Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with these Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls – a classic breakfast treat with a vibrant, fruity twist that’s sure to turn any morning into a celebration. Soft, pillowy rolls are swirled with brown sugar, cinnamon, and bursts of fresh strawberries, then finished with a dreamy, vanilla-scented glaze. The irresistible blend of sweet, tangy berries and warm spice makes these rolls impossible to resist, whether you’re planning a cozy brunch or just want to surprise your loved ones with a new favorite.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Despite their bakery-worthy appearance, these Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls rely on simple pantry staples and a handful of fresh ingredients. Each one brings its own magic, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor, irresistible softness, and gorgeous color.

• All-purpose flour: The sturdy backbone for soft, chewy rolls that hold up to all that delicious filling.
• Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to the dough itself and balances the strawberries.
• Active dry yeast: Gives rise and fluffiness, so you get that gorgeous swirl and pillowy texture.
• Salt: Brightens all the flavors and keeps your rolls from tasting flat.
• Whole milk (warmed): Makes a rich, tender dough – don’t skip warming it for that perfect rise.
• Unsalted butter (melted and softened): Used in both the dough and filling for melt-in-your-mouth richness and buttery goodness.
• Eggs: Tenderize the dough and add a touch of richness in every bite.
• Fresh strawberries (diced): The star of the show – juicy, sweet-tart bites in every swirl; swap in thawed frozen berries if needed.
• Strawberry jam: Doubles down on the berry flavor and keeps the filling perfectly gooey.
• Brown sugar (packed): Brings warmth and depth to the cinnamon-sugar blend.
• Ground cinnamon: The cozy, spicy kick that makes these rolls unmistakably comforting.
• Powdered sugar: The base of that glossy, sweet glaze every cinnamon roll deserves.
• Vanilla extract: Adds an irresistible bakery aroma to the glaze.
• Milk (for glaze): Creates just the right drizzle-worthy consistency for your finishing touch.

How to Make Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Mix the Dough

Start by adding your flour, sugar, yeast, and salt to a large mixing bowl – this gets the dry base ready. In another bowl, whisk together warm milk, melted butter, and eggs so everything blends smoothly. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry, and stir until they come together into a shaggy dough. You’ll notice a soft, slightly sticky texture, which is exactly what you want for tender rolls.

Step 2: Knead and Let It Rise

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 to 7 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic. You’ll feel it transform under your hands – that’s when you know the gluten is developing. Pop your dough ball into a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a cozy spot for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. This is when the magic starts!

Step 3: Prepare the Strawberry Cinnamon Roll Filling

While your dough is rising, get your filling ready. Stir the brown sugar and ground cinnamon together, and have your softened butter, strawberry jam, and diced strawberries close by. The combination of cinnamon and strawberries is where the Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls truly shine.

Step 4: Shape the Rolls

After the dough has puffed up, roll it into a rectangle about 10 by 15 inches. Gently spread softened butter across the surface, then layer on the strawberry jam for a jammy, luscious bite in every swirl. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the jam, then scatter the diced strawberries for pops of fresh flavor. Carefully roll the dough up from the long side, keeping it tight, then slice into 12 even pieces. Arrange them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, cover, and let rise for another 30 minutes.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have risen again and look fluffy, bake them for 25 to 30 minutes. Watch as they turn golden and begin to fill your kitchen with that unbeatable scent of warm cinnamon, sweet strawberries, and butter.

Step 6: Glaze and Serve

While your rolls cool slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make a smooth, pourable glaze. Drizzle generously over the warm rolls so the glaze melts into all the nooks and crannies. Serve immediately and enjoy the sweet, gooey, perfectly spiced Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls you’ve just created!

How to Serve Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls

Garnishes

If you want to dress up your Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls, try a sprinkle of powdered sugar, a few extra fresh strawberry slices, or even a handful of chopped toasted nuts for a little crunch. A final flourish of lemon zest adds a spark of brightness that pairs beautifully with the strawberries and cinnamon.

Side Dishes

Pair your Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with a bowl of creamy Greek yogurt and a scoop of fresh berries to balance the sweetness. For brunch, serve alongside fluffy scrambled eggs or a refreshing fruit salad. And of course, don’t forget a piping hot cup of coffee or a pretty glass of iced tea for the perfect morning combo.

Creative Ways to Present

Feeling inspired? Stack the rolls high on a cake stand for a dramatic brunch centerpiece, or plate each roll in a parchment square for an adorable bakery-style touch. For parties, offer a make-your-own glaze bar with different toppings like chocolate chips, citrus zest, or a tangy cream cheese sauce to let everyone customize their Strawberry Cinnamon Roll experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls (lucky you!), simply cover the baking pan tightly with foil or plastic wrap. They’ll keep at room temperature for about 1 day, or in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, maintaining their soft texture and fruity flavor.

Freezing

To freeze, let the baked rolls cool completely, then wrap each one individually or cover the whole pan securely. Pop them in the freezer for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze without glaze and add the finishing drizzle after reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm individual rolls in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or the whole pan in a 300°F oven, covered with foil, for 10–15 minutes until pillowy and warm. Add glaze after heating to keep it melty and irresistible. Frozen rolls can be thawed overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries in this recipe?

Absolutely! Just thaw and drain the frozen strawberries well before using. They work beautifully in Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls, providing that same fruity burst, especially when fresh strawberries are out of season.

What’s the best way to slice the rolls evenly?

Try using dental floss (unflavored!) or a very sharp knife. Gently slide the floss under the roll log, cross the ends over the top, and pull to create even, clean slices without squishing the dough.

Can I make Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls the night before?

Yes! After shaping and placing the rolls in the baking dish, cover and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature and puff up a bit before baking as directed.

How can I make the glaze tangy?

For a tangy twist, add a few tablespoons of softened cream cheese to your glaze and beat until smooth. The slight tartness is a perfect contrast to the sweet, soft rolls.

Why didn’t my rolls rise properly?

Check that your yeast was fresh and that your milk wasn’t too hot or cold—yeast likes gentle warmth. Also, make sure you give the dough plenty of time to rise in a draft-free, warm spot for the best results.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something extra special about sharing a pan of warm, gooey Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with family and friends. This recipe is pure joy in every bite—juicy strawberries, swirls of cinnamon, and that luscious glaze. Give them a try and bring a bit of bakery magic to your own kitchen!

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