Homemade Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze

If you’re looking to indulge in a sweet, comforting breakfast or a delightful dessert, these Homemade Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze are an absolute must-try. Soft, fluffy, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor balanced by a warm cinnamon swirl, these rolls finish off with a luscious cream cheese glaze that takes them to the next level. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or yourself, this recipe brings together simple ingredients and unmistakable charm in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly Soft Texture: The dough stays tender and fluffy, making every bite melt-in-your-mouth delightful.
• Fresh Strawberry Flavor: Fresh strawberries add natural sweetness and a vibrant fruity twist to the classic cinnamon roll.
• Luscious Cream Cheese Glaze: A tangy, creamy glaze perfectly balances the sweetness and adds extra richness.
• Great for Any Occasion: These rolls are ideal for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or sharing at celebrations.
• Easy to Customize: You can quickly adapt the recipe to fit dietary preferences or new flavor combos.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for straightforward ingredients that combine to create irresistible layers of flavor and texture. Each one plays a crucial role—from the dough’s tenderness to the sweet, fruity filling, and the creamy glaze that finishes it all.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure for a soft, yet sturdy dough.
• Active Dry Yeast: Helps the dough rise for that fluffy, airy texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and the filling just right.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
• Whole Milk: Moisturizes the dough and adds richness.
• Unsalted Butter: Used in the dough and filling for tender layers and buttery taste.
• Large Eggs: Bind ingredients and create a soft crumb.
• Fresh Strawberries: Chopped and mixed in the filling for juicy bursts of flavor.
• Ground Cinnamon: Brings warmth and classic spice to the filling.
• Cream Cheese: For the rich and tangy glaze that melts perfectly on top.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the glaze for that smooth finish.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and scent to the glaze.

Variations for Homemade Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze

Feel free to make this recipe your own! With easy swaps and add-ons, you can tailor the rolls to match your taste preferences, dietary needs, or whatever you have on hand in your kitchen.

• Use Frozen Berries: When fresh strawberries aren’t in season, frozen works well—just thaw and drain before using.
• Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts in the filling for a delightful crunch.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend designed for yeast baking.
• Dairy-Free Glaze: Use vegan cream cheese and plant-based milk to make the glaze dairy-free.
• Flavor Twist: Add lemon zest to the filling or glaze for a fresh citrus note.

How to Make Homemade Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by warming the milk until it’s pleasantly warm and then stir in sugar and yeast. Let this sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy, signaling the yeast is activated. Mix flour, salt, eggs, and softened butter into the yeast mixture until it forms a soft dough. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic before covering it to rise until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.

Step 2: Make the Filling

While the dough is rising, chop fresh strawberries and toss them with cinnamon and a little sugar to enhance their natural sweetness. Set this aside so the flavors meld while you prepare the dough.

Step 3: Roll and Fill the Dough

Once risen, roll the dough into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Spread softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the strawberry-cinnamon mixture generously on top. Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, then slice the log into equal-sized rolls, ready to be baked.

Step 4: Second Rise and Bake

Place the rolls in a greased baking dish with some space between each to allow room for expansion. Cover and let them rise for another 30-40 minutes. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown on top.

Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze

As the rolls bake, combine softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a bit of milk in a bowl. Whisk until smooth and pourable, adding more milk if needed for the perfect consistency.

Step 6: Glaze and Serve

Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for just a few minutes before drizzling generously with the cream cheese glaze while still warm. This creates a glossy, creamy topping that seeps into every crevice.

Pro Tips for Making Homemade Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze

• Activate Yeast Properly: Make sure the milk is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
• Don’t Overfill: Use a moderate amount of filling to prevent soggy rolls.
• Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh berries provide the best flavor and texture in the filling.
• Let Rolls Cool Briefly: Wait 5-10 minutes before glazing so the glaze doesn’t melt away completely.
• Cover Rolls During Rise: Prevent the dough from drying out by covering with plastic wrap or a damp cloth.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs and butter are at room temp for easier mixing and better dough texture.

How to Serve Homemade Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze

Garnishes

To make your strawberry cinnamon rolls extra special, consider dusting with powdered sugar, sprinkling with chopped fresh strawberries, or adding a few fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness.

Side Dishes

These rolls pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, freshly brewed tea, or a glass of cold milk for a balanced breakfast or snack. For a brunch spread, include fruit salads or yogurt parfaits to complement the sweet rolls.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the rolls warm in rustic baskets lined with a pretty napkin to create an inviting atmosphere. You can also plate individual rolls with a drizzle of extra glaze and a side of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them soft, consider wrapping them gently in plastic wrap before placing them in the container.

Freezing

Freeze baked and cooled strawberry cinnamon rolls individually wrapped in plastic and then foil, or freeze unbaked rolls after shaping and before the second rise. This way, you can bake fresh rolls whenever you want. Either method keeps them fresh for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat frozen or refrigerated rolls in a microwave for 20-30 seconds or in an oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Adding a dab of butter or a drizzle of glaze after reheating refreshes their softness and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries in this recipe?

Yes, frozen strawberries work well if fresh ones are unavailable. Just thaw and drain them thoroughly to prevent excess moisture in the filling.

Is it possible to make these rolls vegan?

Absolutely! Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for the glaze to make a vegan version.

How long does the dough need to rise?

The dough should rise until doubled in size, which usually takes about 1 to 1.5 hours depending on the room temperature.

Can I prepare the rolls the night before?

Yes, you can prepare and shape the rolls, then refrigerate them overnight. Let them come to room temperature and rise slightly before baking the next morning.

What if my glaze is too thick or too thin?

If the glaze is too thick, add a little milk or cream to thin it out. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar to thicken it, adjusting until you reach your desired consistency.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about biting into warm, soft rolls filled with strawberry sweetness and silky cinnamon, all topped with a creamy glaze that’s just the right balance of tangy and sweet. These Homemade Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze are a wonderful way to bring warmth and joy to your kitchen, no matter the occasion. Give this recipe a try—you’ll find yourself reaching for seconds in no time!

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