Description
Delight in these homemade Strawberry Sweet Rolls topped with a luscious Vanilla Cream Cheese Glaze. Soft, fluffy rolls are filled with sweet strawberry preserves, baked to golden perfection, and finished with a smooth, creamy glaze that adds the perfect touch of indulgence. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a special treat anytime.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1 large egg
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (plus up to 1/4 cup additional, to be added only if necessary)
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons canola or vegetable oil
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant dry yeast (one 1/4-ounce packet; Red Star Platinum recommended)
- Pinch salt (optional and to taste)
- 1/2 cup milk (light coconut milk, buttermilk, cow, goat, almond, or soy milk can be used)
For the Filling
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (very soft)
- About 3/4 cup strawberry preserves or jam (alternatively blueberry, raspberry, peach, apricot)
For the Cream Cheese Glaze
- About 3 ounces (1/3 cup) cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 to 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or a large mixing bowl if kneading by hand), combine the egg, flour, sugar, oil, yeast, and salt (if using). Use 2 1/4 cups flour initially. Do not use whole wheat or wheaty flours as they hinder rising.
- Warm the Milk: Heat the milk to the appropriate temperature (about 120–130°F for Red Star Platinum yeast) using a microwave or stove. Ensure the milk is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- Knead the Dough: Pour the warm milk over the dry ingredients and knead on low speed for about 7 minutes in the mixer or 10 minutes by hand.
- Adjust Flour if Needed: If dough is too sticky after 5 minutes, gradually add up to 1/4 cup more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, until dough clears the sides of the bowl but still sticks slightly to the bottom. Avoid over-flouring to maintain fluffiness.
- First Rise: Transfer the dough to a large greased bowl, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for about 2 hours until doubled. A warm environment can be created by briefly preheating the oven to 400°F and then turning it off before placing the dough inside.
- Punch Down and Knead: After rising, punch the dough down and knead it on a floured surface or Silpat for about 3 minutes.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Spray a 9 or 10-inch pie plate or similar-sized baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- Roll Out Dough: Roll the dough into an approximately 18 by 12-inch rectangle.
- Spread Filling: Evenly spread the softened butter over the dough surface, followed by the strawberry preserves, leaving a small margin around the edges.
- Form Rolls: Starting at one long side, roll the dough tightly into a cylinder.
- Slice Rolls: Using a bench scraper, serrated knife, or unwaxed dental floss, slice the cylinder into 8 to 10 even pieces (about 2 inches wide). Expect some jelly to escape; push it back as best as possible.
- Arrange and Second Rise: Place the rolls cut side up in the prepared baking pan and cover with plastic wrap. Choose either to let them rise in a warm place until nearly doubled (60 to 75 minutes) or refrigerate them for up to 18 hours and then let rise before baking.
- Preheat Oven: In the last minutes of proofing, preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Bake Rolls: Bake the rolls at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes until lightly golden and cooked through. If they brown too quickly on top, tent loosely with foil during the second half of baking.
- Make Cream Cheese Glaze: While baking, beat together cream cheese, granulated sugar, softened butter, and vanilla extract until smooth, adjusting ratios to taste.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle generously over warm rolls as soon as they come out of the oven. Serve immediately.
- Storage: Rolls are best fresh but can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container up to 4 days and reheated briefly in the microwave. Refrigerate leftover glaze for up to 2 weeks or use as a fruit dip.
Notes
- Use all-purpose or bread flour only; whole wheat flours will prevent proper rising.
- Warm milk temperature is critical for yeast activation; use a thermometer if possible.
- Do not over-flour the dough; it should remain slightly sticky for fluffier rolls.
- The oven warm spot trick helps create a consistent rise environment.
- Dental floss is an effective tool for cleanly cutting the rolls without squishing.
- The make-ahead option allows refrigerating rolls up to 18 hours before baking.
- If the rolls brown too quickly during baking, tent with foil to prevent over-browning.
- Extra glaze can be refrigerated and used as a delicious fruit dip.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 to 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American