Strawberry Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

My First Strawberry Roll Fumble

Let me tell you about my first try. I was so excited. I rolled the dough too thin. Jam and berries spilled everywhere! I still laugh at that. The kitchen was a pink, sticky mess. But you know what? Those messy rolls still tasted wonderful.

That’s my first insight for you. It doesn’t have to be perfect. Good food is about the love you put in. A little mess just adds to the story. What’s the funniest kitchen mess you’ve ever made? I’d love to hear about it.

Why The Warm Milk Matters

That first step is magic. You warm the milk and stir in the yeast. Then you wait. Tiny bubbles start to foam up. It’s like the yeast is waking up and saying hello! Doesn’t that smell amazing? It’s a living, breathing thing.

This matters because that foam is your promise. It promises your dough will rise. It promises fluffy, soft rolls. No foam means the yeast is sleepy. Then you need to start that step again. *Fun fact: yeast is a tiny fungus. It eats the sugar and makes the dough puff up!*

The Joy of Fresh Berries

Yes, the recipe uses jam. But adding fresh chopped strawberries? That’s the secret. The jam is sweet and smooth. The fresh berries give you little bursts of juice. They make the filling taste bright and real.

This is my second big insight. Fresh ingredients change everything. They add their own special magic. Do you have a favorite berry or fruit? Imagine using that here instead. What would you try?

Finding a Warm Spot to Rise

Your dough needs a cozy nap. I let mine rise in a warm oven. I just heat it for one minute, then turn it off. It’s like a little blanket for the bowl. Watching it grow is the best part. It fills me with hope.

Be patient with this part. Let the dough double in size. This waiting time is what makes the rolls tender. If you rush, they will be dense. Do you have a special warm spot in your kitchen? Mine is by the sunniest window.

The Icing Smile

Finally, the best part. The cream cheese icing. Make sure everything is soft. Room temperature butter and cream cheese mix so smoothly. When you drizzle that white icing over the pink rolls? It’s like putting a smile on your breakfast.

Let the rolls cool just a bit first. If they are too hot, the icing will melt right off. Ten minutes is perfect. Then dig in. The warm roll, sweet jam, and cool icing are pure joy. Tell me, do you eat yours right away or save one for later?

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Milk	½ cup	For the dough
Active dry yeast	1 teaspoon	For the dough
All-purpose flour	2 cups	For the dough
Sugar	¼ cup	For the dough
Salt	¼ teaspoon	For the dough
Unsalted butter or margarine	¼ cup	Softened to room temperature, for the dough
Egg	1	For the dough
Strawberry jam	¾ cup	For the filling
Strawberries, fresh	1 cup	Chopped into small pieces, for the filling
Cream cheese	½ cup	At room temperature, for the icing
Unsalted butter	3 tablespoons	Softened, for the icing
Vanilla extract	1 teaspoon	For the icing
Powdered sugar	1½ cups	For the icing

My Sunshine Strawberry Rolls

Hello, my dear. Come sit at the counter. I want to tell you about these strawberry rolls. They remind me of my granddaughter’s pink cheeks in summer. We make them when the first berries appear at the market. Doesn’t that smell amazing? The dough is soft and a little sweet. The jam makes it sticky and fun. And the icing? Oh, it’s like a creamy cloud on top. Let’s make some magic together.

Step 1: First, we wake up the yeast. Warm your milk just a little. It should feel like a cozy bath, not hot. Stir in the yeast and wait. In five minutes, it will get all frothy and happy. I still laugh at that. It looks like a tiny science experiment in a cup!

Step 2: Now, mix your dough. Put flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Add the soft butter, an egg, and that frothy yeast milk. Let your mixer knead it. The dough will become smooth and stretchy. (My hard-learned tip: If your butter is too hard, grate it on a cheese grater. It softens in seconds!).

Step 3: Time for the first nap. Put the dough in an oiled bowl. Cover it with a towel. Let it rest in a warm spot. It needs to grow to twice its size. This takes about an hour. I use my oven with the light on. It’s the perfect cozy spot.

Step 4: Roll out your dough on a floured counter. Aim for a big rectangle. Spread the strawberry jam all over. Now sprinkle your fresh chopped berries. Do you like jam or fresh fruit better? Share below! Gently roll it up, like a sleepy caterpillar.

Step 5: Slice your roll into eight pieces. I use a piece of sewing thread. Just slide it under and pull. It gives you clean cuts. Place them in a buttered dish. Let them rise again. They will get all puffy and friendly.

Step 6: While they rise, make the icing. Mix soft cream cheese and butter. Add vanilla and powdered sugar. Beat it until it’s dreamy and smooth. Then, bake your rolls. They will turn a beautiful golden brown. Your whole kitchen will smell like a bakery.

Step 7: Let them cool for just ten minutes. Then, drizzle that lovely icing all over. Serve them warm. The jam will be sweet and gooey. The fresh berries give a little pop. It’s pure happiness on a plate.

Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (with rising)
Yield: 8 rolls
Category: Breakfast, Sweet Treat

Three Twists to Try

These rolls are wonderful as they are. But sometimes, it’s fun to play. Here are three ideas for you. Lemon-Berry Bliss: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough. Use lemon curd with the jam. Chocolate Dream: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the jam. It’s like a chocolate-covered strawberry. Nutty Crumble Top: Mix chopped pecans with brown sugar and butter. Sprinkle it on before baking for a crunchy finish. Which one would you try first? Comment below!

Serving with a Smile

These rolls are a star all by themselves. But you can make them extra special. Serve one on a pretty plate with a few extra fresh berries. For a bigger breakfast, add some crispy bacon on the side. The salty taste is perfect with the sweet roll. To drink, I love a cold glass of milk. It’s the classic choice. For the grown-ups, a cup of hot coffee with cream is just right. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Strawberry Rolls Fresh

Let’s talk about keeping these sweet rolls yummy. First, let them cool completely. Then, store them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh on the counter for two days.

You can freeze them for later, too. Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap. Then, pop them all into a freezer bag. They will keep for one month. I once froze a whole batch for my grandson’s surprise visit. He was so happy!

To reheat, warm a frozen roll in the microwave for 30 seconds. You can also bake it at 300°F for 10 minutes. Batch cooking like this saves you time on busy mornings. It means you always have a little joy ready to share. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Common Troubles and Easy Fixes

Is your dough not rising? Your milk might be too hot. It should feel warm on your wrist, not hot. I remember when I used hot milk once. My yeast did not bubble at all. This matters because happy yeast makes soft, fluffy rolls.

Are your rolls too dense? You might have added too much flour. Measure your flour by spooning it into the cup. Then, level it off with a knife. Too much flour makes heavy dough.

Is the icing too runny? Your butter and cream cheese must be soft. But do not melt them. Just let them sit out for an hour. Good icing should drizzle slowly. This makes your rolls look and taste special. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Quick Questions, Answered

Q: Can I make this gluten-free? A: Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free flour blend. The results will be just as tasty.

Q: Can I make the dough ahead? A: Absolutely. After the first rise, put the dough in the fridge. Use it within 24 hours.

Q: I don’t have strawberry jam. A: Any berry jam works well. Raspberry is a wonderful swap. *Fun fact: My neighbor uses apricot jam!*

Q: Can I double the recipe? A: You sure can. Just use two baking dishes. Everyone will want seconds.

Q: Any optional tips? A: Add a pinch of lemon zest to the icing. It gives a lovely, bright flavor. Which tip will you try first?

From My Kitchen to Yours

I hope you love making these strawberry rolls. Baking is about sharing love and stories. I would love to see your beautiful creations.

Please share a photo of your rolls with someone you love. It makes my day to see your kitchen adventures. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest!

Happy cooking! —Chloe Hartwell.