Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on the traditional cinnamon rolls, offering the sweet, comforting flavors of cinnamon and sugar, enhanced with fresh, juicy strawberries. These rolls are the perfect balance of soft, pillowy dough, warm cinnamon filling, and a sweet, tangy strawberry glaze. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet afternoon treat, these rolls bring together the best of both worlds: the warm, spiced sweetness of cinnamon and the refreshing, fruity burst of strawberries. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or saved for later, these rolls offer a perfect combination of flavors that will leave everyone coming back for more.

The History of Cinnamon Rolls and Strawberry Flavors

Cinnamon rolls have a long history, with origins tracing back to Northern Europe, particularly Sweden and Finland, where they were originally known as “kanelbullar” in Sweden. These rolls, often enjoyed with coffee, have been a staple of Scandinavian cuisine for centuries. They became popular in the United States in the early 20th century, particularly after the invention of the Pillsbury doughboy and the rise of convenience baking products. The addition of fruit, such as strawberries, to cinnamon rolls is a modern variation that reflects the growing trend of combining fruit flavors with traditional pastries. The vibrant, sweet-tart flavor of strawberries complements the rich, spiced filling of cinnamon rolls, creating a refreshing new twist on a beloved classic.

Ingredients Breakdown

For the Dough:

All-Purpose Flour: The base of the dough, providing structure and texture.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough slightly to enhance the overall flavor.
Active Dry Yeast: Helps the dough rise and gives it a light, fluffy texture.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
Whole Milk: Adds moisture and a rich, tender texture to the dough.
Unsalted Butter: Enriches the dough, making it soft and buttery.
Eggs: Provide structure and richness to the dough.
Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the dough’s flavor.

For the Cinnamon Filling:

Brown Sugar: Adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness to the filling.
Ground Cinnamon: The star flavor of the filling, giving the rolls their signature warmth.
Unsalted Butter: Helps bind the filling and creates a smooth, spreadable texture.

For the Strawberry Glaze:

Fresh Strawberries: The key ingredient, offering a fruity, sweet base for the glaze.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the glaze and gives it a smooth texture.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of the strawberries in the glaze.
Heavy Cream or Milk: Adds creaminess and helps thin the glaze to the desired consistency.

Step-by-Step Recipe:

Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, combine warm milk (around 110°F/43°C), sugar, and yeast. Stir to dissolve the sugar and allow the yeast to activate for about 5 minutes, until it becomes foamy.
Make the dough: Add melted butter, eggs, vanilla, and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually stir in the flour, a little at a time, until a dough begins to form. Knead the dough for 8 to 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If you’re using a stand mixer, use the dough hook attachment.
Let the dough rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Prepare the filling: While the dough is rising, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter in a small bowl to form the filling. Set aside.
Roll out the dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 12 x 18 inches.
Add the filling: Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving about an inch border around the edges.
Add the strawberries: Thinly slice the fresh strawberries and evenly distribute them over the cinnamon filling. Gently press the strawberries into the filling to help them stick.
Roll the dough: Starting from the long side of the rectangle, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the edges to seal the roll.
Cut the rolls: Use a sharp knife or dental floss to slice the rolled dough into 12 equal pieces.
Prepare the baking pan: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and arrange the cinnamon rolls in the pan, leaving a little space between each one.
Let the rolls rise: Cover the pan with a towel and allow the rolls to rise for about 30 to 45 minutes, or until they’ve puffed up.
Bake the rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown and fully cooked through.
Prepare the glaze: While the rolls bake, make the strawberry glaze. In a small saucepan, cook down the strawberries over medium heat for about 5 minutes until they break down and release their juices. Strain the mixture to remove seeds, then return the liquid to the saucepan. Stir in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. If necessary, add a splash of cream or milk to achieve a smooth, pourable consistency.
Drizzle the glaze: Once the rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled, drizzle the strawberry glaze over the top.
Serve and enjoy: Allow the rolls to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the sweet and fruity twist on your classic cinnamon rolls.

Tips for the Perfect Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls

Make sure the yeast is fresh and activate it properly by using warm (not hot) milk. When rolling out the dough, aim for an even thickness to ensure consistent baking. Don’t skip the rise time; it’s essential for achieving a soft, fluffy texture. If your strawberries are particularly juicy, you can drain some of the liquid before adding them to the rolls to prevent sogginess. For an extra touch of flavor, add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top of the strawberry glaze. If you prefer a sweeter glaze, increase the powdered sugar or add a bit of honey for extra richness.

Variations and Customizations

You can substitute the fresh strawberries with other berries like blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a different fruity twist. For a more indulgent treat, add a cream cheese glaze on top in place of the strawberry glaze. If you prefer a less sweet option, you can leave out the glaze altogether and enjoy the rolls with just the cinnamon filling. To make these rolls dairy-free, substitute plant-based butter and milk alternatives, and use a dairy-free cream cheese if using a glaze. For a nutty flavor, consider adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling. You can also experiment with different spices, such as cardamom or nutmeg, to complement the cinnamon and strawberries.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value

While these strawberry cinnamon rolls are indulgent and delicious, they are best enjoyed in moderation due to their high sugar and calorie content. A typical roll contains around 250–300 calories, depending on the size and the amount of glaze used. To make these rolls a bit healthier, consider reducing the amount of sugar in the filling and glaze, or using a sugar substitute. You can also experiment with whole wheat flour to increase the fiber content, though this may slightly alter the texture. For those with dietary restrictions, the recipe can be adapted to be gluten-free or vegan with the appropriate substitutions. Keep in mind that the glaze, especially if it contains heavy cream or powdered sugar, adds a significant amount of sweetness and calories.

FAQ

Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate it overnight. The next morning, let it come to room temperature before rolling it out and proceeding with the recipe.
Can I freeze the rolls? Absolutely! Freeze the unbaked rolls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to bake, let them thaw and rise before baking as usual.
Can I use frozen strawberries? Fresh strawberries work best for the filling, but if you need to use frozen strawberries, make sure to thaw and drain them to prevent excess moisture.
How do I store the leftover rolls? Store the leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to 5 days, or freeze them for longer storage.
Can I make these rolls without glaze? Yes, the rolls are delicious on their own without the glaze. Simply enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea for a lighter version.

Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls

These Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls combine the warmth of cinnamon with the sweetness of fresh strawberries for a delicious, fruity twist on a classic. Perfect for any occasion, they’re an irresistible treat that everyone will love.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 2

Cook Time 25

Total Time 2 25

Servings 12

Ingredients

For the Dough:

1 cup warm milk
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast 1 packet
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
2 large eggs at room temperature
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 cups all-purpose flour

For the Strawberry Filling:

1 cup fresh strawberries finely chopped
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons cornstarch

For the Strawberry Icing:

1 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup fresh strawberries pureed
1 tablespoon cream or milk adjust for desired consistency
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Dissolve the yeast in warm milk in a large bowl. Add the sugar, melted butter, eggs, and salt, then gradually incorporate the flour to form a soft dough. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
For the filling, combine the chopped strawberries, sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch in a bowl and set aside.
Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a large rectangle. Evenly spread the strawberry filling over the dough.
Roll the dough up tightly and cut it into 12 equal slices. Arrange the slices in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Cover and let them rise again for about 30 minutes, or until doubled in size.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 25 minutes, or until golden brown.
For the icing, whisk together the powdered sugar, strawberry puree, cream (or milk), and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more cream or powdered sugar as needed.
Drizzle the icing over the warm rolls before serving.

Notes

Make sure to pat the strawberries for the filling dry to remove any excess moisture.
Allow the rolls to cool slightly before adding the icing to prevent it from melting off.
For a stronger strawberry flavor in the icing, consider adding a drop or two of strawberry extract.

Pin1

1 Shares