup): Essential to activate the yeast and create a light, airy dough.
- Active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons): The magic agent that helps the dough rise beautifully.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup + 1/2 cup): Provides sweetness to the dough and the cinnamon filling.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup melted + 1/4 cup softened): Adds richness and moistness to the dough and filling.
- Large egg (1): Gives structure and tenderness to the dough.
- All-purpose flour (3 1/2 cups): The foundation of the dough for softness and chew.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon): Infuses that warm, iconic spice flavor throughout the rolls.
- Fresh strawberries (1 cup, diced): Juicy bursts of freshness that brighten every bite.
- Powdered sugar (1 1/2 cups): Creates a silky glaze that finishes the rolls perfectly.
- Milk (2-3 tablespoons for glaze): Smooths out the glaze for drizzling.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds depth and a sweet aroma to the glaze.
How to Make Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by awakening the yeast with warm milk to ensure your dough rises perfectly. Combining the yeast mixture with sugar, melted butter, and egg builds a sweet, tender base. Gradually adding flour and salt shapes the dough, which you then knead until smooth. This kneading step is where the dough begins to develop that sought-after soft, chewy texture. Letting it rise in a warm, greased bowl covered with a towel for an hour helps the dough double in size, building lightness and structure.
Step 2: Shape the Rolls
Once your dough has risen, roll it out into a large rectangle—about 12 by 18 inches. This creates the perfect canvas for layering your flavors. Spread softened butter all over, then sprinkle a delicious mix of cinnamon and sugar on top to create sticky, fragrant swirls. The fresh diced strawberries come next, scattered evenly for juicy pockets of flavor throughout each roll. Roll the dough tightly into a log, then cut into 12 even slices and place them snugly in a greased baking dish. Letting them rise again for 30 minutes helps ensure these rolls will be wonderfully fluffy and tender.
Step 3: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), just the right temperature to bake these sweet rolls to a golden brown perfection. Baking for 25 to 30 minutes allows the rolls to cook through while caramelizing the sugar and butter in the cinnamon filling, creating that signature gooey texture. The aroma at this stage is nothing short of heavenly!
Step 4: Prepare the Glaze
While your rolls cool slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract into a smooth, creamy glaze. This sweet topping adds a luscious finish, melting over the warm rolls and sealing in the flavors beautifully. Drizzle generously just before serving to elevate your strawberry cinnamon rolls to an irresistible treat.
How to Serve Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
For a stunning presentation, add a few fresh whole strawberries or a sprinkle of finely chopped nuts on top of the glaze. A light dusting of additional cinnamon or a few edible flowers can also bring an elegant touch to your strawberry cinnamon rolls recipe, making them feast-ready for any occasion.
Side Dishes
These rolls are truly the star of the show, but pairing them with a fresh fruit salad or a light citrus yogurt can balance the sweetness while keeping the meal fresh and inviting. Tea or freshly brewed coffee also complement the warm cinnamon and strawberry flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress your guests by serving these rolls on a rustic wooden board or in individual decorative ramekins. Drizzling extra glaze in a zigzag pattern or layering the rolls in a tiered serving platter adds a fun and festive flair to your strawberry cinnamon rolls recipe presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover strawberry cinnamon rolls fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This helps maintain their moistness without drying out the delicate dough or dulling the fresh strawberry flavor.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these rolls later, they freeze beautifully. After baking and cooling, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months without losing that fresh-from-the-oven goodness.
Reheating
To enjoy your strawberry cinnamon rolls warm after storage or freezing, simply microwave individually for 20-30 seconds or heat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for around 10 minutes. This revives the softness and lets the glaze melt deliciously over the rolls once again.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh in this recipe?
While fresh strawberries offer the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen strawberries as well. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture that can make the dough soggy.
Is it possible to make the dough the night before?
Absolutely! After kneading the dough, cover it tightly and refrigerate overnight. This slow fermentation will enhance the flavor, and you can roll, fill, and bake the next day.
Can I substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour?
You can substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added fiber, but keep in mind it may result in a denser roll.
How do I prevent the strawberry filling from making the rolls soggy?
Using diced strawberries and distributing them evenly helps, but avoid overly large pieces and do not add extra juice. Also, letting the rolls rise on the second proofing prevents excess moisture buildup during baking.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
Yes! Swap the milk for a plant-based alternative, use vegan butter, and replace the egg with a flax or chia egg to make this strawberry cinnamon rolls recipe vegan-friendly without sacrificing flavor.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about homemade Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe that brightens any morning or special gathering. From the soft, fluffy dough to the juicy strawberry surprise and sweet cinnamon swirl, this recipe brings joy to the table in every bite. I hope you enjoy making and sharing these rolls as much as I do—they’re sure to become a beloved classic in your recipe collection.
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Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Delight in these homemade Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls featuring a soft, buttery dough infused with cinnamon and fresh diced strawberries, topped with a sweet vanilla glaze. Perfect for a special breakfast or brunch, these rolls balance fruity freshness with classic cinnamon roll flavors.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
Filling
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
Glaze
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk and active dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active. Stir in the granulated sugar, melted butter, and egg, mixing well. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and allow it to rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Rolls: Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a 12 by 18-inch rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough. In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon, then sprinkle this mixture evenly on top of the buttered dough. Distribute the diced fresh strawberries evenly over the cinnamon sugar layer. Carefully roll the dough tightly from one long edge to the other. Cut the resulting log into 12 equal slices. Arrange the slices into a greased 9 by 13-inch baking dish. Cover and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes to puff up.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the baking dish with the cinnamon rolls into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the rolls turn golden brown on top. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before glazing.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the glaze is smooth and pourable. Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm cinnamon rolls just before serving to add sweetness and moisture.
Notes
- Ensure the milk is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- You can substitute strawberries with blueberries or raspberries for a different fruity twist.
- For a richer dough, use whole milk or add an extra egg yolk.
- Make sure to let the rolls rise properly for a light and fluffy texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Reheat rolls gently in the microwave or oven before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
