Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls are soft, fluffy pastries filled with vibrant strawberry sweetness and finished with a smooth lemon cream cheese glaze. These Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls combine the comforting flavor of classic cinnamon rolls with a fruity twist that feels fresh and exciting. In this complete guide, you will learn how to prepare the dough from scratch, layer the filling properly, prevent leaks, and achieve beautifully defined swirls. Whether you bake for a special brunch, a holiday morning, or a cozy weekend treat, this recipe delivers dependable results and rich flavor every time.

Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls stand out because they balance fruitiness and warmth in every bite. The dough bakes up tender and airy, while the strawberry filling adds natural sweetness and color. The cinnamon enhances the fruit flavor rather than overpowering it. Finally, the lemon cream cheese glaze provides a bright, creamy finish that keeps the rolls from tasting too heavy.
This recipe uses everyday pantry ingredients, so you do not need specialty tools or hard to find items. The preparation stays simple, and the steps remain beginner friendly. At the same time, the finished rolls look impressive enough to serve to guests.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Dough Ingredients Explained
Milk
Milk softens the dough and helps activate the yeast. Warm it gently so it reaches a lukewarm temperature before mixing.
Unsalted Butter
Butter enriches the dough and gives the rolls their tender texture. Softened butter blends smoothly into the mixture.
All Purpose Flour
Flour forms the structure of the rolls. Measure accurately for the best consistency.
Instant Yeast
Instant yeast allows the dough to rise efficiently without extra preparation steps.
Granulated Sugar
Sugar lightly sweetens the dough and supports yeast activity.
Salt
Salt enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
Egg
Egg contributes richness and improves the structure of the dough.
Water
Water helps adjust the dough consistency and supports gluten development.
Filling Ingredients Explained
Strawberry Pie Filling
Strawberry pie filling offers convenience and consistent thickness. If you prefer fresh or frozen strawberries, cook them down with sugar and a thickener until the mixture becomes jam like before spreading.
Ground Cinnamon
Cinnamon adds warmth that complements the strawberry flavor.
Granulated Sugar
A small amount of sugar intensifies the cinnamon spice.
Strawberry Lemon Cream Cheese Glaze Ingredients
Cream Cheese
Cream cheese forms the creamy base of the glaze and adds tanginess.
Salted Butter
Butter smooths the glaze and adds richness.
Powdered Sugar
Powdered sugar sweetens and thickens the glaze.
Freeze Dried Strawberries
Crushed freeze dried strawberries enhance flavor without adding liquid.
Half and Half
Half and half creates a smooth, spreadable consistency.
Lemon Juice and Lemon Zest
Lemon juice and zest brighten the glaze and balance sweetness.
How to Make Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls
These Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls begin with a soft yeast dough that comes together quickly. After mixing and kneading, the dough rests briefly to relax the gluten, which makes rolling easier. You then spread the strawberry filling evenly across the rolled dough and sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the top.
Next, roll the dough tightly into a log to create distinct spirals. Slice the log into equal portions and arrange them in a baking pan. After a short rise, bake the rolls until lightly golden. Finish by spreading the strawberry lemon cream cheese glaze over the warm rolls so it melts slightly into each layer.

Step by Step Instructions
- Step 1: Warm the Milk and Butter
Heat the milk and butter together over medium low heat until the butter melts. Allow the mixture to cool until lukewarm. - Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt until evenly blended. - Step 3: Incorporate Wet Ingredients
Add the egg and water to the dry ingredients. Stir until the mixture comes together. - Step 4: Form the Dough
Gradually add the milk mixture and additional flour. Mix until a soft dough forms. - Step 5: Knead Until Smooth
Knead the dough for about 6 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add a small amount of flour if the dough feels too sticky. - Step 6: Allow Dough to Rest
Shape the dough into a ball and let it rest for 10 minutes. - Step 7: Roll Into Rectangle
On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 9 by 15 inch rectangle. - Step 8: Spread Filling
Spread strawberry filling evenly across the surface, leaving a small border. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly on top. - Step 9: Roll the Dough
Roll the dough tightly from the long side to create a log. Keep tension even to prevent gaps and leaks. - Step 10: Slice Rolls
Cut the log into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife. Clean the blade between cuts for neat edges. - Step 11: Second Rise
Place the rolls in a greased baking pan. Cover and let them rise for 30 minutes in a warm area. - Step 12: Bake
Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 30 minutes, or until lightly golden on top. - Step 13: Prepare the Glaze
Beat cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar until smooth. Add half and half, lemon juice, zest, and crushed freeze dried strawberries. - Step 14: Finish and Serve
Spread the glaze over the rolls after they cool slightly. Serve warm.
Helpful Tips
To prevent the strawberry filling from spilling out, avoid spreading it too close to the edges. Leave a small border and roll the dough firmly but gently. If using fresh or frozen strawberries, cook them until thick before applying to the dough.
For the best flavor balance, lemon cream cheese glaze pairs beautifully with Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls because it enhances the fruit without overpowering it.
If you want to prepare the rolls in advance, assemble them and refrigerate overnight. Before baking, allow them to sit at room temperature until slightly puffed.
Details
Flavor: Sweet strawberry with warm cinnamon and bright citrus
Texture: Soft interior with creamy topping
Occasion: Brunch, celebrations, weekend baking
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 12
Nutritional Information Per Serving
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 383 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 60 g |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Fat | 13 g |
| Saturated Fat | 8 g |
| Sugar | 28 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 177 mg |

These values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can fresh or frozen strawberries be used in strawberry cinnamon rolls?
Yes. Cook fresh or frozen strawberries with sugar and a thickener until the mixture becomes thick. Cool completely before spreading to avoid excess moisture.
How do you keep the strawberry filling from leaking out?
Leave a small border around the dough, avoid excess liquid, and roll tightly with steady pressure.
What glaze pairs best with strawberry cinnamon rolls?
Lemon cream cheese glaze works best because its tangy flavor complements the sweetness of the strawberries.
Can strawberry cinnamon rolls be made ahead and baked later?
Yes. Assemble the rolls, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Let them sit at room temperature before baking.
Storage Instructions
Keep Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Refrigerate for up to five days. Warm individual rolls briefly in the microwave before serving. You can also freeze unfrosted rolls for up to two months.
Print
Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls | Ultimate Amazing Bakery Treat
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls filled with sweet strawberry filling and topped with lemon cream cheese glaze.
Ingredients
¾ cup milk
⅓ cup unsalted butter softened
2 ¼ cups all purpose flour
2 teaspoons instant yeast
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ teaspoon salt
1 large egg
¼ cup water
1 cup all purpose flour
1 can 21 ounce strawberry pie filling
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon sugar
4 ounces cream cheese softened
3 tablespoons salted butter softened
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons freeze dried strawberries crushed
3 tablespoons half and half
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
Instructions
1. Warm milk and butter until melted and lukewarm.
2. Mix flour yeast sugar and salt.
3. Add egg and water and combine.
4. Incorporate milk mixture and form dough.
5. Knead until smooth and elastic.
6. Let dough rest 10 minutes.
7. Roll into rectangle.
8. Spread strawberry filling and cinnamon sugar.
9. Roll tightly and slice into 12 rolls.
10. Allow to rise 30 minutes.
11. Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes.
12. Prepare glaze and spread over warm rolls.
Notes
Leave a border around edges to prevent leaks.
Cook fresh strawberries until thick before using.
Refrigerate assembled rolls overnight if preparing ahead.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 383
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 177mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 47mg
Conclusion
Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls combine soft yeast dough, sweet strawberry filling, and a refreshing lemon cream cheese glaze into one comforting and flavorful treat. With simple ingredients and clear steps, this recipe allows you to create bakery style rolls at home with confidence. Prepare them for brunch, holidays, or anytime you crave a warm and fruity pastry. Once you try these Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls, they may become a regular favorite in your kitchen.