If a buttery cinnamon roll and a fresh strawberry Danish had a love affair, this would be their irresistible creation. Inspired by European pastry traditions and the Southern love for all things cinnamon-swirled, these Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls bring a bright, jammy sweetness to the cozy, spiced layers of this beloved classic.
Imagine the comforting aroma of a Parisian boulangerie meeting the vibrant fruit-forward flavors of a countryside farm stand—pure bliss in every bite. For the fluffiest rolls, let the dough rise until it’s cloud-like and springy to the touch—don’t rush it! And for an extra jammy filling, macerate the strawberries with a touch of sugar before rolling them in.
No matter where you are in the world, these Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls bring a taste of warmth, indulgence, and a little adventure to your table. Ready to bake? Let’s do this.
With every bite, you’ll experience the perfect balance of tart berries, gooey cinnamon, and buttery-soft dough—a combination that feels both nostalgic and exciting. So grab your rolling pin, preheat the oven, and let’s turn your kitchen into the coziest little bakery.
Perfect for Spring Brunches!
- Brunch Showstopper – Whether it’s Easter morning, Mother’s Day, or just a lazy weekend breakfast, these rolls steal the spotlight with their golden swirls and fruity filling.
- Bakes Like a Dream in Any Season – Fresh strawberries make them perfect for spring and summer, but you can swap in raspberries, peaches, or even spiced apples as the weather cools.
- The Aroma is Next-Level – The scent of warm cinnamon, sugar, and bursting strawberries is enough to make anyone wander into the kitchen, drawn in like a moth to a flame.
- Pairs Beautifully with Coffee or Tea – Whether you’re sipping a French press brew or a floral chamomile, these rolls complement any cozy moment.
- Great for Sharing (or Not!) – They’re the kind of treat that disappears fast at gatherings—but if you’re baking just for yourself, they freeze and reheat beautifully for solo indulgence.
Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Equipment
- Small saucepan
- Large mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon
- Rolling pin
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Electric mixer
Ingredients
Frosting:
- 2 tbsp softened butter
- Heavy cream or milk as needed to thin icing
- 2 tbsp strawberry compote
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
Filling
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp batch of Strawberry Compote
Dough
- 3¼ cups all-purpose flour
- Zest of 1 lemon
- ¾ cup milk
- ½ cup butter
- ¼ cup white sugar
- 1 oz package instant yeast
Instructions
- Heat the milk in a saucepan until it begins to bubble, then remove from heat.
- Stir in butter until melted and let the mixture cool to lukewarm.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups flour, yeast, sugar, salt, and lemon zest.
- Add the egg and lukewarm milk mixture, stirring with a wooden spoon.
- Gradually add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring well after each addition until the dough comes together.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth, about five minutes, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook.
- Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Roll out the dough into a 12×9-inch rectangle on a floured surface, using a 9×13-inch baking dish as a guide.
- Spread strawberry compote evenly over the dough, extending to the edges.
- Sprinkle cinnamon on top if desired.
- Slice the dough into 12 strips, roll them up, and place them in a baking pan.
- Cover and let the rolls rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 45 minutes.
- Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°F (190°C).
- Bake the rolls for 23-25 minutes until golden brown, then let them cool for 10 minutes before adding fresh strawberry slices and spreading with frosting.
- To make the frosting, beat softened butter and cream cheese until smooth using an electric mixer.
- Mix in strawberry compote, then gradually add powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, beating until creamy.
- Adjust consistency with heavy cream or milk as needed.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, mix a teaspoon of vanilla extract into the dough.
- If using frozen strawberries for the compote, thaw and drain excess liquid before spreading.
- Let the rolls cool slightly before frosting to prevent melting.
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 290kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 42g |
| Fibre | 1g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Cholesterol | 40g |
Variations To Help You Customise This Dish!
- Vanilla Twist: Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough or frosting for extra depth.
- Nutty Delight: Sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds over the strawberry filling before rolling.
- Citrus Boost: Swap lemon zest for orange zest for a brighter, citrusy flavor.
- Mixed Berry Bliss: Use a mix of strawberry, blueberry, and raspberry compote for a fruity twist.
- Chocolate Lovers: Spread a thin layer of Nutella or melted chocolate over the dough before adding the strawberry compote.
