If you’re looking to brighten up your breakfast or brunch with something irresistibly sweet and bursting with fresh flavor, this Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine warm, fluffy rolls swirled with fragrant cinnamon and studded with juicy, diced strawberries, all topped with a smooth vanilla glaze that melts heavenly on your tongue. These rolls bring together classic comfort with a fresh, fruity twist, making every bite a celebration of taste and texture. Trust me, once you try these strawberry-studded delights, they’ll become your go-to for weekend mornings and special occasions alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays an important role in creating those perfect strawberry cinnamon rolls — from the soft dough to the vibrant filling and luscious glaze, simple staples come together beautifully to make magic happen.
- Warm milk (1 cup, 110°F/45°C): Activates the yeast gently and helps the dough become super tender.
- Active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons): Gives your rolls their lovely rise and fluffy texture.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup + 1/2 cup): Adds sweetness in the dough and the cinnamon swirl, balancing flavors perfectly.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup melted + 1/4 cup softened): Adds richness to the dough and makes the cinnamon filling wonderfully moist.
- Large egg (1): Binds everything together while adding richness and tenderness.
- All-purpose flour (3 1/2 cups): The sturdy backbone of the dough that creates a soft, elastic texture.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon): Brings the warm, spicy note that cinnamon rolls are famous for.
- Fresh strawberries, diced (1 cup): Fresh and juicy, they add bursts of fruity sweetness and a lovely color contrast.
- Powdered sugar (1 1/2 cups): The base of the glaze, delivering a silky sweetness.
- Milk (2-3 tablespoons for glaze): Thins the powdered sugar into a smooth, drizzle-ready consistency.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and depth to the glaze for that perfect finishing touch.
How to Make Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
The foundation of the best cinnamon rolls starts with the dough, and this one is no exception. Combine warm milk with active dry yeast and let it sit until frothy—that’s the yeast waking up to work its magic. Stir in sugar, melted butter, and egg before gradually mixing in the flour and salt. Knead the dough on a floured surface until it’s smooth and elastic, about 5 to 7 minutes. Then, place it in a greased bowl, cover it up, and allow it to rise for a whole hour—this step is crucial for soft, fluffy rolls.
Step 2: Shape the Rolls
Once the dough has doubled in size and is delightfully airy, gently roll it out into a rectangle about 12×18 inches. Spread softened butter generously all over the dough, then sprinkle a mix of cinnamon and sugar evenly over the top. Finally, scatter the diced strawberries, ensuring every roll will get a juicy burst. Roll up the dough tightly and slice it into 12 beautiful spirals. Arrange them snugly in a greased baking dish and let them rise again for 30 minutes—this final rise makes the rolls tender and ensures they bake to golden perfection.
Step 3: Bake the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes. They should come out golden brown and smelling heavenly. Let them cool just slightly before adding the glaze—this ensures the glaze melts but doesn’t run off completely.
Step 4: Prepare the Glaze
Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create a smooth, luscious glaze. Drizzle it generously over the warm rolls to add that sweet, creamy finish that makes these cinnamon rolls feel extra special. The glaze not only adds sweetness but also helps balance the tartness from the strawberries.
How to Serve Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your rolls visually and flavor-wise, add fresh strawberry slices or a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted nuts like pecans or almonds right before serving. A small dollop of whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar also makes them look stunning and adds a whipped lightness that pairs so well with the soft dough.
Side Dishes
Serve these strawberry cinnamon rolls alongside fresh fruit salad, a creamy hot coffee, or a cold glass of milk to round out the meal. The gentle fruitiness and spice of the rolls complement simple sides beautifully, making your breakfast or brunch feel balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your rolls warm on a rustic wooden board with a small pot of extra glaze or honey on the side. Alternatively, place individual rolls on pretty dessert plates topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert twist. If you want to impress guests, stack a couple of rolls and drizzle the glaze in an artistic figure-eight pattern for that wow factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any strawberry cinnamon rolls left (they don’t usually last long!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They stay moist and delightful but are best enjoyed fresh and slightly warmed to revive their softness.
Freezing
These rolls freeze beautifully after baking and cooling. Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready for a treat, just thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently before serving.
Reheating
To bring your rolls back to life, reheat them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or wrap them in foil and warm in an oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes. Adding a little extra drizzle of glaze after warming keeps them irresistibly gooey and fresh-tasting.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
While fresh strawberries provide the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen ones if that’s what you have. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture that can make the rolls soggy.
Is it possible to make the dough without yeast?
This recipe relies on yeast to create the soft, fluffy texture typical of cinnamon rolls. Substituting yeast with baking powder won’t give the same airy result, so it’s best to stick with yeast for this recipe.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make these strawberry cinnamon rolls vegan, swap the butter for a plant-based alternative, use a flax or chia egg substitute, and replace milk with a non-dairy variety like almond or oat milk. The yeast and other ingredients work just the same, so you’ll still get a delicious batch!
Can I prepare the dough the night before?
Absolutely! After kneading, cover the dough tightly and refrigerate overnight. This slow rise will develop great flavor. Just bring it to room temperature before rolling out and shaping your rolls.
What’s the secret to soft cinnamon rolls every time?
The key is letting your dough rise properly and not overbaking. Also, using warm milk and kneading until smooth creates that tender, fluffy texture everyone loves. Don’t forget the final rise after shaping—the step that makes these strawberry cinnamon rolls unbelievably soft.
Final Thoughts
I truly believe once you try this Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe, it will become a treasured staple in your kitchen. There’s something so heartwarming about homemade rolls packed with fresh strawberries and cinnamon, especially when topped with that silky glaze. Whether it’s a weekend breakfast or a special occasion, these rolls bring people together around the table with smiles and satisfied sighs. So go ahead, give this recipe a try—you deserve that little moment of joy with each bite!
Print
Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these homemade Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls, featuring a soft, fluffy dough filled with cinnamon sugar and fresh diced strawberries. Baked to a golden perfection and drizzled with a smooth vanilla glaze, these rolls make a perfect sweet breakfast treat or dessert that combines classic cinnamon roll flavors with a fresh fruity twist.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
Filling
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
Glaze
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine warm milk and active dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is activated. Stir in granulated sugar, melted butter, and the egg until incorporated. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing until a cohesive dough forms. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Rolls: Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 12×18-inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough. In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon, then sprinkle this cinnamon sugar evenly over the buttered dough. Evenly distribute the diced fresh strawberries on top of the cinnamon sugar layer. Starting at the long edge, roll the dough up tightly into a log shape. Cut the log into 12 equal slices with a sharp knife or dental floss. Arrange the slices cut-side up in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spacing them slightly apart. Cover the dish and let the rolls rise for an additional 30 minutes until puffy.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they turn golden brown on top and cooked through. Remove the rolls from the oven and allow them to cool slightly while you prepare the glaze.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons milk, and vanilla extract until the glaze is smooth and slightly pourable. Adjust the milk quantity if needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve: Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm rolls before serving to enhance their sweetness and flavor. Enjoy the strawberry cinnamon rolls fresh for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- For softer rolls, cover them with a damp cloth rather than plastic wrap during the final rise.
- Fresh strawberries add moisture and sweetness; ensure they are well-drained to avoid soggy rolls.
- To make ahead, you can assemble the rolls, refrigerate overnight, and bake the next day.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Adjust the amount of cinnamon and sugar according to your taste preferences.
