Most Amazing Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
If you adore the comforting warmth of cinnamon rolls but crave a fruity twist, you are in for a treat with the Most Amazing Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls. These rolls are gloriously soft and gooey, infused with a homemade strawberry compote that bursts with freshness in every bite. Topped with a luscious strawberry cream cheese icing, they bring together the perfect marriage of sweet, tangy, and creamy, making them irresistible for breakfast or dessert. Truly, this recipe transforms a classic into a sensational strawberry delight that you will want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses straightforward ingredients that each play a crucial role in creating a tender, flavorful dough and a vibrant strawberry filling. From flour for structure to fresh strawberries for that fruity punch, these essentials come together to make magic happen in your kitchen.
- Flour (5 cups): Provides the foundation for your soft and fluffy dough; bread or all-purpose flour works great.
- Dried yeast (1 tablespoon): The key to a light, airy rise in your cinnamon rolls.
- Granulated sugar (⅓ cup for dough and ⅓ cup for filling): Sweetens the dough slightly and balances the tartness of the strawberries.
- Kosher salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances flavor by balancing the sweetness.
- Eggs (2): Add richness and help bind the dough together.
- Unsalted butter (¼ cup melted for dough + ¼ cup softened for icing): Brings tender flakiness and creamy texture.
- Milk (1 ¼ cups): Hydrates the dough, contributing to softness and structure.
- Fresh strawberries (1 lb): The star ingredient for the luscious filling and vibrant color.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon) and orange or lemon zest (1 teaspoon): Add brightness and complexity to the strawberry compote.
- Cornstarch (2 teaspoons) mixed with water (2 tablespoons): Thickens the strawberry filling to keep it perfectly spreadable.
- Cream cheese (½ cup softened): Creates the creamy base of the icing that pairs perfectly with the sweet strawberries.
- Powdered sugar (2 cups): Sweetens the icing for that irresistible glaze.
- Strawberry jam (1 tablespoon) and strawberry sauce (2 tablespoons) from the compote: Intensify the strawberry flavor in the icing.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and depth to the icing.
How to Make Most Amazing Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by combining flour, dried yeast, and sugar in your mixer bowl, then add salt. Mix in eggs, room-temperature milk, and cooled melted butter, stirring until the dough just starts to form. Increase your mixer speed to medium and knead for about 8 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and silky. Cover and let it rise at room temperature for 1-2 hours until it doubles or even triples in size. This rise is essential for yielding that soft, pillowy texture.
Step 2: Make the Strawberry Filling
While the dough is rising, halve your fresh strawberries and cook them with sugar, citrus zest, and lemon juice over medium heat. Simmer gently to release their juices and sweeten naturally. Then, thicken with a cornstarch slurry, cooking for a few more minutes until your compote is glossy and luscious. Allow this to cool completely before using it to ensure it spreads without making the dough soggy.
Step 3: Roll and Fill
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer to a floured surface. Roll it out into a large, thin rectangle approximately ¼ inch thick. Spread the cooled strawberry filling evenly across the dough using an offset spatula. Sprinkle a generous layer of brown sugar on top for extra caramelized sweetness. Roll the dough tightly into a log and seal the edges to keep that filling inside.
Step 4: Cut and Proof the Rolls
Using a serrated knife or unflavored dental floss, slice your log into 12 even rolls. Place them snugly in a greased 9×13 inch pan and cover with a towel. Allow the rolls to rise again until doubled in size. This second rise makes sure each roll is tender and fluffy after baking.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the rolls at 350°F (180°C) for 20-25 minutes until their tops are golden brown but not dry. Keeping an eye on the oven is important since slightly underbaked rolls stay soft and moist, which is exactly what you want for the Most Amazing Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls.
Step 6: Make and Add the Strawberry Cream Cheese Icing
While the rolls bake, whip together softened cream cheese, butter, vanilla, powdered sugar, strawberry jam, and a bit of the strawberry sauce. Stir until smooth and creamy. Spread this luscious icing over the warm rolls right after they come from the oven for a gorgeous shine and melt-in-your-mouth finish.
How to Serve Most Amazing Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls
Garnishes
For a picture-perfect presentation, fresh strawberry slices on top add a tempting pop of color and freshness that resonates with the strawberry flavor inside. A light dusting of powdered sugar can add a delicate sweetness and a charming rustic look as well.
Side Dishes
Since these rolls are rich and fruity, pair them with simple sides like a crisp green salad or a fresh fruit plate to balance the indulgence. A cup of your favorite coffee or herbal tea also accompanies the rolls wonderfully and rounds out a lovely morning or afternoon treat.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving these at a brunch or party, consider placing the rolls in decorative cupcake liners before baking. You can also drizzle extra strawberry sauce over the glazed rolls for a glossy finish or add edible flowers for a whimsical touch. The Most Amazing Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls are versatile enough to shine in many gorgeous presentations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’ll stay soft and flavorful, but if you plan to keep them longer, refrigeration is best to maintain freshness.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked rolls after cutting and placing them in the pan. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil before freezing for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and let rise until doubled before baking. Baked rolls also freeze well; cool completely before wrapping and freezing.
Reheating
Warm leftover rolls in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a 300°F (150°C) oven wrapped in foil for 10 minutes. Adding a little spritz of water before reheating helps keep them moist and refreshes that soft texture that makes the Most Amazing Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for the filling?
Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work well but be sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before making the compote to avoid soggy dough.
What if I don’t have cornstarch to thicken the filling?
You can substitute with arrowroot powder or tapioca starch for similar thickening power, keeping in mind that the texture might vary slightly.
How do I know if my yeast is still good?
To test yeast, mix a teaspoon with warm water and a pinch of sugar. If it bubbles and froths within 10 minutes, it’s active and ready to use. No bubbles mean it’s time to get fresh yeast.
Can I make these rolls vegan?
Yes! Replace eggs with flax eggs or mashed bananas, use plant-based milk and vegan butter, and ensure your cream cheese icing uses dairy-free cream cheese alternatives.
Why are my cinnamon rolls dense instead of fluffy?
Dense rolls often result from under-kneading, insufficient rising time, or over-measuring flour. Make sure to knead until smooth, allow the dough to double or triple in size, and measure flour by spooning it in rather than scooping.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing like the joy of biting into the Most Amazing Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls, where soft, tender dough meets a vibrant strawberry filling and creamy icing. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing these beauties with loved ones, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings warmth and happiness to any table. Give it a try and watch how these rolls become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire!
