Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls

Introduction

Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on the classic cinnamon roll. With the warm, comforting aroma of cinnamon and the sweetness of fresh strawberries, these rolls are the perfect combination of fruity and spicy. Soft, pillowy dough filled with cinnamon-sugar and topped with a creamy strawberry glaze, these rolls are a treat for the eyes and the taste buds. Whether you’re making them for a weekend breakfast, a holiday brunch, or just because, they are sure to be a favorite.

Perfect for:

• Weekend breakfasts
• Holiday brunches
• Special occasions
• Dessert
• Strawberry lovers

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls

Here’s why Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls will become your new favorite:

• Soft and Fluffy Texture: These cinnamon rolls are incredibly soft, light, and fluffy, with a perfect balance of dough and filling.
• Sweet and Fruity: The addition of fresh strawberries to the filling and the glaze adds a burst of sweetness that complements the warmth of the cinnamon.
• Creamy Strawberry Glaze: The strawberry glaze is smooth, sweet, and adds a delicious finishing touch to each roll.
• Versatile: You can make these rolls with fresh or frozen strawberries, making them a great treat year-round.
• Easy to Make: While homemade cinnamon rolls may seem like a lot of work, this recipe is simple to follow and results in bakery-quality rolls.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 45 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
• Servings: 12 rolls
• Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 4g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 12g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls:

Dough:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ cup whole milk, warmed
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Filling:

• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, diced (or frozen, thawed and drained)

Strawberry Glaze:

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons fresh strawberries, pureed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2-3 tablespoons milk (for desired consistency)

Ingredient Highlights

• Fresh Strawberries: Fresh strawberries give the rolls a sweet, fruity flavor and beautiful color. They’re also a great way to make these rolls feel extra special.
• Cinnamon and Brown Sugar: These two ingredients provide the classic warmth and sweetness that make cinnamon rolls so comforting.
• Butter: Both the dough and the filling use butter for richness and flavor, making these rolls extra tender and indulgent.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls:

Prepare the Dough:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy.
2. Make the Dough: In a large bowl, mix together the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir to combine, then knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
3. Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Prepare the Filling:

4. Mix the Filling: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside. In a separate bowl, mash the strawberries until pureed, or chop them into small pieces if you prefer a chunkier filling.

Assemble the Rolls:

5. Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle.
6. Spread the Filling: Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the butter, then scatter the pureed or diced strawberries on top.
7. Roll and Slice: Starting at the long edge, carefully roll the dough into a log. Slice the roll into 12 even pieces and arrange them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Bake the Rolls:

8. Let the Rolls Rise: Cover the pan with a kitchen towel and let the rolls rise for 30-45 minutes, until they’ve puffed up.
9. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they’re golden brown on top.
10. Cool: Allow the rolls to cool for 10 minutes in the pan before drizzling with the glaze.

Prepare the Glaze:

11. Make the Glaze: While the rolls are cooling, prepare the glaze by combining the powdered sugar, pureed strawberries, vanilla extract, and milk. Stir until smooth and adjust the milk to get your desired consistency.

How to Serve Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls

Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for serving on various occasions:

• As a Breakfast: Serve these rolls with a cup of coffee or tea for a delicious and comforting breakfast.
• For a Brunch: These rolls make an excellent addition to any brunch spread, pairing wonderfully with eggs, bacon, or fresh fruit.
• As a Dessert: Serve them warm as a sweet treat after dinner, topped with the creamy strawberry glaze.
• For Special Occasions: These rolls are perfect for holidays or celebrations like Mother’s Day or Easter.

Additional Tips for Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls

Here are some tips to ensure your Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls are perfect every time:

• Fresh vs. Frozen Strawberries: You can use either fresh or frozen strawberries. If using frozen, make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the filling.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that the butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature to help the dough come together more easily.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Knead the dough just enough to make it smooth and elastic; overmixing can make the rolls dense.
• Chill the Dough: If you prefer, you can prepare the dough the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight to save time in the morning.

Recipe Variations for Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls

Here are 10 variations you can try for Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls:

• Strawberry Nut Cinnamon Rolls: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for extra texture and flavor.
• Chocolate Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls: Swirl some mini chocolate chips into the cinnamon-sugar filling for a chocolatey twist.
• Vegan Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls: Substitute plant-based butter and a flax egg for a vegan version of these rolls.
• Strawberry Lemon Cinnamon Rolls: Add lemon zest to the filling or glaze for a refreshing citrusy twist.
• Strawberry Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls: Add cream cheese to the filling for a rich, creamy texture.
• Gluten-Free Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls: Use a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version of these rolls.
• Strawberry Banana Cinnamon Rolls: Add sliced bananas along with the strawberries for a fruity combination.
• Strawberry Almond Cinnamon Rolls: Sprinkle sliced almonds on top of the glaze for a crunchy finish.
• Raspberry Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls: Mix raspberries with the strawberries for a tangy, berry-filled roll.
• Strawberry Jam Cinnamon Rolls: Use strawberry jam as part of the filling for a quick alternative to fresh strawberries.

Freezing and Storage for Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls

• Freezing: After baking, these rolls freeze well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Reheat before serving.
• Storage: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week.

Special Equipment for Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls easier:

• Electric Mixer: A hand or stand mixer can help you make the dough with ease, especially if you’re using a dough hook.
• Rolling Pin: A rolling pin helps you achieve an even thickness for rolling out the dough.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: This size is perfect for baking the rolls evenly and allowing them to rise properly.
• Piping Bag or Spatula: For drizzling the strawberry glaze over the rolls, use a piping bag for precision or a spatula for a more rustic look.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensure precise measurements for the best results.
• Cooling Rack: A cooling rack helps prevent the rolls from becoming soggy as they cool.

Frequently Asked Questions for Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls

1. Can I use frozen strawberries for the filling?
   Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before using them to avoid excess moisture.
2. Can I make the dough the night before?
   Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. Let it rise and proceed with the recipe in the morning.
3. Can I make these rolls without the glaze?
   Yes, the rolls are still delicious without the glaze. If you prefer, you can simply dust them with powdered sugar instead.
4. How can I reheat the cinnamon rolls?
   Reheat the rolls in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

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Conclusion

Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect blend of sweet, fruity, and spiced flavors. They’re soft, fluffy, and topped with a creamy strawberry glaze that takes them to the next level. These rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, and they’re sure to impress anyone who tries them. Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion or enjoying them as a sweet treat for yourself, these rolls will become a new favorite in your baking repertoire.

This recipe is as fun to prepare as it is to eat, making it perfect for everything from cozy mornings to celebrations. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with friends and family, these strawberry cinnamon rolls will surely bring smiles all around.

I’d love to see how your Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy baking!