There is something undeniably magical about these Strawberry Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe that captures the heart and brightens the morning. Soft, fluffy rolls generously filled with luscious strawberry jam and fresh strawberries combine sweet and fruity notes that dance on your tongue. Topped with a luscious cream cheese icing that adds a tangy contrast and creamy finish, this recipe is a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re craving a special weekend breakfast or a festive brunch treat, these strawberry rolls will absolutely steal the show and become an instant favorite in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is the first step toward creating these irresistible strawberry rolls. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from creating the soft dough to infusing bright strawberry flavor, and the creamy icing that finishes it off with perfection.
- Milk: Warm milk activates the yeast and adds richness to the dough’s texture.
- Active dry yeast: Essential for making the dough rise beautifully and become light.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the sturdy but tender base of the rolls.
- Sugar: Adds sweetness to both the dough and the overall flavor profile.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the dough’s flavor.
- Unsalted butter or margarine: Brings moisture and a tender crumb to the rolls.
- Egg: Binds everything together while enriching the dough’s softness.
- Strawberry jam: Delivers sweet, fruity depth infused inside the rolls.
- Fresh strawberries: Add natural fruit bursts and vibrant color throughout the filling.
- Cream cheese: Provides a rich, tangy base for the dreamy icing.
- Unsalted butter for icing: Adds smoothness and balances the cream cheese’s tang.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with warm, sweet notes.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the cream cheese icing perfectly.
How to Make Strawberry Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by warming the milk just enough to be comfortably warm to the touch, about 30 seconds in the microwave. Stir in the active dry yeast and let it sit for 5 minutes. You’ll notice it dissolves and starts to foam slightly, proving the yeast is alive and ready to create that fluffy dough you’re dreaming of.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In your stand mixer bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt, then add the softened butter, beaten egg, and the yeast-milk mixture. Using a dough hook, knead everything together for 3 to 5 minutes until the dough turns elastic and soft. This step is crucial for developing the gluten structure that gives these rolls their signature fluffiness.
Step 3: First Rise
Lightly oil a bowl and place your dough inside, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Let it rest in a warm spot until it has doubled in size. If you’re in a hurry, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for one minute, then turn it off and let the dough rise inside—a cozy little proofing nook for your rolls.
Step 4: Prepare the Baking Dish
Butter a 9-inch pie plate or cast-iron skillet generously to prevent sticking and add a subtle buttery flavor to the bottom of your rolls.
Step 5: Roll and Fill the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll your dough out into a neat 18 by 12 inch rectangle. Spread an even layer of strawberry jam across the surface for sweetness, then sprinkle on the fresh chopped strawberries to provide juicy bursts in every bite.
Step 6: Shape the Rolls
Starting from the far edge, roll the dough toward you tightly but gently to keep all that lovely filling inside. Pinch the edge to seal, and then slice into 8 equal rolls, ready to bake or rise some more.
Step 7: Second Rise
Place the rolls cut side up in your prepared dish. Cover with plastic wrap and let them rise a second time until doubled. You can use the warm oven trick again to speed this along if needed.
Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Icing
While the rolls rise, combine softened cream cheese, butter, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar in your mixer until smooth. Add a splash of milk or extra powdered sugar to reach your preferred icing consistency—thick enough to drizzle but creamy enough to melt over warm rolls.
Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake your rolls at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes. You’re looking for a gorgeous golden brown on top that hints at the soft, flavorful interior waiting underneath.
Step 10: Drizzle and Serve
After letting the rolls cool for about 10 minutes, liberally drizzle the cream cheese icing over the top. This final touch creates the perfect balance of tangy sweetness and makes the rolls utterly irresistible.
How to Serve Strawberry Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your presentation by topping the rolls with fresh strawberry slices and a few finely chopped mint leaves. The color contrast is stunning and adds a refreshing aroma that complements the sweet rolls beautifully.
Side Dishes
These rolls are glorious on their own but pair delightfully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of chilled milk. For brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs or a light fruit salad to balance richness with freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, arrange the rolls in a circular pattern on a large platter and drizzle the icing in a zigzag or swirl pattern. You can also serve individual rolls in mini ramekins or wrap them as charming edible gifts for friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover rolls, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps them soft and delicious but be sure to keep them away from direct sunlight or heat to avoid drying out.
Freezing
These strawberry rolls freeze beautifully. Wrap individual rolls or the whole batch tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To enjoy warm rolls again, simply heat them in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 15 minutes or microwave on low power for one minute. Add a little extra icing after warming for that fresh-from-the-oven magic.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries in this recipe?
Yes, frozen strawberries can work if fresh aren’t available, but be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture that can make the dough soggy.
Is it possible to make these rolls vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute dairy milk with plant-based milk, use vegan butter, and replace the egg with a flaxseed or chia egg for a delicious vegan version.
How long can I keep the cream cheese icing?
Store the icing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Stir well before using if it has cooled and thickened.
Can I make the dough by hand instead of a mixer?
Yes! Mix and knead the dough by hand on a floured surface for about 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes soft and elastic, just as you would with a machine.
What’s the best way to prevent the rolls from drying out?
Cover the rolls well with plastic wrap or foil during rising and after baking. Storing them airtight and not exposing them to too much air will keep them tender and fresh longer.
Final Thoughts
Making these Strawberry Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe is a joyful kitchen adventure that rewards you with warm, fragrant, and utterly comforting treats. Each bite delivers sweet strawberries enveloped in tender dough, all brought together by the velvety richness of cream cheese icing. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and share it with those you love—it’s bound to become a cherished staple at your table as it has at mine!
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Strawberry Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightfully soft and sweet strawberry rolls topped with a luscious cream cheese icing. These rolls are filled with fresh strawberries and strawberry jam, perfect for a special breakfast or dessert treat.
Ingredients
Dough and Filling
- 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
- ¾ cup strawberry jam
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, 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. Add the yeast, stir gently, and let sit for 5 minutes until the yeast is dissolved and foamy.
- Prepare 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. Knead with the dough hook attachment for 3 to 5 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and soft.
- First Rise: Place the dough in an oiled bowl and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Put it in a warm place or inside a warm oven (preheated to 350°F for 1 minute and then turned off) to let it rise until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Butter a 9-inch pie plate or cast-iron skillet to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Roll Out Dough and Add Filling: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into an 18 by 12-inch rectangle. Spread the strawberry jam evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the chopped fresh strawberries on top.
- Form Rolls: Starting from the far side, roll the dough tightly towards you to form a log. Pinch the end closed to seal, then cut the log into 8 equal-sized rolls.
- Second Rise: Place the rolls in the prepared baking dish, arrange evenly, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise until doubled in size again, using the warm oven method if desired, approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Icing: In a mixer bowl, combine the cream cheese, softened butter, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar. Beat until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency by adding a small amount of milk or additional powdered sugar as needed.
- Bake Rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the risen rolls for 30 minutes or until they are golden brown and fully cooked.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the rolls to cool for 10 minutes. Drizzle the cream cheese icing over the warm rolls and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a more intense strawberry flavor, use fresh ripe strawberries and a good quality strawberry jam.
- If you don’t have a warm oven for proofing, a sunny windowsill or a slightly warmed microwave (off) works well.
- Ensure the cream cheese and butter are softened at room temperature for easy mixing.
- These rolls can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Adjust icing consistency depending on how thick or runny you prefer it on your rolls.
