Strawberry Shortcake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Introduction

Imagine waking up to the heavenly aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through your kitchen. Now imagine those cinnamon rolls infused with the sweet and tangy flavors of strawberries, topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. This Strawberry Shortcake Cinnamon Rolls recipe is the perfect marriage of two classic treats, resulting in a mouthwatering breakfast or brunch option that will leave your taste buds begging for more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What sets this recipe apart is its simplicity and versatility. These cinnamon rolls are incredibly easy to make, even for novice bakers, and require just a handful of basic ingredients. The addition of fresh strawberries adds a fruity burst of flavor and a delightful pop of color to the traditional cinnamon roll. Plus, they can be enjoyed warm out of the oven, or stored and reheated for later indulgence.

Ingredients

The following ingredients are needed to make these scrumptious Strawberry Shortcake Cinnamon Rolls:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon milk (optional, for thinning the frosting)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix well.
2. Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Pour the milk into the bowl and stir until a soft dough forms. If the dough seems too dry, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until it comes together.
4. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead it gently for a minute or two until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. Roll out the dough into a rectangle shape, about 1/4 inch thick.
6. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough.
7. Spread the diced strawberries over the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
8. Starting from one long side, carefully roll up the dough into a tight log.
9. Cut the log into 12 equal slices using a sharp knife or a piece of dental floss.
10. Place the cinnamon rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving some space between each roll to allow for rising.
11. Cover the baking dish with a clean kitchen towel and let the rolls rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until they have doubled in size.
12. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the rolls have risen, bake them for 20-25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.

Expert Tips for Success

Here are some tips to ensure your Strawberry Shortcake Cinnamon Rolls turn out perfectly:

• Make sure the butter is cold when cutting it into the dry ingredients. This helps create a flaky texture in the dough.
• For a burst of freshness, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice to the diced strawberries before spreading them on the dough.
• To make slicing the rolls easier, use a piece of dental floss. Simply slide it under the log, cross the ends over the top, and pull in opposite directions to cut through the dough cleanly.
• If you prefer a thinner frosting consistency, add a tablespoon of milk at a time to the cream cheese mixture until you reach your desired texture.

Variations and Substitutions

Feel free to get creative with this recipe and make it your own. Here are some variations and substitutions you can try:

• Instead of strawberries, use other fresh berries like raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries.
• Add a handful of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for some extra crunch.
• For a citrus twist, zest some lemon or orange and sprinkle it over the cinnamon-sugar mixture before adding the strawberries.
• For a vegan version, substitute the butter with vegan butter and use almond milk instead of regular milk.

Serving Suggestions

These Strawberry Shortcake Cinnamon Rolls are delicious on their own, but you can take them to the next level by serving them with a few accompaniments:

• Dust the rolls with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
• Drizzle a homemade strawberry glaze over the warm rolls for added flavor.
• Pair them with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.

FAQs

Q: Can I prepare the dough the night before and bake it in the morning?

A: Absolutely! After slicing the rolls and placing them in the baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, simply remove them from the fridge, let them come to room temperature, and allow them to rise for about 1 hour before baking.

Q: Can I freeze the baked cinnamon rolls?

A: Yes! Once the rolls have cooled completely, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a preheated oven until warm.

Q: Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

A: While fresh strawberries are recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen strawberries in a pinch. Thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before using.

Final Thoughts

Indulge in the irresistible combination of cinnamon rolls and strawberry shortcake with this delightful recipe. The soft and fluffy cinnamon rolls bursting with juicy strawberries and topped with a creamy frosting are a match made in breakfast heaven. Whether enjoyed as a special weekend treat or shared with loved ones, these Strawberry Shortcake Cinnamon Rolls are sure to become a family favorite. So go ahead, take a bite, and let the flavors transport you to a blissful world of sweet indulgence.