If you’re craving a delightful treat that feels like a warm hug in pastry form, look no further than this Strawberry Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe. These soft, fluffy rolls are bursting with fresh strawberry flavor and topped with a luscious, tangy cream cheese icing that perfectly balances sweetness. Whether you’re making them for a weekend brunch, a special occasion, or just because, these rolls offer a beautiful blend of fruity freshness and cozy comfort that will brighten up any table. Get ready to dive into a wonderfully satisfying baking adventure that’s sure to become a new favorite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind these strawberry rolls lies in a handful of simple, high-quality ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from the tender texture of the dough to the rich flavor of the cream cheese icing and the juicy bursts of fresh strawberry in every bite.
- ½ cup milk: Provides moisture and warmth to activate the yeast, ensuring a perfectly risen dough.
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast: The engine that makes your dough rise light and fluffy.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the soft, elastic base of your rolls.
- ¼ cup sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to balance the tart strawberries.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances flavors and balances the sweetness.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter or margarine, softened: Contributes to tender, melt-in-your-mouth rolls.
- 1 egg: Binds the dough and adds richness.
- ¾ cup strawberry jam: Creates a juicy, fruity filling with a smooth texture.
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped: Adds freshness, texture, and vibrant color.
- ½ cup cream cheese, room temperature: The creamy base for the irresistible icing.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and smooth texture to the icing.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A warm flavor note that complements both dough and icing.
- 1½ cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the cream cheese icing beautifully.
How to Make Strawberry Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by warming the milk just enough to be warm to the touch but not hot—about 30 seconds in the microwave works perfectly. Stir in the active dry yeast and let it sit for 5 minutes. This step wakes up the yeast so it can work its magic and help your dough rise beautifully fluffy.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In your stand mixer’s bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, and salt. Add the softened butter, egg, and yeast mixture. Using a dough hook, knead everything together for about 3 to 5 minutes until you get a soft, elastic dough. This creates a wonderful texture that’s soft but sturdy enough to hold the strawberry filling.
Step 3: First Rise
Place your dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. To encourage a perfect rise, a warm environment works wonders. You can use your oven by preheating it to 350°F for just 1 minute, then turning it off and placing the dough inside. Wait until the dough doubles in size, which usually takes about an hour.
Step 4: Prepare the Baking Dish
To avoid any sticking and to add a touch of buttery goodness to the rolls’ crust, butter your 9-inch pie plate or cast-iron skillet generously. This will create a lovely crust edge while your rolls bake.
Step 5: Roll and Fill the Dough
Turn your risen dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a rectangle about 18 by 12 inches. Spread the strawberry jam evenly over the dough, then scatter the chopped fresh strawberries over the jam for texture and that burst of natural sweetness in every bite.
Step 6: Shape the Rolls
Carefully roll the dough from the far edge toward you into a tight log. Pinch the seam closed to keep the rolls from unraveling while baking. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 8 equal rolls. This division ensures every roll has just the right amount of juicy strawberry filling.
Step 7: Second Rise
Place the rolls snugly into your prepared baking dish and cover again with plastic wrap. Use the same warm oven method to let these rolls rise until doubled—usually about 30 to 45 minutes. This second rise builds that soft, fluffy texture we all crave in rolls.
Step 8: Prepare the Cream Cheese Icing
While the rolls finish rising, mix together the cream cheese, softened butter, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar in a stand mixer until smooth and creamy. If the icing feels too thick, a splash of milk can help thin it to a drizzle-able consistency.
Step 9: Bake the Rolls
Bake your rolls at 350°F for 30 minutes or until they are beautifully golden on top. The kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma that will make waiting all the more worthwhile!
Step 10: Ice and Serve
Once out of the oven, let your strawberry rolls cool for about 10 minutes—just enough time for the cream cheese icing to melt slightly over the warm rolls. Then, drizzle or spread the icing generously. These rolls are best enjoyed fresh, soft, and bursting with flavor.
How to Serve Strawberry Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe
Garnishes
For an eye-catching presentation, sprinkle extra finely chopped fresh strawberries or a few whole berries on top after icing. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a few mint leaves can add a refreshing touch and a pop of color that makes your rolls look irresistible.
Side Dishes
Serve these strawberry rolls alongside a cup of your favorite coffee or tea for a lovely breakfast or brunch. Fresh fruit salad, whipped cream, or a dollop of Greek yogurt also pair wonderfully, adding a fresh contrast to the rich sweetness of the rolls.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning dessert option, serve individual rolls on vintage-style plates with a drizzle of extra strawberry jam mixed into whipped cream. You can also turn these rolls into a strawberry roll trifle by layering pieces with mascarpone and fresh berries for a playful twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Strawberry Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe are best kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the rolls soft and the icing nicely creamy without drying out.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, these rolls freeze beautifully. Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.
Reheating
To enjoy your rolls as fresh as possible after storage or freezing, gently warm them in a preheated 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. You can also microwave individually for 20-30 seconds, but take care not to overheat and dry them out.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
While fresh strawberries offer the best texture and flavor for this recipe, you can use thawed and drained frozen strawberries in a pinch. Just be sure to pat them dry to avoid excess moisture that could make the rolls soggy.
Do I need a stand mixer to make the dough?
While a stand mixer with a dough hook makes the kneading process easier and faster, you can absolutely knead the dough by hand. It just takes a bit more elbow grease—about 8 to 10 minutes—until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Can I substitute the strawberry jam with another fruit jam?
Definitely! Blueberry, raspberry, or apricot jam could be wonderful alternatives, offering different flavor profiles while maintaining the juicy, sweet filling that makes this roll so special.
Is the cream cheese icing necessary?
Though the rolls are delightful on their own, the cream cheese icing adds a tangy sweetness that perfectly balances the strawberry filling. It’s absolutely worth making to elevate this recipe to a show-stopping treat.
How long can I let the dough rise?
The dough should rise until doubled, typically about 1 hour each time. However, you can also let the dough rise slowly in the refrigerator overnight for a deeper flavor and more flexibility in your baking schedule.
Final Thoughts
All in all, this Strawberry Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe is a total delight to make and enjoy. From the tender, buttery dough to the fresh strawberry filling and luscious cream cheese icing, every bite feels like a little moment of joy. I can’t recommend enough giving this recipe a whirl—whether you’re looking to treat yourself or impress guests, these rolls promise smiles with every bite!
Print
Strawberry Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these soft and sweet Strawberry Rolls topped with a luscious cream cheese icing. Perfect for breakfast or a special snack, these homemade rolls combine fluffy dough swirled with strawberry jam and fresh strawberries, finished with a smooth, creamy icing for an irresistible treat.
Ingredients
Dough
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup unsalted butter or margarine, softened to room temperature
- 1 egg
Filling
- ¾ cup strawberry jam
- 1 cup strawberries, fresh and chopped into small pieces
Cream Cheese Icing
- ½ cup cream cheese, at room temperature
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: Warm the milk in the microwave for 30 seconds; it should be lukewarm to activate the yeast effectively. Stir in the active dry yeast and let it sit undisturbed for 5 minutes until dissolved and foamy.
- Mix Dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, and salt. Add the softened butter, egg, and the activated yeast mixture. Using the dough hook attachment, knead the dough for 3-5 minutes until it becomes elastic and soft.
- First Rise: Lightly oil a bowl, place the dough inside, and cover with plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size. To speed up the proofing, you can use a warm oven by heating it to 350°F for 1 minute, then turning it off and placing the dough inside.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Generously butter a 9-inch pie plate or a cast-iron skillet to prevent sticking and enhance browning.
- Roll and Fill: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and roll it out to an 18×12 inch rectangle. Spread the strawberry jam evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the chopped fresh strawberries across the surface.
- Shape Rolls: Starting from the far longer edge, roll the dough tightly towards you. Pinch the seam to seal and cut the roll into 8 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss for clean edges.
- Second Rise: Arrange the rolls evenly in the prepared baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap and let them rise again until doubled in size, approximately 30-45 minutes. Use the warm oven method if preferred to speed up rising.
- Prepare Icing: In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, softened butter, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Adjust the icing consistency with a little milk or more powdered sugar if needed to achieve a drizzle-able texture.
- Bake Rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the risen rolls for about 30 minutes or until golden brown on top and cooked through. You can test doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean.
- Ice and Serve: Allow the rolls to cool for 10 minutes after baking. Drizzle the cream cheese icing generously over the warm rolls before serving. Enjoy immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure the milk is warm but not hot when activating yeast to avoid killing the yeast.
- If you prefer a stronger strawberry flavor, increase the jam quantity slightly.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives.
- The overnight rise can be done in the refrigerator for a slower fermentation and added flavor.
- Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
