Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

There is something utterly irresistible about waking up to a batch of homemade cinnamon rolls infused with fresh strawberries. This Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe brings together the softest, fluffiest dough with a sweet and tangy burst of fresh strawberries and warm cinnamon spice. Each bite melts in your mouth while the luscious glaze on top adds just the right touch of sweetness. Whether you are making these for a weekend brunch or a cozy treat any day, these strawberry cinnamon rolls will instantly become a new favorite in your recipe collection.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward, yet each plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture in your strawberry cinnamon rolls. From the creamy butter providing richness to the fresh strawberries adding vibrant color and sweetness, every item is a building block of deliciousness.

• Active dry yeast: This is the magic ingredient that helps the dough rise and become fluffy.
• Warm milk: Activates the yeast and adds moisture for tender rolls.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps yeast fermentation.
• Unsalted butter, melted: Brings richness and softness to the dough.
• Salt: Balances flavor and enhances the sweetness.
• Eggs: Bind the dough and contribute to its structure.
• All-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough with just the right gluten strength.
• Fresh strawberries, diced: The star ingredient delivering juicy bursts of natural sweetness and vibrant color.
• Brown sugar: Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness for the cinnamon filling.
• Ground cinnamon: Infuses every bite with the classic warming spice.
• Powdered sugar: Forms the base of the sweet glaze for a perfect finish.
• Milk: Used in the glaze to bring it to the ideal drizzling consistency.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a lovely fragrant hint to the glaze, rounding out the flavors.

How to Make Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Activate the yeast

Begin by dissolving the package of active dry yeast in warm milk. This step wakes up the yeast, setting the stage for the dough to rise beautifully later on. Warm milk is key here—it needs to be warm enough to activate the yeast but not so hot that it kills it.

Step 2: Mix the dough ingredients

Next, in the same bowl, add granulated sugar, melted butter, salt, eggs, and flour. Mix everything together until you get a soft dough. Each ingredient perfectly contributes—eggs add body, butter gives softness, and flour forms the structure.

Step 3: Knead the dough

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes. Kneading develops the gluten network, which makes the cinnamon rolls delightfully chewy yet tender. It’s a satisfying step—watch as the dough becomes smooth and elastic.

Step 4: Let the dough rise

Place your dough ball in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour. This is when the yeast works its magic, doubling the dough’s size and creating that fluffy texture we all crave.

Step 5: Roll out the dough

Once risen, roll the dough out into a large rectangle on a floured surface. This creates the perfect canvas for the strawberry cinnamon filling that’s about to take center stage.

Step 6: Add the filling

Evenly spread diced fresh strawberries over the dough, then sprinkle the brown sugar and ground cinnamon on top. The combination of tart strawberries with sweet, spiced brown sugar is unbelievably good and will fill your kitchen with an amazing aroma.

Step 7: Roll and cut

Carefully roll the dough up tightly from one long side to the other to form a log. Use a sharp knife to cut the log into even slices, about 1 to 1.5 inches thick, revealing that beautiful swirl of strawberries and cinnamon inside.

Step 8: Allow the rolls to rise again

Place the slices in a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between them for expansion. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes. This final rise ensures your rolls bake up soft and full of air pockets.

Step 9: Bake the rolls

Bake your strawberry cinnamon rolls in a preheated 350°F oven for 25 to 30 minutes, until golden brown on top. The smell will be utterly irresistible!

Step 10: Prepare the glaze

While the rolls bake, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth to create the glaze. The glaze adds a shine and sweetness that perfectly complements the warm rolls.

Step 11: Drizzle and serve

Once the rolls are out of the oven and still warm, drizzle the vanilla glaze generously over the top. Serve them fresh and warm for the best experience, as the glaze will melt into every soft swirl.

How to Serve Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle extra finely diced fresh strawberries or a light dusting of powdered sugar on top to elevate the presentation. A sprinkle of toasted chopped pecans or sliced almonds adds delightful crunch and nutty flavor.

Side Dishes

Pair these strawberry cinnamon rolls with a hot cup of coffee or a creamy latte for a cozy brunch. Fresh fruit salad or a simple green smoothie makes a refreshing accompaniment that balances the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the rolls in individual ramekins or muffin tins for single portions with perfectly rounded shapes. You can also add a dollop of whipped cream or a spoonful of mascarpone cheese for an extra indulgent touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover strawberry cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For best texture, warm them slightly before serving to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven softness.

Freezing

These rolls freeze beautifully. Simply wrap them tightly individually or as a batch in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months for convenient future treats.

Reheating

Reheat frozen or stored rolls by microwaving for 20-30 seconds or warming in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes. Add a little extra glaze or butter after heating for that freshly baked experience.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

While fresh strawberries are best for texture and flavor in this recipe, you can use frozen strawberries if you thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid excess moisture that can make the dough soggy.

Is it necessary to let the dough rise twice?

The double rise gives the dough its light, airy texture. Skipping either rise will result in denser rolls, so it’s best to follow each rising step for perfect cinnamon rolls every time.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Substitute the milk with plant-based milk, use a vegan butter alternative, and replace eggs with flax eggs or another egg substitute. The yeast and technique remain the same, so you’ll still get delicious results.

How do I know when the cinnamon rolls are done baking?

The rolls should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when gently tapped. You can also insert a toothpick into the center of a roll—if it comes out clean, they are fully baked.

Can I prepare the dough the night before?

Absolutely! After the first rise, cover the dough tightly and refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temperature before rolling out and continuing with the recipe steps the next day.

Final Thoughts

Making this Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is such a rewarding experience that fills your kitchen with love and warmth. Fresh strawberries give these rolls a delightful twist, turning a classic treat into something truly special. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try making this recipe soon—your family and friends will thank you for it, and you’ll find yourself coming back to it time after time.

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