Sweet Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Heavenly Sweet Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe for Brunch Bliss

Mornings bloom with irresistible warmth when sweet strawberry cinnamon rolls emerge from the oven, filling the kitchen with an enchanting aroma.

Soft, pillowy dough swirls around luscious strawberry filling and delicate cinnamon notes create a breakfast masterpiece.

The delicate balance of fruity sweetness and spicy undertones promises pure culinary magic.

Tender pastry layers unfold like a love letter to comfort food, each bite melting with rich, complex flavors.

Fresh strawberries add a vibrant touch of natural sweetness that dances across the palate.

Bakers of all skill levels can craft these delectable rolls with simple ingredients and minimal effort.

This recipe transforms an ordinary morning into an extraordinary celebration of flavor and comfort.

Prepare to savor every delightful, strawberry-kissed moment.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 273 kcal

Servings: 12

What You’ll Need to Make Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls

For The Dough Base:
  • Flour: Provides the essential structure and texture for pillowy soft rolls, select unbleached all-purpose flour for best results.
  • Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds subtle sweetness to balance the tangy strawberries.
  • Active Dry Yeast: Crucial for creating rise and airy texture, ensure it's fresh and not expired.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and controls yeast growth, use fine sea salt for even distribution.
For Liquid and Binding Ingredients:
  • Warm Milk: Activates yeast and adds richness, use whole milk for a more tender crumb.
  • Unsalted Butter: Brings richness and helps create soft, tender rolls, melt just before using.
  • Egg: Binds ingredients and adds structure, select large room temperature eggs.
For Filling and Flavor:
  • Fresh Strawberries: Adds vibrant fruity burst and natural sweetness, choose ripe, deep red berries.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Provides warm, comforting spice that complements strawberries beautifully.
  • Cream Cheese: Creates a luscious, tangy filling that pairs perfectly with strawberries.
  • Powdered Sugar: Makes smooth, glossy frosting that adds final touch of sweetness.

Tools That Help Bake Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Like a Pro

  • Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining dry and wet ingredients.
  • Whisk: Perfect for blending flour, sugar, yeast, and salt smoothly.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Stand mixer with dough hook (optional): Helps knead dough quickly and efficiently.
  • Rolling pin: Needed to roll out dough into a rectangle for filling.
  • Sharp knife or pastry cutter: Great for cutting rolled dough into individual rolls.
  • Baking dish: Used to arrange and bake the cinnamon rolls.
  • Kitchen towel or plastic wrap: Helps cover dough during rising process.

How to Bake Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls From Scratch

  • Craft the Dough

Blend flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a spacious mixing bowl. Pour in warm milk, melted butter, and a cracked egg. Mix until a soft, supple dough emerges.

  • Knead and Shape

Transfer the dough to a lightly dusted surface. Work the mixture with your hands, pushing and folding for about 8 minutes until it becomes silky and stretchy. If using a stand mixer, let the dough hook do the work for roughly 5 minutes.

  • Let the Dough Rest

Nestle the dough into a generously greased bowl. Drape a kitchen towel over the top and allow it to lounge in a cozy, warm spot for an hour. Watch it transform and expand, nearly doubling in size.

  • Roll Out the Magic

Gently punch down the puffy dough. On a flour-sprinkled surface, roll it into a wide rectangle. Spread a layer of softened butter across the surface.

  • Create Strawberry Cinnamon Swirls

Sprinkle a generous amount of ground cinnamon and sugar. Scatter chopped fresh strawberries evenly. Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, then slice into delectable rounds.

  • Final Rise and Bake

Place the rolls in a buttered baking dish. Let them rise again for 30 minutes. Bake in a preheated oven until golden brown and irresistibly fragrant.

  • Frost and Enjoy

Whip up a quick glaze with powdered sugar and a splash of milk. Drizzle over warm rolls and savor the sweet, fruity goodness.

Extra Twists to Upgrade Your Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls

  • Ensure your milk is warm (not hot) to activate yeast without killing it, around 110°F is ideal for perfect rising.
  • Swap fresh strawberries with frozen ones, but drain and pat them dry first to prevent excess moisture in the rolls.
  • Prepare rolls the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Remove from fridge 30 minutes before baking to let them come to room temperature.
  • Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend and add xanthan gum for better texture and structure.
  • Use almond milk instead of regular milk and coconut oil in place of butter to create a delicious dairy-free version of these rolls.

Ways to Serve Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls for Any Occasion

  • Fresh Breakfast Companion: Pair these warm rolls with a light Greek yogurt topped with extra fresh strawberry slices for a balanced morning meal.
  • Brunch Centerpiece: Create a stunning presentation by arranging the rolls on a rustic wooden board, sprinkled with powdered sugar and garnished with whole strawberries around the edges.
  • Coffee Shop Vibes: Serve alongside a creamy latte or cappuccino, letting the cinnamon and strawberry flavors complement the rich espresso notes for a delightful cafe-style experience.
  • Weekend Dessert Transformation: Drizzle extra cream cheese glaze over the rolls and add a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an indulgent after-dinner treat that elevates the classic recipe.

Storing Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls to Keep Them Soft

  • Store completed strawberry cinnamon rolls in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent drying.
  • Wrap individual rolls separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm gently in the oven before serving.
  • Prepare the rolls up to the point of second rising, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to allow dough to return to room temperature.
  • Warm refrigerated or thawed rolls in a preheated 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes. Wrap in aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning and keep the rolls soft and fresh.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Sweet Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Sweet Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Indulgent strawberry cinnamon rolls combine sweet fruity charm with warm spicy notes, creating a heavenly breakfast pastry. Freshly baked and glazed, these rolls promise a delightful morning escape you’ll savor with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
  • ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¾ cup (180ml) warm milk (110°F/43°C)
  • ¼ cup (56g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup (100g) brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup (240g) strawberry preserves or jam
  • ½ cup (75g) diced fresh strawberries
  • 2 tbsps unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsps milk or heavy cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Dough Preparation: Combine dry ingredients in a mixing bowl, whisking flour, sugar, yeast, and salt together until well integrated.
  2. Liquid Integration: Pour warm milk, melted butter, and egg into the dry mixture, stirring until a cohesive dough forms, transforming the ingredients into a unified mass.
  3. Kneading Process: Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface and work it thoroughly for 5-8 minutes, developing gluten and creating a smooth, stretchy texture. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook to achieve the same elastic consistency.
  4. First Rise: Transfer the kneaded dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and allow it to rest in a warm, draft-free environment for approximately 1 hour or until the volume doubles, creating a puffy, aerated dough.
  5. Filling Preparation: While dough rises, mix cinnamon, brown sugar, and softened butter to create a fragrant, sweet filling that will be spread across the rolled-out dough.
  6. Dough Rolling: Punch down the risen dough and roll it into a rectangular shape on a floured surface, creating an even canvas for the strawberry and cinnamon filling.
  7. Filling Application: Spread the cinnamon mixture evenly across the dough, then strategically distribute fresh strawberry pieces to ensure balanced flavor in each roll.
  8. Rolling and Cutting: Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, then slice into uniform rounds using a sharp knife or dental floss for clean, precise cuts.
  9. Second Rise: Place rolls in a greased baking pan, cover, and let them proof for 30-45 minutes until they become puffy and interconnected.
  10. Baking: Preheat oven to 375°F and bake rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and the kitchen fills with a warm, sweet aroma.
  11. Frosting Finale: While rolls are still warm, drizzle with cream cheese glaze, allowing it to melt slightly and create a decadent finishing touch.

Notes

  • Ensure milk is warm (110-115°F) to perfectly activate yeast without killing it, which prevents dense rolls.
  • Develop gluten by kneading thoroughly, creating a soft, stretchy texture that allows rolls to rise beautifully and remain tender.
  • Pat fresh strawberries dry before adding to prevent excess liquid from making dough soggy or preventing proper rising.
  • Place dough in draft-free, warm spot around 85°F for optimal rising, using methods like inside a slightly warm oven or near a sunny window.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star