Strawberry and Cream Cinnamon Rolls with Strawberry Filling

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These rolls are an irresistible treat, blending the comforting taste of cinnamon rolls with the freshness of strawberries and the richness of cream cheese frosting. The strawberry filling brings a burst of fruitiness to each roll, while the cream cheese frosting adds a sweet, tangy finish. Perfect for special occasions or as an indulgent weekend breakfast, this recipe will impress with both its flavor and beautiful presentation.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (or 1 packet)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Strawberry Filling:

• 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries, chopped
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons softened butter, for spreading

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream (for a smoother texture)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Make the Dough:

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir to dissolve the sugar, then let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy.
2. Mix the dough: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, egg, and yeast mixture. Stir until well combined. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms. You can use a stand mixer or mix by hand.
3. Knead the dough: Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If you’re using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook attachment for about 4-5 minutes.
4. Let it rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Prepare the Strawberry Filling:

1. Cook the strawberries: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the chopped strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Stir frequently until the strawberries release their juices and the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Cool the filling: Remove from heat and let the strawberry filling cool while you prepare the dough.

Assemble the Rolls:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 12×18-inch rectangle.
3. Spread the butter and filling: Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough. Then, spoon the cooled strawberry filling over the buttered dough, spreading it into an even layer.
4. Roll the dough: Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seams together to seal the roll.
5. Cut into rolls: Slice the rolled dough into 12-15 even pieces. Place them into the prepared baking dish, arranging them in a single layer.
6. Let it rise again: Cover the baking dish with a kitchen towel and let the rolls rise for about 30 minutes, or until they’ve puffed up.

Bake the Rolls:

1. Bake: Place the rolls in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. Once done, remove from the oven and let them cool slightly while you prepare the frosting.

Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. Mix the frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream. Beat until the frosting is smooth and has a spreadable consistency.
2. Frost the rolls: Once the rolls have cooled for a few minutes, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top of the rolls.

Serve:

1. Serve: Serve the Strawberry and Cream Cinnamon Rolls warm, with an extra drizzle of frosting on top if desired. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12-15 rolls
• Total time: 3 hours (including rising and baking time)

Variations

• Add a streusel topping: For extra crunch, sprinkle a streusel topping made of butter, flour, and sugar over the rolls before baking.
• Use other berries: Swap out the strawberries for other berries like blueberries, blackberries, or raspberries for a different twist.
• Nutty filling: Add chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts to the filling for a bit of crunch and added flavor.
• Make it dairy-free: Substitute the butter and cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives like plant-based butter and cream cheese, and use a non-dairy milk for the dough.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat individual rolls in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make the dough the night before?

Yes! You can prepare the dough, let it rise, and then refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, take it out of the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature before rolling and assembling the cinnamon rolls.

Can I use frozen strawberries for the filling?

Yes, frozen strawberries work well too! Just make sure to thaw and drain them before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the filling.

How do I make the rolls extra soft?

To make the rolls extra soft, be sure to knead the dough well and allow it to rise properly. The use of milk and butter in the dough also helps create a soft, tender texture.

Can I freeze these rolls?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked rolls before the second rise. After assembling the rolls, place them on a baking sheet, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and freeze. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag. To bake, let them thaw and rise before baking as usual.

How can I make the frosting thicker or thinner?

To make the frosting thicker, add more powdered sugar. To make it thinner, add a bit more heavy cream or milk until it reaches your desired consistency.

Conclusion

Strawberry and Cream Cinnamon Rolls with Strawberry Filling are the ultimate indulgence, combining soft, fluffy dough, a sweet and fruity filling, and a rich cream cheese frosting. These rolls are perfect for a special breakfast, brunch, or dessert and are sure to impress your guests or loved ones. With their irresistible flavor and beautiful presentation, they are guaranteed to become a new favorite!

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