Simple Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls

Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on the classic cinnamon roll, combining the sweetness of fresh strawberries with the warm spice of cinnamon, all enveloped in a soft, fluffy dough. This recipe is perfect for a weekend brunch or a special breakfast treat. I remember the first time I made these; the kitchen was filled with the heavenly aroma of baking dough and strawberries, and the anticipation of tasting them was almost unbearable. The rolls turned out to be a hit, with everyone enjoying the burst of fruity flavor combined with the creamy icing. This recipe is straightforward and fun to make, ensuring that your family or guests will be impressed and satisfied.

INGREDIENTS:

For the Dough:

3 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast

1/2 cup whole milk

1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces

1/4 cup water

1 large egg

For the Filling:

1 1/2 cups chopped fresh strawberries

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Icing:

4 ounces cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup powdered sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS:

Prepare the Dough

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1 package of instant yeast. Set aside.

Heat Wet Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup of whole milk, 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, and 1/4 cup of water. Heat over low heat until the butter is melted and the mixture is warm but not hot. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add 1 large egg to the bowl of dry ingredients. Pour in the warm milk mixture and stir until a dough forms.

Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. This step is crucial for developing the gluten, which gives the rolls their soft texture.

First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about an hour, or until doubled in size …