If you’re on the hunt for a sweet, fruity twist on a classic breakfast treat, this Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe will quickly become your new obsession. Bursting with juicy, fresh strawberries and a warm cinnamon spice, these rolls combine fluffy dough, sweet berry filling, and creamy frosting in a way that feels both comforting and a little extraordinary. They’re perfect for weekend mornings, special brunches, or whenever you want to bring a little bakery magic into your kitchen. Once you try this Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe, you’ll understand why it’s such a favorite among berry lovers and cinnamon fans alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe right means having a balance of simple, quality ingredients that come together to create delightful flavors and textures. Each item plays a crucial role: from the flour providing structure, to the strawberries adding freshness and natural sweetness, and the spices elevating the whole experience.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives your rolls their soft, tender crumb.
- 3 tablespoons sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to the dough itself.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Your leavening agent for light, fluffy rolls.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses a warm, spicy note into the dough.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened: Creates a rich, tender dough.
- 1/2 cup milk: Provides moisture and helps with dough elasticity.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings a hint of fragrant sweetness.
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced: The shining star of the filling, adding vibrant color and juicy bursts.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Mixed with strawberries for a caramel-like sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Sprinkled on the filling for that signature cinnamon roll flavor.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: Forms the base of the luscious cream cheese frosting.
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened: Adds creamy tang and richness to the frosting.
- 2 tablespoons milk (for frosting): Used to reach the perfect frosting consistency.
How to Make Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Oven
Start by getting your oven warmed up to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’ll be the perfect temperature by the time your sweet rolls are ready to bake, helping them rise beautifully and develop a golden-brown finish.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. This dry mix is where your cinnamon rolls begin to get their iconic warmth and flavor, setting a great foundation for the dough’s texture.
Step 3: Incorporate the Butter, Milk, and Vanilla
Add softened butter, milk, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients, mixing gently until all components come together. This step transforms the dry base into a soft, pliable dough that’s easy to work with and full of flavor from the vanilla.
Step 4: Knead and Roll Out the Dough
Turn your dough onto a floured surface and knead briefly until smooth and elastic. Then, roll it out into a neat rectangle – this shape is essential for evenly layering your strawberry filling and cinnamon sugar later on.
Step 5: Add the Strawberry Filling
Spread the diced fresh strawberries evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon on top. This combination gives you that irresistible sweet, fruity, and spicy blend that defines the Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe.
Step 6: Roll and Cut into Individual Rolls
Carefully roll the dough tightly from one long edge to the other, creating a spiral packed with strawberry goodness. Then slice into 12 equal rolls to ensure each serving has the perfect balance of filling and dough.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden
Place the rolls in a greased baking dish and pop them into the oven for 20 to 25 minutes. During this time, the rolls puff up and bake to a soft, golden finish that’s hard to resist.
Step 8: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the rolls bake, beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Add the milk little by little until you achieve a creamy, pourable frosting that will melt deliciously over your warm rolls.
Step 9: Frost and Serve
Once your rolls are cool enough to handle, generously drizzle the cream cheese frosting on top. This final touch adds a luscious sweetness and slight tang that perfectly complements the strawberries and cinnamon.
How to Serve Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
For extra flair and flavor, try topping the rolls with a few fresh strawberry slices or a light dusting of cinnamon powder. A sprinkle of toasted chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts also adds a wonderful crunch and nuttiness that pairs beautifully with the soft rolls.
Side Dishes
Serve these strawberry cinnamon rolls alongside a hot cup of coffee or a soothing chai latte to round out a cozy breakfast or brunch. A fresh fruit salad or a simple green smoothie can add a refreshing contrast and help balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive occasion, arrange your strawberry cinnamon rolls in a circular pattern on a decorative platter, drizzle with extra strawberry sauce or glaze, and garnish with edible flowers or mint leaves. If you want to make them portable, wrap individual rolls in parchment paper tied with twine for a delightful grab-and-go treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any uneaten strawberry cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain softness and freshness. If you want to refrigerate, place them in a sealed bag or container to prevent drying out, and allow them to come to room temperature before serving.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked rolls after slicing by placing them on a parchment-lined tray and freezing until solid. Then transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to three months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake fresh. Alternatively, freeze fully baked and frosted rolls wrapped tightly to preserve their flavor and texture.
Reheating
Warm leftover rolls in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 to 10 minutes. Reheating revives the soft texture and melts the frosting slightly, bringing back that just-baked feeling and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
While fresh strawberries work best for this recipe’s texture and flavor, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh aren’t available. Just thaw them well and drain any excess liquid before spreading on the dough to avoid sogginess.
Is it possible to make these cinnamon rolls dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use almond, soy, or oat milk instead of regular milk. For the frosting, use dairy-free cream cheese to keep it creamy without any dairy.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and roll it out the night before, then cover it tightly and keep it in the fridge. Add the strawberry filling and proceed with rolling, slicing, and baking the next morning for fresh, easy breakfast rolls.
How sweet are these strawberry cinnamon rolls?
They strike a nice balance — the batter has mild sweetness, the strawberry and brown sugar filling adds fruity sweetness, and the cream cheese frosting gives a rich, sweet finish. You can adjust the amount of brown sugar or powdered sugar in the frosting if you prefer less sweetness.
What makes this Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe different from traditional cinnamon rolls?
The use of fresh strawberries inside the rolls adds a juicy, tangy dimension that’s both refreshing and indulgent. Combined with the classic cinnamon and cream cheese frosting, it’s a unique flavor pairing that elevates the traditional roll into something truly special.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about baking Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe from scratch — the aroma filling your kitchen, the soft layers bursting with berry goodness, and that creamy frosting melting just right. Whether you’re treating yourself, friends, or family, these rolls bring comfort and joy with every bite. Don’t wait for a special occasion to give this recipe a whirl; once you try it, you’ll want it on your go-to list forever.
Print
Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in homemade Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls featuring a soft, tender dough filled with fresh strawberries, cinnamon, and brown sugar, topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. This recipe combines the classic comfort of cinnamon rolls with a fruity twist, perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Filling
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Frosting
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the rolls.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon, mixing them evenly.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Incorporate the softened butter, milk, and vanilla extract into the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead and Roll Dough: On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough briefly to bring it together, then roll it out into a rectangle shape, preparing it for filling.
- Add Filling: Evenly spread the diced fresh strawberries over the dough’s surface, then sprinkle with brown sugar and ground cinnamon for a sweet and spicy flavor.
- Form Rolls: Starting from one edge, roll the dough tightly into a cylinder, then cut it into 12 equal rolls to ensure uniform baking.
- Bake Rolls: Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, spacing them evenly, and bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare Frosting: In a bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth, gradually adding milk to reach a creamy, spreadable consistency.
- Frost and Serve: Allow the rolls to cool slightly after baking, then generously drizzle the cream cheese frosting on top before serving to enjoy their full flavor.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened for easier incorporation into the dough.
- Dice strawberries finely to prevent rolling issues and to distribute flavor evenly.
- Use fresh strawberries for the best taste and texture; frozen may add excess moisture.
- Cooling the rolls slightly before frosting prevents the frosting from melting entirely.
- For a vegan version, substitute butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives, and use a suitable milk substitute.
