These Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Lemon Cream Cheese Glaze are soft, fluffy, and filled with sweet strawberries, then finished with a smooth lemony cream cheese glaze. They are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet dessert and taste like a mix of strawberry shortcake and classic cinnamon rolls.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These rolls are soft and rich with real strawberries, not artificial flavor. The lemon cream cheese glaze adds freshness and balances the sweetness, making them perfect even for people who don’t like overly sweet desserts.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
For the Strawberry Filling
- 1½ cups fresh strawberries, finely chopped
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons softened butter
For the Lemon Cream Cheese Glaze
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Prepare the dough
In a large bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Add sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt. Mix well, then gradually add flour until a soft dough forms. Knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare the strawberry filling
In a bowl, mix chopped strawberries with brown sugar, cornstarch, and cinnamon. Set aside so the mixture thickens slightly.
Step 3: Assemble the rolls
Roll the dough into a large rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly over the dough. Sprinkle the strawberry mixture evenly on top. Roll tightly into a log and cut into 9–12 rolls.
Step 4: Second rise
Place rolls in a greased baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes until puffy.
Step 5: Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25–30 minutes until lightly golden and cooked through.
Step 6: Make the glaze
Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and milk. Mix until creamy and pourable.
Step 7: Glaze and serve
Drizzle glaze over warm rolls before serving.
Variations
- Use frozen strawberries, thawed and well drained
- Add white chocolate chips to the filling
- Replace lemon glaze with vanilla glaze
- Add a little strawberry jam for extra filling
- Make mini rolls for brunch trays
Cooking Notes
- Chop strawberries very small to avoid excess moisture
- Do not overfill or rolls may leak
- Use room temperature cream cheese for smooth glaze
- Bake until the center rolls are fully set
- Let rolls rest 10 minutes before glazing
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with coffee or tea
- Pair with fresh strawberries on the side
- Add extra glaze just before serving
- Serve as a brunch centerpiece
- Enjoy as a dessert with vanilla ice cream
Tips
- Use dental floss to cut clean rolls
- If dough is sticky, add flour slowly
- Store leftovers tightly covered
- Reheat gently for best texture
- Glaze can be made ahead and refrigerated
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes (including rise time)
Nutritional Info (Approx.)
- Calories: 380 per roll
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Protein: 7g
- Fat: 15g
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the rolls and refrigerate overnight, then bake in the morning.
Can I freeze the rolls?
Yes, freeze baked rolls without glaze for up to 2 months.
Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, but homemade dough gives the best texture.
Conclusion
Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Lemon Cream Cheese Glaze are soft, fruity, and comforting. They are a perfect homemade treat that feels bakery-style but is easy enough to make at home.