Name: Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup milk; 1/4 cup sugar; 2 1/4 tsp yeast (Red Star Platinum recommended); 1/3 cup butter (melted and cooled to room temperature); 2 eggs; 3 1/2 cups bread flour (King Arthur recommended); 1/2 tsp salt; 3 tbsp cream; 2 cups strawberries (finely chopped into 1/4-inch pieces); 1/2 cup sugar; 1 1/2 tsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed); 1 tbsp cornstarch; 1/2 tsp cinnamon; 4 oz cream cheese (softened to room temperature, about 70 °F); 2 tbsp butter; 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar (sifted); 2 tbsp strawberry filling (reserved from filling mixture); 2 tbsp milk; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Introduction

These Irresistible Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls combine the classic comfort of cinnamon rolls with a fresh, fruity twist. Filled with a luscious strawberry filling and topped with creamy strawberry icing, they are perfect for breakfast or dessert. Make your kitchen smell amazing with this delightful treat.

Two thick cinnamon rolls sit on a white wooden plate, each layered with soft, fluffy dough that is golden brown at the edges. The rolls are generously coated with a shiny, creamy white icing that drips slowly down the sides, dotted with small bits of red strawberry pieces mixed in the icing. The swirl pattern of the roll is visible beneath the icing, showing the spiral layers of dough and strawberry filling. In the background, a glass bowl filled with fresh whole strawberries sits softly blurred on a white marbled surface, adding a pop of bright red color. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

For the dough:

3/4 cup milk
1/4 cup sugar
2 1/4 tsp yeast (Red Star Platinum recommended)
1/3 cup butter (melted and cooled to room temperature)
2 eggs
3 1/2 cups bread flour (King Arthur recommended)
1/2 tsp salt
3 tbsp cream

For the filling:

2 cups strawberries (finely chopped into 1/4-inch pieces)
1/2 cup sugar
1 1/2 tsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
1 tbsp cornstarch
1/2 tsp cinnamon

For the icing:

4 oz cream cheese (softened to room temperature, about 70°F)
2 tbsp butter
1 1/4 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
2 tbsp strawberry filling
2 tbsp milk
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Warm the milk to about 110°F (just warm to the touch, not hot). Combine it with the sugar and yeast in a large mixing bowl. Let sit for 10 minutes until foamy to activate the yeast.

Step 2: Add cooled melted butter, eggs, bread flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix on medium speed with a stand mixer equipped with a dough hook for 6-8 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky.

Step 3: Transfer dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise at room temperature for 1 hour until doubled in size.

Step 4: While the dough rises, prepare the filling: combine strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until berries soften and juice is released.

Step 5: Mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water to make a slurry. Whisk into the strawberry mixture with cinnamon and simmer for another minute until thickened. Transfer to a shallow dish and cool completely.

Step 6: On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough into a 12×16 inch rectangle. Spread cooled strawberry filling evenly, leaving a 1/2 inch border.

Step 7: Roll dough tightly from the long side closest to you into a log, pinch seam to seal. Cut into 12 equal pieces and place cut-side up in a greased 9×13 inch pan. Cover and let rise 45 minutes until puffy.

Step 8: Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake rolls uncovered for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool 5 minutes in pan.

Step 9: For icing, beat softened cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Add sifted powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons strawberry filling, milk, and vanilla. Beat until smooth.

Step 10: Spread icing generously over warm rolls, allowing it to melt into crevices. Serve warm or cooled to room temperature.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor, and make sure the filling is completely cool before spreading to avoid soggy dough.

For a dairy-free version, substitute plant-based milk, butter, and cream cheese alternatives.

Try adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the filling for extra texture.

Use dental floss to cut the roll log for cleaner slices.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for the filling?

Yes, but thaw and drain any excess liquid before cooking to prevent the filling from becoming too watery and soggy in the rolls.

What is the best flour to use for cinnamon rolls?

Bread flour is ideal as it has higher protein content, giving the rolls a chewy texture and helping the dough rise properly. All-purpose flour can be used but may yield a softer roll.