strawberry rolls with cream cheese frosting

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Rise Time: 1.5 – 2 hours
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: About 3 hours
Skill Level: Intermediate
Servings: 12 rolls

 Introduction

Say hello to your new favorite sweet treat: Strawberry Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting. These soft, pillowy rolls are packed with fresh strawberry flavor, swirled with a fruity filling, and slathered with a rich and tangy cream cheese frosting that melts into every bite.

A playful twist on classic cinnamon rolls, these are perfect for spring and summer mornings, baby showers, brunch tables, or as a colorful dessert. They’re sweet, sticky, tender, and totally irresistible.

 Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Rolls

 Bright, fruity, and fresh with real strawberries
 Rich and gooey cream cheese frosting on top
 Soft and fluffy homemade dough
 Perfect for brunch, dessert, or special occasions
 Can be made ahead or frozen

 Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)

• 1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• ¾ cup whole milk, warmed (110°F / 43°C)

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

• 2 large eggs

• ½ tsp salt

For the Strawberry Filling:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, diced

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

• 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 oz (half block) cream cheese, softened

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

• 1–2 tablespoons milk (to thin, if needed)

 Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowl or stand mixer with dough hook

• Rolling pin

• 9×13-inch baking dish

• Saucepan

• Rubber spatula or spoon

• Clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap

 Recipe Difficulty & Skill Level

This recipe is intermediate level, great for anyone who’s comfortable working with yeast doughs. If you’ve ever made cinnamon rolls before, this will feel very familiar — with a fruity upgrade!

 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine the warm milk, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir and let sit for 5–10 minutes, until it becomes foamy. This means the yeast is alive and ready.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl (or stand mixer), combine:

• The yeast mixture

• Melted butter

• Eggs

• Salt

Begin adding flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing after each addition until a soft dough forms. Knead for 8–10 minutes, either by hand or using the dough hook, until smooth and slightly tacky.

Form into a ball and place in a lightly greased bowl. Cover and let rise in a warm spot for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Make the Strawberry Filling

While the dough rises, prepare the filling:

1. In a saucepan, combine strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice.

2. Cook over medium heat for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until strawberries release their juices.

3. Stir in cornstarch and cook another 1–2 minutes until thickened.

4. Remove from heat and cool completely. Stir in vanilla extract if using.

This filling can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the fridge.

Step 4: Roll and Fill

After the dough has doubled, punch it down and transfer to a floured surface. Roll into a large rectangle, roughly 16×12 inches.

Spread the cooled strawberry filling evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges.

Step 5: Shape and Slice

Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut into 12 even pieces.

Place the rolls into a greased 9×13 baking dish, spiral-side up. Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes, or until puffy.

Step 6: Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes, or until golden on top and cooked through in the center. If they brown too quickly, tent with foil for the last 10 minutes.

Remove from oven and let cool slightly before frosting.

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a bowl, beat together:

• Softened cream cheese

• Butter

• Powdered sugar

• Vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

Add milk, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency — thick and spreadable or thin and drizzly.

Step 8: Frost & Serve

Spread or drizzle the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls so it melts slightly into the swirls. Serve warm, with a cup of coffee, tea, or sparkling lemonade.

 Storage & Reheating Tips

• Room Temp: Store frosted or unfrosted rolls in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

• Refrigerator: Store for up to 5 days (especially if frosted).

• Reheat: Microwave individual rolls for 15–20 seconds for that fresh-baked warmth.

• Freeze: Freeze unfrosted baked rolls in a freezer-safe container. Thaw and frost before serving.

 Tips for Success

• Don’t overfill — a light layer of filling prevents mess and helps the rolls hold shape.

• Cool the filling completely before spreading to avoid soggy dough.

• Use floss to slice clean, even rolls without squishing the dough.

• Room-temperature frosting spreads better and melts perfectly over warm rolls.

• Add some white chocolate chips to the filling for extra sweetness!

 Nutrition Info (Per Roll – Approximate)

Note: Nutritional values will vary based on exact ingredients and frosting quantity.

 Variations & Ideas

• Strawberry-Lemon Rolls: Add lemon zest to the dough and lemon juice to the frosting.

• Berry Mix-Up: Use raspberries or blueberries in place of strawberries.

• Vegan Version: Use plant-based butter, non-dairy milk, and vegan cream cheese.

• Mini Rolls: Cut smaller pieces and bake in muffin tins for bite-sized treats.

• Overnight Rolls: Assemble and refrigerate overnight. Let come to room temp and rise before baking.

 Final Thoughts

These Strawberry Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting are a beautiful, bright, and indulgent treat that’s perfect year-round — but especially when fresh berries are in season. The combination of tangy cream cheese frosting and jammy strawberries wrapped in a soft, golden dough is simply irresistible.