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.

Prepare the Filling

Mix Filling Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix together 1 1/2 cups of chopped fresh strawberries, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. This mixture will create a sweet and flavorful filling for the rolls.

Assemble the Rolls

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch baking dish to ensure the rolls don’t stick.

Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle approximately 12 inches by 18 inches. Try to keep the thickness even throughout.

Add the Filling: Spread the strawberry mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges to prevent the filling from spilling out when rolled.

Roll the Dough: Starting at one of the longer edges, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it.

Cut the Rolls: Using a sharp knife or dental floss, cut the log into 12 even slices. Dental floss works well to cut cleanly through the dough without squishing it.

Second Rise: Place the slices in the prepared baking dish, cut side up. Cover with plastic wrap and let them rise for an additional 15-20 minutes. This second rise helps the rolls become fluffy.

Bake the Rolls

Bake: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are lightly golden brown. Be careful not to overbake, as this can make the rolls dry.

Prepare the Icing

Make the Icing: While the rolls are baking, prepare the icing. In a mixing bowl, beat together 4 ounces of softened cream cheese and 1/4 cup of softened unsalted butter until light and fluffy. Add 1 cup of powdered sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and beat until smooth. The icing should be thick but spreadable.

Finish and Serve

Cool and Frost the Rolls: When the rolls are done, let them cool in the pan for a few minutes. Spread the icing over the top of the warm rolls, allowing it to melt slightly and seep into the crevices.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve the strawberry cinnamon rolls warm. The combination of the sweet, gooey filling, soft dough, and creamy icing is simply irresistible.

Variations and Substitutions

Different Fruits: Substitute strawberries with other fresh fruits such as blueberries, raspberries, or peaches for a different flavor.

Spice Variations: Add more spices like nutmeg or cardamom to the filling for a warm, spiced flavor.

Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make the rolls suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the milk with almond milk or another plant-based milk, and use dairy-free butter and cream cheese for the icing.

Healthier Option: Use whole wheat flour for a portion of the all-purpose flour and reduce the amount of sugar in the filling.

Conclusion

Simple Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful and satisfying treat that can bring joy to any breakfast or brunch. The process of making them, from kneading the dough to spreading the strawberry filling and finally frosting the warm rolls, is a rewarding experience. The result is a batch of sweet, fruity, and soft rolls that everyone will love. Whether you’re baking for your family or preparing a special treat for guests, these rolls are sure to impress and become a favorite. Enjoy baking and indulging in these delicious strawberry cinnamon rolls!