Ingredients
Scale
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:
- In a saucepan, combine strawberries, brown sugar, and lemon juice.
- Cook over medium heat for 20 minutes, mashing the strawberries with a spoon as they soften.
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water.
- Stir the cornstarch mixture into the strawberry mixture and cook for another 5 minutes, or until thickened.
- Set aside 1-2 tablespoons of the filling for the glaze.
2. Prepare Tangzhong:
- In a small saucepan, whisk together flour and water.
- Cook over medium heat for 4-5 minutes, stirring constantly, until it forms a paste.
- Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
3. Make Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- Add the egg, milk, vanilla, and tangzhong paste to the dry ingredients. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Gradually add softened butter, mixing well after each addition until fully incorporated.
- 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:
- Shape the dough into a ball and place it seam side down in a greased bowl.
- 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:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 14×18 inch rectangle.
- Spread the strawberry filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Cut the dough into 12 strips of equal width.
- Roll up each strip to form a spiral and place them in a parchment-lined 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cover the dish with a towel and let the rolls rise again for 45-60 minutes.
6. Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (162°C).
- Bake the rolls for 23-26 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before glazing.
7. Prepare the Glaze:
- In a medium bowl, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until well combined.
- Stir in the reserved strawberry filling and milk until the glaze reaches your desired consistency.
- Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 13g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g