Name: Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3½ cups all-purpose flour; ⅓ cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons instant yeast; ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt; ½ cup whole milk, room temperature; 1 large egg, room temperature; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ¼ cup all-purpose flour (for Tangzhong); ¾ cup water (for Tangzhong); 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened; 3 cups fresh or frozen strawberries, chopped; 3 tablespoons brown sugar, packed; 2 teaspoons lemon juice; 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon cornstarch; 2 tablespoons water; 1 ounce cream cheese, room temperature; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1–2 tablespoons reserved strawberry filling; 1 tablespoon whole milk

Jump to Recipe

Strawberry cinnamon rolls are a sweet, fruity twist on the classic breakfast pastry that take indulgence to a whole new level. Soft, fluffy dough spiraled with a gooey cinnamon-sugar filling and luscious strawberry compote, then topped with a creamy glaze, these rolls are a show-stopping treat perfect for weekend brunches, special occasions, or just because. The fresh burst of strawberry flavor adds a refreshing brightness to the warm, comforting cinnamon, creating a balance of sweetness and spice that’s irresistible.

Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls, this version uses strawberry jam or fresh strawberry sauce as part of the filling, which caramelizes in the oven and seeps into every layer of the dough. The result? Rolls that are tender, juicy, and perfectly sticky. Whether you’re baking them for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, or a lazy Sunday morning, these strawberry cinnamon rolls will make your kitchen smell heavenly—and they’re as beautiful as they are delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh and Fruity Twist – Strawberries bring a vibrant and tangy contrast to the classic cinnamon filling.
Perfectly Soft and Gooey – The enriched dough bakes up fluffy with just the right amount of sticky-sweet filling.
Impressive Yet Easy – Looks bakery-worthy but simple enough for home bakers with a bit of patience.
Customizable – Use fresh or frozen strawberries, add cream cheese to the glaze, or top with nuts.
Make Ahead Friendly – Prep the night before and bake fresh in the morning for ultimate convenience.

Ingredients

All-purpose flour
Granulated sugar
Salt
Active dry yeast
Whole milk
Unsalted butter
Eggs
Strawberries (fresh or frozen)
Brown sugar
Ground cinnamon
Cornstarch (for thickening the strawberry filling)
Vanilla extract
Cream cheese or powdered sugar (for the glaze)

Variations

Cream Cheese Frosting: Swap the simple glaze for a tangy cream cheese frosting for an extra decadent topping.
Use Strawberry Jam: No fresh strawberries? Use a good-quality jam or preserves instead of making a filling from scratch.
Add White Chocolate: Sprinkle white chocolate chips over the filling before rolling for a strawberries-and-cream twist.
Lemon Zest Glaze: Add lemon zest to the glaze for a bright citrus contrast.
Vegan Option: Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and egg replacers for a fully vegan version.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Make the Dough

Warm the milk and dissolve yeast with a bit of sugar. Let sit until foamy. Add melted butter, eggs, sugar, salt, and flour. Mix and knead until a soft, elastic dough forms. Cover and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

Step 2: Make the Strawberry Filling

In a saucepan, cook chopped strawberries with sugar and a bit of cornstarch until thickened. Let cool to room temperature. Alternatively, use strawberry jam for a shortcut.

Step 3: Roll and Fill

Roll out the dough into a rectangle. Spread softened butter over the surface, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, and then spread the strawberry filling evenly on top.

Step 4: Roll and Slice

Starting from the long side, roll the dough into a log. Slice into even rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss. Place in a greased baking dish.

Step 5: Second Rise

Cover and let the rolls rise again until puffy, about 30–45 minutes.

Step 6: Bake

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 7: Glaze

While the rolls bake, prepare the glaze with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla (or cream cheese, if using). Drizzle over warm rolls and serve immediately.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensures even mixing and a smooth dough.
Don’t Overfill: Too much strawberry filling can cause leaks while baking.
Grease the Pan Well: The sugar and fruit can stick—greasing helps prevent burning or tearing.
Use Dental Floss to Slice Rolls: Keeps the layers intact and prevents flattening the dough.
Let Them Cool Slightly: Wait a few minutes before glazing so it doesn’t melt off completely.

How to Serve

Serve warm out of the oven with a generous drizzle of glaze.
Pair with coffee or tea for a comforting breakfast or brunch.
Add a side of fresh strawberries or whipped cream for a fancy touch.
Top with chopped nuts or extra fruit compote for added texture.
Great as a brunch centerpiece or dessert for special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat before serving for best texture.

Freezing

Freeze unbaked rolls after shaping, tightly wrapped, for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then let rise before baking. Baked rolls can also be frozen for later.

Reheating

Reheat in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10–15 minutes to restore warmth and softness.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, thaw them first and drain excess liquid before cooking down into a filling.

2. What’s the best flour to use?

All-purpose flour works great. Bread flour can also be used for slightly chewier rolls.

3. Can I make these overnight?

Yes, prepare the rolls up to the second rise, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temp before baking.

4. Can I skip the cinnamon?

Yes, but the cinnamon adds warmth. You can reduce the amount or leave it out for a more fruit-forward roll.

5. Can I use store-bought dough?

For a quick version, yes—store-bought pizza or crescent dough works in a pinch.

6. How do I know when the rolls are done baking?

They should be golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.

7. Is cream cheese necessary for the glaze?

No, you can use a simple powdered sugar glaze instead. Cream cheese just adds richness.

8. Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Use a larger pan or divide between two pans for a bigger batch.

9. Can I make them without a stand mixer?

Absolutely. You can knead the dough by hand—just be patient and knead until smooth and elastic.

10. Are these good cold?

They’re best warm, but still tasty cold. Reheat briefly for the gooey texture to return.

Conclusion

Strawberry cinnamon rolls take everything you love about traditional cinnamon rolls and elevate it with a sweet, juicy twist. They’re beautiful, flavorful, and make any breakfast or brunch feel like a celebration. Whether you’re making them for a holiday, a loved one, or just to treat yourself, these rolls are bound to impress. With their soft dough, fruity filling, and dreamy glaze, one bite is all it takes to fall in love. Give them a try—you’ll be glad you did.