Fresh strawberry rolls are a soft, sweet twist on classic cinnamon rolls, made with juicy strawberries instead of spiced sugar. I love how the fresh fruit melts into the dough as it bakes, creating a swirl of flavor in every bite. These rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a fruity dessert that feels homemade and special.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love these rolls because they’re bright, fresh, and just sweet enough. The dough is soft and pillowy, while the strawberries bring natural sweetness and a pop of color. They’re a beautiful treat for spring and summer, but I’ve made them year-round using fresh or frozen berries. The best part is that the recipe is easy to follow, and the results always feel bakery-worthy.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Dough:
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All-purpose flour
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Instant yeast
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Sugar
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Salt
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Whole milk
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Butter (unsalted)
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Egg
For the Strawberry Filling:
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Fresh strawberries (chopped)
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Sugar
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Cornstarch
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Lemon juice
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Vanilla extract
For the Glaze (optional):
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Powdered sugar
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Milk or cream
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Vanilla extract
Directions
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I warm the milk and mix it with sugar and yeast. I let it sit for a few minutes until foamy.
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I add the melted butter, egg, and salt, then stir in the flour to form a dough. I knead until smooth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour.
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While the dough rises, I cook the chopped strawberries with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla until thickened, then cool it completely.
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Once the dough has risen, I roll it out into a rectangle and spread the cooled strawberry filling over the top.
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I roll the dough tightly into a log and slice it into 9–12 rolls.
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I place the rolls into a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise again for 30–45 minutes.
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I bake the rolls at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, until golden and cooked through.
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After baking, I let them cool slightly and drizzle with a simple glaze if I want a little extra sweetness.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 9–12 rolls.
Prep time: 25 minutes
Rise time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Bake time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: Around 2 hours 30 minutes
Variations
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I’ve added cream cheese to the glaze for a tangy finish.
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For a shortcut, I use store-bought dough or jam when I’m short on time.
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A handful of white chocolate chips in the filling adds extra sweetness.
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I sometimes mix in chopped basil or mint with the strawberries for a fresh twist.
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For a more decadent version, I serve them warm with whipped cream or ice cream.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for 1–2 days, or in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I microwave individual rolls for about 20 seconds, or warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10–15 minutes. These also freeze well—I wrap them tightly and thaw overnight before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, I thaw and drain them first, then cook them the same way as fresh. They still make a great filling.
Do I need a stand mixer to make the dough?
No, I usually knead by hand. A mixer helps, but it’s not necessary if I give the dough a little extra time and attention.
Can I make the rolls ahead of time?
Yes, I prepare them up to the second rise, then refrigerate overnight. I let them come to room temp and rise again before baking.
How do I know when the rolls are done baking?
They’re ready when golden on top and cooked in the center. I check the middle roll—it should spring back when lightly pressed.
What’s the best way to keep the rolls soft?
I let them cool slightly, then cover them loosely with foil or a clean towel to keep in the moisture.
Conclusion
Fresh strawberry rolls are one of my favorite sweet bakes—they’re soft, fruity, and so pretty on the plate. I love how the strawberries swirl into the dough and make every bite taste like sunshine. Whether I’m serving them warm for brunch or saving one for a treat later, these rolls never disappoint.
Print
Fresh Strawberry Rolls
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 9–12 rolls
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Fresh strawberry rolls are a fruity twist on cinnamon rolls, made with soft, pillowy dough and filled with sweet, juicy strawberries. Perfect for brunch, breakfast, or dessert, these rolls are fresh, flavorful, and feel bakery-worthy.
Ingredients
- For the Dough:
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- For the Strawberry Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- For the Glaze (optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tbsp milk or cream
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk warm milk with sugar and yeast. Let sit until foamy (5–10 minutes).
- Add melted butter, egg, and salt. Gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms.
- Knead dough on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled.
- While the dough rises, cook strawberries with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla over medium heat until thickened. Cool completely.
- Roll dough into a rectangle on a floured surface. Spread cooled strawberry filling evenly.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice into 9–12 rolls.
- Place rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise 30–45 minutes.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Let cool slightly. Mix glaze ingredients and drizzle over warm rolls if desired.
Notes
- Add cream cheese to glaze for a tangy touch.
- Use store-bought dough or strawberry jam as a shortcut.
- Mix in white chocolate chips or fresh herbs like basil or mint for variation.
- Top with whipped cream or ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- To keep soft, loosely cover cooled rolls with foil or a towel.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
