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 (0.25 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; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional); 2 tablespoons softened butter; 4 oz cream cheese; 2 tablespoons strawberry compote; 1 1/2 to 2 cups powdered sugar (depending on sweetness preference); Heavy cream or milk as needed to thin icing

If you love the classic comforting feel of cinnamon rolls but crave a fruity twist, then this Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is just what you need. Imagine soft, buttery dough loaded with sweet strawberry compote and a hint of cinnamon, all topped with creamy strawberry cream cheese frosting—pure breakfast magic!

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 still remember the first time I made these strawberry cinnamon rolls—I couldn’t believe how the fruity filling and the classic cinnamon warmth sang together so perfectly. They’re a game changer for your breakfast or brunch table.

Bright and Fruity Flavor: The strawberry compote brings a fresh, sweet burst that lifts the traditional cinnamon roll experience.
Soft, Buttery Dough: Tender and fluffy rolls that melt in your mouth every single time.
Easy to Make at Home: No fancy ingredients or complicated steps, just straightforward baking fun.
Showstopper Frosting: Creamy strawberry cream cheese frosting that’s both tangy and sweet—perfect for spreading on warm rolls.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you start mixing, be sure to gather fresh, quality ingredients that’ll make all the difference. I like using good-quality butter and fresh lemon for zest to brighten things up. Also, having a ready strawberry compote makes filling and frosting a breeze.

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: Warm milk helps activate the yeast gently, giving your dough a soft texture.
Butter: Adds richness and tenderness to the dough, plus a buttery finish to the frosting.
All-purpose flour: The backbone for your soft and fluffy rolls—choose unbleached for best results.
Instant yeast: Gives your dough a good rise without the wait and fuss of traditional yeast.
White sugar: Sweetens the dough just right and feeds the yeast for that perfect rise.
Lemon zest: A little zing that brightens the flavor and complements the strawberry beautifully.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor overall.
Egg: Enriches the dough and improves its structure for soft rolls.
Strawberry compote: The star filling and frosting ingredient—bursting with real strawberry flavor.
Cinnamon (optional): Adds warmth and aroma if you want that classic cinnamon twist.
Cream cheese: Provides tangy creaminess to the frosting, making it irresistibly smooth.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting to your taste and gives it that perfect texture.
Heavy cream or milk: Helps thin the frosting to a luscious spreadable consistency.

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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

The wonderful thing about this Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is how easily it adapts to your flavor cravings or dietary needs. Feel free to tweak the filling, frosting, or even the spices to suit your mood or the season — these rolls are all about delighting your taste buds your way!

Berry Swirls: I love swapping out the strawberry compote for a mixed berry version in summer by blending blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries. It really ups the fruity freshness and gives a beautiful swirl pattern inside the rolls.
Cinnamon Twist: If you enjoy a spicier note, sprinkling the optional ½ teaspoon of cinnamon over the strawberry compote adds a cozy warmth to the sweet tartness. It’s my go-to when craving a classic cinnamon roll vibe with a summery twist.
Vegan Variation: For those avoiding dairy or eggs, you can substitute the milk with almond or oat milk and use a plant-based butter. Replace the egg with a flax “egg” (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water). This keeps your rolls soft and tender!
Frosting Alternatives: If cream cheese isn’t your favorite, try a simple vanilla glaze or a whipped coconut cream frosting. Both pair beautifully with the strawberry compote filling for a different but equally luscious finish.

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 Melt Butter

Begin by gently heating ¾ cup of milk in a small saucepan until it just starts to bubble—you’re aiming for warm, not hot, so it’s easy on the yeast. Remove from the heat and stir in ½ cup (4 oz) of butter until melted. Let this mixture cool down to lukewarm; it should feel comfortably warm to your wrist. This step helps activate the yeast without risking killing it with heat, ensuring your dough will rise perfectly.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients and Combine with Wet

In a large bowl, whisk together 2 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 package (or 2 ¼ teaspoons) of instant yeast, ¼ cup white sugar, ½ teaspoon salt, and the bright zest of one lemon. This zest adds a subtle citrus brightness that balances the sweetness beautifully. Add 1 egg and the lukewarm milk-butter mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon to combine all the ingredients well.

Step 3: Add Remaining Flour and Knead the Dough

Gradually add in the remaining 1 cup of flour, about ½ cup at a time, stirring thoroughly after each addition. When the dough starts to come together and is no longer sticky, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough by hand for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If you prefer, use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for this step. You’ll know it’s ready when the dough springs back slightly when you press it gently with your finger.

Step 4: Rest the Dough

Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest on your counter for 10 minutes. This short rest lets the gluten relax, making it easier to roll out in the next step while setting you up for fluffy, tender rolls.

Step 5: Roll Out and Spread the Filling

Dust your surface lightly with flour and roll the dough into a 12x9-inch rectangle—using your 9x13 baking dish as a size guide works perfectly here. Evenly spread ½ batch of your strawberry compote all over the dough, right to the edges. If you like, sprinkle ½ teaspoon cinnamon on top of the compote for that extra warm aroma and flavor kick.

Step 6: Slice and Shape Your Rolls

Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to cut the dough into 12 equal strips. Starting from one end, roll each strip up tightly, then place them seam-side down next to each other in your lightly greased 9x13 inch pan. This close placement helps the rolls rise upward and stay soft and tender on the sides.

Step 7: Let the Rolls Rise

Cover the pan and let the rolls rise in a warm, draft-free spot for about 45 minutes, or until they’ve doubled in size. This is the magic moment where the yeast works its charm. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (190°C) so it’s ready to go once your rolls have puffed up beautifully.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake the rolls in your preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until they’re a lovely golden brown on top. You’ll start to smell that inviting, sweet aroma filling your kitchen! Once baked, remove and allow them to cool for about 10 minutes to set before frosting.

Step 9: Whip Up the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat together 2 tablespoons softened butter and 4 ounces cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add 2 tablespoons strawberry compote, then gradually beat in 1 ½ to 2 cups powdered sugar, depending on how sweet and thick you like your frosting. If the frosting seems too thick, thin it out with a splash of heavy cream or milk, adding a teaspoon at a time until it’s perfectly spreadable.

Step 10: Frost and Serve Warm

Generously spread your luscious strawberry cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls. For an extra touch, garnish with fresh strawberry slices to invite everyone in for a visually stunning treat. Serve immediately and enjoy the juicy, soft, and sweet rolls—perfect for a cozy breakfast or a special brunch with friends and family.

Top Tip

These tips come straight from my kitchen adventures with the Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe to help you achieve those perfectly soft, flavorful rolls every time.

Timing is Everything: Letting the dough rise until it’s doubled in size — about 45 minutes — really makes the rolls light and fluffy. Don’t rush this step!
Keep It Lukewarm: Make sure your milk and butter mixture is lukewarm before mixing in the yeast. If it’s too hot, it can kill the yeast and your rolls won’t rise properly.
Even Spreading: When spreading the strawberry compote, go all the way to the edges of the dough. This means every bite bursts with that fresh fruit flavor.
Don’t Skip Kneading: Kneading the dough for those full 5 minutes or so makes a huge difference. It develops the gluten and gives the rolls their soft but structured texture.

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

Fresh strawberry slices on top add a lovely pop of color and a burst of juicy freshness that complements the strawberry cream cheese frosting perfectly. A light dusting of powdered sugar or even edible flower petals can make your presentation extra special.

Side Dishes

These strawberry cinnamon rolls pair wonderfully with a simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette for a brunch balance. For a heartier spread, serve alongside scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or a fresh fruit salad featuring blueberries and kiwi for a sweet and tangy contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain softness and flavor. If you want them to keep longer, refrigeration is best—just be aware it might firm them up slightly.

Freezing

You can freeze the unbaked morning rolls after shaping them and placing into the pan, before the final rise. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw in the fridge overnight and let them rise for 45 minutes at room temperature before baking. You can also freeze fully baked and cooled rolls wrapped in foil or airtight containers.

Reheating

To reheat, warm your rolls in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 8–10 minutes covered loosely with foil so they don’t dry out. Alternatively, microwave individual rolls for 20-30 seconds, then add fresh frosting before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh strawberries directly in the filling instead of strawberry compote?

Fresh strawberries are delicious, but for this Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe, the compote is ideal because it’s cooked down and thicker, preventing soggy dough and providing a concentrated sweetness.

Is the cinnamon in the filling necessary?

Nope! The cinnamon is optional but adds a lovely warmth and aroma that complements the strawberry compote beautifully. Feel free to skip it if you prefer a pure strawberry flavor.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate it. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before shaping and rising to get those fluffy rolls.

How sweet is the frosting?

The frosting sweetness is customizable — start with 1 ½ cups of powdered sugar and adjust to your taste, up to 2 cups. The strawberry compote also adds natural sweetness and fruity flavor.

Final Thoughts

Baking this Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is such a joyful experience — the dough is soft, the filling is bursting with fresh berries, and the cream cheese frosting ties it all together with that silky, tangy sweetness. Whether it’s a weekend treat or a special brunch with loved ones, these rolls never fail to bring smiles around the table. I hope you enjoy baking (and eating!) them as much as I do.