Description
Deliciously soft and fluffy strawberry cinnamon rolls made with a tender dough infused with lemon zest and filled with a sweet strawberry compote. These rolls are first prepared with a yeast dough, then baked to golden perfection and finished with a creamy strawberry cream cheese icing for an irresistible treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 3/4 cup milk, lukewarm
- 1/2 cup butter, melted into the milk
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 package instant yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1 lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- 1 egg
Filling
- 1/2 batch strawberry compote
Icing
- Cream cheese mixed with strawberry compote and powdered sugar (quantities as needed for spreading)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the rolls after rising.
- Warm Milk and Butter: Gently warm the milk until lukewarm, then melt the butter into the milk to activate the yeast effectively.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, sugar, lemon zest, salt, and optional cinnamon, ensuring even distribution.
- Combine Dough: Add the warmed milk and butter mixture along with the egg to the dry ingredients. Stir until the dough forms a cohesive mass.
- Knead Dough: Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise for approximately 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Shape Rolls: Roll out the risen dough into a flat rectangle. Spread the strawberry compote evenly across the surface. Roll the dough tightly into a log, and slice into 1-inch thick pieces.
- Second Rise: Arrange the rolls into a greased baking dish, cover, and allow them to rise again for 30 minutes to puff up.
- Bake: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until they turn golden brown and cooked through.
- Finish with Icing: Once baked, allow the rolls to cool slightly before spreading cream cheese icing mixed with strawberry compote and powdered sugar on top. Serve warm to enjoy the gooey sweetness.
Notes
- Ensure the milk is not too hot as it can kill the yeast; lukewarm is perfect for activating yeast.
- The cinnamon is optional, but it enhances the flavor and pairs well with strawberries.
- You can prepare your own strawberry compote in advance using fresh or frozen strawberries simmered with sugar until thickened.
- For softer rolls, cover them with a damp cloth during rising to prevent drying out.
- Adjust icing sweetness by varying the amount of powdered sugar and strawberry compote according to taste.
- These rolls can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: strawberry cinnamon rolls, yeast rolls, breakfast pastries, strawberry compote, cream cheese icing
