Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls! They’re absolutely irresistible, with the perfect blend of sweet strawberries and warm, cozy cinnamon. Picture this: soft, fluffy rolls swirled with juicy strawberries and topped with a creamy icing that drizzles down the sides. It’s like a warm hug on a plate! Trust me, the first time I made these, I couldn’t believe how quickly they disappeared. I had friends over for brunch, and they were devoured within minutes! I still get requests for them, and every time I bake them, it feels like a little celebration. You’re going to love how simple they are to whip up, and the smell wafting through your kitchen is just heavenly. So, let’s dive into making this delicious twist on a classic treat!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to bring these delightful Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls to life. I promise, the ingredients are simple and you might already have most of them in your pantry!
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the foundation of your rolls, giving them that lovely, fluffy texture.
- 1/2 cup milk: Make sure it’s warm! This helps activate the yeast and makes the dough nice and soft.
- 1/4 cup sugar: A little sweetness goes a long way in enhancing the flavor of the rolls.
- 1/4 cup butter, softened: This adds richness and flavor. Trust me, don’t skip this step!
- 1 packet active dry yeast: Essential for making those rolls rise and become fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Just enough to balance the sweetness and bring out all those delicious flavors.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: The warm spice that pairs perfectly with both strawberries and cream cheese.
- 1 cup strawberries, chopped: Fresh, juicy strawberries add a burst of flavor that’s simply divine!
- 1/2 cup cream cheese: This will be spread over the dough for that creamy, dreamy layer.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar: For the icing that you’ll drizzle on top—because who doesn’t love a little sweetness?
Gather these ingredients, and let’s get rolling—pun totally intended! You’re on your way to creating something truly special.
How to Prepare Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls
Get ready to transform those ingredients into something magical! I promise, this process is as fun as it is delicious. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have warm, gooey Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls in no time!
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
First things first, let’s get that dough going! In a medium bowl, combine your warm milk and the packet of active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it gets all frothy—this is the magic moment when the yeast activates and starts to work its wonders! Then, add in the flour, sugar, softened butter, salt, and cinnamon. Mix it all together until everything is just combined. Now, it’s time to knead! Turn the mixture out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. You want it to feel soft and slightly tacky, but not sticky. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as you go. Trust me, this is where the fun begins!
Step 2: Let the Dough Rise
Once your dough is all kneaded and beautiful, place it in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Now comes the hard part—waiting! Find a warm spot in your kitchen (like near the oven if it’s preheating) and let that dough rise for about 1 hour. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s doubled in size! Just imagine that fluffy goodness waiting for you!
Step 3: Assemble the Rolls
After your dough has risen, it’s time to roll out the fun! Lightly flour your surface again and roll the dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Now, grab your softened cream cheese and spread it evenly over the entire surface of the dough. Oh, it’s going to be so creamy! Next, sprinkle those chopped strawberries all over the cream cheese layer. Don’t be shy—make sure every bite is bursting with strawberry goodness! Now, starting from one edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Once you’ve got a nice roll, use a sharp knife to cut it into about 12 equal slices. Place those lovely rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between them for rising.
Step 4: Final Rise and Bake
Cover your baking dish with the kitchen towel again and let those rolls rise for another 30 minutes. They’ll puff up beautifully, just begging to be baked! Once they’ve risen, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you get ready to bake. Pop those rolls in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and smelling absolutely divine. You might want to keep an eye on them towards the end because nobody wants to burn those beauties! Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool slightly before drizzling with that dreamy icing. You’re almost there!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s chat about the nutritional values for these delicious Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls! Keep in mind that these numbers are estimates based on the ingredients used, and they can vary a bit depending on your specific brands or any substitutions you might make.
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
So, there you have it! These rolls are a delightful treat that you can enjoy without too much guilt. Perfect for a special breakfast or a sweet afternoon snack!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Prep Time: You can whip these up in just over an hour, making it a perfect last-minute treat for brunch or a cozy weekend breakfast.
- Delicious Flavors: The combination of sweet strawberries and warm cinnamon creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist!
- Comforting Experience: Baking these rolls fills your kitchen with the most heavenly aroma, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
- Family Favorite: Everyone from kids to adults goes crazy for these rolls, making them a hit for family gatherings or get-togethers.
- Customizable: Feel free to get creative! You can switch up the fruit or even add a sprinkle of nuts for extra crunch.
- Perfectly Iced: The cream cheese icing adds that creamy touch, making each bite a little slice of heaven.
- Impressive Yet Easy: You’ll look like a baking pro without needing any advanced skills—trust me, they’re that simple!
Tips for Success
Now that you’re all set to make these Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls, let me share some of my best tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time. Trust me, a little extra care goes a long way!
- Check Your Yeast: Before you start, make sure your yeast is fresh! If it doesn’t foam up in the warm milk, it might be expired. No one wants flat rolls, right?
- Dough Texture: The dough should feel soft and slightly tacky but not overly sticky. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle in a bit more flour while kneading. Just remember, don’t overdo it—too much flour can make the rolls dense!
- Warm Rising Place: When letting the dough rise, find the warmest spot in your kitchen. If it’s chilly, you can turn on the oven for a minute to warm it up, then turn it off and place the dough inside. It’ll love the cozy atmosphere!
- Even Strawberry Distribution: When adding strawberries, try to spread them evenly across the cream cheese. This way, every bite will have that delicious strawberry goodness!
- Don’t Rush the Baking: Keep an eye on those rolls while they bake. Ovens can vary, and you want them golden brown on top. If they’re browning too quickly, you can cover them loosely with foil to prevent burning.
- Icing Consistency: When you mix your powdered sugar with milk for the icing, start with a small amount of milk and add more until it reaches your preferred drizzling consistency. You want it thick enough to hold its shape but still flow beautifully over the rolls!
- Cool Before Icing: Allow the rolls to cool for a few minutes after baking before drizzling the icing on. This way, the icing won’t melt into oblivion but will instead create a lovely glaze on top.
- Make Ahead: If you’re short on time, you can prepare the rolls the night before! Just assemble them, cover, and refrigerate. The next morning, let them rise for a bit at room temperature before baking.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re well on your way to creating the most delightful Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls. Happy baking!
Variations on Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls
Now, if you’re feeling adventurous and want to switch things up, there are so many delicious variations you can try with these Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls! It’s all about getting creative in the kitchen and making this recipe your own. Here are a few ideas that I absolutely love:
- Mixed Berry Delight: Instead of just strawberries, why not throw in a medley of berries? Blueberries, raspberries, or even blackberries can add a delightful tartness that complements the sweetness of the cinnamon rolls beautifully!
- Peachy Keen: Fresh peaches are another fantastic option. Just chop them up and mix them in with the cream cheese. The juicy peaches add a lovely summer vibe to the rolls!
- Apple Cinnamon Rolls: Swap out the strawberries for thinly sliced apples and a sprinkle of nutmeg. This classic combination will give you a cozy, fall-inspired treat that’s perfect for chilly mornings.
- Pineapple Coconut Twist: For a tropical flair, add crushed pineapple and a handful of shredded coconut to the filling. It’s like a mini vacation right in your kitchen!
- Nutty Addition: If you love a little crunch, consider adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts. Just sprinkle them on top of the strawberries or mix them into the cream cheese. They add a wonderful texture contrast!
- Spiced Up: Feeling bold? Experiment with spices! Try adding a pinch of cardamom or ginger to the cinnamon for an extra layer of flavor. You’ll be amazed at how those spices can elevate the taste!
- Chocolate Lovers: For a decadent twist, sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the cream cheese layer before adding the strawberries. Because who doesn’t love chocolate in their breakfast?
These variations not only keep things exciting but also allow you to tailor the rolls to your personal taste or even the season! So go ahead, get creative, and enjoy the delicious journey of making your own unique Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now, if you happen to have any of these scrumptious Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls left over (which is a big if, trust me!), storing them properly is key to keeping that deliciousness intact. Here’s how I do it:
- Storing Leftovers: Once your rolls have cooled completely, place them in an airtight container. You can also wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before putting them in the container for extra protection. They’ll stay fresh for about 3 days at room temperature. Just be sure to keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- For Longer Storage: If you want to keep them for even longer, pop those rolls in the freezer! Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to 2 months in the freezer. Just make sure to label them so you don’t forget about those little treasures!
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftover rolls, here’s the best way to reheat them:
- Thawing: If you’ve frozen the rolls, take them out and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight. If you’re in a hurry, you can also let them sit at room temperature for about 2-3 hours until soft.
- Reheating: To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the rolls on a baking sheet and cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent them from getting too brown. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warm throughout. If you prefer, you can also use the microwave—just pop a roll on a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 15-20 seconds. Be careful not to overdo it, or they might get a bit tough!
And voilà! You’ve got your Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls tasting as fresh as the day you baked them. Enjoy every last bite, and don’t forget to drizzle a little extra icing on top if you want to treat yourself! Happy munching!
Print
Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls: 7 Irresistible Bites of Bliss
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious strawberry cinnamon rolls with a twist of cinnamon and cream cheese icing.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup strawberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Add flour, sugar, butter, salt, and cinnamon to the yeast mixture.
- Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle.
- Spread softened cream cheese over the dough.
- Evenly distribute chopped strawberries on top.
- Roll the dough tightly and cut into slices.
- Place slices in a greased baking dish and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Mix powdered sugar with a little milk to make icing and drizzle over rolls before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add vanilla extract to the cream cheese icing.
- You can substitute fresh strawberries with frozen ones if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls, Cinnamon Rolls, Dessert, Baking