The first bite of a warm cinnamon roll, oozing with sweet cream cheese and the vibrant flavor of strawberries, is nothing short of heavenly! Honestly, this is the kind of recipe that makes your kitchen smell like a cozy bakery, inviting everyone to stop by for a taste. I first whipped up these strawberry cream cheese stuffed cinnamon rolls for a brunch gathering with friends, and let’s just say they didn’t last long! There’s something magical about the combination of cinnamon and the tangy sweetness of strawberries that makes these rolls an unforgettable treat.
What I love most about this recipe is how it transforms a classic cinnamon roll into something special. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a brunch or simply craving a sweet indulgence, these rolls are the answer. They’re fluffy, decadent, and oh-so-satisfying! Plus, they’re perfect for any occasion, from lazy Sunday mornings to festive holiday gatherings. Trust me, once you try these strawberry cream cheese stuffed cinnamon rolls, you’ll want to make them again and again!
So grab your apron, and let’s dive into this delicious adventure together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
When it comes to breakfast treats, these strawberry cream cheese stuffed cinnamon rolls are a game changer. Here’s why they’re sure to become a favorite:
- Quick & Easy: These rolls come together surprisingly fast, making them perfect for busy mornings or spontaneous gatherings.
- Simple Ingredients: You won’t need to hunt down fancy ingredients; most of what you need is probably already in your kitchen!
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a festive brunch, a cozy dinner, or just a special treat for yourself, these rolls fit the bill.
- Crowd-Pleaser: I’ve served these to family and friends, and they always ask for seconds—if not thirds!
- Unbelievably Delicious: The combination of cinnamon, cream cheese, and strawberries creates a flavor explosion that’s simply irresistible.
What sets this recipe apart is the use of fresh strawberries that meld beautifully with the creamy filling. It’s not just another cinnamon roll; it’s a delightful twist that captures the essence of spring and summer in every bite. The cream cheese adds a rich texture that balances the sweetness, making each roll a little piece of heaven. You’ll find yourself closing your eyes in bliss after the first bite!
These rolls are also versatile—feel free to customize them based on what fruits you have on hand or your personal preferences. They’re the kind of recipe that invites creativity and experimentation, which is always a plus in my book!
Ingredients Needed
This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients to create delicious strawberry cream cheese stuffed cinnamon rolls. Here’s what you’ll need:
- For the Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon salt
- For the Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Cinnamon Sugar:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- For the Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Most of these ingredients are pantry staples, making this recipe accessible to everyone. If you’re looking to make it gluten-free, feel free to substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend. And if you’re out of fresh strawberries, you can use frozen ones—just make sure to thaw and drain them first!
Equipment Needed
For this recipe, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools:
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rolling pin
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Electric mixer (optional, but helps with the dough and filling)
- Pastry brush (for spreading butter)
If you don’t have a rolling pin, you can use a wine bottle or any smooth cylindrical object! Just be sure to flour your surface well to prevent sticking. And if you don’t have a baking dish, feel free to use any oven-safe dish that can hold the rolls snugly.
Preparation Method
Now, let’s get to the fun part—making these delightful rolls! Follow these easy steps:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Create a well in the center and add the melted butter, eggs, and the frothy yeast mixture.
- Mix until a dough forms, then knead for about 5-7 minutes on a floured surface until smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this part.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
- While the dough is rising, prepare the filling by mixing the softened cream cheese, diced strawberries, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl until well combined.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about ¼ inch thick.
- Spread the softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture all over the top.
- Evenly spread the cream cheese filling over the cinnamon sugar layer.
- Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it, then cut the log into 12 equal pieces.
- Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, cover with a towel, and let them rise again for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- While the rolls are baking, prepare the icing by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes before drizzling with icing.
And there you have it! A batch of delicious strawberry cream cheese stuffed cinnamon rolls that will wow your taste buds and fill your home with an irresistible aroma.
Cooking Tips & Techniques
To ensure your rolls turn out perfectly every time, here are some handy tips:
- Make sure your yeast is fresh! Check the expiration date, as expired yeast won’t rise properly.
- Keep an eye on the dough while it rises. If your kitchen is cooler, it may take longer to double in size—be patient!
- When rolling out the dough, use plenty of flour to prevent sticking, but don’t overdo it—too much flour can make the rolls dense.
- If you want extra gooey rolls, let them cool completely before drizzling with icing; this way, the icing will stay on top instead of soaking in.
- Feel free to adjust the filling ingredients! If you love a hint of citrus, add some lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture for a refreshing twist.
Remember, practice makes perfect! If your first batch doesn’t look quite like the pictures, don’t worry. You’ll get the hang of it—and the taste will still be fabulous!
Variations & Adaptations
Want to switch things up? Here are some delicious variations you can try:
- Berry Medley: Substitute strawberries with a mix of your favorite berries—blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries work wonderfully!
- Nutty Addition: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for a delightful crunch.
- Chocolate Lovers: Stir in some mini chocolate chips to the cream cheese filling for an indulgent treat.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive friends.
Feel free to get creative! These rolls are a blank canvas just waiting for your flavor inspirations.
Serving & Storage Suggestions
These strawberry cream cheese stuffed cinnamon rolls are best served warm, straight out of the oven. If you want to impress guests, drizzle with icing just before serving and maybe sprinkle some fresh strawberries on top for a pop of color!
For storage, allow any leftovers to cool completely, then cover them tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can reheat them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes to warm them through.
If you want to make these rolls ahead of time, you can prepare them up to the point of cutting and rising the rolls, then refrigerate overnight. Just let them come to room temperature before baking!
Nutritional Information & Benefits
These delicious rolls are a delightful treat, and while they’re indulgent, they also have some nutritional benefits thanks to the strawberries:
- Rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants from strawberries.
- Provides a good amount of calcium from the cream cheese.
- Homemade goodness without preservatives or artificial flavors.
Keep in mind that these rolls are best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. They’re perfect for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself and your loved ones!
Conclusion
These strawberry cream cheese stuffed cinnamon rolls are more than just a sweet treat—they’re a way to create memories and enjoy the simple pleasures of baking. I love how easy they are to make, and the smiles they bring to everyone’s faces are priceless!
Don’t hesitate to make them your own, adding flavors and ingredients that you love. I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out, so feel free to drop a comment or share your variations! Happy baking!
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw and drain them before mixing into the filling.
How do I know when my dough has risen enough?
The dough should double in size and feel puffy to the touch. You can gently poke it with your finger; if it springs back slowly, it’s ready!
Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare them up to the point of cutting and rising, then refrigerate overnight. Just let them come to room temperature before baking.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
You can use mascarpone cheese or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative if you prefer!
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator, tightly covered, for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
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Delicious Strawberry Cream Cheese Stuffed Cinnamon Rolls
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
These strawberry cream cheese stuffed cinnamon rolls are a delightful twist on a classic treat, combining the flavors of cinnamon, cream cheese, and fresh strawberries for an unforgettable experience. Perfect for brunch or any special occasion!
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for cinnamon sugar)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (for cinnamon sugar)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
- 2 tablespoons milk (for icing)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for icing)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Create a well in the center and add the melted butter, eggs, and the frothy yeast mixture.
- Mix until a dough forms, then knead for about 5-7 minutes on a floured surface until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
- While the dough is rising, prepare the filling by mixing the softened cream cheese, diced strawberries, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl until well combined.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about ¼ inch thick.
- Spread the softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture all over the top.
- Evenly spread the cream cheese filling over the cinnamon sugar layer.
- Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it, then cut the log into 12 equal pieces.
- Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, cover with a towel, and let them rise again for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- While the rolls are baking, prepare the icing by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes before drizzling with icing.
Notes
Feel free to customize the filling with different fruits or add nuts for extra texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 4
Keywords: strawberry, cream cheese, cinnamon rolls, brunch, dessert