Name: Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 3 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups frozen or fresh strawberries; 2 tablespoons brown sugar (packed); 1 teaspoon lemon juice; 2 teaspoons cornstarch; 1 tablespoon water; 1 teaspoon pure strawberry flavoring (optional); 2/3 cup water; 1/4 cup bread flour; 3 2/3 cups bread flour; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons instant yeast; 1 teaspoon fine sea salt; 1/3 cup whole milk (room temperature); 1/3 cup heavy cream (room temperature); 1 large egg (room temperature); Tangzhong (from above); 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature); 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature); 2/3 cup light brown sugar (packed); 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature); 4 ounces cold cream cheese; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons reserved strawberry jam (from filling); 1 tablespoon heavy cream

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 9 reviews

There is something truly unforgettable about waking up to a warm batch of Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe fresh from the oven. These rolls bring together the comforting cinnamon swirl you know and love with juicy, vibrant strawberry filling that bursts with flavor in every bite. Finished with a luxuriously creamy strawberry-infused cream cheese frosting, this recipe transforms an everyday breakfast into a delightful celebration. If you cherish baked goods with a balance of sweet fruit and rich spice, this is the recipe you’ll want to keep close forever.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view inside a white pot filled with a thick, deep red sauce or mixture that has a slightly lumpy and shiny texture, sitting on a white marbled surface. The inner edge of the pot shows some smears of the red sauce, and the pot has a small metal handle visible at the front. The rich red mixture fills most of the pot, creating a dense and vibrant layer. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is the key to nailing the perfect texture, flavor, and color in these rolls. Each item has its starring role, whether it’s creating that tender dough, the luscious strawberry filling, or the dreamy frosting on top.

Frozen or fresh strawberries: The heart of the filling, providing natural sweetness and bright color.
Brown sugar: Adds deep molasses richness, essential for the strawberry filling and cinnamon swirl.
Lemon juice: Balances the sweetness with a touch of acidity to enhance the strawberries.
Cornstarch and water: Thickens the strawberry jam-like filling to perfect spreadable consistency.
Pure strawberry flavoring (optional): Amplifies berry aroma for an extra pop.
Bread flour: Provides the ideal gluten strength for soft, fluffy rolls with gentle chew.
Granulated sugar: Light sweetness that helps activate yeast and tenderize the dough.
Instant yeast: The magical leavening agent for those perfectly risen, airy rolls.
Fine sea salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness in the dough.
Whole milk and heavy cream: Create richness and tenderness in the dough texture.
Large egg: Adds moisture, structure, and richness to the dough.
Unsalted butter (divided): Used in the dough, filling, and frosting for layers of creamy flavor.
Light brown sugar (packed): Sweet, spiced layer in the cinnamon swirl filling.
Ground cinnamon: Warm, fragrant spice signature to these rolls.
Cold cream cheese: The silky base for the luscious frosting topping.
Powdered sugar: Gives the frosting its sweet, smooth texture.
Reserved strawberry jam: Infuses the frosting with a fruity strawberry twist.
Heavy cream: Whips the frosting to light and fluffy perfection.

How to Make Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Make the Strawberry Filling

Start crafting the soul of these rolls by cooking fresh or frozen strawberries with brown sugar and a splash of lemon juice over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally and mash the berries gently to release their juices and meld the flavors. When the mixture thickens, whisk cornstarch with water and fold it in to create a thick jam-like texture. Continue simmering until the filling is dense and spreadable. For those who want to elevate the flavor, a hint of pure strawberry flavoring makes the filling truly shine. Set aside the filling to cool, reserving two tablespoons for the frosting later.

Step 2: Prepare the Tangzhong

Tangzhong might sound fancy, but it’s simply a cooked mixture of bread flour and water that keeps the rolls incredibly soft and moist. Whisk the flour into water in a small saucepan and cook over medium heat while constantly stirring until you get a smooth paste-like slurry. Let this cool; it will become the secret behind your tender dough.

Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Roll Dough

In your stand mixer bowl, combine the bread flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Stir the cream, milk, egg, and cooled tangzhong into the dry ingredients, then knead on low speed with a dough hook. When the dough ball forms, slowly incorporate softened butter one tablespoon at a time, allowing each to fully blend in. Continue kneading until the dough is smooth, elastic, and just begging to be rolled out. This patient kneading builds the chewy goodness we crave in cinnamon rolls.

Step 4: Prepare the Cinnamon Brown Sugar Filling

While the dough rests, whip together the butter, packed brown sugar, and fragrant ground cinnamon until you have a smooth, spreadable mixture. This filling will form the warm cinnamon layers beneath the strawberry jam, creating the classic roll swirl we adore.

Step 5: Assemble the Rolls

On a lightly floured surface, roll your dough out to a 21 by 15-inch rectangle. Spread the cinnamon brown sugar filling evenly over the entire surface, then layer the cooled strawberry jam filling on top. Using a pizza cutter, slice the dough into twelve strips, each about 1 3/4 inches wide. Roll each strip tightly away from you, and place each roll with the seam side down in a parchment-lined 9×13 baking pan. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and let them rise for 1 to 2 hours until they double in size. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 325°F (162°C).

Step 6: Bake the Rolls

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, until the rolls are golden and the center roll reaches 185°F internally. That warm, berry-spiced aroma filling your kitchen will be irresistible.

Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the rolls bake, whip together cold cream cheese and softened butter until perfectly smooth and lump-free. Add powdered sugar and beat on low speed until the frosting becomes light and fluffy. Finish by mixing in the heavy cream and the reserved strawberry jam, creating a frosting that’s fruity, creamy, and totally luscious.

How to Serve Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

A white round plate holds a single cinnamon roll with three visible layers: a soft light brown dough spiral in the center, a thick layer of light pink frosting on top, and a spread of shiny red strawberry jam on one torn edge. A fresh half strawberry with green leaves sits next to the roll on the plate. In the background, there is a white baking tray with similar cinnamon rolls topped with the pink frosting, a small glass jar filled halfway with red jam, and a soft pink cloth underneath. The scene rests on a white marbled surface with a rustic wooden board partially visible under the plate photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

When serving your strawberry cinnamon rolls, a few simple garnishes can elevate the experience. Sprinkle freshly chopped strawberries over the frosted rolls to bring fresh texture and a pop of color, or dust lightly with a little powdered sugar for a delicate finish. For a fresh herbal note, small mint leaves nestled beside each roll make an elegant touch.

Side Dishes

These rolls are a glorious centerpiece on their own, but if you want to build out a meal, consider pairing them with a lightly whipped yogurt parfait topped with granola and fresh berries, or a fruity breakfast salad that highlights citrus and kiwi. For drinks, a cup of rich coffee or a fruity iced tea complements the sweet and spiced flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Think outside the box by turning your Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe into mini roll-ups for party platters, or stack two rolls and serve them with extra frosting drizzled on top for a decadent brunch centerpiece. Wrapping individual rolls in parchment and tying them with twine makes a charming gift or thoughtful hostess treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To maintain freshness and moisture, adding a small piece of bread inside the container helps prevent the rolls from drying out.

Freezing

These strawberry cinnamon rolls freeze beautifully! Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil or place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To enjoy your rolls warm and gooey, reheat them in the oven at 325°F for 10 to 15 minutes or microwave gently for 20 to 30 seconds. If you like, thawed rolls reheated this way will taste almost as fresh-baked as the first time.

FAQs

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen in the filling?

Absolutely! Fresh strawberries can be used and will provide a lovely bright flavor. Just be sure to cook them until soft and juicy so that the cornstarch thickens the filling properly.

What is tangzhong, and why is it important here?

Tangzhong is a cooked flour and water paste that improves dough softness and keeps your rolls fluffy and moist for longer. It’s a fantastic trick in many Asian-style baked goods and really elevates this cinnamon roll recipe.

Can I make the dough by hand without a stand mixer?

Yes, you can! It will require a bit more elbow grease to knead the dough by hand, approximately 15 to 20 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic. Be patient—the effort pays off with beautiful texture.

Is it necessary to add the strawberry flavoring in the filling?

Not at all. The flavoring is optional and just boosts the strawberry aroma. The fresh or frozen strawberries alone provide plenty of natural flavor.

How long should I let the rolls rise before baking?

The rolls benefit from a 1 to 2-hour rise or until they double in size. A warmer spot speeds the proofing, but be careful not to rush it too much or the dough might overproof and collapse.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so wonderfully satisfying about making and sharing Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe with people you love. The tender dough, sweet cinnamon-spiced layers, and vibrant strawberry filling all wrapped up in a fluffy swirl and topped with luscious frosting make for an unforgettable treat. Whether it’s a weekend breakfast, special occasion, or simply a way to brighten your day, these rolls promise smiles and happy hearts. Don’t wait—whip up a batch and let the baking magic fill your home!

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