Few things rival the joy of biting into a warm, gooey cinnamon roll fresh from the oven. But when you add juicy strawberries and a luscious cream filling into the mix, the result is truly magical. Strawberry and Cream Cinnamon Rolls with Strawberry Filling take the traditional cinnamon roll to the next level, offering a fruity, creamy, and utterly irresistible variation that’s perfect for brunches, special occasions, or simply treating yourself.
These rolls combine the best of both worlds: the classic spiced sweetness of cinnamon dough, balanced with a vibrant burst of strawberry flavor and a creamy topping that makes each bite melt in your mouth. They’re as beautiful as they are delicious, making them an impressive addition to any table.
Why You’ll Love Strawberry and Cream Cinnamon Rolls
- Fruity & Fresh: The strawberry filling adds a bright, tangy-sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with the warm cinnamon.
- Creamy Indulgence: A luscious cream cheese glaze brings a velvety finish to every roll.
- Show-Stopping Presentation: Swirls of red strawberry filling peek through the soft dough, making these rolls as pretty as they are delicious.
- Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or afternoon coffee breaks.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus more as needed)
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the strawberry filling:
- 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, finely chopped
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional for a spiced note)
For the cream glaze:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2–3 tablespoons milk (adjust for consistency)
Prep and Cook Time
- Prep Time: 25 minutes (plus 1 hour rising time)
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: About 2 hours
- Yield: 12 rolls
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
In a mixing bowl, whisk together warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. Add the egg, yolk, and melted butter, then stir in flour and salt. Knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes by hand or 5 minutes with a stand mixer. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
2. Make the Strawberry Filling
In a small saucepan, combine strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until thickened and jam-like, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from heat and cool completely before spreading on the dough.
3. Roll and Fill
Punch down the dough and roll it into a rectangle (about 14×9 inches). Spread the cooled strawberry filling evenly across the surface. Roll tightly into a log and slice into 12 equal pieces.
4. Second Rise
Arrange rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30–40 minutes until puffy.
5. Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown on top.
6. Prepare the Cream Glaze
Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Mix in powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until creamy and spreadable.
7. Frost and Serve
Spread glaze over warm rolls, letting it seep into the layers. Serve immediately for the ultimate soft, gooey experience.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: ~310
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Sugar: 22g
- Protein: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
Presentation and Serving Tips
- For Brunch: Arrange the rolls in a round pan for a pull-apart presentation and serve warm from the oven.
- Add Fresh Garnish: Top with sliced strawberries or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a bakery-style finish.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the rolls the night before, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, let them rise for 30 minutes before baking.
- Pairings: These pair beautifully with fresh coffee, iced tea, or even a mimosa for a festive brunch.
Creative Variations
- Strawberries & Cream Cheese Filling: Spread softened cream cheese mixed with sugar under the strawberry filling for an extra creamy bite.
- Berry Medley Rolls: Substitute part of the strawberries with raspberries or blueberries for a mixed-berry twist.
- Glaze Upgrade: Add a touch of lemon zest to the cream glaze for a refreshing citrus kick.
- Chocolate Lovers: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the strawberry filling before rolling.
Tips for Success
- Cool the Filling: Ensure the strawberry filling is fully cooled before spreading—warm filling can make the dough soggy.
- Use Fresh Strawberries: Ripe, juicy strawberries provide the best flavor, but frozen strawberries work too if thawed and drained.
- Check Rising: Don’t rush the dough—proper rising ensures soft, fluffy rolls.
- Spread the Glaze on Warm Rolls: This allows it to melt slightly and sink into the swirls.
Why Strawberry and Cream Cinnamon Rolls Shine
This recipe combines the timeless comfort of cinnamon rolls with the fresh sweetness of strawberries and the indulgence of cream. It’s a dessert that feels familiar yet exciting, simple yet elegant. The result is a treat that’s perfect for spring brunches, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, or anytime you want to make breakfast feel special.
Strawberry and Cream Cinnamon Rolls with Strawberry Filling are more than just a sweet indulgence—they’re a celebration of flavor, texture, and presentation. With their soft, pillowy dough, fruity filling, and luscious glaze, these rolls will quickly become a new favorite for your family and guests.
So, the next time you want to elevate a classic, skip the ordinary cinnamon roll and bake these strawberry-studded delights. They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that looks as good as it tastes.