Tender Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls
Table of Contents
Introduction
Quick, soft, and full of bright strawberry flavor these rolls are made to save time without losing homemade taste. The dough is simple to mix and rises while you make a quick fresh strawberry filling. If you are short on time but crave a bakery style treat pair these with a robust coffee and they are ready to serve. For more quick cinnamon ideas try our Chewy Maple Cinnamon Cookies with White Chocolate for a speedy sweet side.

Why This Recipe Works
This recipe leans on instant yeast and warm milk so the dough gets a fast and steady rise. Using a stand mixer cuts hands on kneading time to five to seven minutes yet still gives an elastic dough. The strawberry filling cooks down quickly to a jam like spread that chills while the dough proofs. Rolling and cutting into 12 portions makes portioning fast and even. The cream cheese glaze takes seconds to whip and uses a bit of the cooled puree to reinforce strawberry flavor. The whole process moves efficiently so you can multitask while the dough rises.
Flavor and Texture
Strawberries bring a bright tart sweetness that pairs perfectly with a soft, buttery roll. The dough bakes up tender and slightly chewy with a fine crumb that soaks up the strawberry jam. The cream cheese glaze is tangy and silky and a spoonful melts into warm rolls for extra creaminess. These are sweet but not cloying thanks to the lemon in the filling and the balance of powdered sugar in the glaze. Serve warm to get the best contrast of soft pastry and juicy filling.
Ingredients
– 260 ml (1 cup) warm milk
– 10 g (1 tbsp) instant dry yeast
– 540 g (4 ¼ cups) all-purpose flour
– 65 g (⅓ cup) granulated sugar
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 large egg, room temperature
– 80 g (⅓ cup) unsalted butter, very soft
– 250 g (1 ¾ cups) fresh or frozen strawberries
– 50 g (¼ cup) granulated sugar (for filling)
– Juice of half a lemon
– 100 g (½ cup) cream cheese, softened
– 40 g (3 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened (for glaze)
– 60 g (½ cup) powdered sugar
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 2 tbsp strawberry puree, cold (from the filling)
Step by Step Instructions
1. In a saucepan, combine strawberries, lemon juice, and granulated sugar. Cook on medium heat for about 10 minutes until thickened to jam-like consistency. Blend until smooth and refrigerate until cool.
2. In a stand mixer, combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Add warm milk, butter, and egg; knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Let rise in a warm place for about 2 hours until doubled in size.
3. Roll out the dough into a rectangle, spread the strawberry filling, and roll into a log. Cut into 12 even rolls and place in a greased baking dish. Let rise again for 30 minutes.
4. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
5. For the glaze, beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and strawberry puree until smooth.
6. Spread glaze on warm rolls and serve immediately.

Quick Tips and Shortcuts
Use thawed frozen strawberries to skip prep and keep flavor consistent when fresh berries are not available. Warm your milk in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds to reach ideal yeast activating temperature. If you do not have a stand mixer you can knead by hand for about 10 minutes or use a hand mixer with dough hooks. Freeze any unbaked rolls on the baking tray then wrap tightly and bake from frozen adding a few extra minutes. For another quick cinnamon recipe idea see our Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles.
Storage and Meal Prep
Store cooled rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for up to five days. Reheat individual rolls in the microwave for 12 to 20 seconds to revive warmth before glazing. Unbaked rolls freeze well; thaw in the fridge overnight then bring to room temperature for the final rise before baking. The strawberry glaze keeps separately in the refrigerator for three to four days.
Short Closing Note
These rolls give you a bright fruit twist on a classic favorite without long hands on time. They are ideal for weekend brunch or a sweet weekday treat for busy households.
Conclusion
For a similar strawberry filled roll technique and extra inspiration see Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls – Girl Versus Dough for more ideas and variations.
FAQ
Can this be made in under 30 minutes?
Yes, the recipe is designed to be quick and efficient.
Does it work for meal prep?
Most versions store well for one to three days.
Can I customize the ingredients?
Yes, simple swaps can be made for convenience or dietary needs.

Tender Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls for Busy Mornings
Quick, soft, and full of bright strawberry flavor, these cinnamon rolls are perfect for busy mornings without sacrificing homemade taste.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 260 ml (1 cup) warm milk
- 10 g (1 tbsp) instant dry yeast
- 540 g (4 ¼ cups) all-purpose flour
- 65 g (⅓ cup) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 80 g (⅓ cup) unsalted butter, very soft
- 250 g (1 ¾ cups) fresh or frozen strawberries
- 50 g (¼ cup) granulated sugar (for filling)
- Juice of half a lemon
- 100 g (½ cup) cream cheese, softened
- 40 g (3 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened (for glaze)
- 60 g (½ cup) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp strawberry puree, cold (from the filling)
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine strawberries, lemon juice, and granulated sugar. Cook on medium heat for about 10 minutes until thickened to jam-like consistency. Blend until smooth and refrigerate until cool.
- In a stand mixer, combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Add warm milk, butter, and egg; knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Let rise in a warm place for about 120 minutes until doubled in size.
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle, spread the strawberry filling, and roll into a log. Cut into 12 even rolls and place in a greased baking dish. Let rise again for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- For the glaze, beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and strawberry puree until smooth.
- Spread glaze on warm rolls and serve immediately.
Notes
Use thawed frozen strawberries to skip prep. Warm your milk in the microwave for ideal yeast activation. If you don’t have a stand mixer, knead by hand for about 10 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
