Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe

If you adore the classic comfort of cinnamon rolls but crave a bright, fruity twist, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe. I love this recipe because it combines the warm, gooey charm of cinnamon rolls with the fresh, tangy sweetness of strawberries, all topped off with a luscious cream cheese glaze that’s just irresistible. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through every step so your kitchen smells like heaven and your rolls come out picture-perfect every time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work beautifully together to create a dough that’s soft but resilient, a strawberry filling bursting with flavor, and a luscious glaze that ties it all together. Using fresh strawberries makes a big difference, but frozen works in a pinch, especially if you blend them into a puree for the glaze.

• Warm milk: Warming it to about 110°F helps wake up the yeast without killing it—this step is key for a good rise.
• Instant dry yeast: This yeast is my go-to for quick, reliable rising without the hassle of proofing first.
• All-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure—go for a well-sifted, good quality brand.
• Granulated sugar: Used both in the dough and filling for sweetness; make sure it’s fresh for best results.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor—don’t skip it!
• Large egg, room temperature: Helps bind the dough and adds richness—take it out of the fridge ahead of time.
• Unsalted butter (very soft): Incorporates easily into the dough and gives that tender crumb you want.
• Fresh or frozen strawberries: For that luscious filling; fresh if you can get them, frozen if not, just thaw before cooking.
• Granulated sugar (for filling): Sweetens the strawberries as they cook down into jam-like goodness.
• Lemon juice: Adds a subtle tang that brightens the strawberry flavor.
• Cream cheese (softened): For the glaze—Philadelphia brand is a classic choice for smooth texture and flavor.
• Unsalted butter (softened, for glaze): Gives the cream cheese glaze extra silkiness and richness.
• Powdered sugar: Essential for the glaze’s sweetness and smooth consistency.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the glaze.
• Strawberry puree (cold, from the filling): This gives the glaze a gorgeous pink hue and strawberry punch.

Variations

I love customizing this Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe depending on the season and who I’m baking for—it’s easy to swap in flavors or adjust for dietary needs, making it your versatile go-to sweet treat.

• Blueberry or Mixed Berry Filling: Sometimes I use blueberries or a mix of berries instead of strawberries—just cook and puree them the same way for a fresh twist.
• Vegan Version: Replace milk with almond or oat milk, and swap butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives—you’ll want to check your yeast brand for vegan certification.
• Less Sweet Option: Cut down the sugar in the filling or glaze slightly if you prefer a subtler sweetness; the fruit’s natural tartness balances beautifully.
• Extra Cinnamon Kick: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon into the dough or sprinkle on top of the strawberry filling for a classic warmth that complements the fruit.

How to Make Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Make Your Strawberry Filling

Start by placing your strawberries, lemon juice, and sugar into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally and let it cook down for about 10 minutes until you get a thick, jam-like consistency. I discovered this trick when I was making the filling thick enough—not syrupy or watery—which really helps the rolls hold their shape and taste wonderfully fresh. Once done, blend it until smooth, then cover and chill it in the fridge while you work on the dough. Cooling the filling is important so the dough doesn’t get soggy later on.

Step 2: Knead the Dough

In your stand mixer with the dough hook attachment, mix together the dry ingredients first: flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Adding the milk, egg, and softened butter next, knead everything on medium speed for about 5 to 7 minutes. Here’s what I learned: the dough should feel soft and a bit sticky but pull cleanly from the sides of the bowl. Too sticky? Sprinkle a little flour, too dry? Add a splash of milk. Then cover it with a clean cloth and let it rise in a warm spot for about 2 hours until doubled in size.

Step 3: Roll Out and Fill

Once the dough has risen, lightly flour a clean surface and roll it out into a 16 x 12-inch rectangle. Spread your cooled strawberry filling evenly over the dough, leaving a border along one long side so it seals nicely. I gently push the filling so it clings without soaking through. Then, starting from the opposite side, roll it tightly into a log. Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to cut into 12 even rolls—this floss trick is something I picked up to avoid squashing the rolls while slicing.

Step 4: Second Rise and Bake

Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, with just a little space between them. Cover again and let them puff up for 30 minutes to 1 hour—don’t rush this step, it makes a huge difference in fluffiness. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F. Once risen, bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until they’re golden brown on top and soft to the touch. Let them cool slightly before moving on to glazing.

Step 5: Whip Up That Cream Cheese Glaze

This glaze is where the magic happens! Beat together softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and cold strawberry puree until smooth and creamy. Adjust sweetness to your liking by adding more powdered sugar or a splash of milk if it’s too thick. When you spread this over warm rolls, it melts slightly and seeps into every nook—the best part by far!

Step 6: Serve Warm and Enjoy!

Slather your strawberry cream cheese glaze generously over the rolls while they’re still warm. This way, the glaze softens beautifully, making each bite a delightful, sticky, fruity, and creamy experience. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a weekend favorite or holiday staple.

How to Serve Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

I like to add a few fresh strawberry slices or a light sprinkle of chopped pistachios on top of the glaze before serving. It adds a little texture and color contrast, making them look as good as they taste. Sometimes, a tiny dusting of powdered sugar just before serving amps up the bakery look.

Side Dishes

This strawberry cinnamon roll pairs beautifully with a simple cup of coffee or tea for breakfast or brunch. If you’re going all out, a bowl of mixed fresh fruit or a simple green salad with a light citrus vinaigrette balances the sweetness nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes bake these in mini muffin tins to create bite-sized cinnamon roll cups—perfect for parties! Another fun idea is to drizzle extra strawberry glaze in a zigzag pattern on a serving platter or plate each roll individually with a dollop of whipped cream and a strawberry on the side. It really makes your guests feel special!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep leftover rolls unglazed in an airtight container in the fridge; they stay fresh up to five days. If I’ve already glazed them, I store them at room temperature and enjoy within two days since the glaze can get a bit dense in the fridge. Just remember to bring to room temp before serving!

Freezing

Freezing these rolls either before or after baking is a lifesaver. I wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. When I’m ready to enjoy, I thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in the oven. This trick keeps them tasting nearly fresh, and you can bake them straight from the freezer if you let them rise overnight in the fridge first.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop leftover rolls into a 300°F oven for about 10-12 minutes, covered loosely with foil so they don’t dry out. If they’re frozen, I let them thaw first overnight. You can also microwave for 20-30 seconds, but I prefer the oven method for that freshly baked texture and flavor.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites for its balance of rich, sweet, and fresh flavors. I remember making these early on a quiet weekend morning and having my whole family gathered around the kitchen, eyes lighting up with every warm, gooey bite. I hope you enjoy baking and sharing these as much as I do—they’re perfect for brightening up any day or celebration. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll be coming back for seconds!

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