Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls (Print Version)

Soft rolls with fresh strawberry-cinnamon filling and creamy glaze

# What You Need:

→ Dough

01 - 4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
03 - 1 cup whole milk, lukewarm
04 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
05 - 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
06 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
07 - 1/2 tsp salt

→ Filling

08 - 1 cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped
09 - 2/3 cup brown sugar, packed
10 - 2 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
11 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

→ Cream Cheese Glaze

12 - 4 oz cream cheese, softened
13 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
14 - 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
15 - 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
16 - 2-3 tbsp milk

# How-To:

01 - Combine lukewarm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar in a large bowl. Let stand for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
02 - Add remaining sugar, softened butter, eggs, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix thoroughly to incorporate. Gradually add flour while mixing until a soft, cohesive dough forms.
03 - Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Transfer to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm area for 1 hour until doubled in size.
04 - While dough rises, combine brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
05 - Punch down risen dough and roll out on a floured surface to a 16x12-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly over the surface.
06 - Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the buttered dough, then distribute chopped strawberries evenly across the surface.
07 - Starting from a long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut into 12 equal slices and arrange in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
08 - Cover the baking dish and let rolls rise for 30 minutes until puffy. Preheat oven to 350°F during this time.
09 - Bake rolls for 23-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. The center should spring back when lightly pressed.
10 - While rolls bake, beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk, then beat until creamy and spreadable.
11 - Let rolls cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then spread the glaze evenly over the warm rolls. Serve immediately for best results.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The fresh strawberries add juicy bursts that cut through the richness perfectly
  • That cream cheese glaze transforms everything into something bakery worthy
  • These freeze beautifully unbaked, so you can have fresh rolls on busy mornings
02 -
  • Don't skip the kneading step, it develops the gluten that creates those beautiful fluffy layers
  • The strawberries release juice as they bake, so don't worry if the filling looks a bit wet before going into the oven
  • Letting the rolls cool for 10 minutes before glazing prevents the frosting from melting completely
03 -
  • Use dental floss to slice the rolls, it cuts through dough cleanly without squishing them
  • If your kitchen is cool, let dough rise in the oven with just the light on for warmth
  • Sprinkle a little coarse sugar over the glaze for a beautiful bakery style finish

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