Name: Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Strawberry Icing Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 3 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large eggs (room temperature); ¼ cup granulated sugar; ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 cup milk (room temperature); 4 ¼ cups unbleached all-purpose flour (plus more for shaping); 2 ¼ teaspoons instant dry yeast (1 packet); 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 pint strawberries (about ¾ lbs); ½ cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon water; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (sprinkled on dough); 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (softened for dish); 4 ounces cream cheese (room temperature); 2 tablespoons strawberry filling (reserved from above); 1/3 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Print Recipe· 4.2 from 8 reviews

There is nothing quite as joyful as waking up to freshly baked Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Strawberry Icing Recipe, a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Imagine soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls bursting with sweet strawberry filling and topped generously with a dreamy, tangy cream cheese strawberry icing. This recipe beautifully combines the warmth of cinnamon with the bright, fresh flavor of strawberries, making it the perfect treat to share with family and friends or to brighten up your weekend mornings. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a newbie in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to become a beloved staple.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top-down view of multiple white bowls and a small glass filled with various baking ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface. The largest bowl, placed near the top right, holds a heap of white all-purpose flour. To its left, a white plate contains two large white eggs. Below the flour bowl, a white bowl is filled with fine white sugar, and next to it on the right, a white bowl is full of bright red strawberries with green leaves. Near the bottom right, a white bowl contains smooth cream cheese. In the center, a small glass holds light-colored milk and next to it is a smaller glass with lemon juice. Several small white bowls contain cinnamon powder, instant yeast, kosher salt, cornstarch, powdered sugar, and unsalted butter. A small white bowl at the bottom left holds pale butter sticks, and a tiny white bowl near the bottom has clear water. Each ingredient is distinctly visible with its own texture and color, neatly spaced over the white marbled background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Strawberry Icing Recipe lies in its simple yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and that gorgeous pink blush that makes these rolls unforgettable.

2 large eggs (room temperature): Help create a rich dough with tender crumb.
¼ cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to the dough.
¼ cup unsalted butter (softened): Keeps the rolls moist and buttery soft.
1 cup milk (room temperature): Feeds the yeast and enriches the dough texture.
4 ¼ cups unbleached all-purpose flour (plus more for shaping): The foundation that gives structure to the rolls.
2 ¼ teaspoons instant dry yeast (1 packet): Responsible for that irresistibly fluffy rise.
1 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
1 pint strawberries (about ¾ lbs): Fresh, diced, and bursting with natural sweetness for the filling.
½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the strawberry filling beautifully.
1 tablespoon lemon juice: Adds brightness to the strawberry filling and icing.
1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the strawberry filling to hold it together perfectly.
1 tablespoon water: Used to mix with cornstarch for thickening the filling.
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Sprinkled generously for that classic cinnamon roll flavor.
1 tablespoon unsalted butter (softened for dish): Greases the pan to prevent sticking and adds richness.
4 ounces cream cheese (room temperature): Essential for the luscious, tangy strawberry icing.
2 tablespoons strawberry filling (from above): Gives the icing that wonderful strawberry burst.
1/3 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the cream cheese icing perfectly.
1 teaspoon lemon juice: Adds a hint of zing to the icing for balance.

How to Make Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Strawberry Icing Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Roll Dough

Start by mixing all your dough ingredients in a large bowl or in your stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Begin on low speed, allowing the ingredients to come together, then increase to medium to knead the dough until it pulls away beautifully from the sides. Yes, it will still be sticky and a little stubborn, but that’s exactly how you want it for soft, tender rolls.

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise

Shape your dough into a ball and coat it lightly with oil inside a large bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and place it in a warm spot, allowing it to double in size over the next 1 ½ to 2 hours. This slow rise develops flavor and makes the dough wonderfully airy.

Step 3: Make the Strawberry Filling

While the dough is rising, wash and dice your strawberries. Cook them in a saucepan with sugar and lemon juice until they release their juices and soften. Thicken this mixture by stirring in cornstarch mixed with water, then simmer for just a minute more before cooling. This filling is the heart of the rolls, delivering bursts of sweet, tangy strawberry in every bite.

Step 4: Assemble the Rolls

Butter a 9 x 13 inch dish generously and punch down your dough to release air. Roll out the dough into a large rectangle, sprinkle with cinnamon, then spread your strawberry filling evenly, leaving a small border. Roll it up gently—don’t worry if the filling oozes out; that’s part of the charm! Slice into nine thick pieces and arrange them in your buttered pan.

Step 5: Final Proof and Bake

Cover the pan and let the rolls proof for about 30 minutes so they puff up one last time. Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake for 30-35 minutes until the rolls are golden brown and that irresistible aroma fills your kitchen.

Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Strawberry Icing and Frost

While the rolls cool just a little, whip up your cream cheese frosting by mixing softened cream cheese, reserved strawberry filling, powdered sugar, and lemon juice. Spread it generously over the warm rolls and get ready for joy in every bite.

How to Serve Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Strawberry Icing Recipe

The image shows a white rectangular baking dish filled with nine uncooked rolls made of light beige dough swirled in a spiral pattern. Each roll has a layer of bright red jam spread unevenly on the surface and swirled inside the spirals, creating a contrast with the dough. The rolls are placed closely together in three rows, filling the dish. The dish is on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Add a fresh pop of color and texture by topping your rolls with sliced strawberries or a dusting of powdered sugar. Fresh mint leaves also provide a lovely contrast and elevate the presentation.

Side Dishes

Serve these rolls alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of cold milk for an indulgent breakfast. For a brunch spread, pair with scrambled eggs and a simple green salad to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the rolls on a pretty cake stand or arranging them in individual ramekins for a charming, personal touch. You can also drizzle extra strawberry icing in a decorative zigzag pattern for a café-style finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Strawberry Icing Recipe keeps best when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, ensuring they stay soft and delicious.

Freezing

To enjoy them later, freeze unbaked rolls right after shaping by wrapping tightly. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed. You can also freeze baked rolls with icing separately in airtight containers for up to one month.

Reheating

Rewarm your rolls in a microwave for about 20-30 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 10 minutes. The cream cheese strawberry icing will soften and melt slightly, making every bite taste as fresh as the first.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for the filling?

Yes! Frozen strawberries work well; just thaw and drain excess liquid before cooking to avoid a runny filling. The flavor will still be beautifully bright.

How long does it take to make these rolls from start to finish?

Plan for around 3 to 3 ½ hours including dough rising, assembly, baking, and cooling time. Patience really pays off with such incredible results.

Can I make the dough by hand instead of a stand mixer?

Absolutely! Kneading by hand takes about 8-10 minutes. It’s a wonderful way to connect with the dough, and you’ll still get excellent results.

Is the cream cheese icing difficult to prepare?

Not at all. It’s a simple mix of cream cheese, strawberry filling, powdered sugar, and lemon juice that comes together in minutes, adding the perfect tangy sweetness.

Can I substitute the strawberries with other fruits?

Definitely! Blueberries or raspberries are great alternatives, though strawberries really give these cinnamon rolls their signature charm and flavor in this recipe.

Final Thoughts

There is nothing quite as heartwarming as sharing these Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Strawberry Icing Recipe fresh from your own oven. They are the perfect combination of classic comfort and fruity freshness that will brighten your mornings and impress anyone lucky enough to taste them. Give this recipe a try, and I promise it will quickly become one of your favorite treats to bake and share!