Red Velvet Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls

If you’re craving something warm, gooey, and irresistibly indulgent, these Red Velvet Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls are calling your name. Imagine the rich, cocoa-kissed dough of red velvet paired with a sweet strawberry cinnamon swirl, all topped with a silky layer of cream cheese glaze. It’s like a bakery dream come true right in your own kitchen.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe came to life during a cozy winter morning when I was looking to add a playful twist to traditional cinnamon rolls. Red velvet cake has always had a special place in my heart, so combining its signature color and flavor with the comforting layers of a cinnamon roll felt like magic. And once you swirl in fresh strawberry filling, it’s impossible not to fall in love.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Red velvet cake has Southern roots and was originally made with beet juice to get that vibrant hue. Over time, it’s become a beloved treat across the U.S., especially popular around holidays like Valentine’s Day. Cinnamon rolls, on the other hand, have Scandinavian origins, often known as “kanelbullar” in Sweden. Blending these two treats together creates a unique fusion that’s both nostalgic and exciting.

Why You’ll Love Red Velvet Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls

These rolls are more than just beautiful to look at. Here’s why they’re about to become your go-to treat:

Versatile: Perfect for brunch, dessert, or even a sweet breakfast.

Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples and seasonal fruit, making it affordable.

Quick and Easy: With a simple dough and no-fuss filling, the process is stress-free.

Customizable: Swap in other fruits or frostings to make it your own.

Crowd-Pleasing: Eye-catching and indulgent, they’re a guaranteed hit at any gathering.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep the night before and bake fresh in the morning.

Great for Leftovers: Store beautifully and reheat like a dream.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

These tips will help take your cinnamon rolls from good to unforgettable.

1. Use room temperature ingredients: This ensures a smooth, even dough texture.
2. Don’t rush the rise: Letting the dough rise fully gives you soft, fluffy rolls.
3. Chill the filling: Cooling the strawberry filling helps it stay put while rolling.
4. Cut with floss or a sharp knife: This keeps the swirls neat and even.
5. Bake until just golden: Overbaking dries them out, so keep an eye near the end.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Before diving in, make sure you have these handy:

Mixing Bowls: For combining dough and filling ingredients.

Rolling Pin: To evenly flatten the dough.

Sharp Knife or Floss: For cleanly slicing the rolled dough.

9×13-inch Baking Dish: Fits a dozen rolls comfortably.

Stand Mixer (optional): Speeds up kneading but isn’t required.

Small Saucepan: To cook down the strawberry filling.

Ingredients in Red Velvet Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls

Let’s talk ingredients. Each one plays a delicious part in building flavor and texture.

1. All-Purpose Flour: 4 cups – Forms the soft structure of the dough.
2. Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: 2 tablespoons – Adds that classic red velvet depth.
3. Granulated Sugar: ½ cup – Sweetens the dough.
4. Active Dry Yeast: 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) – Helps the dough rise and become airy.
5. Warm Milk: 1 cup – Activates the yeast and softens the dough.
6. Unsalted Butter: ¼ cup (melted) – Adds richness and softness.
7. Eggs: 2 large – Bind everything together and enrich the dough.
8. Salt: ½ teaspoon – Balances sweetness.
9. Red Food Coloring: 1 tablespoon – Gives that signature red velvet look.
10. Strawberries (fresh or frozen): 2 cups (chopped) – Bring juicy fruit flavor to the filling.
11. Brown Sugar: ½ cup – Adds caramel-like depth to the filling.
12. Ground Cinnamon: 1 tablespoon – Classic warm spice for the filling.
13. Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon – Thickens the strawberry filling.
14. Cream Cheese: 4 oz – Creates a smooth, tangy frosting.
15. Powdered Sugar: 1 cup – Sweetens the glaze.
16. Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon – Rounds out the glaze flavor.
17. Milk or Cream: 1–2 tablespoons – Adjusts glaze consistency.

Ingredient Substitutions

Need to swap something out? Here are a few easy alternatives:

All-Purpose Flour: Bread flour works for chewier rolls.

Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Dutch-process cocoa adds deeper flavor.

Strawberries: Raspberries or cherries work well too.

Brown Sugar: Coconut sugar for a hint of molasses flavor.

Cream Cheese: Greek yogurt for a lighter glaze.

Ingredient Spotlight

Strawberries: Their natural sweetness and tartness bring a fresh twist to the classic cinnamon roll filling.

Cream Cheese: Smooth, tangy, and the perfect balance to the sweetness of the rolls.

Instructions for Making Red Velvet Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls

These rolls come together with ease and a little patience. Here’s your step-by-step path to bakery-style perfection.

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
   Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease your baking dish.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   In a large bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. Add melted butter, eggs, food coloring, and cocoa powder. Slowly stir in flour and salt. Knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
   While the dough rises (about 1 hour), grease a 9×13 baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   Roll out the dough into a large rectangle. Spread cooled strawberry filling evenly. Roll tightly into a log and cut into 12 rolls.
5. Cook to Perfection:
   Arrange the rolls in the dish and let them rise another 30 minutes. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until puffed and just golden.
6. Finishing Touches:
   While rolls cool slightly, whisk cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk into a smooth glaze. Spread generously over warm rolls.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Dig in while they’re warm and gooey. Every swirl is packed with flavor and that luscious frosting.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

These rolls are soft and pillowy, with a slightly chewy bite thanks to the cocoa-infused dough. The strawberry filling adds bursts of juicy sweetness that cut through the richness, while the cream cheese glaze ties it all together with a silky, tangy finish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

A few clever tweaks can take this recipe to the next level:

• Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free space for the fluffiest texture.
• Use parchment under your dough while rolling to make cleanup easier.
• Chill the strawberry filling before assembling to prevent it from leaking out.
• Add a pinch of salt to the glaze to enhance the sweetness.

What to Avoid

Mistakes happen, but here’s how to dodge the most common ones:

• Don’t add flour too quickly, or the dough will turn dense.
• Avoid overfilling with strawberries, which can cause sogginess.
• Don’t overbake, or the rolls will lose their tender bite.
• Skipping the second rise makes the rolls less airy and fluffy.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 360

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours (includes rising)

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can assemble these the night before, then cover and refrigerate. In the morning, let them come to room temperature and rise before baking. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for 2–3 days or frozen for up to a month. To reheat, pop in the microwave for 20 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F.

How to Serve Red Velvet Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls

These rolls are perfect on their own with a cup of coffee or tea. You can also serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or fresh strawberries on top. For brunch gatherings, pair them with eggs and fresh fruit for a balanced spread.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Leftover rolls? Don’t toss them. Try these fun ideas:

• Roll Pudding: Cube and bake with custard for a twist on bread pudding.
• French Toast Bake: Soak slices in egg mixture and bake for a cinnamon roll French toast.
• Dessert Parfaits: Layer with whipped cream and strawberries in a jar.

Additional Tips

• Keep a damp towel over rising dough to prevent drying.
• For extra strawberry punch, add a swirl of jam to the filling.
• Use gloves when handling red food coloring to avoid stains.

Make It a Showstopper

Drizzle extra glaze just before serving and sprinkle with crushed freeze-dried strawberries for a dramatic finish. Serve on a white plate to make those bold red swirls pop.

Variations to Try

• Chocolate Chip Swirl: Add mini chips to the filling.
• Lemon Glaze: Swap vanilla for lemon juice in the frosting.
• Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts.
• Berry Mix: Combine strawberries with blueberries or raspberries.
• Cream Cheese Center: Add a layer of cream cheese in the filling.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I use frozen strawberries?

A1: Yes, just thaw and drain them before cooking into filling.

Q2: Do I need a stand mixer?

A2: No, you can knead by hand, it just takes a few more minutes.

Q3: How do I know when they’re done baking?

A3: They should be puffed and lightly golden. A toothpick should come out clean.

Q4: Can I use a different food coloring?

A4: Gel coloring works well and often provides a more vibrant result.

Q5: What if I don’t have cornstarch?

A5: You can substitute with flour or arrowroot starch.

Q6: How long do leftovers last?

A6: Up to 3 days in an airtight container or a month in the freezer.

Q7: Can I make these dairy-free?

A7: Yes, use plant-based milk, butter, and a vegan cream cheese alternative.

Q8: Can I halve the recipe?

A8: Absolutely, just cut all ingredients in half and use a smaller baking dish.

Q9: Do they need to be refrigerated?

A9: Not right away, but for longer storage, keep them chilled.

Q10: How do I reheat them?

A10: Microwave for 15–20 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven until soft.

Conclusion

These Red Velvet Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls are soft, sweet, and full of rich, fruity flavor with every swirl. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, this recipe is a showstopper that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Trust me, it’s worth every bite.

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