Name: Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup milk; 1/2 cup butter (1 stick, or 4 oz.); 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 (.25 ounce) package instant yeast (or 2 1/4 teaspoons); 1/4 cup white sugar; Zest of 1 lemon; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 egg; 1/2 batch of Strawberry Compote (about 3/4 cup); 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional); 2 tablespoons softened butter; 4 oz cream cheese; 2 tablespoons strawberry compote; 1 1/2 - 2 cups powdered sugar; Heavy cream or milk as needed to thin icing

If you love the cozy warmth of cinnamon rolls but crave something fruity and fresh, you’re going to adore this Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe. Imagine soft, pillowy dough hugging a sweet strawberry compote, all topped with a luscious cream cheese strawberry frosting—trust me, it’s pure comfort in every bite!

In a clear glass baking dish, there are nine strawberry rolls arranged closely in a 3x3 grid. Each roll has several visible layers, with a soft light yellow dough base rolled around a bright red strawberry filling that creates a spiraled pattern. The rolls are generously covered with a smooth, glossy white glaze that fills the spaces between and gently drips down the sides. Fresh strawberry slices, showing their red flesh and green tops, are placed on some of the rolls, adding a pop of color and fresh texture. The baking dish sits on a white marbled surface, enhancing the vibrant colors of the strawberry rolls. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made a lot of cinnamon rolls over the years, but swapping out the classic cinnamon filling for a vibrant strawberry compote really brightens things up—and the cream cheese frosting infused with strawberry is the perfect finishing touch. Honestly, they’re addictive!

Fresh, Fruity Flavor: The strawberry compote adds a juicy burst that balances the rich dough beautifully.
Soft & Tender Dough: This recipe uses a yeast dough that’s perfectly fluffy and slightly lemony for extra brightness.
Easy to Make: Step-by-step instructions make baking these rolls fun and foolproof.
Versatile Treat: Great for breakfast, brunch, or even as a sweet dessert to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Getting your ingredients right really makes all the difference in this strawberry cinnamon rolls recipe. Fresh dairy and good-quality flour are key for that tender dough, and homemade strawberry compote (or a good-quality preserve) makes the filling pop. Here’s what I like to use and why:

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of fresh milk, a small white ceramic bowl with softened golden butter, a small white ceramic bowl filled with fine white all-purpose flour, one whole uncracked brown egg with a clean shell, a small white ceramic bowl of bright red strawberry compote, a small white ceramic bowl with warm brown ground cinnamon powder, a small white ceramic bowl of smooth white cream cheese, a small white ceramic bowl with fine white powdered sugar, a few bright fresh strawberries sliced in half, and a lemon with bright yellow zest, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Milk: Warming it until bubbly and mixing with butter adds richness and helps activate the yeast gently.
Butter: Both in the dough and frosting, it keeps everything tender and flavorful.
All-purpose flour: Provides just the right structure for soft but sturdy rolls.
Instant yeast: Quick and reliable, it helps the dough rise perfectly without fuss.
White sugar: Sweetens the dough slightly and helps with yeast activation.
Lemon zest: Adds a fresh, bright note that lifts the sweetness.
Salt: Balances the flavors and strengthens the dough’s gluten network.
Egg: Enriches the dough and gives it a lovely texture.
Strawberry compote: The star filling, bursting with natural strawberry flavor and just a hint of sweetness.
Cinnamon (optional): A sprinkle adds warm fragrance and depth if you want that classic touch.
Cream cheese: For creamy, tangy frosting that complements the strawberry filling perfectly.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to just the right consistency.
Heavy cream or milk: Used to thin the frosting so it spreads easily without losing fluffiness.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best parts about this Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is how easily you can tweak it to suit your tastes or the season. Whether you prefer them a little more cinnamon-forward, or want to swap in different fruit preserves, these rolls are a wonderful blank canvas for creativity.

Fruit Variations: Try swapping the strawberry compote for raspberry or blueberry preserves if you want a different berry twist. I love using fresh raspberries in spring— it brightens the rolls beautifully!
Cinnamon-Free Option: If cinnamon isn’t your thing, just leave it out of the filling entirely. The strawberry compote shines on its own with that lovely lemon zest in the dough backing it up.
Diet-Friendly Twist: For a dairy-free version, you can replace the butter and cream cheese in the frosting with plant-based alternatives. The rolls still turn out tender and the frosting creamy and sweet.
Extra Topping: Don’t be shy about adding fresh strawberry slices on top of the frosted rolls— it gives a fresh, juicy bite that contrasts nicely with the rich frosting.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

A single cinnamon roll sits on a white plate over a white marbled surface. The roll has three visible layers: a light golden-brown dough layer at the base with a soft texture, a thin spiral of reddish-pink jelly filling in the middle, and a thick layer of pale pink creamy icing covering the top and sides, slightly dripping down. A silver fork with traces of icing is pulling a bite-sized piece from the roll on the lower right side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Warm the Milk and Butter

This first step sets the foundation. Heat ¾ cup of milk in a small saucepan just until it bubbles—no need to boil. Remove from heat and stir in ½ cup butter until melted. The key here is to cool this mixture until it feels lukewarm, because if it’s too hot, the yeast won’t rise properly. Lukewarm is just about body temperature, like a comfortable bath.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients and Add Wet

In your largest mixing bowl, whisk together 2 ¼ cups of flour, one package (or 2 ¼ teaspoons) of instant yeast, ¼ cup white sugar, ½ teaspoon salt, and the zest of one lemon to brighten things up. Add the egg and the lukewarm milk-butter mixture. Stir everything with a wooden spoon until it starts coming together.

Step 3: Add Remaining Flour and Knead

Now, add the remaining 1 cup of flour in half-cup increments, stirring well after each addition until a dough starts forming. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. If you have a stand mixer with a dough hook, use it for this step! To know you’re done kneading, press the dough lightly — it should spring back.

Step 4: Let Dough Rest

Cover your dough with a damp cloth and let it rest on the counter for 10 minutes. This resting period relaxes the gluten, making the dough easier to roll out and shape later.

Step 5: Roll Out and Assemble Filling

Using a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 12 by 9 inch rectangle. Use your 9x13 inch baking dish as a size guide. Spread about ¾ cup of your strawberry compote evenly over the dough, reaching all the edges. If you’d like a touch of warmth, sprinkle ½ teaspoon cinnamon over the compote here — totally optional but so fragrant and cozy.

Step 6: Cut and Shape Rolls

Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, slice the dough into 12 equal strips. Roll each strip up tightly and place them spiral-side up into the prepared baking pan. Seeing those spirals come together is always so satisfying!

Step 7: Let Rolls Rise and Preheat Oven

Cover the pan and let your rolls rise in a warm place until they double in size — about 45 minutes. While they’re puffing up, preheat your oven to 350°F (190°C). This rising time is crucial for those soft, fluffy layers we all crave.

Step 8: Bake Until Golden

Bake the rolls for 25 minutes or until the tops turn a lovely golden brown. Your kitchen will start smelling absolutely heavenly—like strawberries, cinnamon, and freshly baked bread all mingling together.

Step 9: Cool Slightly and Prepare Frosting

Let the rolls cool for about 10 minutes while you prepare the frosting. Beat together 2 tablespoons softened butter and 4 ounces cream cheese until creamy. Add 2 tablespoons strawberry compote and then 1 ½ to 2 cups powdered sugar incrementally, beating until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. Thin with heavy cream or milk as needed — you want it nice and silky.

Step 10: Frost and Enjoy

Spread the frosting generously over the warm rolls. If you like, add fresh strawberry slices on top for an extra burst of freshness. Serve these Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls warm — the frosting melting into the spirals is pure bliss!

Top Tip

These tips will help you master your Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe with ease and get the best results every time.

Perfect Dough Temperature: Always make sure your milk and butter mixture is lukewarm before adding the yeast and other ingredients—too hot and it can kill the yeast, too cold and the dough won't rise properly. I learned this the hard way and it makes all the difference.
Don’t Skip the Rest: Letting the dough rest for 10 minutes after kneading relaxes the gluten and makes rolling out so much easier. Skipping this step can lead to tough, stubborn dough that’s hard to shape.
Even Filling Spread: Spread the strawberry compote all the way to the edges of the dough rectangle. This ensures every bite has that luscious fruity flavor, and it keeps the rolls moist inside.
Rising Patience: Be patient and allow the rolls to rise until they’ve doubled in size. This 45-minute rise creates those soft, fluffy spirals everyone loves. Rushing this step leads to denser rolls.

How to Serve Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

The image shows twelve uncooked dough rolls with bright red jam spread inside the spirals, placed evenly in three rows inside a clear rectangular glass baking dish. Each roll has two visible layers: a light beige soft dough on the outside and a shiny red jam filling swirled inside. The rolls are arranged on a surface with a white marbled texture. The clear glass dish has simple handles on each side, showing the clean, smooth texture of the dough and the vivid contrast with the jam inside. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

For a fresh and inviting look, add some thinly sliced fresh strawberries on top of the cream cheese and strawberry frosting right before serving. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a few edible flower petals can also add a pretty touch. If you like a bit of crunch, chopped toasted almonds or pecans sprinkled on the frosting are delightful too!

Side Dishes

Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls make such a lovely centerpiece for a breakfast or brunch spread. Pair them with a simple mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the sweetness. Fresh fruit salad or a bowl of Greek yogurt with honey and granola also complement the rolls nicely. For drinks, think fruity iced tea, freshly brewed coffee, or a sparkling mimosa to celebrate a special morning!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They stay soft and flavorful when kept covered, making for a perfect second-day treat. If you want to keep them longer, refrigeration is an option but might dry them out a bit.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze these strawberry cinnamon rolls! Either freeze them before baking by wrapping the prepared rolls tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or freeze baked rolls once completely cooled. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the rolls in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit (150 degrees Celsius) for about 10 minutes, or microwave individually for 20–30 seconds until warm. Just add a bit of extra frosting after reheating for that fresh-baked feeling all over again!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen strawberries for the compote?

Yes! Frozen strawberries work well for the compote—just thaw and drain excess liquid before cooking. Fresh is ideal for texture, but frozen is a handy substitute.

Is the cinnamon in the filling required?

No, the cinnamon is optional. It adds a warm, fragrant note that pairs wonderfully with the strawberry compote, but you can omit it if you prefer a pure strawberry flavor.

How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

The dough should roughly double in size and look puffy and soft. A simple test is to gently press a finger into the dough—if the indentation remains or slows in bouncing back, the dough is ready.

Can I prepare the rolls the night before baking?

Absolutely. You can shape the rolls and cover them tightly, then refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature and rise before baking the next morning for fresh rolls.

Final Thoughts

Making these Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls feels like a warm hug on a plate — the tender dough, the sweet-tart strawberry compote, and that creamy frosting all come together to brighten any morning or sweeten a special moment. Don’t be intimidated by the process; the little moments of patience and care truly pay off with every bite. I hope this recipe brings you as much joy and deliciousness in your kitchen as it has in mine!