Name: Strawberry Cinnamon Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup milk; 1/2 cup butter (1 stick, or 4 oz.); 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 (.25 ounce) package instant yeast (or 2 1/4 teaspoons); 1/4 cup white sugar; Zest of 1 lemon; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 egg; 1/2 a batch of Strawberry Compote (approx. 3/4 cup); 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional); 2 tablespoons softened butter; 4 oz cream cheese; 2 tablespoons strawberry compote; 1 1/2 to 2 cups powdered sugar; Heavy cream or milk as needed to thin icing

If you love a sweet breakfast treat that feels like a warm hug, you’re going to adore this Strawberry Cinnamon Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. Soft dough, luscious strawberry compote, and a dreamy frosting make it a brunch standout!

In a clear glass baking dish, there are nine strawberry rolls arranged closely in a 3x3 grid. Each roll has several visible layers, with a soft light yellow dough base rolled around a bright red strawberry filling that creates a spiraled pattern. The rolls are generously covered with a smooth, glossy white glaze that fills the spaces between and gently drips down the sides. Fresh strawberry slices, showing their red flesh and green tops, are placed on some of the rolls, adding a pop of color and fresh texture. The baking dish sits on a white marbled surface, enhancing the vibrant colors of the strawberry rolls. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Strawberry Cinnamon Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Strawberry Cinnamon Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Strawberry Cinnamon Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember the first time I made these strawberry cinnamon rolls — the house filled with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and fresh strawberries, and that first bite? Pure joy. I can’t wait for you to experience this too.

Soft, buttery dough: Easy to make and yields those perfectly fluffy rolls you crave.
Sweet strawberry compote filling: Adds a fresh and fruity punch to that classic cinnamon roll vibe.
Cream cheese frosting with a twist: Infused with strawberry compote for a tangy-sweet frosting that’s unforgettable.
Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a lazy weekend brunch or a special breakfast, these rolls impress every time.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Choosing quality ingredients is key here — fresh strawberries for the compote and real butter for that rich dough make all the difference. Also, a little lemon zest brightens the whole roll and balances the sweetness perfectly.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of fresh milk, a small white ceramic bowl with softened golden butter, a small white ceramic bowl filled with fine white all-purpose flour, one whole uncracked brown egg with a clean shell, a small white ceramic bowl of bright red strawberry compote, a small white ceramic bowl with warm brown ground cinnamon powder, a small white ceramic bowl of smooth white cream cheese, a small white ceramic bowl with fine white powdered sugar, a few bright fresh strawberries sliced in half, and a lemon with bright yellow zest, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Milk: Warmed just right to activate the yeast without killing it.
Butter: Adds richness and tenderness to the dough and frosting.
All-purpose flour: The foundation for that soft yet sturdy roll structure.
Instant yeast: Quick and reliable rising power.
White sugar: Feeds the yeast and sweetens the dough gently.
Lemon zest: Adds a fresh, citrusy brightness that cuts through the sweetness.
Salt: Balances flavors and strengthens the dough.
Egg: Enriches the dough for softness and color.
Strawberry compote: The star filling and frosting flavor that’s naturally sweet and fruity.
Cinnamon (optional): Gives a warm, cozy note to the filling if you like a bit of spice.
Cream cheese: Makes the frosting creamy and luscious with a slight tang.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to perfection.
Heavy cream or milk: Adjusts frosting consistency for easy spreading.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Strawberry Cinnamon Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is how easy it is to customize to your taste buds or dietary preferences. Whether you want to amp up the fruity flavor, add a little spice, or make it dairy-free, there’s a way to make these rolls uniquely yours.

Go extra fruity: I love adding extra fresh strawberry slices on top after frosting—it adds a lovely burst of freshness and a pop of color that makes these rolls look irresistible.
Warm it up with cinnamon: For a cozy twist, sprinkle ½ teaspoon of cinnamon over the strawberry compote filling before rolling up the dough. It adds a gentle warmth and wonderful aroma without overpowering the strawberry’s natural sweetness. Totally optional but highly recommended!
Dairy-free option: Swap out the butter and cream cheese in the frosting for dairy-free alternatives like vegan margarine and a plant-based cream cheese to keep it friendly for those avoiding dairy.
Make it your own with nuts: Toasted chopped pecans or walnuts sprinkled over the filling before rolling the dough give a delicious crunch and nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with strawberries.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Strawberry Cinnamon Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

A single cinnamon roll sits on a white plate over a white marbled surface. The roll has three visible layers: a light golden-brown dough layer at the base with a soft texture, a thin spiral of reddish-pink jelly filling in the middle, and a thick layer of pale pink creamy icing covering the top and sides, slightly dripping down. A silver fork with traces of icing is pulling a bite-sized piece from the roll on the lower right side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Warm, But Not Hot—Preparing the Milk and Butter

Start by heating ¾ cup of milk in a small saucepan just until you see it bubble around the edges—no need to boil. Remove from heat and stir in ½ cup (1 stick) of butter until completely melted. This warm milk-and-butter mixture is key: it helps activate the yeast and creates that tender, buttery dough we all love. Let this cool until it’s lukewarm to the touch—too hot and it could kill the yeast, too cold and the yeast won’t activate well.

Step 2: Combining Dry and Wet Ingredients to Form the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 ¼ cups of the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, ¼ cup white sugar, ½ teaspoon salt, and the zest of 1 lemon. The lemon zest is a subtle but delightful touch that brightens the flavor. Next, add 1 egg and the cooled milk-butter mixture. Stir everything with a wooden spoon to start bringing the dough together.

Step 3: Kneading to Smooth Perfection

Now gradually add the remaining 1 cup of flour—about ½ cup at a time—and stir after each addition. When the dough just begins to come together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. If you prefer, use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for this step. The dough is ready when you press it gently, and it springs back slightly. This kneading develops gluten, giving your rolls their soft, fluffy texture.

Step 4: Resting the Dough

Cover your dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 10 minutes on the counter. This short rest period will help relax the gluten and make rolling out much easier.

Step 5: Rolling Out and Filling the Dough

Lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough into a 12 by 9-inch rectangle—using your 9x13 inch baking dish as a handy size reference. Spread about ¾ cup of strawberry compote evenly all over the dough to the edges. If you want that extra hint of warmth and aroma, sprinkle ½ teaspoon cinnamon on top of the filling here (totally optional!). This is where your rolls get their juicy, fruity center.

Step 6: Slicing and Shaping the Rolls

Use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife to slice the dough into 12 equal strips. Then, carefully roll up each strip from one edge to the other, creating a tight spiral. Place each roll snugly into your baking pan—this closeness helps the rolls rise up beautifully without spreading too much.

Step 7: The Crucial Rise

Cover your pan with a clean towel and set it somewhere warm to rise for about 45 minutes, until the rolls have doubled in size. This step is crucial for that tender, fluffy texture that melts in your mouth. Meanwhile, you can preheat your oven to 350°F (190°C).

Step 8: Baking to Golden Perfection

Bake the rolls in your preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until they turn a gorgeous golden brown on top. Once baked, let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes—just long enough to make frosting them easier but still enjoy them warm.

Step 9: Whipping Up the Creamy Frosting

While the rolls are cooling, prepare the frosting by whipping together 2 tablespoons softened butter and 4 ounces of cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and velvety. Then add 2 tablespoons of strawberry compote and 1 ½ to 2 cups powdered sugar, adding it gradually until you reach a creamy, spreadable consistency. If the frosting feels too thick, thin it a little with heavy cream or milk—just a teaspoon at a time.

Step 10: Frost, Garnish, and Devour!

Generously slather your warm rolls with the luscious strawberry cream cheese frosting. For that extra special touch, add some fresh strawberry slices on top. Serve these warm for the ultimate cozy breakfast or brunch treat—trust me, they disappear fast!

Top Tip

Mastering the Strawberry Cinnamon Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is all about attention to detail and a few well-honed tricks that make your rolls irresistibly soft and flavorful.

Warm Rising Spot: I always make sure to let the rolls rise in a warm, draft-free place. Even a slightly cooler spot can slow the yeast, so this step really boosts fluffiness and tenderness.
Even Rolling: When rolling out your dough to that perfect 12x9 inch rectangle, I found using my 9x13 inch baking pan as a guide helps keep consistent thickness, which ensures even baking throughout the batch.
Gentle Frosting Addition: I like to spread the cream cheese frosting over the rolls while they’re still warm but not hot. This way, the frosting melts slightly into the crevices, creating that dreamy swirl of creamy sweetness without becoming runny.
Use Fresh Compote: Using freshly made or high-quality strawberry compote in both the filling and frosting really makes the fruity flavor pop. Avoid overly watery jams, which can make the rolls soggy.

How to Serve Strawberry Cinnamon Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

The image shows twelve uncooked dough rolls with bright red jam spread inside the spirals, placed evenly in three rows inside a clear rectangular glass baking dish. Each roll has two visible layers: a light beige soft dough on the outside and a shiny red jam filling swirled inside. The rolls are arranged on a surface with a white marbled texture. The clear glass dish has simple handles on each side, showing the clean, smooth texture of the dough and the vivid contrast with the jam inside. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding fresh strawberry slices on top of the frosting adds a bright, vibrant touch and a bit of texture that pairs perfectly with the creamy frosting. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of lemon zest can also brighten the presentation and enhance the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls are a decadent treat on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a simple green salad with citrus vinaigrette to balance sweetness, fresh fruit salad for an extra burst of freshness, or even a cup of piping hot coffee or tea to complement the warm cinnamon and strawberry notes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to maintain that fresh-baked softness, avoid refrigerating as it can dry them out.

Freezing

You can freeze baked and cooled rolls by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat rolls in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, a quick zap in the microwave (20-30 seconds) works if you’re in a hurry—just be careful not to overheat and dry them out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it overnight. Just bring it to room temperature before rolling it out and adding the filling.

Is the cinnamon in the filling necessary?

No, the cinnamon is optional. It adds warmth and depth to the filling, but the strawberry compote alone is delicious as well. Feel free to adjust based on your taste preferences.

What if I don’t have instant yeast?

You can use active dry yeast instead, but remember to proof it first in warm milk with a bit of sugar until foamy. Adjust the rising time accordingly.

How do I know when the rolls are properly baked?

The rolls should be golden brown on top and baked through. They’ll sound hollow when tapped lightly, and a thermometer inserted in the center should read about 190°F (88°C) for perfectly baked rolls.

Final Thoughts

Baking Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting is such a rewarding experience — full of warm aromas and delightful flavors. Whether you’re sharing these with family on a weekend morning or surprising guests at brunch, these rolls bring a special touch of homemade comfort that’s hard to beat. I hope this recipe inspires you to put on your apron and enjoy the magic of baking from scratch. Happy rolling and even happier tasting!