If you’re a fan of cinnamon rolls, get ready to fall in love with these Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls. This recipe combines the irresistible cinnamon filling with the fresh, tangy sweetness of ripe strawberries, creating a unique twist on the classic. Whether you’re serving them for a special breakfast or indulging in an afternoon snack, these rolls are sure to delight your taste buds.

The dough is light and airy, the filling is rich and fragrant, and the glaze adds a touch of sweetness that pulls everything together. In just a few simple steps, you’ll have a batch of homemade rolls that look as good as they taste. If you’ve never tried making cinnamon rolls from scratch, this recipe will guide you through the process, ensuring you get fluffy, delicious results every time.

What Makes These Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Special?

Unique Flavor Combo: The combination of sweet strawberries and cinnamon filling is a deliciously unique twist on the classic cinnamon roll.
Fluffy & Soft Texture: The dough rises beautifully, resulting in a tender, soft bite with every roll.
Homemade Goodness: Made from scratch with fresh ingredients, these rolls are far superior to store-bought varieties.
Perfect for Special Occasions: These strawberry cinnamon rolls are ideal for weekend breakfasts, holiday mornings, or any time you want to impress your guests with a homemade treat.
Easy to Follow Recipe: With clear steps and helpful tips, this recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike.

Ingredient Notes

Active Dry Yeast: This ingredient is crucial for the dough’s rise. Be sure to proof it in warm water before using it to ensure it’s active.
Substitution: Instant yeast can also be used without proofing.
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are key to this recipe, adding a sweet, juicy burst of flavor.
Substitution: Frozen strawberries can be used but should be thawed and drained before adding to the rolls.
Milk: Milk adds richness to the dough, making it soft and tender. Whole milk works best, but 2% or even almond milk can be used.
Cinnamon & Sugar: These two ingredients make up the heart of the cinnamon filling. The combination creates that classic warm, spiced flavor.
Substitution: You can swap in brown sugar for a deeper, molasses-like flavor.
Butter: For a soft, rich dough, butter is essential.
Substitution: Unsalted butter is recommended, but salted butter can work if you omit any additional salt in the dough.
Vanilla Extract: For the glaze and the dough, vanilla adds a sweet aroma and flavor that complements the cinnamon and strawberries.

How To Make Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls

Prepare the Dough:
In a small bowl, activate your yeast by dissolving it in warm water and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy. In a separate bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, warm milk, and melted butter, then mix to form a dough. Knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
Make the Cinnamon Filling:
In a small bowl, combine cinnamon and sugar. Set aside. In another bowl, chop fresh strawberries into small pieces, ensuring they’re uniform in size to spread evenly.
Roll Out the Dough:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 12×18 inches. Spread softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle evenly with the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Add the chopped strawberries on top, pressing them lightly into the dough.
Shape the Rolls:
Starting from the long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Slice it into 12 even rolls and arrange them in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.
Second Rise:
Cover the rolls with a towel and let them rise again for about 30 minutes, allowing them to puff up.
Bake:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. A toothpick should come out clean when inserted into the center of a roll.
Prepare the Glaze:
While the rolls bake, mix powdered sugar and vanilla extract with a tablespoon of milk to form a thick glaze. Drizzle it over the warm rolls once they come out of the oven.
Serve & Enjoy:
Let the rolls cool slightly, then enjoy them warm with a drizzle of glaze. These strawberry cinnamon rolls are perfect for breakfast or as a sweet snack!

Storage Options

Room Temperature: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing: These rolls can be frozen before baking. After assembling, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake, let them thaw in the fridge overnight, then proceed with the second rise and baking as usual.
Reheating Tips: Reheat rolls in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes.

Variations and Substitutions

Add Chocolate Chips: Add a handful of chocolate chips to the cinnamon filling for an extra indulgent treat.
Use Other Berries: Swap strawberries for raspberries or blueberries for a different berry flavor.
Vegan Option: Replace butter with coconut oil and milk with a non-dairy milk such as almond or oat milk.
Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and check that your yeast is gluten-free.
Maple Glaze: Swap out the vanilla glaze for a maple glaze by combining powdered sugar with maple syrup for a unique twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but be sure to thaw and drain them to prevent excess moisture from making the dough soggy.
How do I know when the rolls are done baking?
The rolls should be golden brown on top, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
Can I make these rolls the night before?
Yes, you can prepare the rolls up to the second rise, cover them, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.
Can I freeze the rolls after baking?
Yes, baked rolls can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes.
What can I substitute for butter?
You can use coconut oil or vegetable oil as a substitute for butter in the dough.

Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls: Sweet and Fluffy Perfection

Author: Sofia
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Ingredients

Scale

1 packet active dry yeast
1 cup warm water
1/2 cup milk (whole or almond)
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter (melted)
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 cup cinnamon-sugar mix
1 cup fresh strawberries (chopped)
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Proof yeast in warm water for 5 minutes.
Mix yeast, milk, melted butter, sugar, salt, and flour to form dough. Knead for 5-7 minutes.
Let dough rise for 1-2 hours.
Roll dough out, spread with butter, sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar, and top with chopped strawberries.
Roll into a log and cut into 12 rolls. Let rise for 30 minutes.
Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
Drizzle with glaze and enjoy.

Nutrition

Calories: 350
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 4g