If you’ve ever dreamed of biting into a fluffy, sweet roll packed with fresh fruit and silky cream cheese filling, this Strawberry Cream Rolls Recipe is exactly what you need in your kitchen. These rolls offer a perfect balance of tender dough, juicy strawberries, and luscious creamy sweetness, making each bite feel like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re after something special for brunch or a delightful dessert to impress friends, this recipe is straightforward, fun to make, and absolutely delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the secret to nailing these strawberry cream rolls. Each one is simple but plays a crucial role to ensure the rolls come out tender, flavorful, and irresistibly creamy.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base that gives structure to your rolls without weighing them down.
- 2 tablespoons sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to balance the fruit and cream cheese.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Your leavening hero, helping to create that airy, soft texture.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and rounds out the sweetness.
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter (cubed): Cold butter is essential for flaky layers and a tender crumb.
- â…” cup whole milk: Adds moisture and richness to the dough for soft, melt-in-your-mouth rolls.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings a lovely warmth and depth to the dough.
- 1 cup fresh strawberries (diced): The star ingredient that bursts with juicy, fresh flavor in every bite.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Makes the cream cheese filling luxuriously smooth and creamy.
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream filling without adding graininess.
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened): The tangy base of the luscious filling that complements the strawberries perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional): Adds a fresh, zesty brightness that lifts the whole flavor profile.
How to Make Strawberry Cream Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by warming your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep your rolls from sticking. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt – these dry ingredients will create the perfect base. Then, cut in your cold cubed butter using either a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is key to achieving a tender, flaky texture that makes these rolls so delightful.
Step 2: Add Milk and Vanilla
Next, pour in the milk and vanilla extract, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. You want to mix just enough to bring everything together without overworking it, so your rolls stay light and fluffy. The vanilla is the quiet but important note that enhances the overall flavor of your dough.
Step 3: Fold in the Strawberries
Gently fold in the diced fresh strawberries, distributing them evenly throughout the dough. This part makes the rolls irresistibly fruity and gives those bursts of juicy sweetness with each bite. Don’t worry about them breaking apart too much – that juicy berry flavor will seep into the dough beautifully.
Step 4: Roll Out the Dough
Turn your dough out onto a floured surface and carefully roll it into a rectangle about ½ inch thick. Keeping the dough even here ensures each roll bakes uniformly perfect. This is also when you’re setting the stage to create those signature rolls filled with heavenly creaminess.
Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
In a small bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and lemon zest (if using) until smooth and creamy. This luscious filling is what transforms these rolls from simple pastries into a decadent treat bursting with flavor and texture contrast.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over your rolled-out dough, then roll the dough up tightly into a log shape. Slice this log into 8 even rolls and arrange them on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the rolls are lightly golden on top and cooked through. The smell of strawberries and cream wafting from your oven at this point is pure magic!
How to Serve Strawberry Cream Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Once your strawberry cream rolls are slightly cooled, a simple dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of a quick glaze made from powdered sugar and milk makes them look as irresistible as they taste. Fresh whole strawberries or a sprig of mint on the side add a beautiful, fresh touch that elevates the presentation.
Side Dishes
These rolls pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a refreshing iced tea, making them ideal for brunch or an afternoon treat. If you want to turn your serving into a more substantial dessert, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or some fresh whipped cream on the side is pure decadence.
Creative Ways to Present
You can serve these rolls stacked on a tiered cake stand for a lovely brunch centerpiece, or arrange them neatly on a rustic wooden platter for casual gatherings. If you’re feeling playful, try turning each slice into an individual tart by baking them in muffin tins for perfectly portioned delights that guests will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover strawberry cream rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or in the refrigerator if your kitchen is warm. This helps maintain their freshness and the cream cheese filling stays perfect.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these tasty rolls later, you can freeze them either before or after baking. Wrap the dough log tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or freeze baked rolls in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Just remember to thaw them fully before reheating.
Reheating
To bring your strawberry cream rolls back to life, warm them gently in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. This restores their soft texture and ensures the cream filling gets delightfully melty again. Avoid microwaving as it can make the dough chewy or dense.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?
Absolutely! If fresh strawberries aren’t available, thaw frozen strawberries completely and drain any excess moisture before folding them into the dough. This prevents the dough from becoming soggy while still delivering that sweet berry flavor.
Is it necessary to use cold butter when making the dough?
Yes, using cold butter is crucial because it creates small pockets of fat as it melts during baking, resulting in tender, flaky rolls. Warm or melted butter would make the dough too dense.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
You can prepare the dough and even assemble the rolls the night before. Just cover the rolls tightly and refrigerate overnight, then bake fresh in the morning for a breakfast treat that feels freshly made.
What’s the best way to slice the dough roll without squishing it?
Use a sharp, serrated knife and slice gently with a sawing motion. Chilling the rolled dough for 15 minutes before slicing can also help keep the rolls from getting squashed.
Can I add other fruits to this recipe?
Definitely! Blueberries, raspberries, or even chopped peaches would pair beautifully with the cream cheese filling and give you fun seasonal variations on this delightful strawberry cream rolls recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Cream Rolls Recipe is one of those recipes that feels both comforting and a little special at the same time. It’s straightforward to make, yet the flavors come together in such a satisfying way that you’ll want to make it again and again. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, these rolls have a way of making moments feel sweeter and more joyful. Give them a try—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Strawberry Cream Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 rolls
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these Strawberry Cream Rolls, a luscious dessert featuring soft, buttery dough swirled with fresh strawberries and a creamy, sweetened cream cheese filling. Perfect for a summer treat or a cozy gathering, these rolls are baked to golden perfection and offer a delicious balance of fruity freshness and rich creaminess.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- â…” cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
Cream Filling
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt ensuring they are well combined to create an even base for your dough.
- Cut in Butter: Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry mixture and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend it in until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs, which helps create a flaky texture.
- Form the Dough: Pour in the whole milk and vanilla extract, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. Take care not to overmix to keep the dough tender.
- Add Strawberries: Fold the diced fresh strawberries into the dough carefully, distributing them evenly without breaking them apart too much.
- Roll the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and roll it out into a rectangle about ½ inch thick, preparing it for spreading the cream filling.
- Prepare Cream Filling: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and lemon zest (if using). Mix until the filling is smooth and creamy.
- Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the cream cheese filling over the rolled-out dough, covering the surface completely.
- Shape the Rolls: Carefully roll the dough into a log shape, starting from one edge, then slice the log into 8 evenly sized rolls.
- Bake the Rolls: Place the rolls on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until they are lightly golden and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the rolls to cool slightly before serving. For extra sweetness, consider drizzling them with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk after baking.
Notes
- If fresh strawberries are unavailable, you can substitute with thawed and well-drained frozen strawberries.
- For an added touch of sweetness and shine, drizzle the rolls with a glaze made by mixing powdered sugar with a splash of milk once they have cooled slightly.
- Be gentle when folding in strawberries to prevent them from breaking and releasing too much juice into the dough.
- Ensure the butter is cold when cutting into the flour mixture to achieve a flaky texture.
