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Irresistible Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 80 reviews

These Irresistible Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls are soft, sweet, and packed with fresh strawberry filling and a cinnamon hint, topped with a luscious strawberry cream cheese icing. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls offer a tender, chewy crumb with a delicious fruit twist that is sure to delight anyone who loves classic cinnamon rolls with a fresh berry upgrade.

Ingredients

Scale

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 (reserved from filling preparation)
  • 2 tbsp milk
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast: Warm the milk to about 110°F (just warm to the touch, not hot), then combine it with the sugar and yeast in a large mixing bowl. Let it sit for 10 minutes until foamy to ensure the yeast is active and alive.
  2. Make Dough: Add the cooled melted butter, eggs, bread flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Using a stand mixer with a dough hook, mix on medium speed for 6-8 minutes until the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky. This develops gluten for a tender, chewy crumb.
  3. First Rise: Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let it rise at room temperature for 1 hour until doubled in size.
  4. Prepare Filling: While dough rises, combine finely chopped strawberries, sugar, and freshly squeezed lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat. Simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until strawberries soften and release juices.
  5. Thicken Filling: Mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water to form a slurry. Whisk slurry and cinnamon into strawberry mixture and simmer for 1 more minute until thickened. Transfer to a shallow dish and let cool completely to prevent soggy dough.
  6. Roll Out Dough: Once doubled, turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll gently into a 12×16 inch rectangle. Spread cooled strawberry filling evenly over dough, leaving a 1/2 inch border on all sides.
  7. Form Rolls: Starting from the long side closest to you, roll the dough tightly into a log, pinch seam to seal. Cut log into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss for clean cuts. Arrange rolls cut-side up in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
  8. Second Rise: Cover rolls with plastic wrap and let rise at room temperature for 45 minutes until puffy and nearly touching.
  9. Bake Rolls: Preheat oven to 375°F. Uncover rolls and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Rolls should be set but slightly soft when pressed.
  10. Prepare Icing: While rolls cool for 5 minutes, beat softened cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy (~2 minutes). Add sifted powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of reserved strawberry filling, milk, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and spreadable.
  11. Ice Rolls: Spread icing generously over warm rolls, allowing it to soften the rolls and melt into crevices. Serve warm for best texture or let cool to room temperature.

Notes

  • Use bread flour for a chewier texture and better gluten development.
  • Ensure milk is around 110°F to properly activate yeast without killing it.
  • Allow strawberry filling to cool completely before spreading to avoid soggy dough.
  • Mark the dough log center first before slicing to ensure evenly sized rolls.
  • Sifting powdered sugar prevents lumps and creates smoother icing.
  • Serve rolls warm for the best flavor and texture experience.

Keywords: Strawberry cinnamon rolls, breakfast pastry, sweet rolls, cream cheese icing, homemade cinnamon rolls, strawberry filling, cinnamon pastry

Find it online: https://spiceupwithsophie.com/irresistible-strawberry-cinnamon-rolls-recipe/