Strawberry Swirl Cinnamon Rolls With Glazed Finish

These aren’t your average cinnamon rolls! We’re taking a classic comfort bake and giving it a vibrant spring makeover with a luscious strawberry swirl and a delicate strawberry glaze. Imagine warm, fluffy cinnamon rolls bursting with the sweet-tart flavor of fresh strawberries – it’s a breakfast (or dessert!) that’s guaranteed to brighten your day. This recipe combines the cozy warmth of cinnamon rolls with the fresh, fruity notes of strawberry, creating a truly irresistible treat. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the most amazing aroma!

What You’ll Need

• 250 g (2 ⅓ cups) All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our dough! All-purpose flour provides the perfect structure for a soft and chewy cinnamon roll. Be sure to measure accurately – spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off, rather than scooping directly from the bag, to avoid packing it too tightly.
• 30 g (2 Tbsp) Granulated Sugar: A touch of sweetness to activate the yeast and contribute to the dough’s tender texture.
• 5 g (1 tsp) Instant Yeast: The magic ingredient that makes our rolls rise! Instant yeast doesn’t require proofing, making it super convenient.
• 3 g (½ tsp) Salt: Enhances the flavors and controls the yeast activity, resulting in a well-balanced dough.
• 60 ml (¼ cup) Warm Whole Milk (≈38 °C/100 °F): Provides moisture and richness to the dough. Ensure the milk is warm, not hot, as hot milk can kill the yeast.
• 30 g (2 Tbsp) Unsalted Butter, Melted: Adds flavor, tenderness, and helps create a soft crumb.
• 1 Large Egg, Room Temperature: Binds the ingredients together and contributes to the dough’s richness and structure. Allowing the egg to come to room temperature ensures it incorporates evenly.
• 100 g (½ cup) Cream Cheese, Softened (halal‑certified): The star of our strawberry swirl! Softened cream cheese creates a smooth and creamy filling that perfectly complements the strawberries.
• 80 g (½ cup) Fresh Strawberry Purée: Made from ripe, juicy strawberries, this purée infuses the filling and glaze with vibrant strawberry flavor. Using fresh strawberries is highly recommended for the best taste.
• 30 g (¼ cup) Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a smooth, spreadable consistency in the strawberry swirl.
• ½ tsp Ground Cinnamon: A classic cinnamon roll spice that adds warmth and depth of flavor to the strawberry swirl.
• Zest of ½ Lemon: Brightens the strawberry flavor and adds a subtle citrusy aroma to the filling.
• 80 g (⅔ cup) Powdered Sugar: Used for the glaze, providing sweetness and a smooth, pourable texture.
• 20 ml (1 Tbsp) Strawberry Purée: Enhances the strawberry flavor in the glaze and creates a beautiful pink hue.
• 1 ml (¼ tsp) Lemon Juice: Adds a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness of the glaze.
• 4 Fresh Strawberries, Thinly Sliced: For a beautiful garnish that adds a fresh strawberry bite.
• A Pinch of Flaky Sea Salt (optional): Enhances the sweetness and adds a delightful textural contrast.
• Light Dusting of Powdered Sugar: A classic finishing touch that adds a touch of elegance.

Substitutions & Variations

Don’t have an ingredient on hand? No problem! Here are a few simple substitutions you can make:

• All-Purpose Flour: Bread flour can be used for a chewier roll, but may require a bit more liquid.
• Whole Milk: You can substitute with almond milk or another plant-based milk, but the texture may be slightly different.
• Cream Cheese: While cream cheese is key to the swirl, you could experiment with mascarpone for a similar creamy texture.
• Fresh Strawberries: In a pinch, you can use frozen strawberries, thawed and drained well.

Let’s Bake: Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Whisking ensures the yeast and salt are evenly distributed, which is crucial for proper dough activation and flavor development.
2. Prepare the Wet Ingredients: Gently warm the milk to around 38°C (100°F). This temperature is ideal for activating the yeast without killing it. Melt the butter and let it cool slightly before combining it with the room temperature egg. Beat these wet ingredients together until well combined.
3. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook (or your hands!), knead the dough for 8-10 minutes. The dough should transition from shaggy and sticky to smooth and elastic. If kneading by hand, use a folding and turning motion. A well-kneaded dough develops gluten, which gives the cinnamon rolls their structure and chewiness.
4. First Rise: Lightly grease a clean bowl. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat it with the grease. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Place the bowl in a warm, draft-free spot and let the dough rise for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. This process allows the yeast to ferment, creating air bubbles that make the rolls light and fluffy.
5. Make the Strawberry-Cream Cheese Swirl: While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the strawberry purée, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and lemon zest. Beat until fully incorporated and smooth. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
6. Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release the air. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a rectangle approximately 30 x 40 cm (12 x 16 inches). Rolling the dough evenly ensures a consistent swirl throughout the rolls.
7. Spread the Filling: Spread the strawberry-cream cheese mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a 2 cm (¾ inch) border along one of the long edges. This border will help seal the rolls.
8. Roll and Cut: Starting from the long edge opposite the border, tightly roll the dough into a log. A tight roll is essential for creating well-defined swirls. Using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal pieces, about 3 cm (1 inch) thick.
9. Second Rise (Proofing): Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the cinnamon rolls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a few centimeters apart. Cover loosely with plastic wrap or foil and let them proof for 30 minutes. This second rise allows the rolls to become even lighter and fluffier.
10. Bake: Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 18-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the tops are slightly caramelized. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes of baking to prevent burning.
11. Prepare the Glaze: While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, strawberry purée, and lemon juice until smooth and pourable. Adjust the consistency with a tiny bit more purée or powdered sugar if needed.
12. Glaze and Garnish: Once the rolls are out of the oven, immediately drizzle the strawberry glaze over them while they are still warm. Top each roll with a few thin strawberry slices and a light dusting of powdered sugar. Sprinkle with a pinch of flaky sea salt, if desired, to enhance the sweetness.

The Science Behind the Swirl: Why Strawberry and Cinnamon Work So Well

The combination of strawberry and cinnamon isn’t just delicious; it’s a flavor pairing rooted in complementary aromatic compounds. Cinnamon contains cinnamaldehyde, a warm, spicy note, while strawberries offer fruity esters and a subtle tartness. These flavors interact beautifully, creating a balanced and complex taste experience. The cream cheese adds a tangy richness that cuts through the sweetness, preventing the rolls from being cloying. The strawberry puree also contributes to a moist and tender crumb, making these rolls incredibly satisfying.

Tips for the Perfect Strawberry Swirl

Achieving a beautiful and even strawberry swirl requires a few key techniques. First, ensure your cream cheese is fully softened to prevent lumps in the filling. Second, spread the filling evenly, but don’t overwork it. A generous, but consistent layer is ideal. Finally, roll the dough tightly – this is the most important step for creating those gorgeous swirls! If you’re having trouble getting a clean cut, try using unflavored dental floss instead of a knife.

Strawberry Purée: Fresh vs. Store-Bought

While store-bought strawberry purée can be used in a pinch, fresh strawberry purée will yield the best flavor. To make your own, simply hull and quarter about 250g of fresh strawberries, then blend them in a food processor or blender until smooth. Strain the purée through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the seeds for a smoother texture. Using ripe, fragrant strawberries will result in a more intense strawberry flavor in both the filling and the glaze.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Rolls

Leftover Strawberry Swirl Cinnamon Rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, wrap a roll in plastic wrap and microwave for 10-15 seconds, or bake in a preheated oven at 175°C (350°F) for 5-10 minutes. Reheating will soften the glaze, so you may want to add a fresh dusting of powdered sugar before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before puréeing. The flavor may not be as vibrant as with fresh strawberries.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time. After the first rise, punch down the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling out.

Can I substitute the cream cheese?

While cream cheese is essential for the filling’s texture and tang, you could experiment with mascarpone cheese as a substitute, though the flavor will be slightly different.

These Strawberry Swirl Cinnamon Rolls with Glazed Finish are a delightful treat that’s sure to impress! Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest for later so you can easily recreate this sweet masterpiece. Enjoy!

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