Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls, a delightful twist on a classic breakfast treat, are about to become your new favorite weekend indulgence. Imagine waking up to the sweet aroma of warm cinnamon, the bright tang of fresh strawberries, and the comforting fluffiness of a perfectly baked roll. Forget the ordinary; these aren’t your grandma’s cinnamon rolls (unless your grandma is a culinary genius!).

While the exact origins of cinnamon rolls are debated, their popularity soared in Sweden and other Scandinavian countries, where they’re known as “kanelbullar.” These sweet, yeasty buns have since conquered hearts (and stomachs) worldwide. But what happens when you infuse this beloved pastry with the vibrant flavor of strawberries? Pure magic, that’s what!

People adore cinnamon rolls for their comforting warmth, soft texture, and the irresistible combination of sweet and spicy flavors. Adding strawberries elevates the experience, creating a burst of fruity freshness that perfectly complements the cinnamon’s warmth. The slight tartness of the strawberries cuts through the sweetness, preventing the rolls from becoming overly cloying. Plus, let’s be honest, who can resist a beautifully swirled roll bursting with juicy, red berries? This Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls recipe is surprisingly easy to follow, making it perfect for both seasoned bakers and kitchen novices alike. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this unforgettable breakfast or brunch sensation!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Dough:
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 package (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 cup milk, warmed to 110-115°F
• ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• For the Strawberry Filling:
• 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and finely diced
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt
• For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparing the Dough:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture is foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to use. If it doesn’t foam, your yeast might be old, and you’ll need to start with fresh yeast.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the melted butter and beaten eggs to the yeast mixture. Whisk everything together until well combined. Make sure the butter isn’t too hot, or it could cook the eggs.
3. Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing with a wooden spoon or a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 6-8 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, knead the dough in a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5-7 minutes. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it reaches the right consistency.
5. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This is a crucial step for developing the flavor and texture of the rolls. A warm environment helps the yeast work its magic.

Making the Strawberry Filling:

1. Prepare the Strawberries: While the dough is rising, prepare the strawberry filling. Wash, hull, and finely dice the strawberries. The smaller the pieces, the easier they will spread and bake evenly.
2. Combine Filling Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the diced strawberries, sugar, softened butter, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed. The flour helps to thicken the filling as it bakes, preventing it from becoming too runny.

Assembling the Cinnamon Rolls:

1. Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down gently to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches. Aim for an even thickness so the rolls bake uniformly.
2. Spread the Filling: Spread the strawberry filling evenly over the entire surface of the dough, leaving a small border along one of the long edges. This border will help seal the roll.
3. Roll Up the Dough: Starting from the long edge opposite the border, tightly roll the dough into a log. Try to keep the roll as tight as possible to create neat, even swirls.
4. Cut the Rolls: Use a sharp serrated knife or unflavored dental floss to cut the log into 12 equal slices. Dental floss creates a cleaner cut and prevents the rolls from being squashed.
5. Second Rise: Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let them rise again for 30-45 minutes, or until they are puffy and almost doubled in size. This second rise ensures that the rolls are light and airy.

Baking the Cinnamon Rolls:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure your oven is properly preheated for even baking.
2. Bake the Rolls: Bake the cinnamon rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Check them halfway through baking and cover loosely with foil if they are browning too quickly.
3. Cool Slightly: Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool in the baking dish for about 10-15 minutes before frosting. This allows them to set slightly and prevents the frosting from melting completely.

Making the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. Cream Butter and Cream Cheese: While the rolls are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Make sure both are at room temperature to avoid lumps in the frosting.
2. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low speed until combined. Be careful not to add it all at once, or you’ll end up with a cloud of powdered sugar.
3. Add Milk and Vanilla: Add the milk or heavy cream and vanilla extract. Beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. Adjust the amount of milk to achieve your desired consistency.

Frosting and Serving:

1. Frost the Rolls: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the warm cinnamon rolls. You can use a knife or an offset spatula for this.
2. Serve Immediately: Serve the strawberry cinnamon rolls warm and enjoy! They are best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Conclusion:

This isn’t just another cinnamon roll recipe; it’s a burst of sunshine and sweet indulgence rolled into one! The combination of juicy strawberries and warm cinnamon creates a flavor profile that’s both comforting and exciting. I truly believe these Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls are a must-try for anyone who loves baking, breakfast, or simply a delicious treat. They’re surprisingly easy to make, and the results are guaranteed to impress.

Think about it: the soft, pillowy dough, swirled with a vibrant strawberry filling that’s bursting with fresh fruit flavor, all topped with a creamy, tangy glaze. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that will have you reaching for seconds (and maybe thirds!). Forget those store-bought cinnamon rolls – once you’ve tasted these homemade delights, you’ll never go back.

But the best part? This recipe is incredibly versatile! While I’ve shared my favorite version, feel free to get creative and experiment with different variations. For a richer flavor, try adding a touch of almond extract to the dough or the glaze. If you’re feeling adventurous, incorporate some chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling for added crunch. And for a truly decadent experience, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Here are a few more serving suggestions to get your creative juices flowing:

* Brunch Perfection: These Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect addition to any brunch spread. Serve them alongside scrambled eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit for a truly memorable meal.
* Dessert Delight: Warm them up and serve them as a dessert after dinner. They’re especially delicious with a cup of coffee or tea.
* Special Occasion Treat: Surprise your loved ones with these homemade cinnamon rolls for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion. They’re a thoughtful and delicious way to show you care.
* Individual Strawberry Cinnamon Roll Cups: Bake the rolls in muffin tins for individual servings that are perfect for portion control or on-the-go snacking.
* Strawberry Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding: Transform leftover rolls into a decadent bread pudding by cubing them, soaking them in a custard mixture, and baking until golden brown.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the joy of baking these incredible Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls. Don’t be intimidated by the process – I’ve broken it down into easy-to-follow steps, and I’m confident that you’ll be able to create a batch of these delicious treats in no time.

Once you’ve made them, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your photos and comments on social media using [insert your social media handle or hashtag here]. Let me know what variations you tried and how they turned out. I’m always looking for new ideas and inspiration, and I can’t wait to see your creations.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a batch of these irresistible Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls. I promise you won’t be disappointed! Happy baking! I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do.