Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls combine the best of both worlds: the warm, comforting spices of cinnamon and the fresh, fruity burst of strawberries. The dough is soft and tender, while the strawberry filling adds a delightful sweetness and a slight tartness. The final touch is the sweet vanilla glaze that drips over the rolls, making them irresistible. They’re perfect for a weekend brunch or any special occasion when you want to impress your guests!

Ingredients

For the Rolls:

4 cups all-purpose flour
1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
1 cup whole milk, lukewarm
¼ cup granulated sugar
⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
½ tsp salt
2 cups chopped fresh strawberries

For the Filling:

½ cup brown sugar
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
2 tbsp softened butter (for spreading on dough)

For the Optional Heavy Cream:

½ cup heavy cream (optional, for extra moisture)

For the Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp milk
½ tsp vanilla extract

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Dough

In a bowl, combine the lukewarm milk, granulated sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 10 minutes until frothy.

2. Mix Wet Ingredients

Add the eggs, melted butter, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine.

3. Make the Dough

Gradually add the flour to the wet mixture, kneading the dough until it forms a soft, elastic ball. This may take about 5-7 minutes of kneading.

4. Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.

5. Prepare the Strawberry Filling

Meanwhile, toss the chopped strawberries with brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld together.

6. Roll Out the Dough

Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle, about ¼ inch thick.

7. Add the Filling

Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough. Then, sprinkle the cinnamon and brown sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough. Finally, evenly distribute the prepared strawberry mixture over the entire surface.

8. Roll Up the Dough

Roll the dough up tightly from the long side to form a log. Use a sharp knife to cut the log into 12 even slices.

9. Let the Rolls Rise

Place the rolls into a greased baking dish, leaving a bit of space between each roll. Cover the dish with a clean kitchen towel and let the rolls rise for 30-45 minutes, or until puffed and nearly doubled in size.

10. Preheat the Oven and Bake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). If you’re using heavy cream, pour it evenly over the rolls now for extra moisture. Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

11. Make the Glaze

While the rolls are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and drizzle-ready.

12. Glaze and Serve

Once the rolls are golden brown and cooked through, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Drizzle the warm glaze over the rolls and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 rolls
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

Add Nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for an extra crunch and flavor contrast.
Berries: Swap out the strawberries for other berries such as raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a different fruity twist.
Maple Glaze: Replace the vanilla glaze with a maple glaze for a slightly different flavor profile. Combine powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk for a rich, sweet topping.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze the unbaked rolls after the second rise. Cover them tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
Reheating: Reheat leftover rolls in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or in a warm oven for 5 minutes, to soften them.

FAQs

Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough, roll it up, and cut it into individual rolls. Store them in the fridge overnight, and bake them fresh the next morning. If you’re freezing the dough, bake them directly from frozen when you’re ready to serve.

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Fresh strawberries are best for this recipe, but you can use frozen strawberries if necessary. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the filling to avoid soggy rolls.

Can I make the glaze without vanilla extract?

Yes, you can make the glaze without vanilla extract or substitute it with almond extract or maple extract for a different flavor twist.

Conclusion

These Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls are a perfect balance of sweetness, spiciness, and fruity freshness. The soft, gooey rolls filled with cinnamon, sugar, and fresh strawberries are topped with a simple, sweet vanilla glaze that makes them extra indulgent. Whether for a weekend brunch or a sweet treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee, these rolls are sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation!

Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls

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Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls combine the warm spices of cinnamon with fresh strawberries, creating a soft, gooey treat. Topped with a sweet vanilla glaze, these rolls are perfect for brunch, dessert, or any special occasion.

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 12 rolls
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Prepare the Dough: Combine lukewarm milk, granulated sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 10 minutes until frothy.
Mix Wet Ingredients: Add eggs, melted butter, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine.
Make the Dough: Gradually add the flour, kneading until a soft, elastic ball forms (about 5-7 minutes).
Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise for 1-1.5 hours until doubled in size.
Prepare the Strawberry Filling: Toss chopped strawberries with brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
Roll Out the Dough: Once risen, roll dough into a ¼ inch thick rectangle on a floured surface.
Add the Filling: Spread softened butter, then sprinkle the cinnamon-brown sugar mix, and evenly distribute strawberries.
Roll Up the Dough: Roll the dough tightly and slice into 12 even pieces.
Let the Rolls Rise: Place rolls in a greased dish, cover, and let rise for 30-45 minutes.
Preheat and Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
Make the Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Glaze and Serve: Drizzle glaze over warm rolls and serve immediately.