Fresh Strawberry Rolls

Introduction

There’s something magical about the smell of freshly baked rolls wafting through your kitchen. Add the sweetness of strawberries, and it’s like stepping into a bakery filled with springtime bliss. These Fresh Strawberry Rolls are everything you need in a dessert or breakfast treat: soft, fluffy dough swirled with a juicy strawberry filling, topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze.

I first made these rolls during a lazy Sunday at home when I had a basket of fresh strawberries begging to be turned into something special. My family immediately fell in love—they didn’t even wait for the rolls to cool before sneaking bites! Now, it’s a tradition to bake these whenever strawberries are in season. They’re the perfect blend of fruity sweetness and indulgent creaminess, making them ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

So, whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe will guide you step-by-step to create a batch of rolls that will have everyone coming back for seconds (or thirds!).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why these Fresh Strawberry Rolls are going to steal your heart (and your taste buds):

• Perfectly fluffy dough: Soft and pillowy, with just the right amount of chewiness.
• Fresh strawberry filling: Real strawberries, not overly sweet, making each bite refreshing and delicious.
• Cream cheese glaze: Smooth, tangy, and slightly sweet, this glaze takes the rolls to the next level.
• Versatile: Serve them for breakfast, as a snack, or even as dessert—these rolls shine any time of day.
• Beginner-friendly: The recipe is straightforward, with clear steps to guide you from start to finish.

Imagine biting into a warm, soft roll, bursting with fresh strawberry flavor and topped with creamy, sweet glaze. It’s a little slice of heaven, and you can make it right in your own kitchen!

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour rising time)
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: About 2 hours
• Servings: Makes 12 rolls

Ingredients

Dough:

• 3 ¾ cups (470g) all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ cup (120ml) whole milk, warmed
• ¼ cup (60ml) warm water
• 2 large eggs
• ⅓ cup (75g) unsalted butter, melted

Strawberry Filling:

• 2 cups (300g) fresh strawberries, diced
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp lemon juice

Cream Cheese Glaze:

• 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp whole milk (or as needed)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

1st Step: Make the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the warm milk, water, eggs, and melted butter. Mix well.
3. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a sticky dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes, or until it’s smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.

Tip: The dough should feel soft but not sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.

2nd Step: Prepare the Strawberry Filling

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the diced strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice.
2. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens into a jam-like consistency.
3. Remove from heat and let the filling cool completely before using.

Tip: Cooling the filling prevents it from leaking out while rolling the dough.

3rd Step: Roll and Fill

1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and roll it out into a large rectangle (about 12×16 inches).
2. Spread the cooled strawberry filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
3. Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log.
4. Using a sharp knife or dental floss, slice the log into 12 equal rolls.

Tip: Dental floss works wonders for clean cuts without squishing the rolls!

4th Step: Second Rise

1. Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll.
2. Cover with a towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes, or until they’re puffed and touching each other.

5th Step: Bake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and your kitchen smells like heaven.

6th Step: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze

1. In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
2. Add the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy and pourable.

7th Step: Glaze and Serve

1. Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly.
2. Drizzle the cream cheese glaze generously over the warm rolls.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy!

How to Serve

Here are some ideas for serving your freshly baked strawberry rolls:

• Breakfast or Brunch: Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy morning treat.
• Dessert: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Special Occasions: These rolls are perfect for holidays, birthdays, or family gatherings.

Tip: If you’re hosting a brunch, prepare the rolls the night before and bake them fresh in the morning for a stress-free experience!

Additional Tips

1. Use fresh strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries give the filling the best flavor. Frozen strawberries can work, but be sure to thaw and drain them first.
2. Don’t overfill: While tempting, adding too much filling can cause leaks. Stick to the measurements for the best results.
3. Room temperature ingredients: Ensure your eggs and butter are at room temperature for a smooth dough.
4. Reheating: Warm leftover rolls in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for that just-baked taste.
5. Make-ahead option: Assemble the rolls the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake them fresh the next morning!

Recipe Variations

• Lemon Strawberry Rolls: Add lemon zest to the filling and glaze for a bright, citrusy twist.
• Chocolate Strawberry Rolls: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the strawberry filling for an extra indulgence.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make the dough.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute coconut milk and vegan butter for the dough and almond cream cheese for the glaze.

Freezing and Storage

• To Store: Place leftover rolls in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• To Freeze: Wrap the unglazed rolls tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before glazing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use frozen strawberries for the filling?
Yes, you can! However, make sure to thaw and drain them completely before cooking to avoid excess moisture that could make the filling runny.

2. What if I don’t have instant yeast? Can I use active dry yeast instead?
Absolutely. If you’re using active dry yeast, dissolve it in the warm milk and water mixture with a teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy, then proceed with the recipe.

3. My dough didn’t rise. What went wrong?
If your dough isn’t rising:

• Ensure your yeast is fresh and not expired.
• Double-check the temperature of your liquids—they should be warm but not hot (around 110°F or 43°C).
• Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free spot. If your kitchen is cold, place the dough in an oven with just the light turned on.

4. Can I make the rolls ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the rolls up to the second rise, cover them tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature (about 30 minutes) before baking.

5. Can I freeze the rolls?
Yes. You can freeze the unbaked rolls or the baked rolls (without glaze). To freeze unbaked rolls, arrange them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw and let them rise before baking. For baked rolls, wrap tightly and freeze; reheat before adding the glaze.

6. What’s the best way to reheat leftover rolls?
Microwave individual rolls for 10-15 seconds, or warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-7 minutes. Add extra glaze for an even more indulgent treat!

7. Can I substitute the cream cheese glaze with something else?
Yes, if you’re out of cream cheese, a simple powdered sugar glaze made with milk and vanilla works wonderfully. Alternatively, you could try a lemon glaze for a citrusy twist.

8. How can I prevent my rolls from sticking to the baking dish?
Make sure to grease your baking dish generously with butter or nonstick spray. You can also line the dish with parchment paper for easy removal.

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Conclusion

These Fresh Strawberry Rolls are a delightful treat that will make any day feel special. With their soft, fluffy dough, sweet strawberry filling, and creamy glaze, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re a baking pro or a beginner, this recipe is approachable, fun, and oh-so-rewarding.

I can’t wait to see your version of these rolls! Don’t forget to snap a photo and share your delicious creations. Tag me on Instagram or leave a comment below—I’d love to hear how much you enjoyed them!