Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls (Printer-friendly)
Soft homemade rolls with fresh strawberry filling and creamy cheese glaze
# What You'll Need:
→ Dough
01 - 4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
03 - 1 cup whole milk, lukewarm
04 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
05 - 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
06 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
07 - 1/2 tsp salt
→ Filling
08 - 1 cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped
09 - 2/3 cup brown sugar, packed
10 - 2 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
11 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
→ Cream Cheese Glaze
12 - 4 oz cream cheese, softened
13 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
14 - 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
15 - 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
16 - 2-3 tbsp milk
# Directions:
01 - Combine lukewarm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon sugar in a large bowl. Let stand for 5 minutes until mixture becomes frothy.
02 - Add remaining sugar, softened butter, eggs, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix thoroughly. Gradually incorporate flour, mixing until a soft, cohesive dough forms.
03 - Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Transfer to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm area for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
04 - While dough rises, combine brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Mix until evenly blended.
05 - Punch down risen dough and roll out on a floured surface to form a 16x12-inch rectangle.
06 - Spread softened butter evenly over the dough surface. Sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar mixture, then distribute chopped strawberries across the top.
07 - Starting from a long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut into 12 equal slices and arrange in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
08 - Cover the dish and let rolls rise for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350°F.
09 - Bake rolls for 23-25 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked through.
10 - While rolls bake, beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk. Continue beating until mixture reaches a creamy, spreadable consistency.
11 - Allow rolls to cool for 10 minutes in the pan. Spread glaze generously over warm rolls and serve immediately.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The fresh strawberries keep the filling from becoming cloyingly sweet like traditional cinnamon rolls
- That cream cheese glaze transforms everything into dessert worthy brunch territory
02 -
- Hot milk will kill your yeast instantly, so always test the temperature on your wrist first
- Chopped strawberries release moisture as they bake, so do not be alarmed if the filling looks a little juicy
03 -
- Use unflavored dental floss to slice the rolls instead of a knife for perfectly clean cuts
- Position your oven rack in the center position so the tops brown evenly without burning