If you have a sweet tooth and love all things fruity and creamy, you’re going to adore this Strawberry Rolls with Cream Cheese Filling and Glaze Recipe. These rolls combine tender, buttery dough with a luscious cream cheese and strawberry jam filling, then get topped off with a dreamy glaze bursting with fresh diced strawberries. The balance of soft rolls, tangy cream cheese, and sweet strawberries is nothing short of irresistible, perfect for a brunch treat or special dessert that will wow your family and friends.
Ingredients You'll Need
These ingredients are simple, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and color of the rolls. From the creamy richness of butter and cream cheese to the natural sweetness and freshness of strawberries, every component is essential for making this Strawberry Rolls with Cream Cheese Filling and Glaze Recipe truly shine.
- Warm 2% milk (1 cup): Helps activate the yeast and contributes to a soft, tender dough.
- Instant dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons): The magic behind the fluffy rise of the rolls.
- Large eggs (2): Adds richness and structure to the dough.
- Salted butter (½ cup, melted or softened): Brings buttery flavor and tender crumb to the rolls.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- Granulated sugar (½ cup): Sweetens the dough just right.
- All-purpose flour (4 ½ cups, divided): Forms the base of the dough, lending structure while keeping it tender.
- Cream cheese (6 ounces, room temperature): Key to the luscious filling’s smooth texture and tangy flavor.
- Strawberry jam (⅓ cup): Sweetens the filling with real berry goodness.
- Diced strawberries (2 cups for filling, plus ½ cup for glaze): Adds fresh, juicy bursts in every bite and in the glaze.
- Heavy cream (½ cup): Poured over the risen rolls to keep them moist and tender during baking.
- Powdered sugar (2 cups): Sweet base for the creamy glaze.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Enhances the flavor contrast in the glaze.
- Vanilla or almond extract (½ teaspoon): Adds aromatic depth and warmth to the glaze.
- Cream cheese (2 ounces, softened): For the creamy, smooth glaze that finishes the rolls perfectly.
How to Make Strawberry Rolls with Cream Cheese Filling and Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by pouring the warm milk into your stand mixer bowl and sprinkling the instant dry yeast on top. Let it sit for a few minutes so the yeast wakes up and becomes bubbly. This is the foundation for your fluffy rolls, and you’ll see the magic begin here.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Add the room temperature eggs, melted or softened salted butter, salt, and granulated sugar to the yeast mixture. Each ingredient adds richness, sweetness, and flavor that blend together in the dough to give the rolls their classic soft and buttery taste.
Step 3: Combine with Flour and Rest
Mix in 4 cups of all-purpose flour just enough to bring the dough together. Then let it rest for 5 minutes, allowing the flour to absorb the moisture. This resting period improves the dough’s elasticity, making it easier to knead.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Attach the dough hook to your mixer and knead the dough on medium speed for 5-7 minutes, gradually adding up to ½ cup more flour if needed. Your dough should be soft and slightly tacky but smooth and elastic. Resist the urge to add too much flour, as that will make the rolls dense instead of tender.
Step 5: First Rise
Transfer your dough to a greased large bowl, cover it with a towel or plastic wrap, and place it in a warm spot to rise until doubled in size. Turning your oven on low for just a minute and then turning it off creates a perfect cozy spot for this process. It typically takes about 30 minutes.
Step 6: Prepare the Filling
While the dough is rising, blend the cream cheese and strawberry jam using a hand mixer until smooth and creamy. This quick step gets your luscious filling ready to spread over the rolled dough later.
Step 7: Roll Out the Dough
Lightly flour a pastry mat and your rolling pin. Turn the risen dough out onto the mat, flour the top, and roll it into a roughly 24 by 15-inch rectangle. Don’t stress about perfection here; the goal is just an even layer to hold the filling.
Step 8: Add the Filling and Strawberries
Use a rubber spatula to evenly spread the cream cheese filling over the entire rectangle, then sprinkle on the diced strawberries. This layering creates those juicy, tangy pockets inside every roll.
Step 9: Roll and Cut
Start from the long side and roll the dough jelly-roll style into a tight log. Cut into 12 equally sized slices and arrange the rolls cut side up in a greased 10x15-inch baking dish.
Step 10: Second Rise
Cover your baking dish and let the rolls rise for another 20 minutes or until nearly doubled. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350ºF so it’s ready for baking.
Step 11: Add Heavy Cream and Bake
Warm the heavy cream just until it’s no longer cold but not hot, then gently pour it over the risen rolls. This step keeps the dough luscious during baking. Bake for about 25 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on them after 20 minutes and cover with foil if they start to brown too quickly.
Step 12: Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze
Once the rolls have cooled, whip up the glaze by mixing powdered sugar, salt, vanilla extract, softened cream cheese, and diced strawberries. At first, it might look a bit dry, but just keep mixing and let the strawberry juices help form a spreadable glaze. Add a tablespoon of heavy cream if needed.
Step 13: Frost and Enjoy
Spread the strawberry cream cheese glaze generously over the cooled rolls. This final luscious layer is what makes this Strawberry Rolls with Cream Cheese Filling and Glaze Recipe an absolute crowd-pleaser.
How to Serve Strawberry Rolls with Cream Cheese Filling and Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
You can elevate the look and flavor by sprinkling extra fresh diced strawberries or even a few mint leaves on top. For a pop of color and texture, a light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving adds a touch of elegance. These simple garnishes make your rolls even more inviting at the table.
Side Dishes
Serve these rolls alongside a fresh fruit salad or a light, citrusy yogurt to balance the sweetness. A cup of your favorite coffee or tea pairs beautifully, turning your breakfast or brunch into a cozy, indulgent experience that feels like a special occasion.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving at a brunch or party, arrange the rolls on a wooden board with small bowls of extra cream cheese glaze and fresh strawberries nearby for dipping and decorating. You could even slice the rolls and turn them into mini sliders for a fun twist. This Strawberry Rolls with Cream Cheese Filling and Glaze Recipe is flexible enough to wow any gathering!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover rolls in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap at room temperature for up to two days. They’ll stay soft and flavorful, perfect for a quick snack or breakfast on the go.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked rolls after the second rise by wrapping the pan tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. Baked rolls also freeze well when wrapped individually; just thaw and reheat gently.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the rolls in a 325ºF oven covered loosely with foil for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual rolls for 20-30 seconds, but the oven method keeps the texture better and revives that fresh-baked softness wonderfully.
FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of jam in the filling?
Fresh strawberries are included on top of the cream cheese filling for texture and freshness, but the jam provides sweetness and a spreadable consistency that fresh berries alone won’t achieve. For best results, use both together as described in the recipe.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you don’t have heavy cream, whole milk or half-and-half can work in a pinch for pouring over the rolls, but heavy cream adds richness and moisture that keep the rolls especially tender during baking.
How do I know when the rolls are done baking?
The rolls should be lightly golden brown on top and cooked through in the center. You can check by gently pressing - they should feel springy. If they brown too fast, cover loosely with foil to finish baking without burning.
Can I make this recipe without a stand mixer?
Absolutely! You can mix and knead the dough by hand, though it will take a bit more effort. Use a large bowl for mixing, then knead the dough on a floured surface until elastic and smooth, about 8-10 minutes.
Is this recipe suitable for breakfast or dessert?
This Strawberry Rolls with Cream Cheese Filling and Glaze Recipe is so versatile it works great for both breakfast and dessert. Its sweet, creamy flavors and fresh strawberries make it a perfect indulgence at any time.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the way these Strawberry Rolls with Cream Cheese Filling and Glaze Recipe come together in your kitchen—a perfect mix of soft dough, tangy cream cheese, and fresh strawberries that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Whether you're baking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, these rolls are sure to become a cherished favorite. Go ahead, try them out and watch smiles light up around your table!
Print
Strawberry Rolls with Cream Cheese Filling and Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delightfully soft and fluffy strawberry rolls filled with a luscious cream cheese and strawberry jam mixture, topped with fresh diced strawberries and a creamy strawberry-infused cream cheese frosting. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat, these rolls combine a tender yeast dough with a fresh fruit twist and an indulgent topping.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 cup warm 2% milk (about 115°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons instant dry yeast (e.g., Red Star Platinum Baking Yeast)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- ½ cup salted butter (melted or softened, not hot)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour (divided)
Filling
- 6 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
- ⅓ cup strawberry jam
- 2 cups diced strawberries
For Pouring Over Rolls
- ½ cup heavy cream (warmed)
Frosting
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (or almond extract)
- 2 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup diced strawberries
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: Pour the warm milk into the bowl of a stand mixer and sprinkle the instant dry yeast on top. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes to activate the yeast.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, melted butter, salt, and granulated sugar to the yeast mixture and stir to combine.
- Add Flour and Rest: Add 4 cups of the flour to the mixture. Use the mixer’s beater blade to combine just until ingredients are barely mixed. Allow the mixture to rest for 5 minutes so the flour can absorb the liquids.
- Knead Dough: Replace the beater with the dough hook. Knead the dough on medium speed, gradually adding up to ½ cup more flour as needed until a tacky, elastic dough forms. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Avoid adding too much flour; the dough should still stick slightly to the bowl.
- First Rise: Spray a large bowl with cooking spray. Transfer dough into the bowl, cover with a towel or plastic wrap, and place in a warm spot (such as in an oven warmed briefly then turned off) to rise until doubled in size, about 30 minutes.
- Prepare Filling: Beat cream cheese and strawberry jam with a hand mixer in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Roll Out Dough: On a floured pastry mat, turn out the risen dough and sprinkle the top with flour. Roll into approximately a 24 x 15-inch rectangle using a floured rolling pin.
- Spread Filling: Use a rubber spatula to spread the cream cheese and strawberry jam mixture evenly over the dough. Sprinkle the 2 cups of diced strawberries evenly over the filling.
- Form Rolls: Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a jelly roll shape. Cut into 12 equal slices and place them in a greased 10x15 inch baking pan.
- Second Rise: Cover the pan and let the rolls rise until nearly doubled in size, about 20 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F during this time.
- Prepare for Baking: Warm the heavy cream until no longer cold but not hot. Pour over the risen rolls, allowing it to soak down into the dough.
- Bake: Bake the rolls for about 25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Check at 20 minutes and cover loosely with foil if browning too quickly. Baking time may vary depending on roll size and oven.
- Prepare Frosting: While rolls cool, combine powdered sugar, salt, vanilla extract, softened cream cheese, and diced strawberries in a large bowl. Beat with a hand mixer until the glaze comes together and is spreadable. If needed, add a tablespoon of heavy cream to achieve smooth consistency.
- Frost Rolls: Spread the strawberry cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled rolls before serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs and cream cheese for best mixing results.
- The dough should be tacky but not overly sticky; avoid adding too much extra flour.
- Do not allow the dough to rise too much during the first rise, or rolls will be airy.
- Warm the heavy cream gently before pouring over the rolls to help it soak in better.
- If frosting seems too thick, adding a small amount of heavy cream will help.
- You can substitute almond extract for vanilla in the frosting for a different flavor.
- Use fresh strawberries for best texture and flavor; frozen strawberries may cause excess moisture.
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