Satisfy your sweet cravings with a delightful twist on classic cinnamon rolls – Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Lemon Cream Cheese Glaze. Bursting with the freshness of sweet strawberries and the warmth of cinnamon, these rolls are elevated to a whole new level of deliciousness. Topped with a tangy lemon cream cheese glaze, they are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful sweet treat any time of day.
Ingredients:
- 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp instant yeast
- ¼ cup white sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup water
- ¾ cup milk
- ⅓ cup butter, softened
- 1 (21 oz) can Strawberry Pie Filling
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- 4 ounce cream cheese, softened
- 3 Tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ¼ cup half and half
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 Tablespoon lemon zest (one lemon)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Directions:
- Prepare the Dough: In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the milk and butter. Stir until the butter has melted, then remove from heat and let it cool until lukewarm. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Add the egg and water, then mix until just starting to combine. Slowly pour in the milk mixture and 1 cup of flour, mixing until the dough starts to form and become smooth. Let the dough rest for 10 minutes.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a large 9×15 square, about 1/4-1/2 inch thick. Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly on top of the dough. In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon and sugar, then sprinkle it over the strawberry filling. Roll up the 15-inch side into a log and pinch the seams. Cut into 9-12 slices and place them in a greased 9×13 inch pan. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Bake the Rolls: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake the rolls for 30 minutes or until just golden brown on top.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, beat together the cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar until smooth. Add the half and half, vanilla, lemon juice, and lemon zest, and mix until combined.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the glaze over the warm cinnamon rolls once they are out of the oven. Allow them to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the irresistible combination of sweet strawberries, warm cinnamon, and tangy lemon cream cheese glaze!
Prep Time: 40 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes | Servings: 12
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving Tips:
- Warm before Serving: For the best experience, warm the cinnamon rolls slightly before serving. Place them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-10 minutes until heated through.
- Garnish with Fresh Strawberries: Add a touch of freshness and visual appeal by garnishing the cinnamon rolls with sliced fresh strawberries just before serving.
- Pair with Coffee or Tea: Serve these strawberry cinnamon rolls alongside a cup of hot coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast or afternoon treat.
- Serve with Whipped Cream: For an extra indulgent touch, serve the cinnamon rolls with a dollop of whipped cream on top of each roll.
- Drizzle Extra Glaze: If desired, reserve some of the lemon cream cheese glaze and drizzle it over the warm cinnamon rolls just before serving for an extra burst of flavor.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: To freeze the cinnamon rolls, allow them to cool completely, then wrap each individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- Thawing: When ready to enjoy frozen cinnamon rolls, remove them from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
- Reheating: To reheat refrigerated or thawed cinnamon rolls, place them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
- Enjoy Freshly: For the best taste and texture, enjoy the cinnamon rolls freshly baked or reheated. Avoid overcooking or overheating to prevent them from becoming dry.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Lemon Cream Cheese Glaze remain irresistibly delicious and ready to enjoy whenever the craving strikes. Whether served for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet indulgence, these rolls are sure to delight your taste buds!
Variations:
- Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls: Swap out the strawberry pie filling for blueberry pie filling to create blueberry cinnamon rolls with a burst of juicy blueberry flavor.
- Nutty Crunch: Add a crunchy texture by sprinkling chopped nuts such as pecans or almonds over the strawberry filling before rolling up the dough.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Enhance the sweetness by drizzling melted chocolate over the lemon cream cheese glaze for an indulgent chocolate-covered twist.
- Creamy Coconut: Incorporate shredded coconut into the dough or sprinkle it over the filling for a tropical flavor infusion.
- Berry Medley: Mix different types of berries such as raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries with the strawberry pie filling for a colorful and fruity variation.
- Orange Zest: Substitute lemon zest with orange zest in the cream cheese glaze for a citrusy twist that pairs perfectly with the strawberry and cinnamon flavors.
- Almond Extract: Add a touch of almond extract to the cream cheese glaze for a subtle nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the rolls.
- Maple Drizzle: Replace the lemon juice in the cream cheese glaze with maple syrup for a rich and decadent maple-flavored drizzle.
- Stuffed with Cream Cheese: Spread a layer of softened cream cheese over the dough before adding the strawberry filling for an extra creamy and tangy filling.
- Savory Spin: Experiment with a savory version by omitting the sugar in the dough and filling, and stuffing the rolls with a mixture of cooked bacon, sautéed onions, and shredded cheese.
These variations offer creative ways to customize your Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Lemon Cream Cheese Glaze to suit your taste preferences and explore new flavor combinations. Whether you prefer fruity, nutty, or chocolatey twists, there’s a variation to satisfy every craving and occasion!
FAQs :
- Can I use fresh strawberries instead of pie filling? Yes, you can use fresh strawberries. Simply chop them into small pieces and spread them over the dough before rolling.
- Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Allow it to come to room temperature before rolling and baking.
- Can I omit the lemon zest from the glaze? Yes, if you prefer a plain cream cheese glaze, you can omit the lemon zest. Alternatively, you can substitute it with orange zest for a different citrus flavor.
- Can I freeze the unbaked cinnamon rolls? Yes, after assembling the rolls, you can freeze them before baking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
- How do I prevent the rolls from becoming dry when reheating? To prevent the rolls from drying out when reheating, cover them with aluminum foil while reheating in the oven or microwave.
- Can I use a different type of flour? While all-purpose flour works best for this recipe, you can experiment with whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor may vary.
- Can I make smaller or larger rolls? Yes, you can adjust the size of the rolls by cutting them into smaller or larger pieces before baking. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.
- Can I use a different type of fruit filling? Certainly! Feel free to use your favorite fruit filling such as raspberry, cherry, or apple pie filling for a delicious variation.
- Can I use a different type of glaze? Absolutely! You can customize the glaze by adding different flavors such as vanilla extract, almond extract, or maple syrup to suit your taste preferences.
- Can I make these cinnamon rolls vegan? Yes, you can make vegan cinnamon rolls by substituting dairy milk, butter, cream cheese, and eggs with plant-based alternatives. Choose vegan-friendly ingredients for the dough, filling, and glaze.
These Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Lemon Cream Cheese Glaze are sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, or as a delightful dessert, they are bound to impress with their fresh flavors and indulgent appeal.