Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls
Introduction
Strawberry cinnamon rolls bring together the comforting warmth of soft baked dough with the sweetness of ripe strawberries and a touch of spice. They are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy dessert that makes any gathering feel special. The dough bakes up pillowy and light, the filling adds fruity richness, and the glaze drizzled on top completes the experience. These rolls can turn an ordinary day into something memorable and make a table look festive without much effort. Many home bakers enjoy how versatile the recipe is since the rolls can be adapted to suit personal taste or occasion. The combination of strawberries and cinnamon creates a balance of flavors that feels indulgent while still fresh and vibrant.
Ingredients Needed
| Ingredient | Amount | Calories (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| All purpose flour | 4 cups | 455 |
| Warm milk | 1 cup | 150 |
| Active dry yeast | 2 ¼ tsp | 21 |
| Sugar | ½ cup | 387 |
| Unsalted butter | ½ cup | 814 |
| Eggs | 2 large | 140 |
| Salt | 1 tsp | 0 |
| Fresh strawberries (chopped) | 1 ½ cups | 72 |
| Ground cinnamon | 2 tbsp | 38 |
| Cream cheese (for glaze) | 4 oz | 200 |
| Powdered sugar | 1 cup | 400 |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | 12 |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Begin by warming the milk until it is slightly above room temperature. Stir in the yeast and a spoonful of sugar, then let it rest for about ten minutes until bubbles form. This shows the yeast is active.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, softened butter, and eggs. Stir until a dough forms, then knead for about eight to ten minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour or until it doubles in size.
- While the dough rises, prepare the filling. Chop strawberries into small pieces and mix them with cinnamon and a spoonful of sugar if you prefer added sweetness.
- Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Spread softened butter over the dough and sprinkle the strawberry cinnamon mixture evenly across.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log, then slice it into even pieces about one and a half inches thick. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving space for them to expand.
- Cover the rolls and let them rise again for thirty to forty minutes until puffy.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for twenty five to thirty minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- While the rolls bake, prepare the glaze by mixing cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
- Once the rolls have cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze over the top and serve warm.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
Strawberry cinnamon rolls can be adapted to suit a range of preferences. For a more indulgent treat, add white chocolate chips to the filling before rolling the dough. A touch of lemon zest in the glaze gives a refreshing citrus note that balances the richness. Frozen strawberries can be used when fresh ones are not in season, but they should be thawed and drained well to prevent excess moisture. For a lighter version, consider reducing the amount of sugar in both the dough and glaze, as the natural sweetness of strawberries shines through beautifully.
Nutritional Information
A single roll with glaze contains around 370 calories. Each serving provides about 7 grams of protein, 55 grams of carbohydrates, 24 grams of sugar, 14 grams of fat, and 2 grams of fiber. While they are a treat, enjoying them in moderation makes them a delightful part of a balanced lifestyle.
Serving Suggestions
These rolls are best served warm, fresh out of the oven with the glaze just set. They pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea at breakfast. For a more festive touch, serve them with fresh strawberries on the side or dust them lightly with extra powdered sugar. They can also be prepared ahead of time by assembling the rolls the night before, refrigerating them, and then baking in the morning for an effortless fresh treat.
Conclusion
Strawberry cinnamon rolls make a wonderful addition to any home baker’s collection. The process of making them is simple yet rewarding, and the result is a soft, flavorful pastry that everyone will love. The balance of warm spice, sweet strawberries, and creamy glaze creates a treat that feels both comforting and special. Serving them to family and friends brings joy and makes every occasion feel brighter. With a little creativity, this recipe can be customized in countless ways to suit different tastes while still capturing the essence of homemade comfort food.
