Fluffy Strawberries & Cream Cinnamon Rolls

These Fluffy Strawberries & Cream Cinnamon Rolls are a soft, pillowy twist on the classic cinnamon roll, filled with a sweet strawberry mixture and finished with a luscious cream cheese frosting. The combination of fresh strawberries, sweetened cream, and a soft dough creates an indulgent and refreshing take on the traditional cinnamon roll. These rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, offering a balance of sweetness, fruitiness, and rich creaminess in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This: You’ll love these cinnamon rolls for their light, fluffy texture and the delicious strawberries and cream filling. The rolls stay soft and tender, and the fresh strawberries add a burst of fruity sweetness that pairs beautifully with the cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re serving these at a special brunch or enjoying them as a sweet treat at home, they’re sure to impress. Plus, the recipe is versatile enough to include a mix of classic cinnamon filling on one side for those who crave the traditional flavor.

Perfect Occasion: These Strawberry & Cream Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for brunch gatherings, family breakfasts, or special occasions like Mother’s Day or birthdays. They’re also a great option for a weekend baking project when you want to treat yourself or loved ones to something special. The rolls can be enjoyed warm from the oven or made ahead of time and reheated for a delightful breakfast treat.

Decoration Tips: For an extra decorative touch, you can top the rolls with fresh strawberry slices before serving or sprinkle the cream cheese frosting with a bit of powdered sugar. You could also drizzle the frosting over the rolls for a more rustic look. If you want to make them even more indulgent, a light dusting of cinnamon or a sprinkle of crushed freeze-dried strawberries will add extra flavor and visual appeal.

Recipe:

For the Dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 package (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg

For the Strawberries & Cream Filling:

• 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, diced
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup heavy cream

For the Classic Cinnamon Filling (Optional):

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 1/2 tbsp cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2-3 tbsp milk (for desired consistency)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add the warm milk, melted butter, and egg, and stir until the dough begins to come together.
   • Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Strawberry Filling:
   • In a small saucepan, combine the diced strawberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
   • In a separate bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and heavy cream until smooth.
3. Prepare the Classic Cinnamon Filling (Optional):
   • In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon to create a spreadable mixture.
4. Assemble the Rolls:
   • Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a large rectangle (about 10×15 inches).
   • Spread half of the dough with the strawberry mixture and the cream cheese filling. If making classic cinnamon rolls on the other side, spread the remaining dough with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
   • Roll the dough tightly from the longer side into a log. Cut the log into 12 even pieces and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
5. Bake the Rolls:
   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.
6. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
   • While the rolls are cooling, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency with more milk if needed.
7. Frost and Serve:
   • Spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Enjoy!