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

1. Prepare the dough by mixing flour, sugar, salt, and yeast in a bowl. Heat milk, water, and butter until warm. Combine wet and dry ingredients, add egg, and mix until dough forms. Gradually add remaining flour until smooth and elastic. Knead for 5-7 minutes, then let rise for 10 minutes in a greased bowl covered with a cloth.

2. Make the filling by mixing sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Roll out the dough into a rectangle, spread softened butter, and sprinkle cinnamon sugar over it. Add chopped strawberries and roll the dough tightly from the long edge, sealing the seam.

3. Cut the rolled dough into 12 equal pieces and arrange them in a greased baking dish. Cover and let rise for 25-30 minutes until doubled in size.

4. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown, monitoring to prevent over-baking.

5. Prepare the glaze by beating cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in lemon juice, zest, and vanilla until creamy.

6. Once the rolls are baked, let them cool slightly and drizzle the glaze over them. Serve warm and enjoy.

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!