Tender Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls to Brighten Your Morning

Published on: 30/01/2026

Introduction

These strawberry cinnamon rolls are the kind of pastry that makes a house smell like a bakery and fills the morning with cozy, fruity sweetness. Soft yeasted dough rolled around a bright strawberry jam creates a beautiful contrast between pillowy bread and tangy filling. The cream cheese strawberry glaze melts into warm spirals so each bite is glossy and irresistible. If you love classic cinnamon rolls with a fruity twist you will find this approach perfectly comforting. For another fun twist on sweet rolls try our cinnamon sugar pizza crescent rolls recipe for an easy snack style treat.

Why This Recipe Is a Great Choice

This recipe balances homey technique and impressive results so you get bakery quality without fuss. The dough is enriched with butter and an egg so it bakes into soft, tender layers that hold a generous fruit filling. Cooking the strawberries down concentrates their flavor so the filling is jam like without extra pectin. The cream cheese glaze adds a mellow tang that complements the berries perfectly and gives a pretty pale pink finish. It is forgiving for beginner bakers and flexible enough to use frozen fruit when fresh is not available. The process also allows you to make parts ahead so fresh warm rolls are possible even on busy mornings. If gluten free is needed, see our tips inspired by the easy gluten free cinnamon rolls approach.

Flavor and Texture

Every roll combines a soft, slightly chewy crumb with pockets of sweet strawberry jam that brighten each bite. The butter in the dough and glaze gives a luscious mouthfeel while the cream cheese provides a light acidity that keeps the sweetness from feeling cloying. When the glaze meets the warm buns it softens and seeps into seams for a glossy finish and extra strawberry fragrance. Texturally the contrast between the tender dough and smooth, spreadable filling is what makes these so irresistible. They are best enjoyed warm so the glaze is slightly melty and the roll yields to your fork.

Ingredients

260 ml (1 cup) warm milk
10 g (1 tbsp) instant dry yeast
540 g (4 ¼ cups) all-purpose flour
65 g (⅓ cup) granulated sugar
1 tsp salt
1 large egg, room temperature
80 g (⅓ cup) unsalted butter, very soft
250 g (1 ¾ cups) fresh or frozen strawberries
50 g (¼ cup) granulated sugar (for filling)
Juice of half a lemon
100 g (½ cup) cream cheese, softened (Philadelphia recommended)
40 g (3 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened (for glaze)
60 g (½ cup) powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp strawberry puree, cold (from the filling)

Step by Step Instructions

Place the fresh or frozen strawberries in a saucepan with the lemon juice and granulated sugar. Cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens to a jam-like consistency. Remove from heat and blend with an immersion blender or in a food processor until smooth. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until completely cool.
In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the dry ingredients: flour, granulated sugar, salt, and instant dry yeast. Mix briefly. Add the warm milk, softened butter, and the egg. Knead for 5 to 7 minutes on medium speed until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly pulls away from the sides of the bowl. It should be soft but not overly sticky. Cover the dough with a clean cloth and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Lightly flour a clean surface. Roll out the risen dough to form a large rectangle, approximately 40 x 30 cm (16 x 12 inches). Spread the cooled strawberry filling evenly over the entire surface of the dough, leaving a small border at one of the longer edges. Starting from the opposite long edge, gently but firmly roll the dough into a tight log. Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to cut the log into 12 even strips.
Arrange the cut rolls in a large, greased baking dish (a 9×13 inch dish works well), leaving a little space between each roll. Cover the dish again with a clean cloth and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until visibly puffy. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the rolls for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are lightly golden brown on top and soft to the touch. Remove from oven and let them cool slightly in the dish.
While the rolls are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, softened unsalted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and the cold strawberry puree with an electric mixer for 1-2 minutes, until the glaze is smooth, creamy, and a beautiful light pink color. Adjust sweetness or thickness if desired by adding more powdered sugar or a tiny bit more milk.
Spread the freshly made strawberry cream cheese glaze generously over the slightly warm cinnamon rolls. The warmth of the rolls will allow the glaze to melt slightly and seep into all the nooks and crannies. Serve immediately and enjoy the warm, sweet, and tangy flavors!

Tips for Best Results

Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother dough and faster rise. If your kitchen is cool, proof the dough in an oven with the light on or near a warm appliance. Freeze extra rolls before baking for quick fresh treats later by thawing and baking straight from frozen. If the filling seems runny after cooking, chill it longer so it sets and is easier to spread. For prettier slices use unflavored dental floss to cut the log cleanly.

Storage and Make Ahead

Store cooled rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for up to five days. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave for a few seconds to restore softness before serving. You can prepare the filling a day ahead and keep it chilled. Freeze baked or unbaked rolls for longer storage and thaw before reheating or baking.

Final Thought

These strawberry cinnamon rolls are a joyful way to celebrate fresh fruit and comforting dough in one treat. The bright berry filling and creamy glaze transform a familiar pastry into something special that looks as lovely as it tastes. Share warm from the oven for instant smiles around the table.

Conclusion

For another take on strawberry filled rolls with helpful shortcuts and visual steps, see this Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe – A Few Shortcuts guide.