Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Sweet Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe: Irresistible Morning Magic

Sweet memories flood back when I whip up these strawberry cinnamon rolls that blend nostalgia with a delightful twist.

The kitchen fills with an irresistible aroma that makes everyone pause and lean closer.

Soft, pillowy dough embraces fresh strawberries and warm cinnamon in a dance of flavors that sing comfort.

Mornings become magical when you slice into these beauties, revealing swirls of crimson fruit and golden pastry.

Each bite promises a perfect balance between tangy berries and rich, spicy warmth.

Weekend breakfasts deserve something special, and these rolls deliver pure happiness on a plate.

Sharing these with loved ones, watching their faces light up with the first delicious taste.

Ready to create a morning masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds?

Why Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Feel So Fresh And Sweet

  • Burst with Fruity Freshness: Strawberries transform classic cinnamon rolls into a vibrant, tangy treat that dances on your taste buds with sweet and bright flavor.
  • Foolproof Baking Adventure: The recipe offers simple steps perfect for bakers of all skill levels, making homemade pastries accessible and enjoyable without complicated techniques.
  • Quick Weekend Comfort: From start to finish, these rolls provide a delightful morning project that delivers warm, gooey goodness in just a couple of hours, ideal for lazy weekend breakfasts or special family gatherings.
  • Soft and Pillowy Perfection: The careful kneading and rising process ensures ultra-tender rolls with a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

What You Need For Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls

For Dough Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Key structural ingredient that provides the foundation for soft and tender rolls.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps activate yeast for proper rising.
  • Active Dry Yeast: Essential for creating airy and fluffy texture in rolls.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and controls yeast growth.
For Liquid Ingredients:
  • Warm Milk: Provides moisture and helps activate yeast for proper dough development.
  • Unsalted Butter: Adds rich flavor and contributes to soft, tender texture.
  • Large Egg: Binds ingredients together and adds richness to the dough.
For Rising and Preparation:
  • Vegetable Oil or Additional Butter: Used for greasing bowl to prevent dough from sticking during rising process.

How To Bake Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Easily

Step 1: Mixing the Dry Ingredients

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and whisk together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Granulated sugar
  • Active dry yeast
  • Salt

Ensure the dry ingredients are thoroughly combined and free of lumps.

Step 2: Creating the Dough Base

Pour in:
  • Warm milk
  • Melted butter
  • Egg

Stir everything until a soft, shaggy dough begins to form. Don’t worry about perfection – just mix until ingredients are incorporated.

Step 3: Kneading to Perfection

Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Begin kneading by pushing and folding the dough. If you have a stand mixer with a dough hook, you can use that instead. Knead for about 8 minutes by hand or 5 minutes with a mixer until the dough becomes smooth and stretchy.

Step 4: First Rise

Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let the dough rest in a warm, draft-free spot for approximately one hour. The dough should puff up and nearly double in size.

Step 5: Preparing the Strawberry Filling

Chop fresh strawberries into tiny pieces. Mix with:
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Brown sugar
  • Softened cream cheese

Step 6: Rolling and Filling

Roll out the risen dough into a large rectangle. Spread the strawberry mixture evenly across the surface. Roll the dough tightly from the long side, creating a beautiful swirl.

Step 7: Slicing the Rolls

Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut the rolled dough into even rounds. Place the rolls in a buttered baking dish, leaving a little space between each.

Step 8: Second Rise

Cover the rolls and let them rise again for about 30 minutes. They’ll become puffy and soft.

Step 9: Baking to Golden Perfection

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 10: Cream Cheese Glaze

Whip together cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a splash of milk. Drizzle generously over warm rolls.

Enjoy your freshly baked strawberry cinnamon rolls!

Helpful Tips For Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls

  • Boost Rising Power: Use a warm, draft-free spot like inside a turned-off oven with the light on to help the dough rise faster and more evenly.
  • Prevent Sticky Situations: Lightly dust your work surface and hands with flour to prevent the dough from sticking while kneading and rolling.
  • Activate Yeast Perfectly: Ensure milk is warm (not hot) around 110°F to activate yeast without killing it, creating a soft, fluffy texture.
  • Stretch and Knead Technique: When kneading, use the heel of your hand to push and fold the dough, creating strong gluten development for better rise and texture.
  • Moisture Retention Trick: Cover the dough with a damp cloth or plastic wrap during rising to prevent the surface from drying out and developing a tough crust.

Best Way To Store Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls

  • Refrigerate: Store cooled strawberry cinnamon rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping them fresh and moist.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag to preserve for 2-3 weeks without losing flavor or texture.
  • Reheat Refrigerated Rolls: Warm gently in microwave for 15-20 seconds, or in oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to restore softness and bring back that delightful just-baked warmth.
  • Thaw Frozen Rolls: Remove from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 30-40 minutes, then warm in oven to enjoy their original delicious taste and tender texture.

Drinks And Sides For Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls

  • Brew a Comforting Companion: Pair these strawberry cinnamon rolls with a warm chai latte. The spicy, creamy tea complements the sweet strawberry filling and enhances the cinnamon's warmth.
  • Elevate with Fruity Refreshment: Serve alongside a chilled strawberry smoothie. The cold drink balances the warm, gooey rolls and intensifies the strawberry flavor profile.
  • Create a Breakfast Bliss Plate: Add a dollop of whipped mascarpone or cream cheese on the side. The tangy, creamy spread cuts through the sweetness and adds a luxurious touch to the rolls.
  • Match with Morning Elegance: Pour a light moscato wine for a decadent brunch experience. Its subtle sweetness and slight effervescence perfectly highlight the rolls' rich, fruity character.

Fun Takes On Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls

  • Berry Blend Rolls: Swap strawberries with a mix of raspberries and blueberries for a vibrant, multicolored filling that adds extra tartness and depth to the classic roll.
  • Tropical Paradise Roll: Replace strawberries with diced mango and a hint of coconut, creating a sweet and exotic flavor profile that transports you to a sunny beach.
  • Nutty Crunch Edition: Incorporate chopped almonds or pecans into the strawberry filling, providing a delightful textural contrast and rich, toasted undertones to the soft cinnamon rolls.
  • Cream Cheese Fusion: Blend softened cream cheese with the strawberry filling, resulting in a tangy, creamy mixture that complements the warm cinnamon and adds luxurious moisture to each bite.

Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls FAQs

  • Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them completely to prevent excess moisture in the filling.

  • How do I know if my yeast is still active?

Test your yeast by dissolving it in warm milk with a pinch of sugar. If it becomes foamy and bubbly within 5-10 minutes, it’s still good to use.

  • What if my dough isn't rising properly?

Ensure your rising area is warm (around 80-85°F) and draft-free. Use a proofing box or place the dough in a slightly warm oven with the light on to create the ideal environment.

  • Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the rolls up to the point of second rising, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature and rise before baking.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Homemade strawberry cinnamon rolls bring classic bakery magic straight to kitchen counters with delightful swirls of sweet fruit and warm spice. Delicate pastry layers promise pure comfort that will make breakfast mornings extraordinary.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup (180ml) warm milk (110F/43C)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) instant yeast

Filling Ingredients:

  • ½ cup (100g) brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup (240g) strawberry preserves or jam
  • ½ cup (75g) diced fresh strawberries
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Sweeteners and Finishing Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup (56g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Craft a pillowy mixture of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a spacious mixing vessel, ensuring uniform integration of dry components.
  2. Introduce warm milk, velvety melted butter, and a fresh egg into the powdery blend, gently stirring until a cohesive dough emerges.
  3. Transfer the nascent dough onto a lightly dusted work surface, kneading methodically by hand or utilizing a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment.
  4. Manipulate the dough for approximately 8-10 minutes, developing its elastic texture and smooth consistency through consistent, rhythmic motions.
  5. Nestle the transformed dough into a generously oiled ceramic or glass bowl, enveloping it with a pristine kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
  6. Position the covered dough in a tranquil, draft-free environment, allowing it to luxuriate and expand for roughly one hour until its volume doubles.
  7. Delicately punch down the risen dough, releasing trapped air and preparing it for the next transformation stage.
  8. Roll the dough into a rectangular canvas, spreading softened butter and sprinkling a lavish blend of cinnamon and sugar across its surface.
  9. Carefully scatter finely chopped strawberries over the cinnamon-sugar landscape, ensuring even distribution.
  10. Gracefully roll the dough into a tight cylinder, then slice into individual spiraled portions using a sharp serrated knife.
  11. Arrange the tender rolls in a buttered baking dish, allowing slight separation for potential expansion.
  12. Let the unbaked rolls undergo a second gentle rise for 30-45 minutes, developing additional volume and tenderness.
  13. Preheat the oven, creating an ideal environment for transforming these delicate pastries into golden, aromatic delights.

Notes

  • Achieve the perfect rise by placing the dough in a warm, draft-free spot like inside a turned-off oven with the light on.
  • Swap out milk for a dairy-free alternative like almond or oat milk to make these rolls suitable for lactose-intolerant or vegan diets.
  • Prevent tough rolls by handling the dough gently and avoiding over-kneading, which can develop too much gluten and create a dense texture.
  • Boost flavor complexity by adding a splash of vanilla extract to the dough or mixing finely chopped fresh strawberries into the filling for extra fruity brightness.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 292
  • Sugar: 22g
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 34mg
James Mitchell

James Mitchell

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Creation and Testing​, Fusion Cuisine​, Food Styling and Photography​, Culinary Education​

Education

Kendall College, Chicago, IL

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classic and modern cooking techniques, with a specialization in international cuisines.​

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Advanced Certificate in Gastronomy
  • Focus: In-depth studies of global food cultures, flavor profiling, and innovative recipe development.​

James Mitchell is the founder and fearless flavor explorer at Cooking Crusade. With a degree in Culinary Arts from Kendall College and advanced training in global gastronomy from The Culinary Institute of America, James has spent over a decade perfecting the art of recipe creation. 

His background includes fine dining, private cheffing, and food styling, but his true joy comes from turning big ideas into doable recipes for home cooks. Every dish he shares is a mix of creativity, culture, and a little kitchen magic, built to bring excitement back to everyday meals.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star