Name: Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Lemon Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¾ cup milk; ⅓ cup softened unsalted butter; 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons instant yeast; ¼ cup granulated sugar; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 large egg; ¼ cup water; 1 cup all-purpose flour (plus 2 tablespoons if dough is very sticky); 1 (21-ounce) can strawberry pie filling; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon granulated sugar; 4 ounce cream cheese, softened; 3 Tablespoons salted butter, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons freeze-dried strawberries, crushed into powder (about 0.5 ounces); 3 tablespoons half & half; 2 teaspoons lemon juice; 1 tablespoon lemon zest (about 1 large lemon)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 3 reviews

If you are on the hunt for a deliciously unique twist on a classic treat, look no further than this Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Lemon Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe. This recipe brings together the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls with the bright, fruity burst of strawberry pie filling and a zesty lemon cream cheese glaze that literally elevates the entire experience. Each roll is soft, tender, and generously filled with a sweet strawberry and cinnamon combo, then finished with a luscious glaze that adds just the right amount of tanginess and sweetness. Whether you’re serving these for a special brunch or a cozy weekend breakfast, they promise to bring a joyful smile to everyone’s face.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A smooth, pale yellow dough ball rests at the center inside a shiny silver metal mixing bowl. The dough has a soft texture with slight creases on its surface, and the inside walls of the bowl show faint traces of flour dust. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, with soft lighting highlighting the dough's smoothness and the metal's reflective finish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is what makes this Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Lemon Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe so irresistible. Each item plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect balance of fluffy dough, fruity filling, and creamy glaze.

¾ cup milk: Provides moisture and richness to the dough, helping it become tender and soft.
⅓ cup softened unsalted butter: Adds flavor and helps create a flaky, tender texture in the rolls.
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: The base structure for the dough, delivering that ideal soft and chewy bite.
2 teaspoons instant yeast: Activates the dough, making it rise and become light and airy.
¼ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough just enough and helps with browning during baking.
½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
1 large egg: Enriches the dough, improving texture and helping with binding.
¼ cup water: Adds extra hydration needed for the dough’s consistency.
1 cup all-purpose flour (+ 2 tablespoons if dough is sticky): Additional flour to achieve the perfect dough consistency.
1 (21-ounce) can strawberry pie filling: The fruity star of the show, generously filling each roll.
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Brings warmth and enhances the classic cinnamon roll flavor infused with strawberry.
½ teaspoon granulated sugar: Sprinkled on top of the filling to add extra sweetness.
4 ounces cream cheese, softened: Creates the creamy base for the luscious lemon glaze.
3 tablespoons salted butter, softened: Adds richness and smoothness to the glaze.
1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the glaze to perfection.
2 tablespoons freeze-dried strawberries, crushed into powder: Enhances both flavor and color of the glaze with real strawberry essence.
3 tablespoons half & half: Gives the glaze a silky, pourable texture.
2 teaspoons lemon juice: Provides a bright, zesty contrast to the sweetness, making the glaze unforgettable.
1 tablespoon lemon zest (about 1 large lemon): Adds fresh citrus aroma and extra zing to the glaze.

How to Make Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Lemon Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by warming ¾ cup of milk and melting ⅓ cup of softened unsalted butter together over medium-low heat until just melted—then set aside to cool to lukewarm. In a large bowl or stand mixer, whisk the 2 ¼ cups flour with 2 teaspoons instant yeast, ¼ cup granulated sugar, and ½ teaspoon salt. Add the egg and ¼ cup water, mixing until just combined.

Step 2: Combine and Knead the Dough

Slowly incorporate the warm milk and butter mixture into the dry ingredients along with 1 cup of flour. Knead on medium speed with a dough hook for about 6-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and pulls away from the bowl. If sticky, knead in an extra 1-2 tablespoons of flour until manageable. Alternatively, knead by hand on a floured surface for about 10 minutes.

Step 3: Rest the Dough

Shape the dough into a ball and place it back in the bowl, covered. Let it rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes. This brief rest helps relax the gluten, making it easier to roll out.

Step 4: Roll Out the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll your dough into a rectangle approximately 9 by 15 inches, with a thickness of about ¼ to ½ inch. This gives you the perfect base to hold the generous filling.

Step 5: Spread the Filling

Evenly spread the entire can of strawberry pie filling over the dough rectangle. Then mix 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon with ½ teaspoon sugar and sprinkle this mixture on top of the strawberries for a subtle warm sweetness kick.

Step 6: Roll and Slice

Starting at the longer edge, carefully roll the dough into a log. To prevent filling from squeezing out, gently lift and lay the roll over the filling as you roll forward. Once rolled, pinch the seam shut. Using a very sharp knife, slice the log into 12 even rolls, wiping the knife clean after each cut for neat edges.

Step 7: Let Rolls Rise

Place the rolls snugly into a 9 x 13 x 2-inch baking pan. Cover them with a damp cloth and allow them to rise in a warm spot for about 30 minutes until slightly puffy and ready to bake.

Step 8: Bake Your Rolls

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bake the rolls for 30 minutes or until their tops turn a lovely golden brown. The aroma filling your kitchen will be absolutely irresistible by this point!

Step 9: Make the Lemon Cream Cheese Glaze

While the rolls bake, prepare the glaze by beating together the softened cream cheese, salted butter, and powdered sugar until smooth. Add the half & half, lemon juice, lemon zest, and crushed freeze-dried strawberries, mixing well until silky and beautifully colored.

Step 10: Glaze and Serve

Allow your rolls to cool for about 10 minutes after baking, then generously spread the lemon cream cheese glaze over each warm roll. The glaze melts slightly into the rolls, creating an utterly indulgent finish.

How to Serve Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Lemon Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a white tray filled with nine large cinnamon rolls covered in thick, creamy pink frosting that swirls and spreads unevenly over each roll. The rolls have soft, golden-brown dough with visible layers that spiral inward, showing bits of red strawberry pieces baked inside. Two fresh strawberries, one whole and one sliced in half, rest on top of the rolls in the upper right corner. The tray sits on a white marbled surface, enhancing the colors of the rolls and frosting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a little extra fresh touch makes a big impression. Sprinkle fresh strawberry slices or a little extra lemon zest over the glazed rolls to brighten presentation and complement the existing flavors perfectly.

Side Dishes

These strawberry cinnamon rolls shine most as a centerpiece. Pair them with a light fruit salad or a simple cup of brewed coffee or tea to balance the sweetness and create a full, satisfying breakfast or brunch spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving these rolls in a rustic wooden board or a pretty ceramic platter lined with parchment paper for added charm. You can also plate individual rolls with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprig of fresh mint to make them feel extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Lemon Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe leftovers can be tightly covered with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, keeping their softness and flavor intact.

Freezing

You can freeze the unbaked rolls — after slicing and placing them in the pan, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before letting them rise and baking. Alternatively, freeze baked rolls wrapped well, then thaw and reheat as needed.

Reheating

To bring these rolls back to life, microwave a single roll for about 15-20 seconds or warm them in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes. Reapply a little glaze if needed for that freshly-frosted taste.

FAQs

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of canned pie filling?

Fresh strawberries are delicious but lack the thickened texture of pie filling, which helps the rolls stay moist without leaking too much. If you want to use fresh strawberries, cook them down with sugar and a bit of cornstarch beforehand to mimic pie filling consistency.

Is it possible to make these rolls dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute plant-based milk and vegan butter for the milk and butter in the dough and glaze. For the cream cheese glaze, use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative to keep the luscious texture.

How can I tell when the rolls are fully baked?

They should be golden brown on top and feel firm but springy to the touch. You can also insert a toothpick in the center of a roll; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Can I double this recipe for larger crowds?

Absolutely! Just double all the ingredients and use two separate pans for baking. Make sure to give the rolls enough space to rise without crowding.

Can I prepare the dough the night before?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise once, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Bring it to room temperature before shaping and filling to get the best rise and texture.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Lemon Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe is truly a game changer for cinnamon roll lovers who want to mix things up with fresh, vibrant flavors. From the tender, fluffy dough to the sweet strawberry filling and tangy lemon glaze, every bite is a delightful celebration of tastes and textures. I absolutely encourage you to give this recipe a try — it’s sure to become a cherished favorite for family breakfasts, brunches, or any time you want a warm, fruity treat full of love.