Name: Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet); ½ tsp salt; ¾ cup warm milk; ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 large egg; ⅔ cup brown sugar, packed; 1 ½ tbsp ground cinnamon; ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, diced; 2 tsp cornstarch; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; ½ tsp vanilla extract; 2-3 tbsp milk

Introduction

Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze combine the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls with the fresh sweetness of strawberries. Soft, fluffy dough swirled with cinnamon sugar and juicy strawberries, topped with a rich cream cheese glaze—perfect for a special breakfast or brunch treat.

A close-up view of a cinnamon roll with three visible layers of golden-brown dough spiraled tightly, filled with reddish pieces of fruit and a cinnamon mix, all covered with thick, white glaze dripping down the sides and pooling slightly on a white plate. The texture of the dough looks soft and fluffy with the glaze smooth and shiny on top. The background is soft and blurred with a white marbled surface under the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 ½ cups all-purpose flour

¼ cup granulated sugar

2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)

½ tsp salt

¾ cup warm milk

¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

1 large egg

⅔ cup brown sugar, packed

1 ½ tbsp ground cinnamon

⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened

1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, diced

2 tsp cornstarch

4 oz cream cheese, softened

2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

1 cup powdered sugar

½ tsp vanilla extract

2-3 tbsp milk

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk and active dry yeast. Let it stand for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is activated.

Step 2: Add the melted butter, granulated sugar, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix thoroughly until combined.

Step 3: Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Step 4: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 5: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 6: While the dough rises, toss the diced strawberries with cornstarch in a small bowl to coat. Set aside.

Step 7: In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon, stirring until evenly blended.

Step 8: Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a 16×12-inch rectangle.

Step 9: Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough’s surface.

Step 10: Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough, then distribute the cornstarch-coated strawberries on top.

Step 11: Roll the dough tightly from the long edge into a log shape.

Step 12: Cut the rolled dough into 12 equal slices using a sharp knife or dough cutter.

Step 13: Arrange the rolls cut-side up in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Cover and let rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy.

Step 14: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 15: Bake the rolls for 22-25 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Let them cool slightly in the pan.

Step 16: For the glaze, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.

Step 17: Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.

Step 18: Add milk one tablespoon at a time until the glaze reaches your desired consistency.

Step 19: Spread the warm glaze evenly over the slightly cooled cinnamon rolls. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

Use frozen strawberries if fresh are unavailable, but thaw and drain excess liquid well to avoid soggy rolls.

For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon sugar mixture.

Try substituting cream cheese glaze with a simple vanilla icing for a lighter option.

Ensure your milk is warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast without killing it.

Brush rolls with melted butter immediately after baking for extra richness before glazing.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them well to prevent excess moisture, which can make the rolls soggy.

How do I know if my yeast is still good?

If your yeast mixture doesn’t become frothy after mixing with warm milk and waiting 5 minutes, the yeast may be inactive and should be replaced to ensure your dough rises properly.