Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls

Strawberry cinnamon rolls are a delightful twist on the classic cinnamon roll, featuring a luscious strawberry filling and a creamy strawberry icing. These treats are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with something sweet and summery. The combination of gooey cinnamon dough and fresh strawberries creates a flavor sensation that is hard to resist!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of strawberries and cinnamon offers a unique taste that elevates traditional rolls.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering, brunch, or just an indulgent breakfast, these rolls fit right in.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip up these delicious treats.
• Customizable: You can adapt the recipe by adding nuts or using different fruits for the filling.
• Gooey Goodness: Each bite is soft and gooey, making them incredibly satisfying.

Tools and Preparation

Before you begin baking your strawberry cinnamon rolls, gather the essential tools. Having everything ready will streamline your process and ensure success.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Rolling pin
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without spills.
• Rolling pin: Helps roll out the dough evenly for perfect cinnamon rolls.
• Baking sheet: A must-have for baking multiple rolls at once.

Ingredients

Strawberry cinnamon rolls are super soft and gooey cinnamon rolls with strawberry filling and strawberry cream cheese icing. This fun twist on a classic breakfast favorite is the ultimate summery treat!

For the Strawberry Filling

• 2 cups frozen or fresh strawberries
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar (packed)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water
• 2 teaspoons pure strawberry extract (optional)

For the Dough

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 2/3 cup light brown sugar (packed)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup bread flour
• 3 2/3 cups bread flour (see notes for measuring below)
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1/3 cup whole milk (room temperature)
• 1/3 cup heavy cream (room temperature)
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Tangzhong (from recipe above)

For the Cream Cheese Icing

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 ounce cream cheese (room temperature)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1-2 tablespoons reserved strawberry filling
• 1 tablespoon whole milk
• 1 teaspoon pure strawberry extract (optional)

How to Make Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Filling

• In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the strawberries, brown sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, water, and optional strawberry extract.
• Cook until thickened and bubbly. Set aside to cool.

Step 2: Make the Dough

• In a bowl, combine warm water with yeast; let it sit until frothy.
• Mix in melted butter, sugars, salt, milk, cream, egg, and vanilla extract.
• Gradually add in bread flour until combined. Knead until smooth.

Step 3: Let it Rise

• Place dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size (about 90 minutes).

Step 4: Roll Out the Dough

• After rising, punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle.

Step 5: Add Filling

• Spread cooled strawberry filling evenly over rolled-out dough. Sprinkle with ground cinnamon.

Step 6: Roll Up and Cut

• Roll up tightly from one end to create a log. Cut into even pieces.

Step 7: Second Rise

• Place cut rolls on lined baking sheet. Cover again and let rise until doubled (about 30 minutes).

Step 8: Bake

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rose rolls for about 23 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 9: Make Icing

• Blend softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar along with reserved strawberry filling, milk, and optional strawberry extract.

Step 10: Glaze Rolls

• Once baked rolls have cooled slightly, drizzle icing over them generously before serving.

Enjoy your homemade strawberry cinnamon rolls! They’re sure to be a hit at any gathering or as a special treat for yourself!

How to Serve Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls

Strawberry cinnamon rolls are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. These gooey rolls add a fruity twist to your breakfast or brunch table. Here are some creative serving suggestions for your strawberry cinnamon rolls.

Pair with Fresh Fruit

• Seasonal Berries: Serve alongside fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a vibrant and refreshing contrast.
• Banana Slices: Add some sliced bananas for creaminess and extra sweetness.

Drizzle with Extra Icing

• Cream Cheese Icing: Drizzle more strawberry cream cheese icing on top for an indulgent touch.
• Glaze: A light glaze made from powdered sugar and milk can add a sweet finish.

Serve with Whipped Cream

• Homemade Whipped Cream: Top your rolls with a dollop of freshly whipped cream to enhance their softness and flavor.
• Flavored Whipped Cream: Consider adding vanilla or strawberry extract to your whipped cream for an extra kick.

Enjoy with Coffee or Tea

• Coffee: Pair these rolls with a warm cup of coffee for a classic breakfast combo.
• Herbal Tea: A light herbal tea can complement the sweetness of the cinnamon rolls beautifully.

How to Perfect Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls

Perfecting strawberry cinnamon rolls involves attention to detail and some handy tips. Follow these suggestions to ensure your rolls turn out soft, gooey, and delicious.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, milk, and cream are at room temperature for even mixing and better texture.
• Knead Until Smooth: Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic; this develops the gluten for chewy rolls.
• Let Dough Rise Properly: Allow the dough to rise in a warm place until it doubles in size; this is crucial for lightness.
• Avoid Overbaking: Keep an eye on them while baking. Remove them when they’re golden brown for the best texture.
• Experiment with Fillings: Don’t hesitate to mix in nuts or chocolate chips along with strawberries for added flavor.
• Store Correctly: Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain softness.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls

Strawberry cinnamon rolls make a wonderful centerpiece, but pairing them with delightful side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some tasty side options that complement these sweet rolls perfectly.

1. Greek Yogurt: A bowl of creamy Greek yogurt adds protein and balance.
2. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides freshness and color on the plate.
3. Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs bring protein to your breakfast spread.
4. Bacon or Sausage Links: The savory flavors of bacon or sausage contrast nicely with sweet cinnamon rolls.
5. Oatmeal: A warm bowl of oatmeal offers heartiness without overpowering sweetness.
6. Granola Parfait: Layer yogurt, granola, and fruit for a crunchy, creamy side that pairs well with cinnamon rolls.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making strawberry cinnamon rolls can be a delightful experience, but some common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for:

• Using cold ingredients: Always ensure your butter, milk, and egg are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can hinder the dough’s rise and texture.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Fluff up your flour before scooping it into the measuring cup. Too much flour will make the rolls dense instead of fluffy.
• Skipping the resting time: Allowing the dough to rest is crucial for flavor and texture. Don’t rush this step; it enhances the overall outcome.
• Overfilling the rolls: Be cautious with your strawberry filling. Overfilling can cause spills during baking, leading to messy rolls and uneven cooking.
• Not letting them cool before icing: Icing hot rolls may cause it to melt away. Let them cool slightly for better icing adherence.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container: Keep your strawberry cinnamon rolls fresh by using a sealed container.
• Lasts up to 4 days: Properly stored, these rolls will maintain their flavor and texture for several days in the fridge.

Freezing Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls

• Freeze before or after baking: You can freeze unbaked rolls or leftovers after baking.
• Wrap tightly: Use plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Lasts up to 3 months: For best quality, consume within three months of freezing.

Reheating Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm them for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual rolls on a microwave-safe plate for about 20-30 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat with a lid; warm for about 5-8 minutes while occasionally checking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making strawberry cinnamon rolls that might help you in your baking journey.

Can I use frozen strawberries for my Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls?

Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work well; just thaw and drain excess liquid before using them as filling.

How do I know if my dough has risen enough?

The dough should double in size after resting. You can perform the finger test by poking it gently; if it springs back slowly, it’s ready!

Can I customize my Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls?

Yes! Feel free to add nuts, chocolate chips, or different fruits for a unique twist on this classic recipe.

What should I do if my frosting is too runny?

If your strawberry cream cheese icing is too runny, simply add more powdered sugar gradually until you reach your desired consistency.

Final Thoughts

Strawberry cinnamon rolls are not only delicious but also versatile. They make a perfect breakfast or indulgent treat any time of day. Customize them with different fillings or icings to suit your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try—your taste buds will thank you!