Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls combine the warmth and softness of classic cinnamon rolls with a vibrant, fruity strawberry filling. Each roll features tender, fluffy dough swirled with sweet strawberries and cinnamon, then finished with a smooth glaze. These rolls offer a beautiful balance of comforting spice and bright berry flavor, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These rolls elevate traditional cinnamon rolls with the addition of a fresh, sweet, and slightly tangy strawberry layer. The dough is soft and pillowy, the filling is fragrant and juicy, and the glaze ties everything together with a delicate sweetness. They are ideal for special occasions, holiday mornings, or weekend baking projects. Despite their impressive appearance, they are approachable and suitable for home bakers of all levels.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the dough:
- all-purpose flour
- granulated sugar
- active dry yeast
- salt
- warm milk
- unsalted butter, softened
- eggs
For the strawberry filling:
- fresh or frozen strawberries, chopped
- granulated sugar
- cornstarch
- cinnamon
For the glaze:
- powdered sugar
- vanilla extract
- milk or cream
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk, a portion of the sugar, and yeast. Allow the mixture to sit until foamy.
- Add softened butter, remaining sugar, eggs, and salt, mixing until combined.
- Gradually add flour until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough for 5–7 minutes, either by hand or with a mixer, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and allow it to rise for 1–1½ hours or until doubled.
- While the dough rises, prepare the strawberry filling by cooking strawberries, sugar, and cornstarch over medium heat until thickened. Stir in cinnamon and allow to cool completely.
- After the dough has risen, roll it out into a large rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
- Spread the cooled strawberry filling evenly over the dough.
- Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log.
- Slice into even rolls using a sharp knife or string method.
- Place rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise for 30–40 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 22–28 minutes, or until the rolls are golden and cooked through.
- Prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar with vanilla and milk until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls before serving.
Servings and Timing
Makes approximately 12 rolls
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Rising Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Baking Time: 22–28 minutes
Total Time: about 2 hours 30 minutes
Variations
- Strawberry Cream Cheese Rolls: Add a thin layer of sweetened cream cheese under the strawberry filling.
- Mixed Berry Rolls: Replace strawberries with a blend of blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries.
- Lemon Strawberry Rolls: Add lemon zest to the dough or filling for a bright citrus flavor.
- Chocolate Strawberry Rolls: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the filling before rolling.
- Shortcut Version: Use store-bought dough to reduce preparation time.
Storage/Reheating
Store rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
To reheat, warm a roll in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to restore softness.
Rolls may be frozen (before or after baking) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, frozen strawberries work well; thaw slightly and drain excess liquid before cooking.
Why is my dough not rising?
The milk may have been too hot or the yeast expired. Ensure proper temperature and active yeast.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, refrigerate the dough after the first rise and assemble the next day.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?
Ensure the filling is thickened and completely cooled before spreading.
Can I use jam instead of fresh strawberries?
Yes, strawberry jam is a convenient substitute but will yield a sweeter filling.
How do I slice rolls cleanly?
Use unflavored dental floss or a sharp serrated knife.
Can I add nuts?
Chopped pecans or almonds pair well with the strawberry and cinnamon flavors.
Can I make these rolls dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free milk and butter substitutes.
Why are my rolls dense?
Under-kneading or insufficient rising time can result in dense rolls.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use a larger baking pan and extend the baking time slightly if needed.
Conclusion
Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls bring together the timeless comfort of cinnamon rolls with the bright, delightful sweetness of strawberries. Their soft dough, vibrant filling, and smooth glaze create a memorable treat suitable for any occasion. Whether served fresh from the oven or enjoyed the next day, these rolls offer a beautiful balance of flavor and texture that will impress family and guests alike.
Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls
Soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls filled with sweet strawberry filling and topped with a creamy strawberry glaze for a fruity twist on a classic treat.
- Prep Time: 25 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 1 hr 50 mins (including rising)
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Strawberry Filling:
- 2 cups diced strawberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- Strawberry Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp strawberry puree or strawberry jam
- 1–2 tbsp milk (as needed)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add melted butter, egg, and salt. Mix well.
- Gradually add flour until a soft dough forms. Knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- For the filling, cook strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and cinnamon in a saucepan over medium heat until thickened. Cool completely.
- Roll out the dough into a large rectangle about 1/4-inch thick.
- Spread the strawberry filling evenly over the dough.
- Roll up tightly from the long side and slice into 12 rolls.
- Place rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise for 20–30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake rolls for 22–25 minutes or until lightly golden.
- For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar with strawberry puree and milk until smooth.
- Drizzle glaze over warm rolls and serve.
Notes
- Ensure the strawberry filling cools before spreading to prevent dough from becoming soggy.
- Use strawberry jam if you need a quicker filling option.
- Add cream cheese to the glaze for a richer topping.
- For brighter color, add a drop of natural red food dye.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg