Fluffy Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe with Sweet Glaze – Perfect for Brunch or Dessert 2025
Mornings are made better with the aroma of warm cinnamon rolls gently rising from the oven, but imagine upgrading that nostalgic comfort with the bright, juicy burst of real strawberries. That’s the magic of these Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls—a fruity, floral, and slightly tangy take on a timeless breakfast bake. Soft, golden dough spirals around a sweet cinnamon-brown sugar filling, kissed with fresh strawberry slices, and crowned with a creamy vanilla glaze that melts over the top like sunshine.
Whether you’re preparing a brunch centerpiece, making a holiday breakfast extra special, or just treating yourself on a slow Saturday morning, these rolls deliver indulgence, warmth, and a touch of elegance. This isn’t just a recipe—it’s an experience waiting to happen in your kitchen.
In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through everything: the ingredients, the step-by-step process, make-ahead tips, variations, FAQs, storage instructions, and even how to make these rolls your own with seasonal twists.
Let’s roll (pun intended)!
Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls
- 🍓 Fresh and Fruity: The addition of real strawberries adds vibrant flavor and a pop of color.
- 💕 Soft and Fluffy Texture: This dough is pillowy and tender with the perfect rise.
- 👩🍳 Beginner-Friendly: Step-by-step instructions make this recipe accessible even to first-time bakers.
- 🌞 Perfect for Any Occasion: From Mother’s Day to Easter brunch, or just a weekend treat.
- 🧁 Glaze Galore: The vanilla glaze is the finishing touch that makes them bakery-quality.
Ingredients Breakdown
For the Dough:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
- 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup whole milk, warmed (110°F)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
For the Filling:
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, thinly sliced and patted dry
For the Vanilla Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk (adjust as needed for consistency)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowls
- Whisk and rubber spatula
- Rolling pin
- Serrated knife or unflavored dental floss
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Stand mixer (optional, for kneading)
- Pastry brush (optional)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-Step Instructions
🥣 Step 1: Make the Dough
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, combine the warm milk, melted butter, and eggs.
- Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry. Use a wooden spoon or a dough hook attachment on a stand mixer.
- Knead for 6–8 minutes until the dough is smooth and slightly tacky but not sticky. If needed, add more flour 1 tbsp at a time.
- Transfer to a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let rise in a warm place for 60–90 minutes until doubled in size.
🍓 Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Ensure butter is softened enough to spread easily.
- Gently pat your sliced strawberries with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
🍥 Step 3: Roll and Fill
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a floured surface.
- Roll into a large rectangle, about 12×16 inches.
- Spread the softened butter evenly across the surface.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the butter.
- Distribute the strawberry slices evenly, being careful not to overload.
🔄 Step 4: Shape the Rolls
- Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log.
- Slice into 12 equal pieces using a serrated knife or dental floss.
- Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes, or until puffy and touching.
🔥 Step 5: Bake
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until lightly golden and cooked through in the center.
- Let cool for 5–10 minutes before glazing.
🍯 Step 6: Glaze and Serve
- Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Drizzle over warm rolls and serve immediately.
Make-Ahead & Storage Instructions
🕒 Make-Ahead Option:
- Prepare the rolls up to the second rise.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
- Let sit at room temperature for 45 minutes before baking.
🧊 Storage:
- Store baked, unglazed rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- Reheat in the microwave for 20 seconds.
❄️ Freezing:
- Freeze rolls (baked but unglazed) for up to 2 months.
- Thaw overnight and warm in a 300°F oven for 10–12 minutes.
Variations and Add-Ins
- 🧀 Cream Cheese Filling: Add a layer of sweetened cream cheese with the cinnamon sugar.
- 🍋 Lemon Zest: Mix lemon zest into the glaze or dough for a citrusy twist.
- 🍫 Chocolate Strawberry Rolls: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips with the strawberries.
- 🍑 Other Fruits: Swap strawberries with raspberries, blueberries, or peaches.
Pro Tips for Perfect Strawberry Rolls
- Don’t overload the strawberries—too much moisture can make the rolls soggy.
- Slice strawberries thinly and pat dry before adding.
- Use room temperature eggs and warm (not hot) milk to activate the yeast without killing it.
- Use unflavored dental floss to cut clean, even rolls.
- Let the rolls rise somewhere warm—an oven with the light on works great!
Troubleshooting FAQs
❓ Why is my dough not rising?
Check the temperature of the milk. If it’s too hot, it may kill the yeast. Also, expired yeast can fail to activate.
❓ Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, but thaw completely and pat dry thoroughly to avoid excess moisture.
❓ My rolls are dense, not fluffy. What went wrong?
Either the dough didn’t rise enough, or it was overworked. Ensure a warm rise and knead only until smooth.
❓ Can I skip the glaze?
Sure! Dust with powdered sugar or top with cream cheese frosting if preferred.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your strawberry cinnamon rolls with:
- ☕ A hot cup of coffee or vanilla chai latte
- 🍳 A savory egg dish to balance the sweetness
- 🍓 Fresh berries and whipped cream
- 🧃 Cold orange juice or a berry mimosa for brunch
Nutritional Information (Per Roll – Estimated)
- Calories: 310
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 12g
- Sugar: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
(Note: May vary depending on exact ingredients and glaze amount.)
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about baking cinnamon rolls from scratch—watching the dough rise, inhaling the sweet cinnamon aroma, and finally biting into a soft, gooey roll fresh from the oven. Adding strawberries elevates this comforting classic to something bright, beautiful, and unforgettable.
Whether you’re planning a festive brunch, surprising a loved one with breakfast in bed, or simply craving something sweet, these Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls will deliver on flavor, beauty, and pure homemade joy.
📌 Don’t Forget to Pin This Recipe!
If you love baking or brunch ideas, don’t forget to pin this Strawberry Cinnamon Roll recipe to your Pinterest Breakfast Board for easy access anytime.
