Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls

Here’s a delightful recipe for Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls that combines the sweet and tangy flavor of strawberries with the warm, spicy aroma of cinnamon. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat!

Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 1 cup warm milk (110°F or 45°C)
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, diced

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional: 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

1. In a small bowl, warm the milk until it’s about 110°F (warm to the touch, but not hot).
2. Sprinkle the yeast over the warm milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes, until it becomes frothy.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, melted butter, eggs, and salt. Mix well.
4. Add the yeast mixture to the bowl and mix until combined.
5. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until the dough begins to form.
6. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
7. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

2. Prepare the Filling:

1. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.
2. Dice the strawberries and set aside.

3. Assemble the Rolls:

1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle (about 16×12 inches).
2. Spread the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the dough.
3. Sprinkle the diced strawberries over the cinnamon sugar layer.
4. Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log.
5. Cut the log into 12 even pieces and place them in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.

4. Bake the Rolls:

1. Cover the rolls with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.

5. Prepare the Glaze:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and cream cheese (if using) until smooth.
2. Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls! They are best served warm and can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.