Fresh Strawberry Rolls with Lemon Cream Cheese Icing

Indulge in the delightful combination of soft, pillowy dough and sweet, tangy strawberry jam with these Fresh Strawberry Rolls. Topped with a zesty lemon cream cheese icing, these rolls are a perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Bursting with fresh flavors, this recipe is a fruity twist on a classic cinnamon roll, sure to impress family and friends.

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 1 cup whole milk, warmed (105°-110°F)
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
• ¼ teaspoon sugar (to activate the yeast)
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• ½ cup white granulated sugar
• 4 cups all-purpose flour (add more if dough is sticky)
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Strawberry Jam

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, washed, hulled, and sliced
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• ⅓ cup white granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon water
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

For the Lemon Cream Cheese Icing

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons whole milk

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a small bowl, combine the warmed milk, yeast, and ¼ teaspoon sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2. In a spacious bowl, whisk together the melted butter, eggs, and ½ cup of sugar. Stir in the yeast mixture and blend until well incorporated.
3. Slowly add the flour and salt, stirring until a soft dough begins to form. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, incorporate extra flour, one tablespoon at a time.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Make the Strawberry Jam

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the strawberries, lemon juice, sugar, and water. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries soften and release their juices, about 5-7 minutes.
2. In a small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in a little water to form a slurry, then stir it into the saucepan.
3. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.

Step 3: Assemble the Rolls

1. After the dough has fully risen, turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, approximately 12×16 inches in size.
2. Spread the cooled strawberry jam evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
3. Roll the dough tightly from one long edge to the other, creating a log. Slice into 12 even pieces.
4. Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover them and allow to rise for an additional 30-45 minutes, or until they become light and puffy.

Step 4: Bake the Rolls

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.

Step 5: Prepare the Lemon Cream Cheese Icing

1. In a bowl, blend the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, lemon zest, and milk, mixing until the frosting reaches a smooth and spreadable consistency.

Step 6: Frost and Serve

1. Spread the lemon cream cheese icing generously over the warm rolls.
2. Serve and enjoy the fruity, zesty goodness!

Conclusion

These Fresh Strawberry Rolls are the perfect combination of sweetness and tanginess, wrapped in a soft, fluffy dough. The homemade strawberry jam and lemon-infused cream cheese icing elevate this classic treat into a gourmet delight. Perfect for weekend mornings, celebrations, or just because, these rolls are sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire.