If you love the cozy warmth of cinnamon rolls but crave a fresh, fruity twist, you’re going to adore this Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe. Soft, fluffy dough meets sweet strawberry compote and a luscious cream cheese frosting that’s just heavenly.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
Honestly, I’ve made cinnamon rolls plenty of times, but adding a bright strawberry compote turns them into something truly special. It’s like meeting your favorite classic breakfast with a fresh summer berry patch.
- Perfect Balance: The sweet strawberry filling combined with just a hint of cinnamon creates a flavor combo that's both familiar and exciting.
- Soft & Buttery Dough: This recipe’s dough is tender and pillowy, giving you that melt-in-your-mouth texture every time.
- Rich Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting: A creamy, tangy frosting amplifies the strawberry sweetness and finishes the rolls beautifully.
- Made From Scratch: Nothing beats homemade cinnamon rolls that fill your kitchen with that warm, inviting aroma.
Ingredients & Why They Work
When you’re gathering ingredients for these strawberry cinnamon rolls, opt for fresh, high-quality components—especially your dairy and strawberries—to make sure each bite sings with flavor.
- Milk: Helps create a tender dough and gives it moisture; warming it just right activates the yeast perfectly.
- Butter: Adds richness and a soft crumb, plus it melts into the dough and filling for buttery layers.
- All-Purpose Flour: The base for the dough, providing structure without being too dense.
- Instant Yeast: The magic that makes these rolls rise light and fluffy.
- White Sugar: Sweetens the dough mildly and feeds the yeast to help with fermentation.
- Lemon Zest: Adds a fresh, citrusy zing that brightens the flavor throughout the dough.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the dough’s flavor.
- Egg: Binds ingredients together and adds richness to the dough.
- Strawberry Compote: The star of the filling and frosting, bringing fruity sweetness and moisture.
- Cinnamon (optional): Adds a warm, spicy note if you like a bit of traditional cinnamon flavor.
- Cream Cheese: For a tangy, creamy frosting base that pairs perfectly with strawberry.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting for that luscious spread.
- Heavy Cream or Milk: Used to thin the frosting to the perfect consistency for spreading.
Make It Your Way
One of the best things about this Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to your liking. Whether you want to add a little extra warmth with spices or swap out ingredients to fit your diet, these rolls welcome your personal touch on every batch.
- Variation: Cinnamon Spice Boost — I love adding ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon sprinkled right over the strawberry compote before rolling. It gives the rolls a cozy, spicy aroma that's just irresistible without overpowering the fresh strawberry flavor.
- Variation: Vegan Version — Swap out the butter with a plant-based alternative, use a non-dairy milk like oat or almond, and substitute the egg with a flax egg. The texture is still wonderfully soft, and the strawberry filling shines through beautifully.
- Variation: Drizzle Instead of Frosting — For a lighter touch, mix powdered sugar with a little lemon juice and strawberry compote to create a tangy glaze to drizzle over instead of the cream cheese frosting. It’s especially nice if you want a less rich finish.
- Variation: Seasonal Twists — Try mixing in fresh herbs like basil or mint into the compote for a fresh summertime vibe, or add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for a warming fall-inspired roll. These subtle changes keep the recipe exciting all year long.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Warm and Melt – Prepare Your Liquid Base
Start by gently heating ¾ cup of milk in a small saucepan until it just begins to bubble. Then remove it from the heat and stir in ½ cup (or 1 stick) of butter until fully melted. This mixture needs to cool to lukewarm—warm enough to activate the yeast, but not so hot it kills it. This is key for fluffy, well-risen rolls.
Step 2: Mixing the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together 2 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 package of instant yeast (or 2 ¼ teaspoons), ¼ cup white sugar, ½ teaspoon salt, and the zest of one lemon. This lemon zest adds a subtle brightness that balances the sweetness beautifully.
Step 3: Bring Together Egg and Wet Mix
Add the egg and the lukewarm milk and butter mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon just until everything starts to come together—it’ll be a little sticky. This beginner-friendly step marks the start of your soft dough formation.
Step 4: Flour and Knead to Perfection
Gradually incorporate the remaining 1 cup of flour, half a cup at a time, stirring well after each addition. Once the dough just pulls together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook—knead until the dough slightly springs back when pressed. This elasticity is what gives the rolls their tender texture.
Step 5: Quick Rest and Rise
Cover your dough with a damp cloth and let it rest at room temperature for 10 minutes. This short rest helps relax the gluten, making it easier to roll out shortly.
Step 6: Roll, Spread, Sprinkle
On a floured surface, roll your dough into a 12 by 9-inch rectangle—the perfect size to fit your 9x13 baking pan later. Spread about ¾ cup of your homemade or store-bought strawberry compote evenly over the dough, making sure to reach all the edges. If you’re a fan of that warm cinnamon aroma, sprinkle ½ teaspoon of cinnamon over the compote now.
Step 7: Slice and Shape Each Roll
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the dough into 12 equal strips. Roll each strip up tightly, starting at the long edge, and place each cinnamon roll seam side down into your greased 9x13 inch pan. This step is their final shape—so make those spirals pretty!
Step 8: Proof Until Puffy
Cover the pan and let the rolls rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, roughly 45 minutes. This proofing stage is where magic happens—your rolls will go from doughy spirals to soft, fluffy dreams. While they’re rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (190°C).
Step 9: Golden Bake
Bake the rolls for 25 minutes or until they turn a beautiful golden brown. You’ll know they’re done by their rich color and that irresistible aroma filling your kitchen. Let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before the best part.
Step 10: Whip Up the Frosting and Finish
While the rolls cool, beat together 2 tablespoons softened butter and 4 oz cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add 2 tablespoons strawberry compote, then sift in 1 ½ to 2 cups powdered sugar, adding half a cup at a time until you reach a luscious, spreadable consistency. Thin with a splash of heavy cream or milk if needed. Spread generously over warm rolls, and if you want to go the extra mile, top with fresh strawberry slices for that perfect finishing touch.
Top Tip
Mastering the perfect Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe comes down to a few thoughtful steps that make all the difference between good and unforgettable. Here are some insider tips I’ve learned along the way to help your rolls turn out beautifully every time.
- Use Lukewarm Milk: I’ve found heating the milk just until it bubbles and then cooling it to lukewarm is crucial; anything too hot can kill the yeast and your dough won’t rise properly.
- Don’t Skip the Rest: Letting the dough rest after kneading makes it much easier to roll out, and the 45-minute rise time ensures those rolls get wonderfully fluffy and soft.
- Roll Tightly: Rolling each strip as tightly as possible before placing them in the pan helps keep that swirled filling intact and looking pretty after baking.
- Frost While Warm: Slather your creamy strawberry cream cheese frosting on warm rolls for that magical melt-in-your-mouth effect—trust me, it’s worth the slight mess!
How to Serve Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh strawberry slices are a delightful garnish that add a pop of color and fresh flavor on top of your frosted rolls. You can also sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon or dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finish. If you're feeling fancy, a light drizzle of melted white chocolate pairs wonderfully too.
Side Dishes
This strawberry cinnamon rolls recipe shines on its own but pairs beautifully with a few morning favorites—think a chilled glass of fresh orange juice, a simple fruit salad, or crispy bacon for a sweet and savory contrast. For afternoon treats, a cup of coffee or a light green tea complements the sweetness perfectly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover strawberry cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For best taste and texture, you’ll want to consume them within this time frame since they’re freshest warm and soft.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, these rolls freeze beautifully! After baking and cooling completely, wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They keep well for up to 2 months in the freezer.
Reheating
To reheat frozen or leftover rolls, unwrap them and place on a microwave-safe plate. Warm for about 30-45 seconds until soft and warm. Alternatively, pop them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes to regain a gently crisp exterior with melty frosting on top.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes! You can prepare the dough up to the first rise, then cover it tightly and refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temperature before rolling and shaping into rolls.
Not at all! The cinnamon is optional but adds a lovely warm aroma and depth of flavor to the strawberry compote. Feel free to omit it if you prefer a pure strawberry taste.
These rolls are moderately sweet, balanced by the tangy freshness of the strawberry compote and cream cheese frosting. You can adjust the powdered sugar in the frosting to suit your sweetness preference.
Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work well and make the compote just as delicious. Just thaw and drain any excess liquid before using.
Final Thoughts
Making this Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is a joyful journey from dough to deliciousness. There’s something so heartwarming about filling your kitchen with the sweet scent of strawberries and cinnamon, then biting into a soft, buttery roll topped with creamy frosting. Whether it’s for a cozy breakfast or a weekend treat, these rolls are sure to bring a smile to your table—and that’s the best kind of magic in baking.
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Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Rising Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these homemade Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls featuring a soft, buttery dough filled with sweet strawberry compote and a hint of cinnamon, topped with a creamy strawberry cream cheese frosting. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, these rolls combine classic cinnamon roll techniques with a fruity twist.
Ingredients
Dough:
- ¾ cup milk
- ½ cup butter (1 stick, or 4 oz.)
- 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 (.25 ounce) package instant yeast (or 2 ¼ teaspoons)
- ¼ cup white sugar
- Zest of 1 lemon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
Filling:
- ½ batch Strawberry Compote (approximately ¾ cup)
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Frosting:
- 2 tablespoons softened butter
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons strawberry compote
- 1 ½ to 2 cups powdered sugar
- Heavy cream or milk as needed to thin icing
Instructions
- Heat Milk and Butter: Heat the milk in a small saucepan until it bubbles, then remove from heat. Mix in the butter and stir until melted. Let the mixture cool until lukewarm.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 ¼ cups flour, yeast, sugar, salt, and lemon zest.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the egg and the lukewarm milk and butter mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon until combined.
- Add Remaining Flour and Knead Dough: Gradually add the remaining 1 cup flour, ½ cup at a time, stirring well after each addition until the dough just pulls together. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook until dough springs back when lightly pressed.
- Rest the Dough: Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest at room temperature for 10 minutes.
- Roll and Fill Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 12 by 9 inch rectangle. Spread the strawberry compote evenly over the dough, reaching all edges. If desired, sprinkle cinnamon over the compote.
- Cut and Shape Rolls: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the dough into 12 equal strips. Roll each strip tightly into a spiral and place them seam side down into a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- Proof the Rolls: Cover the pan and let the rolls rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 45 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
- Bake: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until they turn golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool about 10 minutes.
- Prepare Frosting: While rolls cool, beat the softened butter and cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the strawberry compote and powdered sugar ½ cup at a time, mixing until creamy and spreadable. Thin the frosting with heavy cream or milk as needed.
- Finish and Serve: Optionally add fresh strawberry slices on top of the rolls, then slather generously with frosting. Serve the rolls warm for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- If you like cinnamon in your rolls, sprinkle ½ teaspoon gently over the strawberry compote before rolling. It adds a warm aroma and depth of flavor but is optional.
- Use lukewarm milk to avoid killing the yeast, which is critical for a good rise.
- Fresh strawberries can be added on top after frosting for extra freshness and presentation.
- Powdered sugar quantity in frosting can be adjusted depending on desired sweetness and consistency.
- To make strawberry compote, simmer fresh or frozen strawberries with sugar until thickened; measure approximately 1 ½ cups for a full batch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
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