Strawberry Shortcake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Strawberry Shortcake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe combines the best of both worlds: the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls and the delightful taste of strawberry shortcake. Perfect for brunch, dessert, or any special occasion, these rolls are a delicious treat that will impress your friends and family. The sweet strawberry jam and fresh strawberries enhance the roll’s flavor, while the creamy icing adds an irresistible finish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor – With a delightful mix of strawberries and cinnamon, every bite is bursting with sweetness.
• Easy to Make – The step-by-step instructions ensure that even beginners can create these tasty rolls without hassle.
• Versatile Delight – Perfect for breakfast, brunch gatherings, or as a sweet dessert after dinner.
• Fresh Ingredients – Using fresh strawberries makes these cinnamon rolls a standout treat that’s light and flavorful.
• Satisfying Treat – The soft and fluffy texture of the rolls makes them an indulgent choice for any occasion.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience smooth, it’s important to have the right tools ready. Having everything prepared will help you focus on creating these delicious Strawberry Shortcake Cinnamon Rolls.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer with dough hook attachment
• Rolling pin
• 9x12x3-inch baking pan
• Clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap
• Unflavored dental floss (for cutting dough)

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer with dough hook attachment – Makes mixing and kneading dough easy and efficient, saving you time and effort.
• Rolling pin – Essential for evenly rolling out the dough to ensure uniform size for your cinnamon rolls.
• Baking pan – A good quality pan helps achieve even baking, resulting in perfectly golden-brown rolls.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious Strawberry Shortcake Cinnamon Rolls:

For the Dough

• 1/4 oz active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp total)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (plus 1 tsp)
• 1/4 cup warm water (about 115F)
• 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for rolling)
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 cup whole milk (room temperature)
• 1 large egg plus 1 egg yolk (room temperature)

For the Filling

• 2/3 cup strawberry jam
• 1 cup strawberries (fresh and chopped in small bits)
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

For the Icing

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 3 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 4-6 tbsp whole milk
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• Sliced strawberries for garnish

How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a small bowl, combine active dry yeast and sugar. Stir in warm water. Let sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
2. In your stand mixer bowl fitted with a dough hook attachment, add 2 cups flour, sugar, and salt. Mix on low for 30 seconds until combined.
3. Add milk, melted butter, yeast mixture, and eggs. Mix on low until ingredients come together (about 1 minute).
4. Add remaining flour; mix on medium until absorbed (about 2 minutes).
5. Increase speed to medium-high; mix for 7-8 minutes until a taut ball forms. The sides of the bowl should be clean.
6. Shape dough into a ball; place in a greased bowl. Cover with a towel or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour until doubled in size.

Step 2: Chill & Roll Out the Dough

1. Spray your baking pan with nonstick spray. Once dough has risen, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
2. On a floured surface, roll out chilled dough into a rectangle measuring about 14×17 inches.

Step 3: Add Filling & Shape Rolls

1. Spread strawberry jam evenly over rolled-out dough.
2. Arrange chopped strawberries over jam; sprinkle with cinnamon.
3. Starting from one end, tightly roll up the dough into a log shape; pinch edges to seal.
4. Use unflavored dental floss to trim edges before cutting log into 9 equal pieces.
5. Place each piece cut-side up in prepared pan; cover with towel or plastic wrap to rise for another 40 minutes.

Step 4: Bake & Cool

1. Preheat oven to 375F while rolls rise.
2. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and fragrant.
3. Remove from oven; cool in pan for about 20 minutes.

Step 5: Prepare Icing & Serve

1. In a medium bowl, whisk melted butter, confectioners’ sugar, milk (starting with 4 tablespoons), and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Adjust consistency by adding more milk if needed.
3. Generously spread icing over cooled rolls; top with sliced strawberries before serving warm.

Enjoy your homemade Strawberry Shortcake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe—perfectly sweetened and wonderfully delicious!

How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Serving your Strawberry Shortcake Cinnamon Rolls is a delightful experience that can elevate any gathering or morning routine. These rolls are not just dessert; they can be enjoyed in various creative ways.

Classic Serving

• Warm and Fresh – Serve the rolls warm straight from the oven for the best flavor and texture.

With Fresh Fruit

• Sliced Strawberries – Top the rolls with additional sliced strawberries for a fresh burst of flavor.
• Mixed Berries – Add a mix of blueberries or raspberries for a colorful presentation.

Accompanied by Cream

• Whipped Cream – A dollop of whipped cream adds a rich and creamy element that complements the sweet rolls.
• Vanilla Ice Cream – For an indulgent treat, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Drizzled with Extra Icing

• Generous Icing – Drizzle more icing on top for those who love extra sweetness.

How to Perfect Strawberry Shortcake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Perfecting your Strawberry Shortcake Cinnamon Rolls can make all the difference in achieving bakery-quality results at home. Here are some tips to help you excel in your baking.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Make sure your milk, egg, and butter are at room temperature to ensure proper mixing and dough rise.
• Knead Thoroughly – Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic to achieve a soft texture in your rolls.
• Chill Before Rolling – Chill your dough before rolling it out to keep it manageable and prevent sticking.
• Don’t Skip Rising Time – Allow the dough to rise fully; this is crucial for fluffy cinnamon rolls.
• Adjust Icing Consistency – Start with less liquid in your icing; you can always add more milk to reach your desired consistency.
• Try Different Fillings – Experiment with other fruit jams or even chocolate spread for different flavor variations.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Shortcake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Strawberry Shortcake Cinnamon Rolls enhances the experience and offers a variety of flavors. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Fruit Salad – A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits complements the sweetness of the rolls.
2. Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a balanced breakfast option.
3. Scrambled Eggs – Lightly seasoned scrambled eggs provide a savory contrast to sweet cinnamon rolls.
4. Smoothie Bowl – Blend up your favorite fruits into a smoothie bowl topped with nuts and seeds for added crunch.
5. Coffee or Tea – A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea pairs perfectly with these sweet treats.
6. Granola Bars – Serve homemade granola bars as a healthy, crunchy side that adds texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the Strawberry Shortcake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Ignoring yeast activation: Always let the yeast mixture sit until it’s foamy. This confirms that your yeast is active and will help your rolls rise properly.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Use proper measuring cups for dry and wet ingredients. Accurate measurements ensure the right texture and flavor.
• Rolling dough too thin: Aim for the specified dimensions when rolling out dough. If it’s too thin, your rolls won’t hold their shape or have enough filling.
• Skipping the second rise: Be sure to let your rolls rise again after cutting. This step is crucial for creating fluffy, soft cinnamon rolls.
• Overbaking the rolls: Keep an eye on your rolls during baking. Remove them from the oven once they are golden brown to avoid dryness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
• They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Strawberry Shortcake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

• Place cooled rolls in a freezer-safe container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Strawberry Shortcake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat individual rolls on medium power for 20-30 seconds, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Place rolls in a pan over low heat, covering with a lid to retain moisture, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the Strawberry Shortcake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe that might help you while baking.

Can I use frozen strawberries in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Just make sure to thaw and drain excess liquid before using them.

How do I make my cinnamon rolls fluffier?

Ensure you give your dough enough time to rise during both rising stages. This helps create lighter and fluffier rolls.

What can I substitute if I don’t have unsalted butter?

You can use salted butter instead; just reduce any additional salt in your recipe slightly.

Can I make these cinnamon rolls vegan?

Yes, you can substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like almond milk and vegan butter.

How long does it take to prepare these cinnamon rolls?

The total time is about 2 hours including rising times, but most of that is hands-off waiting time!

Final Thoughts

The Strawberry Shortcake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is a delightful treat that combines sweet strawberries with comforting cinnamon flavors. Their versatility allows for creative customization—feel free to experiment with different fruits or fillings! Try this recipe today, and enjoy a delicious twist on classic cinnamon rolls!