Description

Imagine waking up to the sweet aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls, only to discover a delightful twist—a burst of fresh strawberries combined with the warmth of cinnamon, all topped with a luscious lemon cream cheese glaze. These Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls are not just your average breakfast treat; they are a celebration of flavors that dance on your palate, combining the sweetness of ripe strawberries with the comforting spice of cinnamon, all enveloped in soft, pillowy dough. The final touch is a zesty lemon glaze that perfectly balances the richness of the cream cheese, making each bite a harmonious blend of sweet, tart, and spicy. Whether you're preparing these for a weekend brunch, a special occasion, or simply as a sweet indulgence, these rolls are sure to become a new favorite.

Ingredients

• For the Dough:
• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast
• ½ cup whole milk
• ¼ cup water
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• For the Filling:
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, chopped
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• For the Lemon Cream Cheese Glaze:
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparation Method

Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 ¼ cups of flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast. In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the milk, water, and butter until warm but not too hot. Add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture, followed by the egg. Mix until a dough forms. Gradually add the remaining flour, a little at a time, until the dough is smooth and elastic. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes on a floured surface. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rise for about 10 minutes.

Make the Filling: In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon. Roll out the dough into a 15x9 inch rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly on top. Add the chopped strawberries, spreading them out evenly across the dough. Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log, pinching the seam to seal.

Cut and Arrange the Rolls: Using a sharp knife or dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal pieces. Arrange the rolls in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Cover the dish with a cloth and let the rolls rise in a warm place for about 25-30 minutes, or until they have doubled in size.

Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the rolls have risen, bake them for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t over-bake.

Prepare the Lemon Cream Cheese Glaze: While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze. In a medium-sized bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until combined. Stir in the lemon juice, zest, and vanilla extract until the glaze is creamy and smooth.

Glaze and Serve: Once the rolls are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Drizzle the lemon cream cheese glaze over the warm rolls, allowing it to melt into the crevices. Serve the rolls warm and enjoy the delicious blend of flavors.

Tips and Conclusion

For an extra burst of flavor, you can add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough itself. This will infuse a subtle lemony aroma throughout the entire roll, complementing the glaze perfectly. Additionally, if strawberries are out of season, feel free to substitute with other fruits like raspberries or blueberries, which pair wonderfully with the cinnamon and lemon glaze.

These Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Lemon Cream Cheese Glaze are a delightful twist on a classic recipe, offering a refreshing burst of fruity goodness with every bite. The combination of sweet strawberries, warm cinnamon, and tangy lemon cream cheese creates a symphony of flavors that is both indulgent and comforting. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls are sure to impress anyone lucky enough to enjoy them. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and yields a result that looks as good as it tastes. So why not treat yourself and your loved ones to these irresistible rolls? They are bound to become a staple in your kitchen!