These strawberry cinnamon rolls are a tasty treat! Soft dough is packed with sweet strawberries and a sprinkle of warm cinnamon, making them perfect for breakfast or a snack!
Honestly, who can resist the combination of strawberries and cinnamon? It’s like having a hug in pastry form! I love serving them warm with a drizzle of icing—so yummy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is your go-to flour for a fluffy dough. If you’re looking to switch things up, you can use bread flour for a chewier texture, or a gluten-free flour blend if you’re gluten-sensitive.
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are perfect for that fruity flavor, but if they’re out of season, strawberry jam works great as a substitute. If you have frozen strawberries, just thaw and puree them.
Brown Sugar: The deep flavor of brown sugar is essential for the filling. You can use white sugar as a substitute, but I recommend adding a tablespoon of molasses to mimic the flavor.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon adds that warm taste we love in cinnamon rolls. If you want a twist, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for extra warmth!
What’s the Best Way to Knead Dough?
Kneading dough is crucial for creating the right texture. It helps develop gluten, giving the rolls that fluffy structure. Here’s a simple way to do it:
- Flour your surface and place your dough in the center.
- Using the heels of your hands, push the dough away from you, then fold it back over itself.
- Rotate the dough a quarter-turn and repeat for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
Always remember that it’s okay to add a little flour while kneading, but only just enough to keep it from sticking. Happy kneading!
How to Make Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 cup strawberries, pureed (or you can use strawberry jam)
For the Strawberry Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp strawberry puree or milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: a few drops of pink food coloring
How Much Time Will You Need?
The total time for this delicious treat is about 2 hours. This includes about 20 minutes of hands-on work and two rising times totaling around 90 minutes. You’ll bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes and then drizzle them with a sweet strawberry glaze. Enjoy the fun of making these rolls!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a large bowl, mix the warm milk, granulated sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it looks frothy and bubbly. Then, add the melted butter and eggs to this mixture, stirring well to combine. Next, start adding the flour and salt gradually, mixing until a dough begins to form.
2. Knead the Dough:
Lightly flour a clean surface and knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Once kneaded, place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour or until it doubles in size.
3. Prepare the Filling:
While the dough rises, you can make the filling. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and strawberry puree (or jam) until well combined. This will create a delicious filling for your rolls!
4. Roll and Fill:
Once your dough has risen, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Punch down the risen dough and turn it onto a floured surface. Roll it out into a rectangle about 16×12 inches. Spread the filling evenly over the dough, making sure to cover it all, then tightly roll it up starting from the long side. Use a sharp knife to cut the rolled dough into 12 equal slices.
5. Second Rise:
Place the sliced rolls in a greased baking dish. Cover them with a clean towel and let them rise again for about 30 minutes until they look puffy and have expanded.
6. Bake:
Once the rolls have risen, pop them in your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until they are golden brown. When they are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly.
7. Make the Glaze:
While the rolls are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, strawberry puree (or milk), vanilla extract, and optional food coloring until the mixture is smooth. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk or puree until you reach the desired consistency.
8. Glaze the Rolls:
Once the rolls are just slightly warm, drizzle the strawberry glaze over the top generously. Serve fresh and enjoy the tasty blend of strawberries and cinnamon!
Enjoy your homemade strawberry cinnamon rolls, perfect for a delightful breakfast or a sweet treat anytime!
Can I Use Different Types of Flour for This Recipe?
Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with bread flour for a chewier texture, or you can use a gluten-free blend if you need a gluten-free option. Just be aware that gluten-free flours may change the texture, and you might need to add a little more liquid.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them fresh for a longer time, you can refrigerate them, where they’ll last about 4-5 days. Just reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to warm them through before serving.
Can I Prepare the Dough in Advance?
Absolutely! You can make the dough the night before. After kneading, place it in a greased bowl, cover it, and refrigerate it instead of letting it rise. In the morning, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling it out and following the recipe from there.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Strawberries?
No problem! You can use frozen strawberries that have been thawed and pureed or even store-bought strawberry jam as a filling. Just ensure that the puree or jam is not too watery, or you can strain it slightly for the best consistency.
