These Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls are my go-to treat when I want something soft, sweet, and a little extra. That strawberry frosting melts right into every swirl. With jammy berries, rich caramel, and pillowy dough, they never last long.
Why This Recipe Works
These Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls remind me of the lazy spring mornings when I’d bake something special just because. Here’s what makes them unforgettable:
- Caramel-Soaked Bottoms: These rolls bake on a buttery brown sugar layer that turns into rich caramel underneath. It’s just as delicious as my Brioche Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Toffee Sauce.
- Bright Strawberry Center: With strawberry jam and fresh berries rolled into every bite, it’s like cinnamon roll meets Strawberry Shortcake.
- Dreamy Pink Frosting: The strawberry-speckled cream cheese frosting melts right into the warm rolls. It’s creamy, tangy, and totally over the top.
- Soft, Fluffy Dough: The dough bakes up tender and pillowy thanks to the warm milk and egg base. It has that same melt-in-your-mouth texture I love in my Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls.
- Perfect for Celebrations: Whether it’s a weekend brunch or a spring baby shower, these are always a hit. For another festive favorite, try my Chocolate and Bourbon Pecan Pie.
If you’ve made this recipe, please take a moment to rate it. I always ❤️ hearing from you.
Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour – The structural backbone of the dough, it creates a soft yet sturdy base that bakes up pillowy and tender.
- Warm Milk – Warm milk activates the yeast and adds moisture and richness to the dough.
- Active Dry Yeast – This leavening agent helps the dough rise, giving the rolls their signature fluffiness.
- Strawberry Jam – Sweet and fruity, it delivers concentrated berry flavor in every swirl.
- Fresh Strawberries – Juicy and tart, they brighten the filling and add fresh bursts of real fruit.
- Brown Sugar – When combined with butter, it caramelizes into a sticky, golden layer at the bottom of the pan.
- Cream Cheese – Rich and tangy, it balances the sweetness of the frosting and adds a creamy finish.
- Freeze-Dried Strawberries – These pack intense berry flavor and a beautiful pink hue into the frosting without watering it down.
For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.
Instructions
- Mix the Dough: Combine flour, egg, warm milk, yeast, salt, and honey or sugar using a stand mixer, bread machine, or by hand. Mix until a soft, smooth dough forms.
- Let It Rise: Cover and let the dough rise for about 1 hour or until doubled. Punch it down to release any air.
- Roll It Out: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 16×9-inch rectangle.
- Prep the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9×13 baking pan with parchment paper.
- Spread the Filling: Spread soft butter over the dough, then add strawberry jam, sprinkle with cinnamon, and scatter diced strawberries evenly.
- Shape and Slice: Roll the dough into a tight log, seam side down. Slice into 9 even rolls.
- Build the Caramel Base: Sprinkle brown sugar into the lined pan, then pour melted butter evenly over the top.
- Add the Rolls: Place rolls in the pan in 3 rows of 3. Let them rise again for 20–30 minutes, until slightly puffy.
- Bake the Rolls: Bake for about 30 minutes, or until golden and cooked through in the center.
- Make the Frosting: Beat cream cheese, butter, freeze-dried strawberries, and powdered sugar until smooth. Add heavy cream gradually to loosen.
- Add Final Touches: Mix in a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness and ensure a creamy, spreadable texture.
- Frost and Serve: Spread the strawberry buttercream over the warm rolls and serve immediately with milk or a glass of champagne.
For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.
Substitutions & Variations
Here are some of my favorite substitutions and variations:
- Jam Options: No strawberry jam on hand? Raspberry, blackberry, or cherry preserves work well too. Lemon curd also adds a bright, tangy flavor.
- Fresh Berry Swap: Diced strawberries can be replaced with fresh raspberries, blueberries, or chopped cherries. Use whatever berries are in season.
- Frosting Flavors: You can substitute freeze-dried strawberries with freeze-dried raspberries or blueberries. For a simpler option, use plain vanilla or lemon cream cheese frosting.
- Caramel Bottom: Try adding chopped pecans or a bit of maple syrup to the brown sugar and butter mixture for added texture and flavor.
What to Serve with Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls
Toppings
- These rolls already have a generous swirl of strawberry-studded frosting, but if you want to go the extra mile, add a spoonful of fresh macerated strawberries right before serving.
Sides & Pairings
- Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls are rich and fruity, so keep sides simple and fresh. Pair them with a bowl of Honey Vanilla Panna Cotta for a creamy, crunchy contrast.
- For brunch spreads, serve them alongside Eggs Benedict Toasts for a savory balance.
Drinks
- Sweet rolls call for sips that refresh. A glass of fresh-squeezed orange juice or an iced vanilla latte pairs beautifully with the warm and jammy flavors.
- Want something festive? Go for a classic glass of champagne!
FAQs
What makes these Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls different from traditional ones?
These rolls combine everything you love about cinnamon rolls with the flavor of strawberry shortcake. Instead of just cinnamon and sugar, they’re filled with strawberry jam and fresh berries, then finished with a swirl of strawberry cream cheese frosting. It’s a fruity and buttery twist on the classic.
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well before adding to the filling. Too much moisture can make the rolls soggy, so pat them dry with a paper towel first.
Do I need a stand mixer to make the dough?
No stand mixer required. You can knead the dough by hand or use a bread machine on the dough setting. The key is to make sure the dough is soft, smooth, and elastic before letting it rise.
What’s the purpose of the brown sugar and butter on the bottom of the pan?
That layer creates a rich caramel base that melts while baking. It coats the bottom of the rolls in a sweet, buttery sauce that adds extra flavor and makes every bite irresistible.
How do I store leftover Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls?
Let the rolls cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat slightly before serving for the best texture.
Not seeing your question here? Ask in the comments section and I’ll do my best to answer!
More Breakfast Recipes You’ll Enjoy
- Sour Dough Pancakes – These Sourdough Pancakes are my go-to for a tangy, fluffy breakfast that makes the most of sourdough starter leftovers.
- Cinnamon & Sugar Doughnuts – These Cinnamon & Sugar Doughnuts are my go-to when I’m craving something warm, soft, and sweet with the perfect crunchy coating.
- Bread Pudding French Toast – This Bread Pudding French Toast is my favorite way to turn leftover bread into a rich, custardy breakfast that tastes like dessert.
- Crispy Chicken & Buttermilk Waffles – This Crispy Chicken & Buttermilk Waffles recipe is my favorite sweet and savory combo for a cozy weekend brunch.
Purchase Books by Danielle Kartes of Rustic Joyful Food from these booksellers:
Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls
These Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls are my go-to treat when I want something soft, sweet, and a little extra. That strawberry frosting melts right into every swirl. With jammy berries, rich caramel, and pillowy dough, they never last long.
Ingredients
For the Milk Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 egg
- 1 cup warm milk about 115°F
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons honey or granulated sugar
For the Filling:
- ½ cup soft butter
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 cup strawberry jam
- ½ cup fresh strawberries diced
For the Bottom of the Pan:
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup melted butter
For the Strawberry Frosting:
- 4 ounces soft cream cheese
- ½ cup soft butter
- 1 ounce freeze-dried strawberries
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream
- pinch salt
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a bread machine (dough setting), stand mixer, or by hand, combine flour, egg, warm milk, yeast, salt, and honey or sugar. Mix until a soft, supple dough forms. It should be smooth, not lumpy.
- First Proof: Cover and let the dough rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size. Punch it down to release the air.
- Roll Out: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a large 16×9-inch rectangle.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper.
- Assemble Filling: Spread the soft butter evenly over the dough. Then layer the strawberry jam, followed by the cinnamon, and finally sprinkle the diced strawberries evenly over the surface.
- Shape & Slice: Roll the dough tightly away from you, ending seam side down. Slice the log into 9 even rolls.
- Caramel Base: Sprinkle brown sugar over the base of your parchment-lined baking dish. Pour melted butter evenly over the top.
- Second Proof: Arrange the rolls in 3 rows of 3 in the pan. Let them rise again for 20–30 minutes until slightly puffy.
- Bake: Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the rolls are golden and the centers are cooked through.
- Make the Frosting: While the rolls bake, beat together cream cheese, butter, freeze-dried strawberries, and powdered sugar until smooth. Add heavy cream, a little at a time, until desired consistency is reached. Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
- Serve: Spread the strawberry buttercream generously over the warm rolls. Enjoy immediately with cold milk or a celebratory glass of champagne!
Notes
- Use room temperature butter for the filling so it spreads easily over the dough without tearing it. Cold butter can clump and make rolling tricky.
- If your dough feels sticky after mixing, add a tablespoon of flour at a time during kneading until it’s smooth and supple. Just be careful not to add too much.
- When adding fresh strawberries, pat them dry with a paper towel first. Too much moisture can make the filling watery and harder to roll.
- For perfect caramel bottoms, make sure the brown sugar is evenly sprinkled and the melted butter is poured across the entire base of the pan.
- Freeze-dried strawberries add bold berry flavor and natural color to the frosting without adding extra liquid. If you can’t find them, powdered freeze-dried strawberries work well too.
- These rolls are best served warm. If you’re making them ahead, reheat them gently in the oven or microwave before frosting and serving.