Hey there, baking besties! If you’re looking for a way to sweeten up your day and fill your kitchen with the inviting aroma of freshly baked goods, then you’ve come to the right place. Today, we’re diving into the world of Strawberry Pink Cinnamon Rolls, a recipe that’s as dreamy as it sounds. Imagine warm, fluffy rolls oozing with sweet strawberry goodness, all topped off with creamy pink icing. It’s like a soft hug on your plate, perfect for a cozy weekend breakfast or a lovely afternoon treat. Let’s roll up our sleeves and get baking!
Why This Recipe Is Worth Making
You might be wondering why you should try making these Strawberry Pink Cinnamon Rolls. Well, here are some of the best reasons:
- Unique Twist: While traditional cinnamon rolls are delightful, adding strawberries brings a fresh twist that’s sure to impress. The sweet fruit pairs beautifully with the spices and creamy icing.
- Visual Appeal: Let’s face it, we eat with our eyes first! The soft pink hue of the icing combined with the rich golden-brown rolls is nothing short of a feast for the eyes. These are perfect for brunch gatherings or special occasions.
- Simple Ingredients: You don’t need a bachelor’s degree in culinary arts to whip these up! With simple ingredients that you probably have in your pantry, they’re accessible to everyone, even those who are just starting out in baking.
- Made with Love: Every roll is a chance to pour some love into your kitchen. The act of kneading dough and creating something with your hands is therapeutic. Plus, who doesn’t love sharing delicious baked goods with friends and family?
- Versatility: These rolls can be customized to suit your taste. Whether you want them extra fruity, more decadent with additional toppings, or even want to switch up the icing flavors, the options are endless!
Step-by-Step: Making Strawberry Pink Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
- 2 tablespoons milk (for icing)
- 1-2 tablespoons strawberry puree (for icing color)
Directions:
- Activate Yeast: In a bowl, combine warm milk and granulated sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for about 5 minutes until bubbly.
- Mix Dough: In a large mixing bowl, add the melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling: In a separate bowl, mix the diced strawberries, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Roll Out Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
- Spread Filling: Evenly spread the strawberry mixture over the dough.
- Shape Rolls: Roll the dough tightly from one end to the other to form a log. Cut into 12 equal rolls.
- Second Rise: Arrange rolls in a greased baking dish. Cover with the towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake rolls for about 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.
- Make the Icing: In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and strawberry puree until smooth. Adjust the milk or puree until you reach your desired consistency and color.
- Glaze and Serve: Once the rolls are baked, let them cool slightly, then drizzle with the pink icing. Serve warm and enjoy!
Best Ways to Serve Strawberry Pink Cinnamon Rolls
These Strawberry Pink Cinnamon Rolls are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when they’re warm and gooey. Serve them on a pretty plate for breakfast, or take them to a brunch potluck. They pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or herbal tea. For an extra touch, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside the rolls for a delightful dessert. Feel free to garnish them with extra strawberries on top or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for that finished look.
How to Store Leftover Strawberry Pink Cinnamon Rolls
With any luck, there won’t be any leftovers, but if there are, get ready for the best part! To store, simply place them in an airtight container or cover the dish with plastic wrap. They can be left at room temperature for a couple of days, but for longer freshness, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
Expert Tips for Perfect Strawberry Pink Cinnamon Rolls
- Fresh Strawberries: Use ripe strawberries for the best flavor. You can also experiment with frozen berries if fresh ones are unavailable, just make sure to thaw and drain them first!
- Room Temperature Ingredients: If possible, use eggs and milk that are at room temperature to help the dough rise better.
- Don’t Rush the Rising: Give your dough time to rise properly. The longer the rise, the fluffier your cinnamon rolls will be.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the rolls the night before; simply assemble them, cover, and refrigerate. Let them come to room temperature and rise before baking in the morning.
- Icing Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the icing’s sweetness or color by varying the amount of strawberry puree or adding a splash of lemon juice for a tangy contrast.
Delicious Variations of Strawberry Pink Cinnamon Rolls
Looking to mix things up? Here are some creative twists you can try:
- Berry Burst: Add a mix of different berries like blueberries or raspberries for a mixed berry version.
- Chocolate Lover’s Delight: Drizzle melted chocolate over the icing for a decadent touch.
- Nutty Addition: Sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts inside the rolls for added crunch.
- Herbs or Spices: For a unique flavor, add a sprinkle of rosemary or cardamom in the filling.
FAQs
Q: Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
A: Absolutely! If you’re using instant yeast, you can skip the activation step. Just mix it in with your dry ingredients.
Q: How can I prevent the cinnamon rolls from being dry?
A: Make sure not to overbake them and keep an eye on the temperature. Every oven is different, so check them a minute or two early.
Q: What if I don’t have strawberries?
A: You can substitute with other fruits like apples, peaches, or raspberries, or even just make a classic cinnamon roll without the fruit!
And there you have it, friends! Strawberry Pink Cinnamon Rolls that are easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Get ready to fill your home with warmth and sweetness. Happy baking!
Print
Strawberry Pink Cinnamon Rolls
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Warm, fluffy rolls filled with fresh strawberries and topped with a creamy pink icing, perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
- 2 tablespoons milk (for icing)
- 1–2 tablespoons strawberry puree (for icing color)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine warm milk and granulated sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for about 5 minutes until bubbly.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- In a separate bowl, mix the diced strawberries, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
- Evenly spread the strawberry mixture over the dough.
- Roll the dough tightly from one end to the other to form a log. Cut into 12 equal rolls.
- Arrange rolls in a greased baking dish. Cover with the towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake rolls for about 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.
- In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and strawberry puree until smooth. Adjust the milk or puree until you reach your desired consistency and color.
- Once the rolls are baked, let them cool slightly, then drizzle with the pink icing. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
These rolls are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when they’re warm and gooey. They can be customized with different toppings and flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg