Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls

Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on the classic cinnamon roll, combining the sweet, juicy flavor of fresh strawberries with the warm, comforting spices of cinnamon. These rolls are soft, fluffy, and bursting with a strawberry-cinnamon filling that creates a delicious swirl in every bite. Topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze, they make for a perfect breakfast treat, brunch centerpiece, or dessert option that’s sure to impress. The combination of strawberries and cinnamon offers a refreshing and unexpected flavor profile that pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea, making these rolls a favorite for any special occasion or a weekend indulgence.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs

For the Strawberry Filling:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. In a small saucepan, heat the milk and melted butter until warm (about 110°F). Add the milk mixture to the flour mixture, then add the eggs. Beat with an electric mixer until well combined. Gradually add the remaining flour until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Strawberry Filling:
   • In a medium bowl, combine the diced strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and cornstarch. Mix well and set aside.
3. Roll Out the Dough:
   • Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll the dough into a rectangle, about 16×12 inches in size.
4. Add the Filling and Roll:
   • Spread the strawberry filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Carefully roll the dough up from one long side to the other to form a log. Pinch the seams to seal. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces.
5. Bake the Rolls:
   • Place the rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly.
6. Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze:
   • In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, and beat until creamy. If the glaze is too thick, add more milk to reach your desired consistency.
7. Glaze and Serve:
   • Drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the warm strawberry cinnamon rolls. Serve immediately.

Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls bring a fresh, fruity twist to the traditional cinnamon roll, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. With their sweet strawberry filling and creamy glaze, these rolls are sure to become a new favorite for breakfast or dessert.