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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Prepare Brown Sugar Cinnamon Filling: In a large bowl, combine butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- Bake Rolls: Bake rolls for 30-40 minutes or until the center roll registers 185°F internally.
- 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.
- 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