Fresh Strawberry Rolls are a fun and tasty treat! They wrap sweet strawberries in a soft dough, making them a perfect snack for any time of day. Who can resist that delightful red filling?
I love these rolls because they look and taste amazing! They’re great to share at a picnic or just to enjoy on the couch while watching a movie. Plus, they are super easy to make! 🍓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose Flour: It’s the foundation of the dough. If you prefer whole grain, you can use whole wheat flour, but the texture will be denser. You might want to add 1-2 tablespoons of water if the dough feels too dry.
Fresh Strawberries: These are essential for the filling. If you can’t find fresh strawberries, frozen ones work too. Just thaw and drain the excess moisture before mixing them with sugar and cornstarch.
Cornstarch: This thickens the strawberry filling. If you don’t have cornstarch, you can swap it for all-purpose flour, but use a bit more—about 1.5 tablespoons will do.
Cream Cheese: For frosting, softened cream cheese gives a creamy texture and slight tang. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you could use Greek yogurt, but it will change the flavor slightly. You could also use ricotta for a different creaminess.
How Do I Knead the Dough Properly?
Kneading is crucial for developing the gluten, which gives the rolls their structure. Here’s how to do it right:
- Turn your dough onto a lightly floured surface.
- Push the dough away from you using the heel of your hand.
- Fold it back toward you and give it a quarter turn.
- Repeat this process for about 5-7 minutes. The dough should become smooth and elastic.
If the dough sticks to your hands, sprinkle a little flour on it, but try to keep it to a minimum to avoid a dry dough. A good dough should bounce back when gently pressed.
How to Make Fresh Strawberry Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup milk, warm (about 110°F or 43°C)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
For the Strawberry Filling:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare, 1 hour for the dough to rise, 30 minutes for the second rise, and 25-30 minutes for baking. Overall, you should plan for about 2-3 hours to enjoy these delicious fresh strawberry rolls!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
Begin by collecting your ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, granulated sugar, active dry yeast, and salt. In another bowl, mix the warm milk, melted butter, and eggs together. Pour this liquid mixture into the dry ingredients and stir well until everything is combined. Then, slowly add the remaining flour, ½ cup at a time, until you form a soft dough.
2. Knead the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes. You’re looking for a smooth and elastic texture. Once ready, place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour—just until it has doubled in size.
3. Make the Strawberry Filling:
While the dough is rising, prepare the strawberry filling. In a medium bowl, mix together the sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Let this mixture sit for about 15 minutes so the strawberries can macerate and soften.
4. Roll Out the Dough:
After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air, and then roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle that’s about ¼ inch thick. This will be where you spread your delicious strawberry mixture!
5. Assemble the Rolls:
Spread the strawberry filling evenly over the rolled dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Start rolling the dough tightly from the long side to create a log shape. Once rolled, slice the log into 12 equal pieces.
6. Second Rise:
Place your rolls in a greased baking dish, cover them with a towel again, and let them rise for about 30 minutes. You’ll notice they will puff up a bit more during this time.
7. Bake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once preheated, pop the rolls into the oven and bake them for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
8. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
While the rolls are baking, make the cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing everything together until it’s creamy and well-combined.
9. Finish:
Once your rolls are beautifully baked, take them out of the oven and let them cool slightly. Drizzle the cream cheese frosting over the top while they are still warm for a delicious finish.
10. Serve:
These fresh strawberry rolls are best enjoyed warm! Serve them up, and if you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of days. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries for the Filling?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before mixing with the sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. This helps avoid excess moisture that can make the filling too runny.
How Can I Make the Dough Rise Faster?
If you’re short on time, try placing the covered dough in a warm, draft-free area, like an oven preheated to the lowest setting for a few minutes. Turn the oven off and let the dough rise until doubled in size! This usually takes about 30-40 minutes.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Rolls?
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want them to last longer, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.
Can I Substitute Whole Wheat Flour for All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for up to half of the all-purpose flour. Keep in mind that whole wheat flour will make the rolls denser, so you may need to add a bit more liquid to maintain the dough’s consistency. Aim for about 1-2 extra tablespoons of milk if the dough feels too dry.
