Homemade Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Imagine biting into a pillowy-soft cinnamon roll swirled with juicy, jammy strawberries, all cloaked in a luscious cream cheese glaze—this is exactly what you’ll get with Homemade Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls. Every bite is a harmonious blend of sweet, fruity brightness and cozy cinnamon warmth, all wrapped up in a tender, bakery-style dough. Trust me, these rolls are pure joy on a plate and the kind of treat you’ll want to bake for every brunch, holiday, or rainy Sunday morning at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Homemade Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls is refreshingly simple, but each item has a starring role in making these rolls irresistible. From the yeast that gives you that lovely, fluffy rise to the fresh berries that infuse every swirl, these basics work magic together.

• All-purpose flour: The backbone of your dough, delivering structure without heaviness.
• Granulated sugar: A touch of sweetness in the dough for a subtle contrast with the Cinnamon Strawberry filling.
• Instant yeast: The magic ingredient for that tender, rise-and-shine roll texture; no need to proof separately!
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance all the flavors and enhance the sweetness.
• Warm milk: Encourages fluffy dough and tender crumb, plus helps activate the yeast.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and a melt-in-your-mouth quality to the dough.
• Large egg: Binds the dough and enriches the texture for an extra decadent roll.
• Fresh strawberries: Bring bursts of real fruit flavor in every bite—choose berries that are ripe and juicy.
• Strawberry jam: Provides a sweet, concentrated strawberry base for the filling, intensifying the berry flavor.
• Brown sugar: Deepens the filling, giving it those irresistible caramel notes.
• Cinnamon: That classic, cozy warmth that defines every great cinnamon roll.
• Cream cheese: The heart of the glaze—tangy and creamy, it perfectly complements sweet rolls.
• More butter: Softened for a silky, spreadable glaze.
• Powdered sugar: Dissolves effortlessly into the glaze for that smooth, dreamy finish.
• Vanilla extract: Lends a hint of fragrance and rounds out the glaze flavor.
• Milk: Adjust to your preferred glaze thickness for the perfect drizzle.

How to Make Homemade Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Make the Dough

The journey begins with a simple yet rewarding dough. In a large bowl, combine your flour, sugar, yeast, and salt, blending the dry ingredients first to ensure an even crumb. Next, add your warm milk, softened butter, and egg. Mix these together and knead until you have a smooth, supple dough—a little patience now delivers those famously soft, cloud-like rolls later. Place your dough back in the bowl, cover it, and watch it double in size over the next hour. This is the perfect time to savor the aroma of anticipation.

Step 2: Roll and Fill

Once the dough has plumped up, transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Roll it out gently into a large rectangle. In a separate bowl, mix your strawberry jam, brown sugar, and cinnamon; spread this juicy blend evenly over the dough, making sure every corner is coated in strawberry-cinnamon bliss. Sprinkle your diced fresh strawberries across the surface for bursts of real fruit in every swirl.

Step 3: Roll and Cut

Now for the fun part—gently roll up the dough from the long side, keeping the spiral tight so you get gorgeous layers. Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut the log into 9 to 12 rolls. Arrange them in a greased baking dish, giving each roll a little breathing room. Cover and let them rise one last time for 30 to 40 minutes until gloriously puffy.

Step 4: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slide the rolls into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The kitchen will fill with the sweetest, most comforting scent while the rolls turn golden and the filling bubbles at the edges. They’re ready when they look golden and sound hollow when tapped ever-so-gently on top.

Step 5: The Cream Cheese Glaze

While the Homemade Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls are still warm, it’s time for their crowning glory. Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until velvety, then blend in powdered sugar, vanilla, and enough milk to create a glaze that pours but doesn’t run. Spread the glaze over the warm rolls, letting it melt and sink into every crevice for the ultimate finish.

How to Serve Homemade Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls

Garnishes

A light sprinkle of fresh diced strawberries or a dusting of powdered sugar over the glaze can make these Homemade Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls even more inviting. If you want to get playful, add a few lemon zest curls or a scattering of chopped toasted pecans for crunch and a subtle flavor twist.

Side Dishes

Serve these luscious rolls alongside a bowl of yogurt parfait or a bright berry fruit salad to echo the strawberry theme. For a more decadent brunch, pair with fluffy scrambled eggs, savory bacon, or a frothy cappuccino—the slightly tart cream cheese glaze balances out any rich sides beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, arrange the rolls in a circle on a serving platter or stack them tall like a “cinnamon roll cake.” You could even serve individual rolls in cupcake wrappers for easy grab-and-go at gatherings. Homemade Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls look gorgeous studded with extra berries or topped with edible flowers for a special brunch presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Homemade Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls left (which is rare!), simply cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or store rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The dough stays soft and the filling stays vibrant even after sitting overnight.

Freezing

To freeze, let the baked rolls cool completely and then wrap them individually or as a whole pan in foil and plastic wrap. They’ll keep beautifully in the freezer for up to two months. For best results, freeze without glaze and add it fresh after reheating.

Reheating

To revive leftover rolls, pop them in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes or microwave for 15-20 seconds per roll. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm as above. Spread with extra glaze just before serving for that fresh-from-the-oven magic.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for the filling?

Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work well if fresh aren’t available. Just thaw and blot off excess moisture to avoid a soggy center in your Homemade Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can let the dough rise in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, roll out, fill, rise, and bake. This makes the process extra convenient for busy mornings or brunch prep.

What can I substitute for cream cheese in the glaze?

If you don’t have cream cheese, try using thick Greek yogurt or mascarpone. Both will lend a creamy tang, though the flavor will be slightly different from classic Homemade Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls.

How do I keep the rolls soft after baking?

Cover the pan with foil or plastic wrap as soon as the rolls have cooled slightly. This traps in moisture and keeps your rolls plush for days. You could even add a slice of bread to the container for extra softness.

Can I use a different jam or berry flavor?

Definitely! Swap in raspberry or blackberry jam and matching fresh berries to create delicious variations. The method remains the same, making this recipe wonderfully versatile.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for the perfect show-stopping bake that actually lives up to its mouthwatering promise, you have to try Homemade Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls. They’re fun to make, unfailingly delicious, and guaranteed to bring out the happiest smiles around your table. Don’t wait for a special occasion—treat yourself and your favorite people to this fruity, gooey, warm-from-the-oven indulgence soon!

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