Description
Delight in these Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Lemon Cream Cheese Glaze, a sweet and fluffy treat perfect for breakfast or dessert. Soft dough is rolled with luscious strawberry pie filling and cinnamon sugar, then baked to golden perfection and topped with a tangy lemon-infused cream cheese glaze. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, these rolls are sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
Dough
- 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)
Filling
- 1 (21-ounce) can strawberry pie filling
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon granulated sugar
Glaze
- 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)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine ¾ cup milk and ⅓ cup softened unsalted butter. Stir until the butter has melted, then remove from heat and let cool to lukewarm temperature.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl or stand mixer bowl, whisk 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons instant yeast, ¼ cup granulated sugar, and ½ teaspoon salt to mix well.
- Add wet ingredients: Add 1 large egg and ¼ cup water to the dry mixture. Using a stand mixer with a dough hook, mix to combine.
- Add milk mixture and flour: Slowly add the lukewarm milk and butter mixture along with 1 cup all-purpose flour to the dough, mixing until combined.
- Knead the dough: Knead on medium speed for 6-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and pulls away from the bowl’s sides. If sticky, add 1-2 tablespoons flour and knead 2-3 more minutes. Alternatively, knead by hand on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth.
- Rest the dough: Form the dough into a ball, place it in the bowl, and let it rest for about 10 minutes.
- Roll out dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 9 x 15-inch rectangle about ¼ to ½ inch thick.
- Spread filling: Evenly spread the 21-ounce can of strawberry pie filling over the dough.
- Sprinkle cinnamon sugar: Mix 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon with ½ teaspoon granulated sugar and sprinkle evenly over the strawberry filling.
- Roll up dough: From the 15-inch side, roll the dough into a tight log, pinching the seams to seal. Lift and place the rolled side on top of the filling before pulling back to keep filling from squeezing out.
- Slice rolls: Use a sharp knife to cut the roll into 12 even rolls, wiping the knife clean between each cut for neat slices.
- Let rolls rise: Place rolls in a greased 9 x 13 x 2-inch baking pan, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes.
- Preheat and bake: Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake rolls for 30 minutes or until the tops are just golden brown.
- Prepare glaze: In a medium bowl, beat 4 ounces softened cream cheese and 3 tablespoons softened salted butter until smooth. Gradually add 1 cup powdered sugar until incorporated. Mix in 3 tablespoons half & half, 2 teaspoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon lemon zest, and 2 tablespoons powdered freeze-dried strawberries until smooth.
- Glaze rolls: After baking, let rolls cool for about 10 minutes, then spread the lemon cream cheese glaze evenly over the warm rolls.
Notes
- If the dough is too sticky, add flour gradually but avoid adding too much to keep rolls tender.
- Use a sharp serrated knife for clean cuts and wiping it between slices prevents sticking.
- Let rolls rest slightly before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting off.
- Freeze-dried strawberries add vibrant color and flavor without extra moisture.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives and use a suitable milk alternative.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American