Fluffy Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls

Featured in Snacks That Bring People Together.

Fluffy strawberry-packed cinnamon rolls with a layer of strawberry cream cheese frosting. Ready in 95 minutes including rise time. Yields 12 rolls, perfect for brunch or an indulgent breakfast.
Rose
Updated on Tue, 04 Mar 2025 19:36:42 GMT
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Golden brown strawberry cinnamon rolls | tastybysophie.com

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

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Homemade Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls | tastybysophie.com

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ 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.

Prep Time
25 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
50 Minutes

Category: Party & Snacks

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (12 rolls)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Dough

01 1 egg
02 1/4 cup sugar
03 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 Zest of one lemon
05 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
06 1 package instant yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
07 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick/4 oz)
08 3/4 cup of milk

→ Filling

09 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon (optional)
10 1/2 batch homemade strawberry compote

→ Frosting

11 Around 1 1/2 to 2 cups of powdered sugar
12 4 oz cream cheese
13 2 tablespoons butter, softened
14 2 tablespoons strawberry compote
15 A splash of milk or heavy cream if needed

Instructions

Step 01

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.

Step 02

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.

Step 03

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.

Step 04

Cover the dough with something damp, like a wet towel, for a quick 10-minute break.

Step 05

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.

Step 06

Use a pizza cutter to divide the dough into 12 strips. Roll each strip up and pop them into a baking pan.

Step 07

Cover the pan and let the rolls sit in a cozy place for about 45 minutes until they double in size.

Step 08

Get them in the oven at 350°F and bake for 23 to 25 minutes until they're golden-brown perfection.

Step 09

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.

Step 10

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

  1. Cinnamon is optional, but it adds a cozy spice if you use it!
  2. You can play with the sweetness of the frosting by adjusting the powdered sugar levels to your liking.

Tools You'll Need

  • 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

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (milk, butter, cream cheese)
  • Eggs
  • Wheat (flour)