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Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe


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3.9 from 9 reviews

  • Author: Emma
  • Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Delightfully soft and tender Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls featuring a luscious homemade strawberry filling, rich cinnamon sugar swirl, and topped with a creamy strawberry-infused cream cheese frosting. These rolls combine the classic cinnamon roll experience with a fresh fruity twist, perfect for breakfast or brunch gatherings.


Ingredients

Strawberry Filling

  • 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)

Tangzhong

  • 2/3 cup water
  • 1/4 cup bread flour

Dough

  • 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)

Brown Sugar Cinnamon Filling

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
  • 2/3 cup light brown sugar (packed)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Frosting

  • 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


Instructions

  1. Make the Strawberry Filling: Cook the strawberries, brown sugar, and lemon juice over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Mash the berries as they cook using a potato masher or the back of a wooden spoon. When thickening starts, whisk cornstarch and water together, then stir it into the berries. Continue cooking 2-4 more minutes until the jam is thick and paste-like. Stir in strawberry flavoring if using. Transfer to a bowl and let cool. Reserve 2 tablespoons for the frosting.
  2. Make the Tangzhong: In a small saucepan, whisk together water and bread flour. Cook over medium heat while whisking constantly for 4-5 minutes until it forms a paste-like slurry. Scrape into a bowl and set aside to cool.
  3. Make the Cinnamon Roll Dough: In a stand mixer bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add cream, milk, egg, and tangzhong. Knead on low speed with a dough hook for 2 minutes until a rough dough forms.
  4. Incorporate Butter into Dough: With mixer running low, add softened butter one tablespoon at a time, fully incorporating each before adding more. Continue kneading for 12 minutes until dough is smooth and elastic. Set aside.
  5. Prepare Brown Sugar Cinnamon Filling: In a large bowl, combine butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth.
  6. Roll and Assemble: Line a 9×13 inch metal baking pan with parchment paper. Roll dough on a floured surface into a 21×15 inch rectangle. Spread the brown sugar cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, then spread the strawberry jam filling on top.
  7. Cut and Shape Rolls: Using a pizza cutter, cut dough into twelve 1 3/4-inch strips. Roll each strip away from you into a tight spiral and place into the prepared pan.
  8. Proof Rolls: Cover pan with plastic wrap and let rise for 1-2 hours until doubled in size. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 325°F (162°C).
  9. Bake Rolls: Bake rolls for 30-40 minutes or until the center roll registers 185°F internally.
  10. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: In a stand mixer, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and lump-free. Add powdered sugar and beat on low speed until light and fluffy. Mix in reserved strawberry jam and heavy cream until combined.
  11. Frost and Serve: Once rolls are baked and slightly cooled, spread the strawberry cream cheese frosting generously over the warm rolls. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Measuring flour by weight is recommended for accuracy; 1 cup bread flour typically weighs about 120 grams.
  • Allow all dairy and eggs to come to room temperature for optimal dough texture.
  • Use fresh or frozen strawberries interchangeably for filling; thaw frozen before cooking.
  • Ensure butter is softened, not melted, for effective incorporation in dough and filling.
  • Proofing time can vary based on room temperature—warmer environments speed up rising.
  • Rolling and cutting the dough tightly ensures well-defined spirals with evenly distributed fillings.
  • Let rolls cool slightly before frosting to prevent frosting from melting completely.
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American