Indulge in the perfect balance of fruity sweetness and citrusy tang with these Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Lemon Cream Cheese Glaze! Soft, fluffy, and filled with a delicious strawberry filling, these rolls are ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a special treat. Follow this recipe to create a delightful dessert that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
3/4 cup warm milk
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
For the Strawberry Filling:
1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, diced
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tbsp cornstarch
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Lemon Cream Cheese Glaze:
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Directions:
Prepare the Dough: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until bubbly.
Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the remaining sugar, egg, melted butter, flour, and salt. Add in the yeast mixture and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Make the Filling: While the dough rises, prepare the strawberry filling by combining the diced strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened. Set aside to cool.
Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle. Spread the cooled strawberry filling evenly over the dough.
Shape the Rolls: Roll the dough tightly from one long end to the other, then cut into 12 equal rolls. Place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Second Rise: Cover and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool slightly while you prepare the glaze.
Make the Glaze: In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, lemon juice, zest, and vanilla until smooth.
Serve: Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls before serving.
Serving Tips:
Serve Warm: For the best flavor and texture, serve the cinnamon rolls warm. If they have cooled, you can warm them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds before serving.
Add Extra Glaze: Consider drizzling additional lemon cream cheese glaze over the rolls just before serving for an extra burst of flavor.
Pair with Beverages: These rolls pair wonderfully with coffee, tea, or a refreshing glass of iced tea. You could also serve them alongside fresh fruit or yogurt for a more balanced breakfast or brunch.
Garnish: For a pretty presentation, garnish with fresh strawberry slices or a sprinkle of lemon zest before serving.
Storage Tips:
Room Temperature: If you plan to eat the rolls within a day, you can store them at room temperature. Place them in an airtight container or cover them tightly with plastic wrap to keep them fresh.
Refrigeration: For longer storage (up to 4-5 days), store the rolls in the refrigerator. Again, use an airtight container or cover with plastic wrap. The cream cheese glaze will firm up in the fridge but can be softened slightly by warming the rolls before serving.
Freezing: If you want to enjoy these rolls later, you can freeze them:
Before Baking: After cutting the rolls, place them in the greased baking dish and cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then let rise for 30 minutes before baking.
After Baking: Once baked and cooled, place the rolls in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or microwave.
Reheating: To reheat leftover rolls, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat them for about 10-15 minutes, or microwave individual rolls for about 10-15 seconds until warmed through.
Related Recipes:
- Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls
- Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls with Lemon Glaze
- Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
FAQs:
Can I use frozen strawberries for the filling?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but they may release more moisture than fresh strawberries. To prevent the filling from becoming too watery, consider draining any excess liquid after thawing and adjusting the cornstarch in the filling to help thicken it.
How can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
You can prepare the dough and the filling ahead of time. After rolling and cutting the rolls, place them in a greased baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them rise for about 30 minutes before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze the unbaked rolls for up to 2 months and bake them directly from the freezer, allowing extra time for baking.
What can I use instead of cream cheese in the glaze?
If you’re looking for a substitute for cream cheese, you can use mascarpone cheese for a similar creamy texture. For a dairy-free option, consider using a plant-based cream cheese or a mixture of powdered sugar and lemon juice with a little coconut cream for a lighter glaze.
How do I store leftover cinnamon rolls?
To store leftover cinnamon rolls, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 4-5 days or freeze them for up to 2 months. If freezing, it’s best to do so after they are baked and cooled. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
Conclusion:
These Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Lemon Cream Cheese Glaze are not just visually appealing but also a delicious treat that brings together the flavors of summer and the comfort of home baking. Perfect for any occasion, these rolls will quickly become a favorite in your household. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get baking!
📖 Recipe:
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Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Lemon Cream Cheese Glaze
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Lemon Cream Cheese Glaze—soft and fluffy rolls filled with sweet strawberries and topped with a tangy lemon glaze. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, these delicious rolls bring a burst of fruity flavor and citrusy brightness to any occasion!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
3/4 cup warm milk
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
For the Strawberry Filling:
1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, diced
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tbsp cornstarch
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Lemon Cream Cheese Glaze:
4 oz cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tbsp sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until bubbly.
- In a large bowl, mix remaining sugar, egg, melted butter, flour, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the strawberry filling by cooking diced strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until thickened. Set aside to cool.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a rectangle and spread the cooled strawberry filling evenly over it.
- Roll the dough tightly and cut into 12 equal rolls. Place in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool slightly.
- For the glaze, beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, lemon juice, zest, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls before serving.
Notes
For the best flavor, use ripe, fresh strawberries.
If using frozen strawberries, drain any excess liquid after thawing and consider adjusting the cornstarch.
The rolls can be made ahead of time and refrigerated overnight before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 rolls
- Calories: 340 kcal
