Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe

If you’re a fan of classic cinnamon rolls but crave something fresh and fruity with a luscious twist, then you have to try this Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe. I absolutely love how the bright strawberry filling pairs perfectly with warm cinnamon-spiced dough and that dreamy cream cheese glaze on top—it’s like spring in a bite all year round. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll be baking them again and again!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These strawberry cinnamon rolls rely on pantry staples and fresh fruit to create that unbeatable combination of soft dough and flavorful filling. Using soft butter and room-temperature egg gives the dough the perfect texture, and fresh or frozen strawberries both work great for the filling.

• Warm milk: Warmth activates the yeast—make sure it’s not too hot or it’ll kill it!
• Instant dry yeast: Quick and reliable for that fluffy rise.
• All-purpose flour: The bond that holds everything together; spoon and level for accuracy.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness both in dough and filling—splitting amounts for each.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors, don’t skip it.
• Large egg: Helps enrich the dough for soft, tender rolls.
• Unsalted butter: In two forms—for dough richness and for cream cheese glaze.
• Fresh or frozen strawberries: I use fresh in season, frozen otherwise—they both work!
• Lemon juice: Brightens the strawberry filling with a dash of tartness.
• Cream cheese: Softened and creamy, the base of our glaze that makes these rolls irresistible.
• Powdered sugar: For smooth, sweet glaze texture.
• Vanilla extract: Adds depth and warmth to the glaze flavor.
• Strawberry puree (from filling): Gives the glaze its beautiful strawberry color and fresh taste.

Variations

I love how flexible this Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe is—you can make it your own in so many ways. Here are some fun twists I’ve tried to keep this recipe fresh and exciting for different occasions or dietary needs.

• Vegan version: Substitute butter with vegan butter and use a flax egg instead of a regular egg; coconut cream cheese makes a lovely glaze.
• Extra cinnamon spice: Add 1-2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon into the dry ingredients for a more classic cinnamon roll flavor.
• Mixed berry twist: Swap half the strawberries for raspberries or blueberries for a deeper berry flavor.
• Nutty crunch: Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts over the strawberry filling before rolling up for added texture.

How to Make Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Craft Your Strawberry Filling

Start by tossing your strawberries in a saucepan with lemon juice and granulated sugar. I like to cook this over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens into a jammy consistency. The key here is patience—this slow cooking develops those amazing concentrated berry flavors that make the rolls sing. Blend it smooth with a hand blender or food processor, then cover with plastic wrap touching the surface to avoid a skin forming, and chill it until fully cooled. This step can totally be done in advance, which I always appreciate on busy mornings.

Step 2: Perfect Your Dough

In your mixer bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt, and yeast until just combined. Then add warm milk, softened butter, and the room-temperature egg. Knead on medium for about 5–7 minutes until you get a smooth, elastic dough that pulls away gently from the bowl’s sides. If it’s sticky, sprinkle a bit more flour—but don’t overdo it; you want soft rolls! Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled—usually about 2 hours. When I first started, this was the step I worried about, but once I found a cozy corner in the kitchen for rising, it became foolproof.

Step 3: Roll, Fill, and Slice

Once your dough has puffed up nicely, gently punch it down and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a roughly 40 x 30 cm (16 x 12 inch) rectangle. Spread your cooled strawberry filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border along one long edge. Rolling from the opposite side, gently but firmly roll the dough into a tight log. I learned the hard way that using a sharp knife or even unflavored dental floss to slice into even 12 rolls gives clean edges without squashing the dough.

Step 4: Rise and Bake to Perfection

Place the rolls cut-side up in a greased 9×13 inch pan, giving enough space for them to puff up without sticking together. Cover with a clean towel and let rise again for 30 minutes to an hour until puffy and slightly expanded. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) during this time. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and soft to the touch. The smell coming from your oven at this point is practically irresistible—I promise your family will be hovering nearby!

Step 5: Whip Up That Cream Cheese Glaze

While the rolls cool slightly, prepare your glaze by beating together softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and the chilled strawberry puree. The result should be creamy, smooth, and a gorgeous light pink that tastes tangy and sweet all at once. If you want it thicker, add a little more powdered sugar, or thin it slightly with milk if needed. I find spreading this glaze on the warm (not hot!) rolls makes it melt into every crevice—pure bliss.

Step 6: Enjoy Every Sweet Bite

Slather your strawberry cream cheese glaze over those warm rolls, grab a cup of coffee, and dig in. I love serving these just out of the oven because the glaze is soft and slightly melty, but leftovers are delicious too. Get ready for all the oohs and ahhs from friends and family!

How to Serve Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a few fresh strawberry slices or a tiny pinch of cinnamon on top after glazing to add a pop of color and a hint of extra flavor. Sometimes, a few torn fresh mint leaves give a lovely refreshing contrast without overpowering the strawberry notes.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a simple fresh fruit salad or a bowl of yogurt with granola to balance the sweetness. For brunch, I’ve paired these with scrambled eggs or a savory quiche to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to bake rolls in individual mini muffin tins—these single servings look adorable and are perfect for parties. You can also drizzle extra glaze in a pretty zigzag pattern or dust with powdered sugar for a fancy touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature with the glaze on for up to 2 days. They stay surprisingly soft, but if room temp is too warm, I switch to refrigeration to prevent glaze melting.

Freezing

Freezing is a lifesaver here—freeze unbaked rolls tightly wrapped before their second rise, or freeze fully baked and unglazed rolls in ziplock bags. They keep perfectly for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw and bake or reheat glaze fresh.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until warm, then spoon on a little extra glaze or cream cheese to freshen them up. Microwave works too but watch them closely to avoid drying out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe has become one of my all-time favorites—not just because they taste incredible, but because they bring joy to my kitchen and my family’s smiles when they take that first bite. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try soon and discover how special homemade rolls with a fresh fruit twist can be. From lazy weekend mornings to celebratory brunches, these rolls never fail to impress. Happy baking, friend!

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