Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls

Indulge in the delightful combination of strawberries and cinnamon with these irresistible Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat any time of day, these rolls are sure to impress family and friends. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of making these delicious rolls, from gathering the ingredients to serving them fresh from the oven. Let’s dive into this mouth-watering recipe and discover how to create these homemade delights.

Ingredients

Before we begin, let’s gather all the ingredients needed for this recipe. Each component plays a crucial role in ensuring the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Strawberry Filling:

• 3 cups strawberries (fresh or frozen)
• 3 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp water

Tangzhong:

• ¼ cup flour
• ¾ cup water

Dough:

• 3 ½ cups flour
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsp instant yeast
• ¾ tsp sea salt
• ½ cup milk (room temperature)
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• 1 tsp vanilla
• Tangzhong (from above)
• 4 tbsp butter (softened)

Glaze:

• 1 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 4 tbsp butter (softened)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1-2 tbsp strawberry filling (reserved)
• 1 tbsp milk

Instructions

Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls. The process is simple, and the results are truly rewarding.

1. Make Strawberry Filling:

1. In a saucepan, combine strawberries, brown sugar, and lemon juice.
2. Cook over medium heat for 20 minutes, mashing the strawberries with a spoon as they soften.
3. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water.
4. Stir the cornstarch mixture into the strawberry mixture and cook for another 5 minutes, or until thickened.
5. Set aside 1-2 tablespoons of the filling for the glaze.

2. Prepare Tangzhong:

1. In a small saucepan, whisk together flour and water.
2. Cook over medium heat for 4-5 minutes, stirring constantly, until it forms a paste.
3. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.

3. Make Dough:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
2. Add the egg, milk, vanilla, and tangzhong paste to the dry ingredients. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Gradually add softened butter, mixing well after each addition until fully incorporated.
4. Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes, either by hand or using a stand mixer with a dough hook, until it is smooth and elastic.

4. Rise Dough:

1. Shape the dough into a ball and place it seam side down in a greased bowl.
2. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot for about 45-60 minutes, or until doubled in size.

5. Assemble Rolls:

1. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 14×18 inch rectangle.
2. Spread the strawberry filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
3. Cut the dough into 12 strips of equal width.
4. Roll up each strip to form a spiral and place them in a parchment-lined 9×13 inch baking dish.
5. Cover the dish with a towel and let the rolls rise again for 45-60 minutes.

6. Bake:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (162°C).
2. Bake the rolls for 23-26 minutes, or until golden brown.
3. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before glazing.

7. Prepare the Glaze:

1. In a medium bowl, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until well combined.
3. Stir in the reserved strawberry filling and milk until the glaze reaches your desired consistency.
4. Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls before serving.

Nutrition Facts

While these Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls are a delicious treat, it’s important to be mindful of their nutritional content. Here’s a rough estimate per roll:

• Calories: 320
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fat: 13g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 190mg

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on ingredient brands and portions.

How to Serve

Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven, when they are at their peak of flavor and texture. The sweet, sticky filling combined with the soft, fluffy dough creates a delightful experience that can be elevated with thoughtful serving suggestions. Here are several ways to enhance your enjoyment of these delicious treats:

Breakfast Delight

Start your day off right by pairing a warm Strawberry Cinnamon Roll with your favorite morning beverage. The rich, buttery flavor of the roll beautifully complements a freshly brewed cup of coffee, whether you prefer a robust dark roast or a smooth, creamy latte. For tea lovers, a fragrant herbal or black tea can serve as a perfect accompaniment, balancing the sweetness of the roll. Consider adding a light spread of cream cheese or strawberry jam on top for an extra layer of flavor. This combination not only satisfies your taste buds but also provides a comforting, energizing start to your day.

Brunch Favorite

Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls make an excellent addition to any brunch gathering. Their sweet flavor profile pairs wonderfully with savory dishes, creating a balanced spread that caters to all palates. Serve the rolls alongside fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and perhaps a fresh fruit salad for a colorful and nutritious meal. For a delightful twist, consider making a breakfast casserole or quiche that incorporates seasonal vegetables or cheese. This combination will ensure your brunch table is not only visually appealing but also offers a variety of flavors and textures that guests will love.

Afternoon Snack

When the afternoon slump hits, a warm Strawberry Cinnamon Roll can serve as the perfect sweet pick-me-up. Enjoy it with a glass of cold milk, which complements the sweetness and enhances the overall experience. Alternatively, pour yourself a refreshing iced tea—be it classic black, fruity herbal, or even a chai—with its warm spices harmonizing beautifully with the cinnamon flavors of the roll. If you want to make this snack a bit more indulgent, drizzle a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk over the top, adding a touch of sweetness and visual appeal.

Dessert Option

Transform your Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls into a stunning dessert option that will impress guests or satisfy your sweet tooth. Top a warm roll with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream, allowing the heat of the roll to slightly melt the ice cream, creating a luscious, creamy sauce. For added flair, sprinkle some crushed nuts or fresh strawberries on top for texture and freshness. You can also drizzle a homemade strawberry sauce or caramel sauce over the ice cream, enhancing the flavor profile and making it a truly decadent experience. Serve with a fork and knife for a refined touch, or simply enjoy it à la mode style for a casual yet indulgent treat.

Additional Serving Suggestions

• Garnish: Consider garnishing your rolls with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of glaze. This simple addition can elevate their presentation and make them even more enticing.
• Pairing with Cheese: For an unexpected twist, pair your rolls with a mild cheese, like brie or mascarpone, which can counterbalance the sweetness and add richness to each bite.
• Flavor Variations: Experiment with different toppings or fillings for the rolls, such as cream cheese frosting, a lemon glaze, or even chocolate drizzle, to create a unique experience every time you serve them.

By considering these serving suggestions, you can elevate your enjoyment of Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls, whether for a special occasion or a cozy afternoon treat. Their versatility allows them to shine in various settings, ensuring that each bite is a delightful experience.

Additional Tips

To ensure your Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

Use Fresh Ingredients

Fresh ingredients can make a significant difference in the flavor and overall quality of your Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls. When selecting strawberries, look for ones that are firm, plump, and vibrantly colored with no signs of mold or bruising. Fresh strawberries not only provide a juicy burst of flavor but also enhance the texture of the filling, making each bite more enjoyable. If fresh strawberries are not available, consider using frozen strawberries, but be sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in your filling.

In addition to strawberries, using high-quality cinnamon, pure vanilla extract, and fresh yeast can elevate your rolls. Opt for ground cinnamon that is aromatic and flavorful, as it will be a key player in the taste profile. If possible, make your own vanilla extract by soaking vanilla beans in alcohol for a few weeks for a richer flavor.

Softened Butter

The texture of your dough relies heavily on the condition of your butter. For optimal results, allow your butter to soften at room temperature for about one hour before using it. Softened butter is easier to incorporate into the dough, enabling it to blend seamlessly and create a smoother texture. If you’re short on time, you can cut the butter into small cubes and microwave it on a low setting for a few seconds, but ensure it doesn’t melt completely. Properly softened butter helps achieve that fluffy, tender dough that is characteristic of great cinnamon rolls.

Proper Dough Rising

Dough rising is a crucial step in the baking process, as it allows the yeast to create air bubbles, resulting in a light and airy texture. To achieve the best rise for your dough, find a warm, draft-free location. A common method is to place the dough inside your oven with the light turned on; this creates a gently warm environment conducive to yeast activity. Alternatively, you can place the dough near a heating element or in a sunny spot in your kitchen. Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap to retain moisture, which helps prevent the dough from drying out while it rises.

For optimal results, allow the dough to rise until it has doubled in size, which may take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours, depending on the temperature and humidity of your kitchen. If you’re in a hurry, you can also perform a “quick rise” by placing the dough in a bowl over a pot of warm water, ensuring that the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water.

Even Spreading

Achieving an even distribution of your strawberry filling is essential for consistent flavor in each roll. After rolling out your dough, use a spatula to spread the filling evenly across the surface. Start from the center and work your way out to the edges, ensuring that each section has a sufficient layer of filling. This not only guarantees that every roll has the same delicious flavor but also helps in achieving a beautiful swirl pattern when you slice the dough. If you find that your filling is too thick, you can thin it with a bit of water or lemon juice to make it easier to spread.

Watch the Bake Time

Baking the rolls to perfection is a delicate balance. It’s vital to monitor the rolls closely, especially in the last few minutes of baking. Ovens can vary in temperature, and even a minute or two can make a significant difference in the outcome. While the rolls are baking, the aroma will fill your kitchen, serving as a delightful reminder that they’re nearing completion. To check if they are done, look for a golden-brown color on top, and use a toothpick to test the center; if it comes out clean, the rolls are ready. If you notice the tops browning too quickly, consider covering them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning while allowing the centers to bake through.

By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to creating Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls that are not only delicious but also visually appealing and perfectly textured every time you bake. Enjoy the process, and don’t hesitate to experiment with variations to make this recipe your own!

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for the filling?

Yes, frozen strawberries can be used for the filling. Simply thaw them before cooking to ensure they release their juices properly.

Can I make the dough in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Just bring it to room temperature before rolling and assembling the rolls.

How should I store leftover rolls?

Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days and reheat before serving.

Can I freeze the rolls?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked rolls. After assembling them in the baking dish, cover tightly and freeze. When ready to bake, let them thaw and rise before baking as directed.

Can I adjust the sweetness of the glaze?

Certainly! Adjust the sweetness of the glaze by adding more or less powdered sugar according to your preference.

Conclusion

Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful fusion of sweet strawberries and aromatic cinnamon, wrapped in a soft, fluffy dough. This recipe is perfect for those who love to bake and enjoy a touch of fruitiness in their cinnamon rolls. With the right ingredients and a little patience, you can create a batch of these delectable rolls that will impress your taste buds and those of your loved ones. Whether it’s for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls are a versatile and irresistible treat that you’ll want to make again and again. Enjoy!

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