Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these Strawberry Sweet Rolls! They are an absolute dream come true, bursting with the flavors of fresh strawberries and sweet cream. Honestly, there’s something magical about baking with strawberries; their sweet, juicy goodness just makes everything feel brighter and more cheerful, doesn’t it? Imagine pulling a tray of these warm, soft rolls out of the oven, the aroma wafting through the kitchen—it’s a scent that just wraps around you like a cozy hug!
These rolls are fluffy, sweet, and totally irresistible, making them perfect for breakfast, dessert, or even as a special treat for brunch with friends. You’ll love how easy they are to whip up, and the best part? They’re filled with a delightful mixture of cream cheese and strawberries that makes each bite feel like a little piece of heaven. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be dreaming about them long after they’re gone!
Ingredients List
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup milk (warm, for activating the yeast)
- 1 packet active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped (the fresher, the better!)
- 1/4 cup cream cheese (softened for easy spreading)
- 1 egg (beaten)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Prepare Strawberry Sweet Rolls
Alright, let’s dive into the delightful process of making these Strawberry Sweet Rolls! It’s a simple journey that ends with a mouthwatering treat, and I’m here to guide you every step of the way. Ready? Let’s go!
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
First things first, we need to activate our yeast. In a bowl, combine the warm milk and the packet of active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it gets all frothy and bubbly—that’s how you know it’s ready to work its magic! Then, add in the sugar, softened butter, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Give it a good stir to combine everything nicely.
Step 2: Knead the Dough
Now, it’s time to mix in the flour and salt. I like to do this gradually; it makes it easier to combine. Once everything is together, turn it out onto a floured surface and knead! Knead like you mean it for about 5–7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Trust me, this step is key for those lovely fluffy rolls!
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
After kneading, place your dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Now, find a warm spot in your kitchen and let it rise for about 1 hour. You want it to double in size, so be patient! This is where the magic happens, and you’ll feel like a total rock star when you see how big it gets!
Step 4: Assemble the Rolls
Once your dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it out into a rectangle—about 1/4 inch thick. Now, spread that creamy, softened cream cheese all over the dough, leaving a little space around the edges. Next, sprinkle the chopped fresh strawberries evenly on top. Now, roll the dough up tightly from one end to the other, like you’re wrapping up a delicious present! Use a sharp knife to cut the roll into slices, about 1–2 inches thick.
Step 5: Final Rise and Bake
Place those beautiful slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between them. Cover them again with that kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes. While they’re rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). When the time’s up, pop those rolls into the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes until they’re golden brown and smelling heavenly. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving, and get ready to indulge!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Oh, where do I even begin? These Strawberry Sweet Rolls are not just a treat; they’re a delightful experience! First off, they’re incredibly quick to prepare. I mean, who doesn’t love a recipe that brings such joy without spending all day in the kitchen? In just about an hour and a bit, you can have these beauties ready to impress your family or friends!
And let’s talk about the flavor. The combination of sweet, juicy strawberries and creamy, tangy cream cheese is simply divine. Each roll is soft, fluffy, and bursting with freshness, making them perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy breakfast at home or a festive brunch gathering. Seriously, they’re versatile enough to shine in any setting!
Plus, I can’t emphasize enough how satisfying it is to pull a tray of golden-brown rolls out of the oven and watch everyone’s faces light up as they take their first bite. It’s pure happiness! Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become a beloved staple in your recipe collection. You’ll find yourself sneaking bites even after they’re meant to be shared—oops!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your Strawberry Sweet Rolls turn out absolutely perfect! I’ve got some tried-and-true tips that have saved me more than once in the kitchen, and I can’t wait to share them with you!
- Fresh is Best: Always use fresh strawberries for the best flavor. If they’re in season, you’re in for a real treat! And don’t hesitate to mash a few strawberries if you want a more intense flavor in your filling.
- Butter Temperature: Make sure your butter is softened, not melted. This helps the rolls maintain their fluffy texture. If you forget to take it out ahead of time, just pop it in the microwave for about 10 seconds—just enough to soften it!
- Yeast Activation: When activating the yeast, ensure that your milk is warm but not too hot. If it’s scalding, it could kill the yeast. Aim for a temperature that’s just warm to the touch—think baby bath warm!
- Kneading Technique: Don’t rush the kneading process! It’s crucial for developing the gluten, which will give your rolls that lovely chewy texture. If you’re not sure, just keep kneading until the dough feels smooth and elastic.
- Customize Your Rolls: Feel free to mix things up! You can add a dash of cinnamon to the cream cheese for a warm, spicy twist, or even fold in some chocolate chips for a decadent touch. The possibilities are endless!
- Watch the Baking Time: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your rolls as they bake. They should be golden brown on top and smell incredible. If they start browning too quickly, you can loosely cover them with foil to prevent burning.
- Let Them Cool: I know it’s hard to resist, but let your rolls cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the cream cheese filling set a bit, making them easier to handle and oh-so-delicious!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be ready to impress everyone with your baking skills. I can’t wait to hear how your Strawberry Sweet Rolls turn out! Enjoy every bite!
Nutritional Information
Alright, folks, let’s talk about the numbers! Here’s a quick rundown of the estimated nutritional values for each Strawberry Sweet Roll. It’s always helpful to know what you’re indulging in, right? So, here we go!
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 180
- Sugars: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
These rolls might feel like a guilty pleasure, but they’re actually a delightful treat you can enjoy without too much worry! Just remember, balance is key—maybe enjoy one with a fresh fruit smoothie for a lovely breakfast combo. Happy baking and indulging!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making these Strawberry Sweet Rolls? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common queries I get, along with my best tips to ensure your baking adventure goes smoothly.
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! While fresh strawberries are my favorite for their juicy sweetness, you can use frozen ones in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture in your rolls. You want that filling to be deliciously creamy, not soggy!
How should I store leftover rolls?
To keep your sweet rolls fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can pop them in the fridge for about a week. Just be sure to warm them up a bit before serving for that fresh-out-of-the-oven feel!
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
You sure can! If you want to get a jump on things, prepare the dough up to the rising stage, then cover it tightly and refrigerate it. Just remember to let it come to room temperature and rise again before assembling the rolls. It’s a great way to save time on a busy day!
What should I do if my rolls don’t rise?
Oh no! If your rolls aren’t rising, it could be that your yeast wasn’t activated properly or your kitchen was too cold. Make sure your yeast is fresh and that your milk isn’t too hot when you mix it in—warm to the touch is perfect! If your dough is struggling to rise, try placing it in a warmer spot, like near a sunny window or in a turned-off oven with the light on.
Can I add other fillings or flavors?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative! You can mix in chocolate chips, nuts, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for a touch of warmth. The beauty of these rolls is their versatility. Just remember to balance the sweetness so you don’t overpower the strawberries!
With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a Strawberry Sweet Rolls superstar! Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now, let’s talk about how to keep those delicious Strawberry Sweet Rolls fresh! You’ll want to savor every last bite, so here’s how to store and reheat them perfectly.
To store your sweet rolls, let them cool completely after baking. Once they’re cool, place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for about 2 days. If you need to keep them longer, just pop them in the fridge where they’ll last for up to a week. Just make sure the container is sealed well—nobody wants stale rolls!
When it comes to reheating, I recommend using the oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the rolls on a baking sheet. Cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent them from getting too brown, and heat for about 10–15 minutes, or until they’re warm and inviting again. You’ll be amazed at how close they taste to freshly baked!
If you’re in a hurry, you can also use the microwave. Just pop a roll on a microwave-safe plate, and heat it for about 10-15 seconds. Keep an eye on it, though; you don’t want it to get too hot and chewy! A quick drizzle of cream cheese frosting or a dusting of powdered sugar after warming can take your rolls to the next level!
With these storage and reheating tips, you’ll be able to enjoy your Strawberry Sweet Rolls just as much the next day (or even a few days later) as you did fresh out of the oven. Happy indulging!
Print
Strawberry Sweet Rolls: 7 Steps to Heavenly Bliss
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious strawberry sweet rolls filled with fresh strawberries and sweet cream.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Add sugar, butter, egg, and vanilla to the yeast mixture.
- Mix in flour and salt. Knead until smooth.
- Let the dough rise for 1 hour in a warm place.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface.
- Spread cream cheese and chopped strawberries on the dough.
- Roll the dough tightly and cut into slices.
- Place the slices on a baking sheet and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Can be served warm or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Strawberry Sweet Rolls, dessert, baking, rolls