Homemade Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze

If you’ve been dreaming of a sweet, fluffy breakfast or dessert that combines the warmth of cinnamon with the fresh burst of strawberries, you’re in the right place. These Homemade Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze are soft, fragrant, and decadently topped with a creamy glaze that melts into every swirl. It’s the perfect treat for mornings, brunches, or any time you want to spoil yourself with something delightfully homemade and irresistibly delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fresh Strawberry Flavor: Real strawberries add a juicy sweetness that brightens every bite.
• Soft, Fluffy Dough: The yeast dough rises beautifully, creating melt-in-your-mouth rolls.
• Rich Cream Cheese Glaze: A smooth, tangy topping that blends perfectly with cinnamon and berries.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or even special celebrations.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Easy to prepare in advance for busy mornings or last-minute gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This delicious recipe calls for simple, fresh ingredients that work harmoniously. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the ideal balance of softness, sweetness, and flavor that makes these cinnamon rolls a standout.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the perfect structure while keeping the rolls soft and tender.
• Active Dry Yeast: Essential for that airy, fluffy rise that cinnamon rolls need.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps activate the yeast.
• Butter: Adds richness and enhances the tender crumb of the dough.
• Fresh Strawberries: Chopped small for juicy bursts of natural flavor inside each roll.
• Cinnamon: Classic warming spice that pairs perfectly with sweet strawberries.
• Cream Cheese: Soft and tangy, it’s the key to a luscious glaze topping.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the glaze for a glossy finish.
• Milk or Cream: Helps achieve the perfect glaze consistency and tender dough.
• Eggs: Give the dough a soft texture and slight richness.

Variations for Homemade Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable! Whether you want to tweak the flavor, swap ingredients for dietary needs, or just get creative, these variations make it easy to customize your rolls exactly how you like them.

• Blueberry Swap: Replace strawberries with fresh blueberries for a different fruity twist.
• Vegan Version: Use plant-based butter, a flaxseed egg substitute, and vegan cream cheese.
• Nutty Addition: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for extra crunch.
• Spiced Up: Incorporate a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for a deeper spice flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these rolls delicious for sensitive tummies.

How to Make Homemade Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by warming your milk until it’s just lukewarm, then sprinkle in the active dry yeast along with a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and softened butter. Add the eggs and yeast mixture, mixing until a sticky dough forms. Knead for about 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover with a damp cloth and allow it to rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Strawberry Filling

Wash and chop fresh strawberries into small pieces. Toss them gently with sugar and cinnamon, allowing the flavors to meld while the dough rises. This mixture will provide sweet and tangy pockets in every roll.

Step 3: Roll and Fill

Once your dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle about 12×16 inches. Spread softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the strawberry-cinnamon mix over the surface. Starting from the longer edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log.

Step 4: Cut and Arrange

Cut the rolled dough into even slices, typically about 1.5 inches thick, using a sharp knife or dental floss for clean edges. Arrange the rolls cut-side up in a greased baking pan, giving them a little room to expand.

Step 5: Second Rise and Bake

Cover the pan and let the rolls rise for another 30 to 45 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown and puffed. Watch closely toward the end to avoid over-baking.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze

While the rolls bake, prepare the glaze by beating softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and a splash of milk until smooth and creamy. Once the rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled, drizzle or spread the glaze generously over the top.

Pro Tips for Making Homemade Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps your dough come together more smoothly and rises better.
• Don’t Overfill: Keep the strawberry filling balanced so rolls bake evenly without sogginess.
• Roll Tightly: Rolling the dough snugly helps create more defined swirls and prevents filling from leaking.
• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer for accurate baking to avoid dry or undercooked rolls.
• Glaze While Warm: Adding the cream cheese glaze when rolls are warm ensures it melts into every crevice wonderfully.

How to Serve Homemade Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze

Garnishes

Enhance your rolls by adding fresh strawberry slices, a sprinkle of finely chopped mint, or a light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving for extra visual appeal and flavor.

Side Dishes

Pair these cinnamon rolls with a cup of hot coffee or a fruity green tea to complement the sweetness. Fresh fruit salad or a light yogurt bowl also makes a refreshing side that balances the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the rolls in a rustic wooden board for brunch, individual small plates for a morning treat, or stacked in a decorative cake stand for celebrations. A drizzle of melted white chocolate or a sprinkle of toasted coconut can also elevate presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain freshness. For longer storage, refrigeration is recommended.

Freezing

Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. They freeze well for up to 2 months and thaw best overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or in a low oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes to restore softness and bring back that just-baked aroma.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes, but be sure to thaw and drain frozen strawberries thoroughly to avoid excess moisture that can make the rolls soggy.

How long does the dough need to rise?

The first rise typically takes 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled, and the second rise after shaping is about 30 to 45 minutes for soft, fluffy rolls.

Can I prepare the rolls the night before baking?

Absolutely! After shaping the rolls, cover and refrigerate overnight. Bake the next morning after allowing them to come to room temperature and rise slightly.

Is it possible to make these rolls dairy-free?

Yes, substitute dairy butter with plant-based alternatives and use vegan cream cheese in the glaze for a fully dairy-free version.

What’s the best way to store leftover cream cheese glaze?

Store leftover glaze in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and stir before using again.

Final Thoughts

Nothing beats the comfort of warm, fragrant Homemade Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze fresh from your kitchen. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with loved ones, this recipe promises smiles, compliments, and delicious satisfaction every time. Dive in and enjoy the magic of homemade sweetness today!

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