If you’re on the hunt for a show-stopping breakfast treat, look no further than these Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls. These pillowy-soft rolls burst with sweet strawberry filling and are smothered with a berry-kissed glaze that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Whether you’re sharing them at brunch, celebrating a special occasion, or just treating yourself to something truly special, these rolls combine the bright flavors of real strawberries with the warming notes of cinnamon for a treat that feels both nostalgic and completely new. Let’s dive into how to make your next baking day absolutely unforgettable.

Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t be fooled by their bakery-level flair—these Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls rely on straightforward, quality ingredients, each playing a crucial part in bringing out the best flavor, texture, and color. Here’s what makes them so irresistible:

Frozen or fresh strawberries: The heart of the filling, providing natural sweetness and a vibrant pink hue.
Brown sugar: Deepens the caramel-like notes in both the filling and swirl.
Lemon juice: Adds a slight tang to brighten the berry flavor.
Cornstarch: Thickens the strawberry mixture to a jammy consistency.
Strawberry extract (optional): Intensifies the berry taste for a burst of natural flavor.
Unsalted butter: Richness in the filling, dough, and glaze—we don’t skimp!
Ground cinnamon: That classic sweet spice, perfectly paired with strawberries.
Bread flour: The secret behind fluffy, lofty rolls.
Granulated sugar: Adds subtle sweetness to the dough base.
Instant yeast: Delivers a beautiful, well-risen roll with no fuss.
Fine sea salt: Balances all the sweet elements.
Whole milk and heavy cream: Create an exceptionally tender, rich dough—worth it!
Large egg: Adds structure and moisture for that perfect chew.
Vanilla extract: Enhances dough aroma and warmth.
Powdered sugar: Essential for a silky-smooth, cloud-like glaze.
Cream cheese: Adds a slight tang and creaminess to the frosting.
Water: Used to create the plush tangzhong for the softest buns imaginable.

How to Make Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Make the Strawberry Filling

Start by simmering your strawberries, brown sugar, and lemon juice over medium-high heat until they begin to break down and bubble. Mash them a bit as they cook, then add a cornstarch slurry and let everything thicken into a rich, jammy paste. Stir in strawberry extract if you want extra oomph, then set the mixture aside—this sweet, jewel-toned jam is the beating heart of your Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls.

Step 2: Cook the Tangzhong

Next, you’ll whip up a quick tangzhong, which is a magical bread technique from Asia that keeps rolls pillowy-soft for days. Simply cook water and flour together over medium heat, whisking constantly for several minutes until it looks thick and almost pudding-like. This step is key for that “cloud soft” texture everyone craves.

Step 3: Mix and Knead the Dough

Now, let’s make the base. Add all your dry ingredients—bread flour, sugar, yeast, salt—into the mixer. Then pour in milk, cream, egg, vanilla, and the tangzhong you just made. Use the dough hook to bring it all together, then knead in your soft butter gradually. The dough should be smooth, supple, and not sticky—don’t rush this part, it leads to the ultimate Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls foundation.

Step 4: Rest and Prepare the Filling

Let your dough rest for 30 minutes. While it’s relaxing, beat together softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth—this is the aromatic filling that combines with the strawberry jam to make every bite unforgettable!

Step 5: Roll, Fill, and Slice

Place your rested dough onto a floured counter, then roll it into a large rectangle. Evenly spread on the cinnamon sugar layer, followed by almost all of your cooled strawberry filling. Leave a small border at the top—it’ll help the rolls seal. Slice the dough into strips and roll each one into a gorgeous swirl.

Step 6: Second Rise

Transfer those beautiful spirals into a parchment-lined baking pan. Cover, and let them rise in a warm place for about an hour or two, until doubled in size. This slow rise builds tenderness and lets the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the rolls into a 325°F oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes. They’ll puff up, turn golden, and fill your kitchen with the most irresistible aroma imaginable. Let them cool slightly on a rack—you want them warm but not piping hot before glazing.

Step 8: Make and Spread the Strawberry Glaze

Beat together your softened butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, the reserved strawberry filling, and a little more extract for boost. Smother each roll with this blush-pink glaze for that final bakery-worthy touch. Your Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls are now ready for their big debut!

How to Serve Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls

Garnishes

For a little something extra, sprinkle your Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with a handful of chopped fresh strawberries or a dusting of freeze-dried berries. A little lemon zest brightens things up, while crushed pistachios add a fantastic pop of color and crunch. If you like, finish with a few mint leaves for a touch of green.

Side Dishes

Pair your Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with a bowl of creamy Greek yogurt and fresh berries for a brunch spread that’s both gorgeous and satisfying. For something more decadent, serve alongside a warm vanilla latte or a frothy cappuccino. If you’re going for a crowd-pleaser, a citrus fruit salad helps balance out the sweetness and feels perfectly seasonal any time of year.

Creative Ways to Present

Host a brunch board by arranging the rolls on a large platter surrounded by little bowls of chopped fruit, jam, and extra glaze for dipping. You can also serve each roll in a cupcake liner for a playful, grab-and-go brunch option. If you want to go all out, stack the Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls on a cake stand and drizzle with extra glaze right before serving for the ultimate statement centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls have cooled, store any extras in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them ultra-fresh, consider popping them in the fridge, especially if your kitchen is warm. Either way, they’ll stay soft and flavorful, ready for a quick breakfast or impromptu snack.

Freezing

Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls freeze beautifully! Once they’ve fully cooled, wrap them tightly individually and tuck them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to two months. To freeze unbaked rolls, assemble and shape them, then freeze on a tray before transferring to a bag; thaw and let rise before baking as usual.

Reheating

Gently warm leftover rolls in the microwave for about 20 seconds, or covered in a 300°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes. If frozen, let them thaw overnight in the fridge first. A little extra glaze or butter on top after reheating will make them taste just-baked and utterly irresistible.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought strawberry jam instead of making my own?

Absolutely, though making your own gives the filling a truly fresh, vibrant flavor. If you’re in a pinch, choose a high-quality strawberry jam with plenty of real fruit. If you want, you can still add a dash of lemon juice or extract for that homemade taste.

Do I have to use bread flour, or will all-purpose work?

Bread flour gives these Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls their signature fluffy, lofty texture, but if all-purpose is what you have, your rolls will still turn out soft and tasty—just slightly less chewy. For best results, stick with bread flour if you can.

What’s the purpose of the tangzhong step?

The tangzhong is the baker’s secret to ultra-soft, tender rolls. It locks in moisture, so your Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls stay fresh for days instead of drying out quickly. It’s a small extra step that makes a huge difference in texture!

Can I make these overnight for brunch the next day?

Yes! After shaping the rolls and placing them in the pan, cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature and rise for 1 to 2 hours before baking as directed. A perfect make-ahead treat for special mornings!

Can I add other fruits or flavors to the filling?

Definitely—try raspberries, blueberries, or even a swirl of Nutella for an indulgent twist. Just be sure to cook any fresh fruit into a thick, jammy consistency so your rolls don’t get soggy. Experiment and find your favorite flavor combo!

Final Thoughts

It’s hard to imagine a breakfast or brunch spread more inviting than one headlined by Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls. These beauties combine all the cozy comfort of classic cinnamon rolls with the lively, sweet-tart flavor of strawberries. Don’t wait for a special reason—make a batch, share with loved ones, and watch them disappear. Once you try these, you’ll want to bake them again and again!