
These strawberry cinnamon rolls bring together pillowy bread and a sweet strawberry-cinnamon filling. They are a fun twist on a classic treat and perfect for a weekend breakfast or springtime dessert. The melting strawberries inside make every bite juicy and bright.
Ingredients
- Milk: gives the dough richness and a soft crumb Try whole milk or your favorite plant-based option for tenderness
- Margarine or butter: adds flavor and softness Choose butter for classic taste or a good quality margarine for a dairy free roll
- All-purpose flour: forms the dough Choose unbleached flour for the best texture
- Instant yeast or a yeast packet: helps the rolls rise fast Check date for a fresh rise
- Sugar: sweetens the dough and helps it brown A fine white sugar blends in fastest
- Salt: balances sweetness and helps the rise Use fine sea salt for even distribution
- Egg: enriches the dough and adds structure Be sure it is at room temperature for best mixing
- Water: starts the yeast and brings dough together Use lukewarm water to get the yeast moving
- Strawberry jam: is the flavor base of the filling Choose a chunky jam with lots of real fruit
- Cinnamon: brings warmth and classic roll flavor Use ground cinnamon with a strong aroma
- Fresh strawberries: add sharp fruity notes in every bite Look for ripe berries with deep red color and no white spots
- Powdered sugar: is the base for silky icing Choose pure powdered sugar without caking agents for the best drizzle
- More cinnamon: in the icing for a double hit of spice
- A splash of milk: brings icing to a smooth pourable texture Use just enough to loosen
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Warm the Milk and Butter:
- In a small saucepan gently warm the milk then stir in butter Allow to fully melt then cool to a touchable lukewarm temperature This avoids killing the yeast and helps the dough rise evenly
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl combine two and one fourth cups flour yeast sugar and salt Stir thoroughly so the yeast and salt are well distributed
- Make the Dough:
- Add the egg and water to the flour mix Then pour in the cooled milk mixture Stir everything to a sticky dough
- Knead and First Rest:
- Add one more cup of flour as you stir When the dough pulls together turn it onto a floured countertop Knead by hand until the dough turns smooth and elastic This should take about eight minutes Form into a ball place back in the bowl and drape with a damp towel Rest for ten minutes to relax the gluten
- Fill and Roll the Dough:
- With a floured rolling pin roll the dough into a large rectangle spread strawberry jam edge to edge Sprinkle evenly with cinnamon Scatter chopped strawberries over the top for juicy bites in every roll
- Shape and Slice:
- Gently roll the long side into a tight swirl Pinch the seam to close and keep the filling safe Slice into twelve equal pieces using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss
- Second Rise:
- Arrange rolls swirl side up in a greased large pan Space them a little apart to allow spreading Cover and let rise in a warm spot for thirty minutes Rolls should nearly double creating soft edges
- Bake:
- Preheat oven to three hundred seventy five degrees Bake for around thirty minutes until tops are golden and the house smells amazing
- Mix and Drizzle Icing:
- While rolls cool on a rack mix powdered sugar with cinnamon and just enough milk to form a thick glaze Drizzle over the warm rolls for maximum melt and soak

I love how the strawberry flavor shines in these rolls The fresh berries create little pools of sweetness The first time my son helped swirl the dough we both ended up giggling with flour everywhere
Storage Tips
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days For longer freshness tuck them into the fridge and rewarm in the microwave or oven A slightly damp paper towel over the rolls revives softness when reheating
Ingredient Substitutions
If you are out of strawberry jam raspberry or apricot jam works beautifully Gluten free flour blends can be used but look for one that is designed for yeasted dough If you need egg free try a flaxseed egg replacement
Serving Suggestions
Serve these rolls as a breakfast sweet brunch centerpiece or dessert They are also delicious paired with fresh berries and a dollop of yogurt On summer mornings set them out with iced coffee for a real treat
Cultural Context
Cinnamon rolls have roots across Europe and North America The strawberry twist brings a fresh seasonal element that feels just right for celebrations or Sunday family mornings In Scandinavian countries culinary traditions often include berry and spice pairings in baked treats
Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes
- → How can I make these rolls dairy free?
Use plant-based milk like almond or coconut and choose a dairy-free margarine instead of butter for soft, fluffy results.
- → Can I use fresh strawberries instead of jam?
Fresh strawberry slices add texture and flavor, but using both jam and fresh berries intensifies the fruity swirl throughout the dough.
- → How do I know when the rolls are baked through?
The rolls should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped. The filling should bubble gently around the edges.
- → What's the best way to store leftovers?
Keep leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- → Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Yes, assemble the rolls and let them rise overnight in the fridge. Bake fresh the next morning for ease and flavor.