Name: Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Strawberry Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 3 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 260 ml (1 cup) warm milk; 10 g (1 tbsp) instant dry yeast; 540 g (4 ¼ cups) all-purpose flour; 65 g (⅓ cup) granulated sugar; 1 tsp salt; 1 large egg, room temperature; 80 g (⅓ cup) unsalted butter, very soft; 250 g (1 ¾ cups) fresh or frozen strawberries; 50 g (¼ cup) granulated sugar (for filling); Juice of half a lemon; 100 g (½ cup) cream cheese, softened (Philadelphia recommended); 40 g (3 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened (for glaze); 60 g (½ cup) powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 tbsp strawberry puree, cold (from the filling)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 27 reviews

If you are craving a delightful twist on a classic treat, this Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Strawberry Glaze Recipe is exactly what you need to bring sunshine and sweetness to your kitchen. Imagine soft, fluffy rolls bursting with fruity strawberry goodness in every bite, all swirled with just the right amount of cinnamon and topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze infused with fresh strawberry puree. This recipe effortlessly combines the comforting warmth of cinnamon rolls with the refreshing brightness of strawberries, creating an irresistible dessert or breakfast that will quickly become a favorite in your home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl holds a smooth, creamy pink mousse with small red specks mixed evenly throughout. The mousse is swirled in a circular pattern, creating soft peaks and valleys on the surface. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, and the texture of the mousse looks light and fluffy. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this recipe is simple and easy to find, yet each plays a vital role in giving these strawberry cinnamon rolls their perfect texture, flavor, and color. From the lightly sweetened dough to the vibrant strawberry filling and creamy glaze, every element harmonizes to create something extraordinary.

Warm milk (260 ml / 1 cup): Activates the yeast and helps create tender, soft dough.
Instant dry yeast (10 g / 1 tbsp): The magic behind the fluffy rise.
All-purpose flour (540 g / 4 ¼ cups): Provides structure and the perfect chewiness.
Granulated sugar (65 g / ⅓ cup): Sweetens the dough just right without overpowering.
Salt (1 tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Large egg (1, room temperature): Adds richness and helps tenderize the dough.
Unsalted butter (80 g / ⅓ cup, very soft): Gives the dough softness and buttery flavor.
Fresh or frozen strawberries (250 g / 1 ¾ cups): The fruity heart of the filling, bursting with natural sweetness.
Granulated sugar for filling (50 g / ¼ cup): Sweetens and helps thicken the strawberry filling.
Lemon juice (from half a lemon): Adds brightness and balances out the sweetness in the filling.
Cream cheese (100 g / ½ cup, softened): For a rich and tangy glaze that pairs beautifully with strawberries.
Unsalted butter for glaze (40 g / 3 tbsp, softened): Adds silkiness to the cream cheese glaze.
Powdered sugar (60 g / ½ cup): Sweetens and thickens the glaze to perfection.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Adds warmth and depth to the glaze.
Strawberry puree (2 tbsp, cold): Bright pink hue and intense strawberry flavor in the glaze.

How to Make Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Strawberry Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Filling

Start by placing the fresh or frozen strawberries into a saucepan along with the fresh lemon juice and a bit of granulated sugar. As it gently cooks over medium heat, the strawberries break down and the mixture thickens into a luscious jam-like consistency. Blending it until smooth transforms it into a velvety puree that will melt beautifully into the cinnamon rolls. Don’t forget to chill this filling so it’s ready to spread later.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, mix together the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast until combined. Adding warm milk, soft butter, and the egg creates an irresistible dough base that’s soft, elastic, and lightly sticky. Kneading properly until it pulls away from the sides and then letting it rise in a warm spot for about two hours ensures that perfect airy texture you’re after.

Step 3: Roll and Fill

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the risen dough into a 40×30 cm rectangle. Spread your chilled strawberry filling evenly, careful to leave a border along one edge to seal the roll nicely. Rolling it tightly from the opposite edge ensures even spirals of strawberry in every slice. Cutting through the roll with a sharp knife or dental floss gives you 12 perfectly shaped rolls ready to rise again.

Step 4: Second Rise and Bake

Arrange the cut rolls spaced a little apart in a greased baking dish and cover them, letting them rise until puffy—this usually takes between 30 minutes and an hour. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to a comforting 180°C (350°F). Baking for around 20-25 minutes brings out that irresistible golden top, soft crumb, and makes your kitchen smell like pure bliss.

Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Strawberry Glaze

While the rolls cool slightly, combine softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a couple tablespoons of the cold strawberry puree in a bowl. Whipping them together until smooth and light pink gives you a glaze that is creamy, tangy, and bursting with strawberry flavor. Adjust the sweetness or thickness to your taste for that perfect drizzle.

Step 6: Glaze and Serve

Spread the glaze generously over the warm rolls, letting it seep into those beautiful swirls and soft nooks. The slight warmth of the rolls gently melts the glaze, creating a dreamy, sticky coating that will have everyone reaching for seconds immediately.

How to Serve Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Strawberry Glaze Recipe

A white square baking dish holds twelve golden brown cinnamon rolls arranged in three rows of four. Each roll has a visible spiral layer of reddish jam inside, contrasting with the soft, fluffy dough that is lightly browned on top. The jam layers look shiny and sticky, while the dough appears smooth and soft with slight cracks on edges. The baking dish rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra touch of freshness and visual appeal, sprinkle a few thinly sliced strawberries on top of the glazed rolls. A few mint leaves can add a lovely green contrast and a subtle herbaceous note that complements the sweetness. If you want some crunch, lightly toasted chopped pecans or almonds scattered over the glaze add a delightful texture contrast.

Side Dishes

These strawberry cinnamon rolls are fantastic on their own but pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a creamy latte for breakfast. For brunch, consider serving with fresh fruit salad or a dollop of whipped cream to amplify those fruity flavors. If you’re feeling indulgent, a scoop of vanilla ice cream turns this treat into a dessert that will wow your guests.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the rolls in individual ramekins or muffin tins for charming single servings. You can also layer a few rolls in a pretty glass dish, allowing the glaze to drizzle down the sides for a rustic yet elegant look. For a fun family gathering, arrange the rolls around a bowl of extra glaze or fresh berries to encourage everyone to customize their treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover rolls, keep them covered at room temperature for up to 2 days once glazed. To maintain freshness longer, store unglazed rolls in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, tightly covered to keep the dough from drying out.

Freezing

These strawberry cinnamon rolls freeze beautifully! Freeze the unbaked rolls after shaping on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. You can also freeze baked rolls without the glaze; thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat and glaze just before serving.

Reheating

Reheat leftover rolls in a warm oven at 160°C (320°F) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. For a quick warm-up, microwaving for 20-30 seconds works perfectly and helps the glaze soften all over again, making each bite just like fresh from the oven.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for the filling?

Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work just as well as fresh. Just make sure to thaw them before cooking down the filling and drain excess liquid if necessary to avoid a runny filling.

Is it necessary to let the dough rise twice?

Yes, the two rises are key for soft, fluffy rolls with a light texture. The first rise develops the dough’s structure, and the second makes the rolls extra tender and puffy before baking.

Can I make these rolls vegan?

To make a vegan version, substitute the milk with a plant-based milk, use vegan butter, and replace the egg with a flaxseed or chia seed egg. For the glaze, use vegan cream cheese and butter alternatives.

What can I substitute for instant dry yeast?

If you don’t have instant yeast, active dry yeast will work too. Just dissolve it in warm milk first and let it bloom for 5-10 minutes before adding to your dry ingredients.

How do I get the glaze just the right consistency?

The glaze should be thick enough to hold its shape but spreadable. If it’s too runny, add more powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time; if too thick, add a drop of milk or strawberry puree until it loosens up nicely.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Strawberry Glaze Recipe is a true celebration of flavors and textures that’s bound to brighten any morning or dessert table. The combination of sweet strawberries and warm cinnamon swirls covered in a tangy glaze is pure magic. I can’t wait for you to try making these at home and experience the joy of sharing a batch of warm, homemade rolls with your loved ones. Trust me, these will become a go-to recipe you’ll revisit again and again!