Strawberry Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls are a soft, aromatic bakery-style treat where tender dough meets juicy strawberries, warm cinnamon, and silky cream cheese. Baked until golden and finished with a creamy glaze, these rolls offer a comforting balance of sweetness and richness. They are ideal for slow weekend mornings, family brunches, special occasions, or cozy days when homemade baking fills the kitchen with warmth.
Servings – Strawberry Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls
Servings: 8–10 rolls
Time Required for Strawberry Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls
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Prep Time: 25 minutes
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Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
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Total Time: 55–60 minutes
Ingredients for Strawberry Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls
Main Ingredients
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500 g all-purpose flour
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7 g instant dry yeast
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60 g granulated sugar
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5 g fine salt
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240 ml warm whole milk (about 38°C)
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60 g unsalted butter, melted
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1 large egg (room temperature)
Filling
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120 g unsalted butter, softened
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100 g brown sugar
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8 g ground cinnamon
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180 g fresh strawberries, finely diced
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10 g cornstarch (optional, to thicken juices)
Cream Cheese Frosting
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120 g full-fat cream cheese, softened
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60 g powdered sugar
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30 ml milk or cream
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5 ml vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions – How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
First, combine warm milk, yeast, and a teaspoon of sugar in a mixing bowl. Let it rest for 5 minutes until slightly foamy. Meanwhile, in a larger bowl, mix flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Next, add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg, then mix until a soft dough forms.
Step 2: Knead and Rest
Then, knead the dough for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place it in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
Meanwhile, mix softened butter with brown sugar and cinnamon until creamy. In addition, toss diced strawberries with cornstarch to absorb excess moisture and maintain a rich filling texture.
Step 4: Roll and Fill
Next, roll the dough into a rectangle approximately 35 × 25 cm. Spread the cinnamon butter evenly across the surface, then scatter the strawberries gently on top. Roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log.
Step 5: Slice and Bake
Then, cut the log into 8–10 even rolls and arrange them in a buttered baking dish. Allow them to rest for 15 minutes while the oven preheats to 180°C. Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden, fragrant, and softly puffed.
Step 6: Prepare the Frosting
Meanwhile, whisk cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth and pourable. Adjust consistency as needed.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Finally, drizzle the frosting generously over warm rolls, allowing it to melt slightly into the spirals. Serve immediately for the best texture and aroma.
Variations of Strawberry Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls
With Meat: Add finely chopped crispy turkey bacon for a sweet-salty contrast.
Vegetarian Version: Replace strawberries with raspberries or blueberries for a similar fruity balance.
Creamier Version: Add an extra 40 g cream cheese directly into the filling for deeper richness.
Spicier Version: In addition to cinnamon, include a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom.
Seasonal Swap: Use peaches in summer or apples in autumn for a seasonal twist.
Tips for Perfect Results
Control Moisture: Always dice strawberries finely and use cornstarch to prevent soggy rolls.
Enhance Aroma: Use freshly ground cinnamon for deeper warmth and complexity.
Even Baking: Arrange rolls with slight space between them to allow proper expansion.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature or freeze unfrosted rolls for up to 2 months.
Avoid Overbaking: However, remove the rolls once lightly golden to keep the centers soft and tender.
Conclusion
Strawberry Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls combine the comforting structure of classic cinnamon rolls with fresh fruit brightness and creamy indulgence. With careful preparation, aromatic spices, and a balanced filling, this recipe delivers bakery-quality results at home. Whether served warm for brunch or shared during a relaxed family gathering, these rolls create a memorable baking experience filled with softness, fragrance, and gentle sweetness.
