Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you’ll absolutely fall head over heels for these delectable Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe. Imagine soft, pillowy rolls bursting with a luscious strawberry filling, all topped off with a creamy, tangy glaze that just melts in your mouth. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’s going to be your new favorite weekend treat or special breakfast indulgence. So grab a cuppa, and let me walk you through making these irresistible rolls step-by-step — I promise they’re fan-freaking-tastic!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe plays a key role in perfecting the flavor and texture. Using fresh or frozen strawberries really makes the filling shine, while the balance of sugars and warm milk helps create that soft, fluffy dough we all crave. Here are some grocery shopping tips to keep in mind as you gather what you need.

• Warm milk: Warm, not hot, to activate the yeast without killing it; I like around 110°F (43°C).
• Instant dry yeast: Quick and reliable—no need to proof it separately, which saves time.
• All-purpose flour: The foundation for the dough—you can sift it for extra lightness if you want.
• Granulated sugar: Balanced sweetness for both dough and filling; adjust slightly if you like less sweet rolls.
• Salt: Just a touch to enhance all the flavors.
• Egg: Adds richness and helps bind the dough for that tender crumb.
• Unsalted butter: For softness in the dough and a buttery glaze; be sure it’s very soft or at room temperature.
• Fresh or frozen strawberries: Either works great; frozen just need a bit more cooking time for the filling.
• Lemon juice: Brightens the strawberry filling and balances the sweetness.
• Cream cheese: I prefer Philadelphia brand for its smooth texture in the glaze.
• Powdered sugar: For a silky, sweet glaze.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the glaze flavor.
• Strawberry puree: Taken from your filling to add a natural fruity color and flavor to the glaze.

Variations

I love how versatile this Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe can be—sometimes I’ll swap out the strawberries for other fruits or tweak the glaze for a different twist. Feel free to make it your own! Below are some of my favorite ways to customize this recipe based on the seasons or your tastes.

• Berry Mix: I’ve often used a mix of raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries for a more complex and juicy filling that keeps things fresh and exciting.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend and keep an eye on dough texture since gluten-free doughs behave differently.
• Vegan Adaptation: Swap butter for a vegan margarine and use a flax egg instead of a chicken egg; the rolls still turn out tender and flavorful.
• Spiced Up: Add a pinch of ground cardamom or nutmeg to the cinnamon in the filling for a warm, spiced flavor that’s perfect for fall mornings.

How to Make Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Make the Strawberry Filling

Start by placing the fresh or frozen strawberries in a saucepan with lemon juice and granulated sugar. I discovered this trick early on: cooking the berries down until they reach a jam-like consistency—about 10 minutes—really intensifies their flavor. Stir occasionally so they don’t stick. Once thickened, blend the mixture until smooth using an immersion blender or food processor. Cover it with plastic wrap directly on the surface to avoid a skin forming and refrigerate until completely cool. This cool filling will spread easily on your dough without making it soggy.

Step 2: Prepare & Rise the Dough

In your stand mixer bowl fitted with a dough hook, mix together all your dry ingredients first—flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. This keeps the yeast separate from the salt before kneading, which is something I learned helps yeast thrive better. Add warm milk, softened butter, and the egg. Knead on medium speed for about 5 to 7 minutes until the dough shines with elasticity and slightly pulls away from the bowl sides. It should be soft but not overly sticky—if it clings to your fingers, knead in a little more flour. Cover it with a clean cloth and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for around 2 hours, until doubled in size.

Step 3: Roll, Fill & Cut

Once your dough has risen, lightly flour your work surface. Roll it out into a large rectangle about 40 x 30 cm (16 x 12 inches). Spread the chilled strawberry filling evenly, leaving a small border on one long edge—this makes rolling easier and seals the edges. Then, starting from the opposite long edge, roll the dough into a tight log. For neat rolls, use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to slice the log into 12 even pieces. Floss might sound weird, but it cuts cleaner without squishing the rolls—trust me, I discovered this tip after battling with squashed edges!

Step 4: Proof & Bake

Arrange the cut rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spacing them just a little apart. Cover with a cloth and let them rise again for 30 to 60 minutes until puffy and nearly doubled. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown and soft to the touch. I always peek around 20 minutes to make sure they aren’t browning too fast—your oven might run hotter than mine!

Step 5: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Glaze

While the rolls cool slightly, whip together your cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and cold strawberry puree in a medium bowl with an electric mixer. I love how smooth and dreamy this glaze turns out—it’s the best part! Adjust the sweetness or thickness by adding more powdered sugar or a splash of milk if needed. The glaze should be creamy with a lovely light pink color that hints at the strawberry flavor inside your rolls.

Step 6: Glaze & Serve

Spread that luscious strawberry cream cheese glaze generously over the warm rolls. The warmth helps the glaze melt just right, seeping into every little crevice and making each bite insanely good. Serve immediately if you can resist—these rolls are at their peak fresh out of the oven, but leftovers are still pretty amazing!

How to Serve Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh strawberries or a tiny dusting of powdered sugar on top—just enough to freshen and elevate the look without overpowering the beautiful glaze. Occasionally, I add finely chopped toasted almonds for some crunch, which pairs surprisingly well with the sweetness.

Side Dishes

A hot cup of coffee or chai tea is my go-to side with these rolls. For a heartier brunch, I like to serve them alongside some scrambled eggs with fresh herbs or a simple green salad with citrus vinaigrette to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve arranged these rolls in a circular pattern on a large platter and drizzled the glaze artistically, adding fresh strawberry halves around the edges as a pretty garnish. For Valentine’s Day, I shaped the rolls into a heart after cutting for a cute presentation—guests loved the personal touch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to keep leftovers tightly covered at room temperature for a day or two—we enjoy them slightly warmed the next morning. If you need to store them longer, wrapping the rolls well and refrigerating them unglazed helps maintain freshness.

Freezing

I’ve had great success freezing both unbaked and baked (unglazed) rolls. For unbaked, freeze after shaping then thaw overnight in the fridge before baking fresh. For baked, freeze cooled rolls, then thaw at room temperature and reheat gently. It’s a lifesaver when you want fresh rolls without the wait!

Reheating

To reheat, I pop them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-8 minutes, covered loosely with foil. Then I spread the cream cheese glaze fresh or drizzle a quick glaze on top. Microwave works in a pinch, but the oven method preserves the fluffy texture best.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe holds a special place in my heart—it’s the perfect blend of fresh fruitiness, soft dough, and that dreamy glaze that makes mornings feel indulgent without being overly complicated. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, these rolls are sure to bring smiles and maybe even a little happy dance. Give this recipe a try next time you want to bake something truly special—you’ll be so glad you did!

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