Save
These homemade strawberry cinnamon rolls deliver the perfect combination of tender dough, fresh berries, and warm spices. The pink-tinted cream cheese frosting and pockets of jammy fruit make them an irresistible breakfast treat.
This recipe was developed during peak strawberry season after extensive testing to achieve the ideal balance of fruit and spices.
Key Ingredients
- Fresh Strawberries: Choose ripe, fragrant berries
- Active Dry Yeast: Ensures proper dough rise
- Whole Milk: Creates tender, rich dough
- Unsalted Butter: Provides better flavor control
- Fresh Lemon Zest: Enhances the berry flavor
Essential Techniques
Warm milk to lukewarm temperature
Mix dough just until combined
Allow proper rest periods between steps
Roll dough to even thickness
Apply filling edge to edge except one side
Use sharp blade for clean cuts
Allow adequate space during rise
Bake until golden brown
Save
These rolls evoke memories of childhood strawberry picking and have become a cherished family tradition.
Storage Instructions
Store properly cooled rolls:
Counter: 2 days in airtight container
Refrigerator: Up to 5 days
Freezer: 3 months unfrosted
Cool completely before storing to prevent condensation.
Advance Preparation
For morning baking:
Shape rolls the night before
Cover and refrigerate overnight
Remove 1 hour before baking
Allow to rise until puffy
Seasonal Adaptations
Adapt through the seasons:
Summer: Fresh peach filling
Fall: Spiced apple variation
Winter: Cranberry orange
Spring: Mixed berry blend
Common Solutions
For dough not rising:
Verify yeast freshness
Check milk temperature
Find warmer proofing spot
Serving Options
Complete the meal with:
Freshly brewed coffee
Cold milk
Crispy bacon sides
Fresh fruit garnish
Save
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I prep these ahead of time?
- Yep! Assemble them the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Let them warm up and rise before baking.
- → Is jarred strawberry jam a good substitute for the compote?
- You can use jam, but compote stays in place better. Choose a thick jam to avoid unwanted mess.
- → What should I do if the dough didn’t rise?
- Check that your yeast is active and your milk wasn’t too hot—it should feel just slightly warm to keep the yeast alive.
- → Can these rolls be frozen?
- Absolutely, freeze them before the second rising step. Defrost in the fridge overnight, then let rise before baking.
- → When will I know they’re done cooking?
- Look for a golden-brown top and a firm texture when gently tapped. A clean toothpick means they’re ready.
Strawberry Swirl Bites
Soft, dreamy rolls with a swirl of strawberry filling and creamy frosting—a fruity upgrade to traditional cinnamon rolls.
Ingredients
→ Dough
→ Filling
→ Frosting
Steps
Start by heating your milk until it's bubbling. Pull it off the heat and stir the butter in until it’s melted. Leave it alone till it’s just warm to the touch.
Combine about 2 1/4 cups of the flour with the yeast, sugar, salt, and lemon zest in a big mixing bowl. Pour in the milk blend and add the egg. Stir everything together, and then gradually add more flour, stirring as you go.
Put the dough on a surface dusted with flour and knead for around 5 minutes until it’s nice and smooth (you can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook). Poke it gently—it should bounce back.
Cover the dough with something damp, like a wet towel, for a quick 10-minute break.
Make the dough into a rectangle roughly 12 by 9 inches. Spread on the strawberry compote, and if you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some cinnamon over it.
Use a pizza cutter to divide the dough into 12 strips. Roll each strip up and pop them into a baking pan.
Cover the pan and let the rolls sit in a cozy place for about 45 minutes until they double in size.
Get them in the oven at 350°F and bake for 23 to 25 minutes until they're golden-brown perfection.
Beat the butter and cream cheese together till smooth. Stir in a bit of the strawberry compote, then slowly add powdered sugar till it’s just sweet enough. If it’s too thick, splash in a little milk or cream.
After baking, let the rolls cool for about 10 minutes. Add fresh strawberry slices if that’s your thing, then spread frosting all over. Serve warm!
Notes
- Cinnamon is optional, but it adds a cozy spice if you use it!
- You can play with the sweetness of the frosting by adjusting the powdered sugar levels to your liking.
Required Tools
- Rolling pin
- Pizza cutter or sharp knife
- 9x13 baking pan
- Stand mixer with a dough hook (optional)
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric hand or stand mixer
Allergy Information
Check each ingredient for potential allergens and consult a healthcare professional if needed.
- Dairy (milk, butter, cream cheese)
- Eggs
- Wheat (flour)