Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on the classic cinnamon roll, combining the warm spice of cinnamon with the sweet, tangy flavor of fresh strawberries. These rolls are soft, fluffy, and bursting with fruity goodness, making them perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. The dough is enriched with butter and milk, ensuring a tender texture, while the strawberry filling adds a refreshing contrast to the rich cinnamon flavor. Topped with a creamy glaze, these rolls are irresistible!
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup warm water
- ¾ cup warm milk
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 1 cup strawberry jam
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, diced
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ginger
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
For the Glaze:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ¼ cup half-and-half or milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a small bowl, whisk together warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
- Add the egg, warm water, melted butter, and yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Make the Strawberry Filling:
- In a saucepan, combine strawberries, jam, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
- Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
- Remove from heat and let cool.
- Roll and Fill the Dough:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 9×15-inch rectangle.
- Spread softened butter evenly over the dough.
- Spread the strawberry filling over the buttered dough.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log and pinch the seams.
- Cut into 12 slices and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Bake the Rolls:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Prepare the Glaze:
- Beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and half-and-half until smooth.
- Glaze and Serve:
- Spread the glaze over warm cinnamon rolls.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast.
- Serve with whipped cream or fresh strawberries for extra indulgence.
- Enjoy as a dessert with vanilla ice cream.
Tips for the Best Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls:
- Use Fresh Strawberries: They add a natural sweetness and vibrant flavor.
- Don’t Overfill: Too much filling can make rolling difficult.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate for easy baking in the morning.
These Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls are a perfect balance of sweet, fruity, and spiced flavors, making them a must-try treat! 🍓✨
For more variations, check out this recipe.