Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls: A Fresh Twist on a Classic Favorite

Imagine biting into a warm, pillowy cinnamon roll bursting with juicy strawberries and topped with a luscious, sweet glaze. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and spiced. These Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls bring a fresh, fruity twist to the beloved classic cinnamon roll, making them a standout choice for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Whether you’re serving them on a lazy weekend morning or sharing them with guests at a gathering, these rolls will become an instant favorite.

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In this recipe, we replace the traditional brown sugar and cinnamon filling with a delightful layer of strawberry jam and fresh strawberries, all enhanced with a hint of cinnamon. The result is a unique, fragrant, and irresistible treat that combines the best of both worlds: the comfort of cinnamon rolls and the bright freshness of strawberries. With a smooth, sweet glaze drizzled on top, these rolls are the perfect way to wake up your taste buds.

Let’s dive in and take a closer look at this strawberry-packed variation on the classic cinnamon roll.

Ingredients Breakdown: What You Need

For the Dough:

• 3/4 cup milk – The base for your dough, milk adds richness and moisture to the dough, helping it rise and creating a soft, tender texture.
• 1/3 cup margarine or butter – Adds flavor and contributes to the soft texture of the dough. Margarine works just as well, but butter gives a richer flavor.
• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour – The main dry ingredient that helps give structure to your dough.
• 2 tsp instant yeast (or 1 packet) – This helps the dough rise. Instant yeast is convenient since it doesn’t need to be proofed before use.
• 1/4 cup sugar – Adds a slight sweetness to the dough, helping to balance the richness of the butter and the tang of the strawberries.
• 1/2 tsp salt – Brings out the flavors of the other ingredients and helps with dough structure.
• 1 egg – This helps with the texture and richness of the dough. It also provides a beautiful golden color as the rolls bake.
• 1/4 cup water – Helps to dissolve the yeast and activate the dough. You’ll use it with the milk and butter mixture.

For the Filling:

• 1 cup strawberry jam (or more, to taste) – The base of your filling. Choose a good-quality jam, or if you prefer, you can use homemade strawberry jam for an extra personal touch. The jam adds sweetness and the vibrant flavor of strawberries.
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon – Cinnamon adds a warm, comforting spice that enhances the sweet strawberries, creating a perfect flavor contrast.
• 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced – Fresh, ripe strawberries add a juicy burst of flavor and texture to the filling, making these rolls extra special.

For the Icing:

• 1 cup powdered sugar – The base for your sweet icing, providing sweetness and smooth texture.
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon – This complements the cinnamon from the filling and ties everything together in the icing.
• 1-2 tbsp milk – Used to thin out the icing and reach the desired consistency for drizzling over the rolls. Start with 1 tablespoon, then add more if necessary.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

The dough for these rolls comes together easily and quickly. Begin by warming 3/4 cup of milk in a small saucepan over low heat until it’s lukewarm (not too hot, or you risk killing the yeast). Once the milk is warm, stir in the 1/3 cup of margarine or butter until it melts completely. Let this mixture cool to lukewarm before continuing.

In a large bowl, combine 2 1/4 cups flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Mix these dry ingredients together until evenly distributed. Next, add the egg, followed by the warm milk and butter mixture. Stir until a dough starts to form.

Gradually add the remaining 1 cup of flour, mixing it in until the dough begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl. Flip the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Once kneaded, place the dough back in the bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rest for 10 minutes. This resting time helps the dough relax and become easier to roll out.

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough

After the dough has rested, transfer it to a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a 15×10-inch rectangle. The dough should be soft and easy to handle, but not too sticky.

Once you have the dough shaped into a rectangle, it’s time to add the filling.

Step 3: Add the Filling

Spread the 1 cup of strawberry jam evenly over the surface of the dough. Be sure to leave a small border around the edges so that the filling doesn’t spill out when you roll it up. Next, sprinkle the 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon over the jam to enhance the flavors and add a hint of spice.

Now, layer the 2 cups of sliced strawberries over the jam. You want the fresh berries to be evenly distributed for a burst of flavor in every bite.

Step 4: Roll and Slice

Starting at one end of the dough, gently roll it up, making sure to keep it tight as you go. Pinch the seam to seal the roll. Once the dough is fully rolled, use a sharp knife to cut it into 12 equal slices. You should now have 12 beautiful rolls filled with strawberry jam and fresh strawberries.

Place the rolls cut-side-up in a greased 11×13-inch baking dish. Be sure to leave a little space between each roll so they can rise without sticking together.

Step 5: Let the Rolls Rise

Cover the pan with a damp towel and let the rolls rise for about 30 minutes, or until they have doubled in size. This is the perfect time to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 6: Bake the Rolls

After the rolls have risen, place them in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. The rolls should turn golden brown on top and feel soft and fluffy when pressed gently. The aroma of cinnamon and fresh strawberries filling your kitchen will be irresistible.

Step 7: Make the Icing

While the rolls bake, prepare the icing. In a small bowl, mix the 1 cup powdered sugar, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon milk. Stir until smooth, adding more milk as needed to reach a drizzly consistency.

Step 8: Glaze the Rolls

Once the rolls are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly, just enough so they’re no longer scalding hot. Drizzle the cinnamon glaze over the warm rolls. The glaze will soak into the rolls slightly, adding a touch of sweetness and flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls

• Use high-quality strawberry jam: The jam is the star of the filling, so choose a good-quality one that has a vibrant, natural strawberry flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, try making your own homemade jam to take the flavor to the next level.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Be careful not to overwork the dough. Mix it just enough to form a ball, and then knead lightly. Overkneading can make the rolls dense.
• Fresh strawberries are key: Using fresh strawberries makes a huge difference in the flavor and texture of these rolls. They add juicy bites of freshness and a natural sweetness.
• Make ahead: You can prepare the dough and filling the night before and refrigerate it overnight. This allows you to bake the rolls in the morning without the extra prep time.
• For a dairy-free option: Use almond or coconut milk and substitute a dairy-free margarine for the butter. The rolls will still be soft and delicious.

Variations and Substitutions

• Add cream cheese: If you love the creaminess of traditional cinnamon rolls, try adding a cream cheese layer between the dough and the jam. It pairs wonderfully with the strawberries and adds an extra layer of richness.
• Add other fruits: While strawberries are the star here, feel free to experiment with other fruits like raspberries, blackberries, or blueberries for a different twist on the filling.
• Make mini rolls: If you prefer smaller portions, roll the dough up tighter and slice it into smaller pieces. These bite-sized treats are perfect for a brunch spread or party.

Serving Suggestions

These strawberry cinnamon rolls are a treat on their own, but you can pair them with a few extras for a full breakfast or brunch experience. Serve them with a side of fresh fruit, a cup of hot coffee or tea, and maybe even a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent touch.

They’re also perfect for sharing at family gatherings, potlucks, or picnics. Pack them up in a cute container, and they’ll be the hit of the event!

Conclusion

These Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect treat to brighten up any morning or special occasion. With their tender dough, sweet strawberry filling, and a hint of cinnamon, they offer the perfect balance of flavors that everyone will love. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is simple to follow and yields mouthwatering results. Make them for your next breakfast, brunch, or family gathering, and watch them disappear in no time!