Introduction

These Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls combine the classic comfort of a soft cinnamon roll with a fresh, fruity twist. Filled with sweet strawberry jam and topped with a luscious strawberry cream cheese glaze, they’re perfect for breakfast or a special treat any time of day.

A single cinnamon roll sits on a wooden board against a white marbled texture. The cinnamon roll has two visible layers: a soft, light brown dough base and smooth, pale pink icing spreading evenly on top, dripping slightly down the sides. At the very top center, a halved strawberry with bright red inside and green leaves forms a small crown, while a whole strawberry with vibrant red skin and green leaves rests beside the roll on the wooden board. Some powdered sugar is lightly sprinkled on the board near the cinnamon roll. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

260 ml (1 cup) warm milk
10 g (1 tbsp) instant dry yeast
540 g (4 ¼ cups) all-purpose flour
65 g (⅓ cup) granulated sugar
1 tsp salt
1 large egg, room temperature
80 g (⅓ cup) unsalted butter, very soft
250 g (1 ¾ cups) fresh or frozen strawberries
50 g (¼ cup) granulated sugar (for filling)
Juice of half a lemon
100 g (½ cup) cream cheese, softened (Philadelphia recommended)
40 g (3 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened (for glaze)
60 g (½ cup) powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp strawberry puree, cold (from the filling)

Instructions

Step 1: Place the fresh or frozen strawberries in a saucepan with the lemon juice and granulated sugar. Cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens to a jam-like consistency. Remove from heat and blend with an immersion blender or in a food processor until smooth. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until completely cool.
Step 2: In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the dry ingredients: flour, granulated sugar, salt, and instant dry yeast. Mix briefly. Add the warm milk, softened butter, and the egg. Knead for 5 to 7 minutes on medium speed until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly pulls away from the sides of the bowl. It should be soft but not overly sticky. Cover the dough with a clean cloth and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 3: Lightly flour a clean surface. Roll out the risen dough to form a large rectangle, approximately 40 x 30 cm (16 x 12 inches). Spread the cooled strawberry filling evenly over the entire surface of the dough, leaving a small border at one of the longer edges. Starting from the opposite long edge, gently but firmly roll the dough into a tight log. Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to cut the log into 12 even strips.
Step 4: Arrange the cut rolls in a large, greased baking dish (a 9×13 inch dish works well), leaving a little space between each roll. Cover the dish again with a clean cloth and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until visibly puffy. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the rolls for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are lightly golden brown on top and soft to the touch. Remove from oven and let them cool slightly in the dish.
Step 5: While the rolls are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, softened unsalted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and the cold strawberry puree with an electric mixer for 1-2 minutes, until the glaze is smooth, creamy, and a beautiful light pink color. Adjust sweetness or thickness if desired by adding more powdered sugar or a tiny bit more milk.
Step 6: Spread the freshly made strawberry cream cheese glaze generously over the slightly warm cinnamon rolls. The warmth of the rolls will allow the glaze to melt slightly and seep into all the nooks and crannies. Serve immediately and enjoy the warm, sweet, and tangy flavors!

Tips & Variations

Use frozen strawberries if fresh are unavailable, but thaw and drain excess liquid before cooking to avoid a watery filling.
For a stronger cinnamon flavor, add 1 tablespoon of cinnamon to the dough or sprinkle cinnamon over the strawberry filling before rolling.
Try adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the filling for extra texture and flavor.
If you prefer a sweeter glaze, increase powdered sugar gradually until you reach your desired taste.

Storage

Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds before serving to soften the glaze and dough. For longer storage, freeze the rolls without glaze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and glazing.

How to Serve

A white square baking dish holds twelve cinnamon rolls arranged in three rows and four columns, each topped with smooth, light pink frosting that has a creamy texture and swirled pattern. Some rolls are garnished with fresh, bright red strawberries, both whole and sliced, adding a vibrant contrast to the soft frosting. The cinnamon rolls have a golden brown edge visible beneath the frosting, showing a soft and fluffy dough. Around the baking dish are additional elements on a white marbled surface: a clear glass bowl filled with whole strawberries on the upper left, a plain white plate underneath the forks and knives on the bottom left, two vintage silver spoons to the right, and a smaller clear bowl with more pink frosting and a spoon resting inside it at the bottom right. Scattered strawberries add pops of red color to the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the strawberry filling ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the strawberry filling a day in advance and keep it refrigerated until needed. Just make sure it is completely cool before spreading on the dough to prevent it from soaking in too much.

What can I substitute for cream cheese in the glaze?

If you prefer a dairy-free option or do not have cream cheese on hand, you can use mascarpone or a thick coconut cream as a substitute. Keep in mind the texture and flavor will slightly differ.