Soft Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Creamy Glaze Recipe

Picture this: the warm, irresistible scent of cinnamon and fresh strawberries swirling through your kitchen, beckoning you closer. As you unwrap these incredibly soft strawberry cinnamon rolls, the creamy glaze glistens like little edible jewels, promising sweet, tangy comfort in every bite. Imagine sinking your teeth into layers of tender dough swirled with luscious strawberry filling—each taste transporting you to a cozy morning with loved ones. Whether it’s a weekend treat or a special brunch surprise, this Soft Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Creamy Glaze Recipe offers a delightful adventure for your senses and your heart.

Why You’ll Love This Soft Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Creamy Glaze Recipe

• Simple, Pantry-Friendly Ingredients: This recipe calls for everyday staples alongside fresh strawberries, making it approachable and satisfying without a complicated shopping list.
• Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether it’s a celebration brunch or a leisurely weekend, these rolls impress with their tender crumb and vibrant flavor.
• Show-Stopping Presentation: The creamy, tangy glaze crowned on golden rolls creates a beautiful finish that looks as incredible as it tastes.
• Easy to Customize: Swap in frozen strawberries or experiment with other berry purées to tailor this treat to your taste buds or seasonal finds.

Why This Soft Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Creamy Glaze Recipe Works

The secret behind these irresistible rolls lies in a blend of time-tested techniques and fresh flavors. First, the warm milk activates the instant dry yeast perfectly, creating a dough that’s both tender and elastic after a kneading session of about 5-7 minutes. Next, letting the dough rise for a full two hours allows it to develop that characteristic fluffy texture. The strawberry filling cooks down to a thick, jammy consistency, expertly balanced with lemon juice for brightness, preventing it from becoming overly sweet or dull. Finally, the luscious cream cheese glaze ties it all together with a velvety, tangy finish, making each bite a symphony of flavors and textures.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is a wonderful balance of simple and fresh—each ingredient plays a key role in crafting those soft, flavorful rolls.

• Warm Milk (1 cup): Activates the yeast and hydrates the dough, making it soft and airy.
• Instant Dry Yeast (2 tablespoons): The essential leavening agent for that perfect rise.
• All-Purpose Flour (4 cups): The sturdy base of your dough, offering structure without heaviness.
• Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup for dough, 1/4 cup for filling): Adds subtle sweetness to the dough and helps caramelize the strawberry filling.
• Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
• Large Egg (1): Adds richness and moisture, helping bind the dough.
• Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, very soft): Ensures tender dough and creamy texture.
• Fresh or Frozen Strawberries (2 cups): The heart of the filling—sweet, juicy, and bursting with flavor.
• Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon): Gives the filling a fresh tang that lifts the sweetness.
• Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened): For a dreamy, rich glaze with just the right amount of tang.
• Powdered Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens and thickens the creamy glaze.
• Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and depth to the icing.
• Cold Strawberry Puree (1/4 cup): Infuses the glaze with fresh, fruity brightness.

Ingredient Substitutions & Tips

• Milk: Swap with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option, just ensure it’s warmed properly for the yeast.
• All-Purpose Flour: Use bread flour for extra chewiness or gluten-free flour blends designed for baking.
• Fresh Strawberries: Frozen works great—just thaw and drain excess liquid to keep the filling from being too wet.
• Cream Cheese: Try mascarpone for a richer, silkier glaze or a dairy-free cream cheese substitute if needed.

How to Make Soft Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Creamy Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Filling

Start by cooking fresh or thawed frozen strawberries with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar and lemon juice over medium heat. Stir constantly to prevent burning, cooking down until the mixture thickens and resembles a jam—about 10 to 12 minutes. Blend it smoothly, then set aside in the fridge to chill thoroughly before spreading.

💡 Pro Tip: Straining the puree catches seeds for an ultra-smooth filling.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In your stand mixer bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup sugar, salt, and instant dry yeast. Adding the warm milk, softened butter, and room-temperature egg, mix and knead using the dough hook attachment for 5 to 7 minutes until your dough is soft, elastic, and no longer sticky.

💡 Pro Tip: If dough sticks on the sides, sprinkle a little flour—but keep it moist enough to stay tender.

Step 3: First Rise

Grease a large bowl and transfer your dough inside. Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, then place it in a warm spot. Allow the magic to happen as the dough rises for 2 full hours until it doubles in size and is soft to the touch.

💡 Pro Tip: A sunny windowsill or inside a warm oven (turned off) works beautifully for proofing.

Step 4: Assemble the Rolls

Gently punch down the risen dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a large rectangle. Spread your chilled strawberry filling evenly over the surface, making sure every bite is generous. Roll the dough tightly into a log, sealing the edges to keep the filling tucked in.

💡 Pro Tip: Use a sharp knife or dental floss to slice rolls into 12 even pieces without squashing designs.

Step 5: Second Rise & Baking

Place the individual rolls snugly in a greased baking dish, cover again, and let them rise for 30 to 60 minutes until puffy. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C), then bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown, warm, and heavenly.

💡 Pro Tip: Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even browning.

Step 6: Prepare the Creamy Glaze

Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cold strawberry puree from the filling. Whip until the glaze is luscious and spreadable—perfect for drizzling over fresh rolls.

💡 Pro Tip: Chill the glaze slightly if too runny, but spread while rolls are warm.

Step 7: Glaze and Serve

Spread the creamy glaze generously over the baked rolls while they’re still warm, letting it melt into soft valleys and peaks, then dive in immediately or let cool partially for a slightly firmer top.

💡 Pro Tip: For extra flair, garnish with fresh strawberry slices or a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from these common pitfalls:

• Using Milk That’s Too Hot: Overheated milk kills yeast, preventing rise.
• Skipping the Second Rise: Without the second proofing, rolls can end up dense.
• Not Chilling the Filling: Spreading warm filling can make dough soggy and hard to roll.
• Overflouring the Surface: Too much flour results in tougher, dryer rolls.
• Cutting Rolls Too Thick or Thin: Leads to uneven baking—try for uniform slices.
• Glazing While Rolls Are Cold: The glaze won’t melt delightfully and lose its luscious texture.

Delicious Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic Soft Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Creamy Glaze Recipe, it’s time to shake things up:

Mixed Berry Bash

Swap out strawberries for a blend of blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries for a colorful, tangy twist that keeps every bite exciting.

Lemon Zest Infusion

Add fresh lemon zest to the dough and glaze for a bright citrus sparkle that complements the strawberry filling beautifully.

Almond Crunch

Sprinkle sliced almonds on top of the rolls before baking to add a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor that contrasts perfectly with the softness.

Honey Drizzle Delight

Replace powdered sugar in the glaze with a touch of honey for a natural sweetness and a subtle floral aroma.

Coconut Cream Dream

Try adding shredded coconut in the filling and coconut milk in the glaze for a tropical, creamy upgrade that’s utterly irresistible.

How to Serve Soft Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Creamy Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh strawberry slices, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a sprinkle of ground cinnamon add a charming finishing touch.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a bright fruit salad, fresh yogurt with honey, or a refreshing mint-infused iced tea to balance indulgence with brightness.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange rolls in a pretty round pan for that classic swirl presentation, or stack them in a rustic basket lined with a colorful cloth for a cozy brunch vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover rolls tightly wrapped in plastic or an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain softness.

Freezing

Freeze baked rolls individually wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature.

Reheating

Warm leftover rolls in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes or microwave covered with a damp paper towel for 15-20 seconds to refresh softness before glazing again.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Absolutely! Just thaw and drain any excess liquid before cooking to avoid a watery filling.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

Yes, by using plant-based milk, vegan butter, and replacing the egg with flaxseed meal or applesauce, plus a vegan cream cheese substitute.

Can I prepare the rolls in advance?

You can prepare the dough and filling ahead, refrigerate separately, then assemble and bake on the day you want to enjoy them.

What if my dough is too sticky?

Add a tablespoon of flour at a time during kneading until it’s manageable but still soft and elastic.

How do I store leftover glaze?

Keep the glaze refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days and stir well before using.

Why aren’t my rolls rising properly?

Make sure your milk is the right temperature and yeast is fresh. Also, avoid drafts during rising to maintain warmth.

Can I use frozen strawberry puree in the glaze?

Yes, as long as it is cold and not watery; you might need less liquid depending on its consistency.

How long do these rolls keep fresh?

Enjoy them fresh within 2 days for the best texture, or freeze for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

This Soft Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Creamy Glaze Recipe is pure magic—a comforting blend of soft dough, vibrant strawberry sweetness, and silky glaze that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether gifted to yourself on a slow weekend morning or shared with friends who appreciate a delicious homemade treat, it’s destined to become a beloved classic in your baking repertoire.

Have you tried this Soft Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Creamy Glaze Recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below. If you loved this recipe, please share it with friends and family. Happy cooking! 🍓🍥

Print