If you’re looking to wow your taste buds and impress anyone lucky enough to share breakfast with you, the Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is an absolute must-try. These rolls combine the warm, comforting spice of cinnamon, the juicy sweetness of fresh strawberries, and a luscious cream cheese frosting that perfectly balances every bite. Soft, gooey, and packed with fruity goodness, this recipe transforms a classic cinnamon roll into a show-stopping treat you’ll want to bake again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From the tender dough to the irresistibly sweet strawberry filling and creamy frosting, every component comes together beautifully.
- Warm milk: Activates the yeast and helps create a soft, tender dough.
- Active dry yeast: Essential for the dough’s rise and fluffy texture.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just the right hint of sweetness to the dough.
- Large eggs: Provide richness and structure to the dough.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Contributes to the dough’s moisture and flavor.
- All-purpose flour: The base for a soft yet sturdy dough.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the rolls.
- Finely diced strawberries: The star of the filling, offering fresh, juicy bursts.
- Brown sugar: Adds caramel notes and sweetness to the strawberry filling.
- Ground cinnamon: Provides that warm, spicy kick typical to cinnamon rolls.
- Cornstarch: Helps thicken the strawberry filling so it doesn’t get runny.
- Cream cheese, softened: Key to making a rich, smooth frosting.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Adds creaminess and richness to the frosting.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting perfectly.
- Vanilla extract: Brings a lovely aromatic depth to the frosting.
- Milk: Adjusts frosting consistency for easy spreading.
How to Make Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by waking up your yeast with warm milk, making sure it’s about the warmth of a cozy bath at 110°F so it gets foamy in 5 to 10 minutes. This activation is what will lend your rolls their luscious, airy height. Then add in sugar, eggs, and melted butter to enrich the mixture. Gradually mix in the flour and salt, kneading for about 8 to 10 minutes until you have a soft, elastic dough that’s a joy to handle. Let it rest and rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size — patience here results in perfect fluffiness.
Step 2: Make the Strawberry Filling
While the dough is rising, mix your freshly diced strawberries with brown sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch. This combo not only intensifies the fruit’s natural sweetness but also thickens the filling beautifully so your rolls are fruity without being soggy.
Step 3: Roll Out and Assemble
Once the dough has puffed up nicely, roll it out on a floured surface into a generous 14 by 10-inch rectangle. Spread that luscious strawberry filling evenly across the dough. Then, starting from the long edge, carefully roll it into a log. Slice this log into 12 even rolls that fit perfectly into a greased 9 by 13-inch baking dish.
Step 4: Second Rise and Bake
Cover the rolls and give them another 30 to 45 minutes to puff up—nearly doubling again. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes, watching for that gorgeous golden color that signals they are ready.
Step 5: Cream Cheese Frosting
While the rolls bake, whip together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Then blend in powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk, adjusting the milk to reach a glossy and spreadable frosting consistency. Once the rolls have cooled slightly—just enough to avoid melting your frosting—slather on the cream cheese goodness generously.
How to Serve Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate these treats even further, consider a few fresh strawberry slices or a light dusting of cinnamon on top. A sprinkling of finely chopped pistachios can add a delightful crunch and a pop of vibrant color that makes every bite feel festive.
Side Dishes
These cinnamon rolls shine with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a creamy latte. For a fuller breakfast spread, pair them with scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad — the bright flavors complement the rolls’ sweet and tangy strawberry filling exceptionally well.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving these rolls at a brunch or special occasion, arrange them on a pretty cake stand, drizzle extra frosting in a swirling pattern, or serve individually with small pots of extra cream cheese frosting for guests to add as they please. You can also place them in cute cupcake liners if you want to make them grab-and-go friendly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, refrigerate them—just know that they may become a touch denser, but reheating helps restore soft warmth.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked rolls after the first rise by wrapping the pan tightly in plastic wrap and foil and freezing for up to one month. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge, bring to room temperature, let rise again, then bake as directed. Baked rolls also freeze well; just thaw and reheat gently.
Reheating
Warm leftover or frozen rolls in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes, covered in foil, to regain that fresh-baked softness. Microwaving works too for a quick fix, but be careful not to overcook as that can dry them out. Adding a dab of extra cream cheese frosting afterward will revive the rich creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
While fresh strawberries provide the best texture and flavor for this recipe, frozen strawberries can work if thawed and drained well to avoid excess moisture. The filling might be a bit softer, so adjusting cornstarch slightly can help thicken it.
Is the dough suitable for making ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dough, once rolled and sliced into rolls, can be wrapped and refrigerated overnight. This slow rise develops deeper flavor and makes morning baking a breeze.
Can I substitute cream cheese frosting with a simple glaze?
You can, but the cream cheese frosting adds a tangy richness that pairs perfectly with the strawberry filling and cinnamon notes. A simple powdered sugar glaze is sweeter but less complex in flavor.
How do I prevent the strawberry filling from making the dough soggy?
Mixing the filling with cornstarch and brown sugar helps absorb juices and thicken the strawberries during baking, preventing sogginess. Make sure strawberries are finely diced as well for even distribution.
Can I make these rolls vegan or dairy-free?
With a few swaps like using plant-based milk, vegan butter, and a dairy-free cream cheese frosting, you can definitely customize this recipe to be vegan or dairy-free while still enjoying those irresistible strawberry cinnamon flavors.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about a warm, fragrant roll fresh out of the oven, especially when it is bursting with fresh strawberries and topped with decadent cream cheese frosting. The Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe isn’t just a dessert or breakfast treat—it’s a celebration of comfort food with a bright, fruity twist. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or simply to brighten an ordinary morning, these rolls are destined to become a beloved favorite in your kitchen. I encourage you to dive in, try this recipe, and share the joy—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these homemade Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls featuring a soft, sweet dough filled with a luscious strawberry cinnamon mixture and topped with smooth cream cheese frosting. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, these rolls combine the warmth of cinnamon with fresh strawberries for a fruity twist on a classic favorite.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
Filling Ingredients
- 1 cup finely diced strawberries
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Frosting Ingredients
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (for frosting consistency)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine warm milk and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating that the yeast is active and ready to use.
- Make Dough: Add granulated sugar, eggs, and melted butter to the yeast mixture and mix until combined. Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour and salt, kneading the dough for about 8–10 minutes until it is soft and elastic.
- First Proof: Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size, allowing the dough to develop flavor and texture.
- Prepare Filling: While the dough rises, mix the finely diced strawberries with brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and cornstarch in a small bowl to create the filling.
- Roll Out Dough: After the first rise, roll the dough out onto a floured surface into a 14×10-inch rectangle, ensuring an even thickness for uniform rolls.
- Add Filling and Shape Rolls: Spread the strawberry filling evenly over the dough rectangle. Starting from the long edge, carefully roll the dough into a log shape. Slice the log into 12 even rolls and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Second Proof: Cover the rolls and let them rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffy, preparing them for baking.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it reaches the correct temperature for baking the rolls.
- Bake: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes or until they are golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Prepare Frosting: While the rolls bake, beat together softened cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 1–2 tablespoons milk until smooth to create a creamy frosting.
- Frost and Serve: Let the rolls cool slightly once out of the oven, then spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm strawberry cinnamon rolls. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and texture in the filling.
- For a make-ahead option, refrigerate the unbaked rolls overnight, then bring to room temperature before baking for fresh, warm rolls in the morning.
