Strawberry Sweet Rolls Recipe: A Berry Breakfast Delight
Fluffy spiral pastries layered with luscious fruit jam and crowned in a tangy pink glaze.
Strawberry Sweet Rolls: The Ultimate Berry Breakfast Treat
If you’re searching for a breakfast that’s equal parts impressive and comforting, look no further than Ree Drummond’s Strawberry Sweet Rolls. These cinnamon roll-inspired treats swap out traditional cinnamon sugar for a luscious strawberry filling, then crown it all with a pink, tangy, berry-kissed glaze. The result? A vibrant, gooey, and utterly irresistible sweet roll perfect for holidays, celebrations, or just a sunny morning at home.
Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Sweet Rolls
What sets these sweet rolls apart is their harmonious blend of fluffy, soft dough, gooey strawberry filling, and a glaze that adds both color and flavor. The process is approachable, and the rolls are versatile—serve them warm for breakfast, brunch, or even as a showstopping dessert. Plus, the recipe is adaptable; you can experiment with other jams or preserves for new twists.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- For the Dough: Milk, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, active dry yeast, all-purpose flour, lemon zest, salt, baking powder, baking soda
- For the Filling: Strawberry preserves, unsalted butter (melted)
- For the Glaze: Powdered sugar, heavy cream (or milk), freeze-dried strawberries, lemon juice, vanilla bean paste, salt
- Equipment: 9×13-inch baking dish, saucepan, rolling pin, sharp knife, offset spatula or butter knife
How to Make Strawberry Sweet Rolls (Step-by-Step)
Follow this detailed, foolproof guide to create bakery-style Strawberry Sweet Rolls at home.
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large saucepan, combine milk, vegetable oil, and granulated sugar. Bring to a bare simmer, then remove from heat and let cool slightly—aim for about 110°F.
- Sprinkle yeast evenly over the surface and allow it to sit until bubbly and foamy, about 5 minutes—this activates the yeast and ensures your dough rises beautifully.
- Add 4 cups of flour and lemon zest, stirring just until combined. Cover with a clean towel and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour.
- After the dough rises, whisk together salt, baking powder, baking soda, and the remaining ½ cup flour. Stir this mixture into the dough until fully incorporated.
- Cover the dough again and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (up to overnight)—this chilling step makes the dough easier to roll and handle. Use plastic wrap if chilling overnight to prevent crusting.
Step 2: Roll Out and Fill the Dough
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch (or other 3-quart) baking dish.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough into a large rectangle, approximately 12×24 inches—it should be quite thin for optimal layers.
- Spread strawberry preserves evenly over the dough using the back of a spoon. Drizzle melted butter over the preserves, then gently swirl the two together with the spoon. Don’t skimp—ample filling means more gooey, berry-packed bites.
Step 3: Roll, Cut, and Rise
- Starting from the long edge farthest from you, roll the dough tightly toward you into a long log. Don’t worry if filling spills out—this is normal and adds to the sticky, berry-filled texture.
- Pinch the seam closed and flip the roll seam-side down for stability.
- Slide a cutting board under the log. With a sharp knife, slice into 15 equal pieces, each about 1½ inches thick. Transfer the rolls to your baking dish, arranging them spiral-side up. Spoon any escaped filling in between the rolls.
- Cover loosely with a towel or plastic wrap and let rise again until puffy, about 20 minutes.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
- Bake the rolls at 375°F until golden brown, 24–28 minutes. Keep an eye on them toward the end—overbaking can dry out the centers.
Step 5: Make the Berry Glaze
- While the rolls bake, sift powdered sugar into a large bowl. Whisk in cream, powdered freeze-dried strawberries, lemon juice, vanilla bean paste, and salt until smooth.
- The glaze should be thick but still pourable—add extra cream if needed.
Step 6: Glaze and Serve
- Remove the rolls from the oven and immediately drizzle the glaze over the top, covering all the rolls and pooling between them.
- Let the glaze set slightly—though it’s hard to resist eating them straight from the oven. Serve warm for the best experience.
Tips for Perfect Strawberry Sweet Rolls
What others are reading
- Chill the dough: Refrigerating the dough firms it up, making rolling and slicing much easier.
- Gooey is good: Don’t worry if the filling oozes out while rolling and slicing—this creates extra gooey edges.
- Customize the glaze: Adjust the glaze thickness with cream, and use freeze-dried strawberries for a vibrant pink color without excess moisture.
- Serve with a smile: These rolls are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers (if any!) can be rewarmed in the microwave.
Strawberry Sweet Rolls vs. Cinnamon Rolls
| Feature | Strawberry Sweet Rolls | Cinnamon Rolls |
|---|---|---|
| Filling | Strawberry preserves & melted butter | Cinnamon, sugar, & melted butter |
| Glaze/Icing | Berry-infused, pink, tangy glaze | Maple, coffee, or classic cream cheese icing |
| Best For | Spring, summer, berry lovers, holidays | Classic year-round comfort, holidays |
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Make ahead: Assemble the rolls, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them rise before baking as usual.
- Storing leftovers: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for longer storage.
- Freezing instructions: Freeze fully-baked rolls (unglazed or glazed) for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and rewarm before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of preserves?
While preserves work best for a gooey, jammy texture, you can use fresh strawberries—but chop them finely and toss with a little sugar to release their juices. The rolls may be slightly wetter, so be mindful of baking time.
Can I make these rolls gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute your favorite gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Look for a blend that’s suitable for yeast recipes, and check the consistency of the dough as you add flour.
How can I prevent the rolls from being too sticky?
If the filling oozes out excessively during rolling, gently push it back in as you transfer the slices to the pan. Any extra can be spooned between the rolls for extra flavor.
Can I use other fruit preserves?
Absolutely. This recipe is easily adaptable—try raspberry, blueberry, or apricot preserves for a different twist.
Why does the dough need to rise twice?
The first rise develops flavor and texture. The second rise allows the rolls to puff up before baking, resulting in a soft, airy interior.
Recipe Variations and Inspiration
- Chocolate Strawberry Rolls: Add a handful of chocolate chips over the strawberry filling before rolling.
- Cream Cheese Glaze: Top with a tangy cream cheese glaze instead of the berry glaze for extra richness.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped toasted walnuts or pecans over the strawberry filling for added texture.
- Mini Rolls: Make bite-sized sweet rolls by cutting the log into thinner slices.
Why These Rolls Are a Crowd-Pleaser
Strawberry Sweet Rolls are more than just breakfast—they’re a celebration on a plate. Their striking pink glaze and berry-infused center make them a hit for holidays, Mother’s Day, bridal showers, or just because. The recipe is easy enough for beginners, yet impressive enough for seasoned bakers.
Final Thoughts
Ree Drummond’s Strawberry Sweet Rolls are a berry-filled update to classic cinnamon rolls, offering a vibrant color, fruity sweetness, and tender, buttery layers. Whether you’re impressing guests, treating your family to a special breakfast, or craving something new, these rolls deliver both flavor and beauty in every bite. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy baking a batch of sunshine.
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a63679548/strawberry-sweet-rolls-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11914/cinammon-rolls/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g64166545/sweet-rolls-recipes/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/a11925/sweet-roll-central/
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