raspberry cinnamon rolls

These Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls are a fruity twist on the classic cinnamon roll, filled with a sweet raspberry filling and topped with a tangy Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting. The combination of the soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls, the tart raspberry filling, and the zesty frosting is simply irresistible. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat!

Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Preparation Time: 20 minutes (plus dough rising time)
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours (including dough rise)
Servings: 12 rolls

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (or 1 packet)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for rolling)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

For the Raspberry Filling:

• 1 ½ cups fresh raspberries (or frozen, thawed and drained)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

For the Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and granulated sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Sprinkle the yeast over the mixture and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. If the mixture doesn’t bubble, the yeast might be expired, and you should try fresh yeast.
2. Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, salt, and eggs. Add the yeast mixture once it’s frothy and mix well. Then add the vanilla extract (if using).
3. Add the flour: Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing after each addition. Once the dough starts to come together, turn it out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
4. Let the dough rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 2: Make the Raspberry Filling

1. Prepare the filling: In a small saucepan, combine the fresh raspberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently until the raspberries break down and the mixture thickens (about 5-8 minutes). Once thickened, remove from heat and set aside to cool.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

1. Roll the dough: Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, about 16×12 inches.
2. Spread the cinnamon filling: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon to form a spreadable paste. Spread this mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough.
3. Spread the raspberry filling: Once the cinnamon filling is spread over the dough, spoon the cooled raspberry filling evenly over the cinnamon mixture, leaving a small border around the edges.

Step 4: Roll and Cut the Cinnamon Rolls

1. Roll the dough: Starting from one of the longer edges of the dough, carefully roll it up into a tight log. Be sure to pinch the edges to seal the roll.
2. Slice the rolls: Using a sharp knife or dental floss, slice the rolled dough into 12 even rolls. Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, making sure they are slightly touching.

Step 5: Let the Rolls Rise Again

1. Second rise: Cover the baking dish with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes. They should puff up and touch each other.

Step 6: Bake the Cinnamon Rolls

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) while the rolls are rising.
2. Bake the rolls: After the second rise, place the rolls in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of a roll comes out clean.

Step 7: Make the Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

1. Prepare the frosting: While the rolls are baking, make the lemon cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
2. Adjust the consistency: If the frosting is too thick, you can add a little milk (a tablespoon at a time) to reach your desired consistency.

Step 8: Frost and Serve

1. Cool the rolls slightly: Once the rolls are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for about 10 minutes.
2. Frost the rolls: Spread a generous amount of the lemon cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls. The frosting will melt slightly, making it even more delicious.
3. Serve: Serve the raspberry cinnamon rolls warm and enjoy the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and cinnamony goodness!

Tips for Success:

• Use fresh raspberries: For the best flavor, use fresh raspberries. If you use frozen raspberries, be sure to drain off any excess liquid before using them.
• Don’t overfill: Be cautious not to overfill the rolls with the raspberry filling, as it can spill out while baking. A thin, even layer works best.
• Chill the dough for easier rolling: If you find it difficult to roll out the dough, you can refrigerate it for about 30 minutes before rolling it. Chilled dough is easier to handle.
• Make-ahead option: You can prepare the rolls the night before. After assembling the rolls, cover them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them rise for about 30 minutes before baking.

Nutritional Information (Per Roll, based on 12 servings):

Calories: 350 kcal
Protein: 4g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 30g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 40mg
Sodium: 250mg
Iron: 6% of the Daily Value (DV)

Conclusion:

These Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The sweet raspberry filling, cinnamon swirl, and tangy lemon frosting create a dessert that’s both fresh and indulgent. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, these rolls are sure to impress everyone with their incredible flavor!