The Best Strawberry Rolls Recipe (Fluffy & Gooey!)

A Sweet Taste of the Florida Strawberry Festival

I’ll never forget the sweet, sun-warmed scent that hangs in the air during the peak of strawberry season in Plant City, Florida. It’s a place where the strawberry is king, celebrated with a fervor that’s truly infectious. After a day at the famous Strawberry Festival, surrounded by every strawberry concoction imaginable, I was inspired. I wanted to create a brunch centerpiece that moved beyond the usual shortcake and truly celebrated the fresh, juicy perfection of the berry. That’s how this heavenly strawberry rolls recipe was born.

What if you could capture the essence of a perfect summer morning and bake it into a soft, pillowy roll that rivals any classic cinnamon bun? A recent study of baking trends showed that fruit-filled pastries see a 40% surge in popularity during spring and summer months. These gooey strawberry sweet rolls, crowned with a luscious cream cheese almond icing, are the ultimate way to embrace the season. They’re a brunch-time showstopper guaranteed to steal your heart.

Your Ingredients for a Batch of Sunshine

This recipe is a tale of three glorious parts: a soft, enriched dough that’s a dream to work with; a bright, jammy strawberry filling; and a tangy, sweet cream cheese icing with a hint of almond that is simply irresistible.

For the Fluffy Enriched Dough:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Whole Milk	1 cup	Warmed to about 110∘F (43∘C) to activate the yeast.
Active Dry Yeast	1 packet ($ frac{1}{4}$ oz)	Make sure your yeast is fresh and not expired!
Granulated Sugar	21​ cup	To feed the yeast and sweeten the dough.
Unsalted Butter	31​ cup, melted	For a rich, tender crumb.
Salt	1 tsp	Balances the flavors and controls the yeast.
Large Eggs	2	Provides structure and richness.
All-Purpose Flour	4 cups	Plus a little more for dusting your work surface.

For the Gooey Strawberry Filling:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Fresh Strawberries	121​ cup, chopped	For bright pops of fresh fruit flavor.
Strawberry Jam	1 cup	Use your favorite brand for a sweet, jammy base.
Unsalted Butter	43​ stick, softened	Must be easily spreadable.

For the Cream Cheese Almond Icing:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Cream Cheese	1 block (4 oz), softened	Full-fat cream cheese provides the best flavor and texture.
Unsalted Butter	1 stick, softened	The foundation of a perfect frosting.
Powdered Sugar	243​ cup	Sift it to avoid any lumps.
Almond Extract	3 tsp	A beautiful pairing with strawberry. Use vanilla if you prefer.
Pink Food Coloring	1−2 drops (optional)	For that pretty-in-pink hue.
Sprinkles & More Berries	For decoration	To make them extra festive!

this now & bake later ❤️

Timing is Everything

A yeasted dough requires patience, but the results are more than worth it. The majority of the time is completely hands-off.

• Active Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Proofing Time: 1.5 – 2 hours
• Baking Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 2.5 – 3 hours

Data Insight: While the total time seems long, the active “hands-on” time for this recipe is under 30 minutes. This makes it a perfect, low-stress baking project for a lazy weekend morning or a special occasion breakfast.

Step 1: First, Make the Fluffy Dough

In the bowl of a stand mixer (or a large bowl), sprinkle the yeast over the warm milk and add a pinch of the granulated sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This is called “blooming” and proves your yeast is alive.

Once foamy, add the remaining sugar, melted butter, salt, and eggs to the bowl. With the dough hook attachment (or a wooden spoon), mix until combined. Gradually add the 4 cups of flour, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.

Increase the speed to medium and knead for 5-7 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. It will be slightly sticky. Form the dough into a ball, place it in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 2: Next, Assemble the Strawberry Rolls

Gently punch down the risen dough. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches.

Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, leaving a small border on one of the long edges. Top the butter with an even layer of strawberry jam, then sprinkle the chopped fresh strawberries over the jam.

Starting from the long edge opposite the clean border, roll the dough up tightly into a log. Pro Tip: Use a sharp serrated knife or a piece of unflavored dental floss to slice the log into 12 even rolls. The dental floss method gives you perfectly clean cuts without squishing the rolls.

Arrange the sliced rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover them again and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until they look puffy. While they rise, preheat your oven to 375∘F (190∘C).

Step 3: Finally, Bake and Ice

Place the risen rolls in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

While the rolls are baking, prepare the icing. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar until fully incorporated. Add the almond extract and a drop or two of pink food coloring (if using) and beat until light and fluffy.

Let the rolls cool for about 10-15 minutes before spreading the glorious cream cheese icing all over them. Garnish with sprinkles and extra chopped strawberries.

Nutritional Snapshot

This is an indulgent treat perfect for a special breakfast or brunch. Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown per roll (assuming 12 rolls):

• Calories: ~520 kcal
• Protein: ~8g
• Fat: ~25g
• Carbohydrates: ~68g
• Sugar: ~40g

Data Insight: By incorporating 121​ cups of fresh strawberries, this recipe provides a good source of Vitamin C and antioxidants, a benefit not typically found in a standard cinnamon roll.

Healthier Alternatives & Variations

You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs.

• Lower Sugar: Reduce the granulated sugar in the dough to 41​ cup and use a low-sugar or homemade chia seed strawberry jam. You can also halve the powdered sugar in the icing for a less sweet, tangier frosting.
• Whole Grain Flour: For added fiber and a nuttier flavor, replace up to 2 cups of the all-purpose flour with white whole wheat flour.
• A Lighter Glaze: If the cream cheese icing is too rich for you, a simple glaze made from 1 cup of powdered sugar and 2-3 tablespoons of milk makes a lovely, lighter topping.
• Add a Twist: A teaspoon of lemon zest in the filling or the icing will brighten the strawberry flavor beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

These rolls are a celebration all on their own.

• Brunch Centerpiece: Make these the star of your next brunch. They need nothing more than a fork and a napkin.
• Morning Pick-Me-Up: The perfect partner to a strong cup of coffee or a frothy latte. The sweetness of the roll is a wonderful contrast to the bitterness of the coffee.
• Special Occasions: Serve these for Easter morning, a Mother’s Day treat, or a special birthday breakfast in bed. They make any day feel festive.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Killing Your Yeast: If your milk is too hot (over 115∘F or 46∘C), it will kill the yeast, and your dough will never rise. It should feel like a warm bath, not hot.
2. Under-kneading: Kneading is crucial for developing the gluten that gives these rolls their soft, fluffy structure. Your dough should be smooth, pliable, and elastic before the first rise.
3. A Soggy Filling: If your strawberries are particularly juicy, patting them dry after chopping can help prevent the filling from becoming too wet and making the dough soggy.
4. Squishing the Rolls: When slicing the log, a dull knife will press down and squish your beautifully spiraled rolls. Use a very sharp serrated knife or the dental floss trick for clean, professional-looking results.

Storing Tips for Your Sweet Rolls

• At Room Temperature: Store the rolls in an airtight container for up to 2 days. If they are iced with cream cheese frosting, it’s best to refrigerate them if your kitchen is warm.
• Reheating: To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven softness, pop an individual roll in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.
• Freezing: For best results, freeze the rolls before icing them. Once baked and cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature, then warm them gently in the oven and apply the fresh icing.

The Perfect Fruity Twist on a Classic

This strawberry rolls recipe is a true delight, combining the comforting, pillowy texture of a classic sweet roll with the bright, summery flavor of fresh strawberries. The gooey, jammy filling and the rich, tangy cream cheese almond icing create a symphony of flavors that is simply unforgettable. It’s the perfect way to celebrate strawberry season or to bring a little sunshine to any morning, any time of year.

Ready to bake up a storm and create the most talked-about brunch dish ever? Give this recipe a try and watch them disappear! We absolutely love seeing your creations and hearing what you think, so please leave a comment and a rating below, and don’t forget to subscribe for more irresistible baking inspiration!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can! Thaw the frozen strawberries completely first. The key is to pat them very dry with paper towels after thawing to remove as much excess moisture as possible. This will prevent your filling from becoming watery and making the rolls soggy.

Q2: My dough didn’t rise. What happened?

There are two likely culprits. First, your yeast may have been expired. Always check the date on the packet! Second, the milk you used to activate the yeast might have been too hot. The ideal temperature is between 105−115∘F (40−46∘C). Anything hotter will kill the delicate yeast.

Q3: I’m not a fan of almond extract. What’s a good substitute?

No problem at all! The almond extract can be replaced one-for-one with vanilla extract for a more classic cream cheese frosting flavor. For a brighter note that complements the strawberries beautifully, you could also add 1 teaspoon of finely grated lemon zest to the icing.

Q4: Can I prepare these strawberry rolls the night before?

Absolutely! This is one of the best things about this recipe. Follow the instructions through placing the sliced, unbaked rolls into the baking dish. At that point, instead of the second rise at room temperature, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator overnight. The next morning, take the rolls out and let them sit at room temperature for about 30-45 minutes while your oven preheats, then bake as directed.

Print