Introduction
Strawberry Cream Cheese Rolls are soft, fluffy pastry rolls filled with sweet strawberries and rich cream cheese, then drizzled with a luscious glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls combine fruity freshness with creamy indulgence.
Origin
Sweet filled rolls have roots in European baking traditions, especially in Scandinavian and Central European pastries. This modern version blends classic sweet roll techniques with American-style cream cheese fillings and fruit flavors.
Cultural Significance
Fruit-filled pastries symbolize celebration and comfort across many cultures. Strawberry versions are especially popular in spring and summer, when berries are in season and desserts become lighter, fresher, and more colorful.
Ingredients
Dough
- 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
- 2¼ tsp active dry yeast
- ¼ cup sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup warm milk
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- 1 egg
Filling
- 1 cup diced fresh strawberries
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla
Optional Additions
- Strawberry jam for extra filling sweetness
- Lemon zest for brightness
- White chocolate drizzle
- Chopped nuts for texture
Tips for Success
✔ Use room-temperature cream cheese for smooth filling
✔ Don’t overfill rolls or they may leak while baking
✔ Let dough rise fully for soft texture
✔ Slice with dental floss or thread for clean cuts
Instructions
1. Prepare Dough
Mix warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy. Add melted butter, egg, salt, and flour. Knead until smooth. Cover and let rise 1 hour.
2. Make Filling
Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Fold in diced strawberries gently.
3. Shape Rolls
Roll dough into a rectangle. Spread filling evenly. Roll tightly into a log and slice into 12 rolls.
4. Second Rise
Place rolls in greased baking dish. Cover and rise 30 minutes.
5. Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes until golden.
6. Glaze
Whisk glaze ingredients and drizzle over warm rolls.
Description
These rolls are pillowy soft with creamy centers bursting with juicy strawberry flavor. The glaze adds a sweet finish that perfectly balances the tangy cream cheese filling.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per roll)
- Calories: 260
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fat: 9 g
- Protein: 5 g
Conclusion
Strawberry Cream Cheese Rolls are a delightful treat that brings together bakery-style indulgence and homemade comfort. They’re impressive enough for guests yet simple enough for weekend baking.
Recommendation
Serve with:
- Coffee or latte
- Fresh fruit salad
- Vanilla yogurt
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
Use reduced-fat cream cheese, cut sugar slightly, or add extra fruit to make these rolls lighter while keeping their delicious flavor.