If you love classic cinnamon rolls but want something fruity and fresh, these Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect treat! Soft, fluffy rolls filled with a sweet strawberry filling, swirled with cinnamon, and topped with a luscious glaze. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert, and they bring a fun twist to the traditional cinnamon roll. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, these rolls are sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls

• Sweet & Fruity: The combination of strawberries and cinnamon creates a unique and delicious flavor.
• Soft & Fluffy: These rolls are perfectly tender and fluffy, just like classic cinnamon rolls.
• Perfect for Any Time of Day: Enjoy these rolls for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack.
• Simple to Make: Using basic ingredients, these rolls come together with minimal effort.
• Great for Sharing: These rolls are perfect for sharing with friends, family, or enjoying all on your own!

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 3 ½ cups (420g / 0.92 lb) all-purpose flour
• 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
• ¼ cup (50g / 0.11 lb) granulated sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup (180ml) milk, warmed
• ¼ cup (60ml) water, warmed
• ¼ cup (60g / 0.13 lb) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg

For the Strawberry Filling

• 1 ½ cups (225g / 0.5 lb) fresh strawberries, diced
• ¼ cup (50g / 0.11 lb) granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

For the Glaze

• 1 cup (120g / 0.26 lb) powdered sugar
• 2-3 tbsp milk
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Directions

Step 1: Make the Dough

1. Activate the Yeast:
   In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, water, and 1 tablespoon of the sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
   In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, remaining sugar, and salt.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
   Add the softened butter, egg, and yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
4. Knead the Dough:
   Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. Add more flour if necessary, but the dough should remain slightly sticky.
5. Let It Rise:
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Make the Strawberry Filling

1. Prepare the Filling:
   While the dough is rising, combine the diced strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and cinnamon in a bowl. Stir until the strawberries are coated and set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls

1. Roll Out the Dough:
   Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches.
2. Spread the Filling:
   Evenly spread the strawberry filling over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
3. Roll the Dough:
   Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it.
4. Slice the Rolls:
   Using a sharp knife or dental floss, slice the log into 12 equal pieces.
5. Arrange in a Baking Dish:
   Place the rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, cover, and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, until puffed up.

Step 4: Bake the Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake:
   Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown on top and cooked through.

Step 5: Make the Glaze

1. Mix the Glaze:
   In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk for a thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze.

Step 6: Glaze and Serve

1. Glaze the Rolls:
   Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for about 5 minutes before drizzling the glaze generously over the top.
2. Serve:
   Serve warm and enjoy the sweet, fruity, and perfectly soft strawberry cinnamon rolls!

Notes

• Use Fresh or Frozen Strawberries: If using frozen strawberries, thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before mixing with the sugar and cornstarch.
• Storage Tips: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving.
• Make Ahead: You can assemble the rolls the night before and store them in the fridge. Let them come to room temperature before baking.
• Freezer-Friendly: Freeze unbaked rolls on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge, let rise, and bake as directed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other fruits instead of strawberries?
Absolutely! You can use other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even a mix of berries. Just be sure to adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of the fruit.

Do I have to use cornstarch in the filling?
The cornstarch helps thicken the strawberry filling and prevents it from becoming too runny. If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use flour or omit it, but the filling may be a little looser.

Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes! If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought pizza or crescent roll dough to make this recipe even quicker.

How do I keep the rolls from becoming soggy?
Make sure to drain any excess liquid from the strawberries, especially if using frozen berries. This will help prevent the dough from becoming too wet.

What should I serve with strawberry cinnamon rolls?
These rolls are perfect on their own, but they pair beautifully with a cup of coffee, tea, or even a mimosa for a brunch treat!

Tips and Notes

• My Tip: For an extra burst of flavor, add a tablespoon of lemon zest to the strawberry filling.
• Pro Trick: Use unflavored dental floss to slice the rolls cleanly without squishing the dough. Simply slide the floss under the rolled dough, cross it over the top, and pull to slice.
• Serving Suggestion: Serve these rolls warm, drizzled with glaze, alongside a fresh fruit salad for a perfect brunch spread.

Variations

• Strawberry Cream Cheese Rolls: Spread a thin layer of softened cream cheese on the dough before adding the strawberry filling for an extra creamy twist.
• Mixed Berry Cinnamon Rolls: Use a combination of strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries for a delicious mixed berry version.
• Lemon Glazed Strawberry Rolls: Add lemon juice and zest to the glaze for a bright, citrusy contrast to the sweet rolls.
• Chocolate Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the strawberry filling before rolling up the dough for a decadent, chocolatey twist.
• Healthier Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls: Use whole wheat flour in place of all-purpose flour, and reduce the sugar in the filling for a lighter version.