Chef Mitchell preparing Strawberry Iced Cinnamon Rolls
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered the joy of creating Strawberry Iced Cinnamon Rolls during a summer baking challenge. The combination of sweet strawberries and warm, gooey cinnamon rolls instantly became a hit in my family. After several attempts, I perfected the dough's fluffiness and the strawberry icing's sweetness. Now, these rolls are a staple during holiday gatherings and special occasions."

With over a decade of experience in baking and American cuisine, Chef Mitchell has dedicated his career to perfecting dessert recipes. Known for his innovative twists on classic dishes, he has created hundreds of recipes that combine tradition with modern flavors. His passion for baking shines through in every dish he makes.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Strawberry Iced Cinnamon Rolls served on a plate

Why This Strawberry Iced Cinnamon Rolls Recipe Works

This recipe stands out due to its unique use of fresh strawberries in both the filling and icing. The natural sweetness and vibrant color of the strawberries elevate the traditional cinnamon roll experience. Additionally, the fluffy dough, combined with the fruity flavors, creates a perfect balance that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Using a simple, straightforward technique ensures that even novice bakers can achieve perfect results. The key is in allowing the dough to rise adequately, which contributes to the soft texture. The addition of strawberries adds a refreshing twist, making these rolls a delightful treat any time of the year.

💡 Professional Tip

For the best flavor, use fresh, ripe strawberries in both the filling and icing. If fresh strawberries are out of season, frozen strawberries can be used as a substitute—just make sure to thaw and drain excess moisture before using. Additionally, don’t skip the resting time for the dough; it’s crucial for achieving that light and fluffy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare the rolls ahead of time. After slicing the rolls, place them in a greased baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, simply let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. This allows them to rise and ensures they'll be fresh and delicious.

If strawberries are not available, you can substitute with other fruits like raspberries or blueberries. For a different flavor, try using a fruit preserve or jam that complements cinnamon, such as apple or peach. Just be sure to adjust the sweetness if the substitute is sweeter than fresh strawberries.

The rolls are done when they are golden brown on top and have risen nicely. You can also insert a toothpick into the center of a roll; if it comes out clean, they're ready. If the rolls are browning too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil to prevent burning while they finish baking.

Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked rolls before the second rise. Simply place the sliced rolls on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, let them thaw in the fridge overnight, then allow to rise before baking. Baked rolls can also be frozen; just wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.

Strawberry Iced Cinnamon Rolls pair beautifully with a variety of beverages. For breakfast, serve them with a cup of coffee or tea. For dessert, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream enhances the experience. Fresh fruit on the side can also complement their sweetness and add freshness.

In the fridge, Strawberry Iced Cinnamon Rolls can last for about 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container. If you notice they are becoming too dry, consider reheating them briefly in the microwave to restore their moisture before serving.

Yes, you can prepare the dough and filling a day in advance. Simply refrigerate the dough after it has risen, and when you’re ready to bake, let it come to room temperature before rolling and slicing. This makes it easy to enjoy fresh rolls without all the last-minute hassle.

The best way to reheat Strawberry Iced Cinnamon Rolls is to use the microwave. Place a roll on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Heat for about 15-20 seconds. For a crispy exterior, you can also reheat them in a toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: If your cinnamon rolls turn out too dry, it may be due to overbaking or not enough moisture in the ingredients.

Solution: To prevent dryness, make sure to keep an eye on the baking time and use a thermometer to check the internal temperature if necessary. Adding a bit more milk to the dough can also help retain moisture.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: If the rolls are not crispy on the outside, they might not have baked long enough or were covered too soon.

Solution: Ensure that the rolls are well spaced on the baking sheet to allow for proper air circulation. Bake until they are golden brown and allow them to cool uncovered to retain some crispness.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: Overcooked cinnamon rolls can become hard or crumbly.

Prevention: To prevent overcooking, always set a timer and check the rolls a few minutes before the suggested baking time. If they are browning too quickly, cover with foil.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: If the center of the rolls is undercooked, this means the rolls were too large or the oven temperature was too high.

Recovery: To recover, return the rolls to the oven after checking the temperature, reducing it slightly, and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, checking often to avoid burning.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: The exterior of the rolls may burn while the inside remains undercooked.

Prevention: To prevent this, ensure proper oven calibration and avoid placing the rolls too close to the heating element. Cover with foil if they start to brown too much.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the rolls are too sweet, consider reducing the sugar in the filling or icing next time.

Too Salty: If they taste too salty, check the salt level in the dough and filling recipes, and adjust accordingly.

Bland: If the rolls lack flavor, consider adding more cinnamon or using flavored extracts in the icing.

Fresh ingredients for Strawberry Iced Cinnamon Rolls

Essential Ingredients for Strawberry Iced Cinnamon Rolls

Key ingredients for these cinnamon rolls include all-purpose flour, sugar, and fresh strawberries. Each ingredient plays a vital role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor. The flour provides structure, while the sugar adds sweetness, and strawberries bring that delicious fruity twist. Using high-quality ingredients ensures the best results.

The quality of strawberries is paramount; fresh and ripe strawberries will give the best flavor and color. When selecting strawberries, opt for those that are firm, bright red, and free from blemishes. Similarly, using real vanilla extract, rather than imitation, enhances the overall flavor of the icing.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • All-Purpose Flour: Using all-purpose flour gives these cinnamon rolls the right amount of structure and tenderness. Make sure to measure accurately—scooping too much flour can result in dry rolls. Sifting the flour can also help create a lighter texture.
  • Fresh Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are essential for this recipe, providing natural sweetness and vibrant flavor. Ensure they are at room temperature when pureeing for maximum flavor release. If using frozen strawberries, thaw them beforehand and drain any excess liquid.
  • Active Dry Yeast: Using active dry yeast is crucial for the dough to rise. Make sure the yeast is fresh and proof it properly with warm water before adding to the dough. This ensures a fluffy roll every time.
Cooking process for Strawberry Iced Cinnamon Rolls

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

The cooking process for Strawberry Iced Cinnamon Rolls is straightforward and beginner-friendly. Start by preparing the dough and allow it to rise, maximizing its fluffiness. The rolling and filling stages are where you can get creative, ensuring an even distribution of strawberries and cinnamon.

Achieving perfect results comes down to patience during the rising stages and accurate baking times. Ensuring that the dough is well-kneaded and left to rise properly will result in a tender, fluffy roll. Follow the icing instructions carefully for that sweet finish.

Key Technique for Perfect Strawberry Iced Cinnamon Rolls

The most important technique for achieving perfect Strawberry Iced Cinnamon Rolls is the dough rising process. Allowing the dough ample time to rise not only helps it develop flavor but also contributes to its light texture. This step cannot be rushed—patience is key for the best results.

Strawberry Iced Cinnamon Rolls

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
    Sifted
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
    Pure
  • 1 tablespoon milk
    For consistency
  • 1/4 cup strawberries, pureed
    For flavor

For the Sauce

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
    For the dough
  • 1/2 cup sugar
    For sweetness
  • 1/2 cup milk
    Warm
  • 1/4 cup butter, softened
    For richness
  • 1/4 cup strawberries, pureed
    For the filling
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
    For the filling
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
    For flavor
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    For balance
  • 1 packet active dry yeast
    For rising
  • 1 egg
    For richness

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough

    In a bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Add flour, sugar, butter, egg, and salt, mixing until a dough forms.

  2. Knead the Dough

    Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 30 minutes.

  3. Prepare the Filling

    In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon together. Set aside.

  4. Roll Out the Dough

    Once dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.

  5. Add Filling

    Spread the strawberry puree over the dough and sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly across the surface.

  6. Roll and Slice

    Roll the dough tightly from one edge to the other, then slice into 1-inch pieces.

  7. Bake the Rolls

    Place the rolls in a greased baking dish. Cover and let rise for 15 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes.

  8. Prepare the Icing

    In a bowl, mix powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth to create the icing.

  9. Serve

    Once the rolls are golden brown, remove from the oven, drizzle with icing, and garnish with fresh strawberries before serving.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

To keep your Strawberry Iced Cinnamon Rolls fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them in a sealed container. Reheat before serving to restore their softness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Strawberry Iced Cinnamon Rolls warm, drizzled with extra icing. They pair well with coffee, tea, or a fresh fruit salad for a complete breakfast experience.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to get creative with the filling! You can add nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch, or try other fruits like blueberries. For a richer flavor, consider adding cream cheese to the icing for a tangy twist.