Name: Strawberry Rolls with Lemon Cream Cheese Icing Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 3 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup Whole milk (warmed, 105°-110°); 2 1/4 tsp Active dry yeast; 1/4 tsp Sugar (to activate the yeast); 6 tbsp Unsalted butter (melted); 2 large Eggs (room temperature); 1/2 cup White granulated sugar; 4 cups All purpose flour (spooned and leveled; add extra tablespoons if too sticky); 1 tsp Salt; 2 cups Fresh strawberries (washed, hulled, and sliced); 1 tsp Fresh lemon juice; 1/3 cup White granulated sugar; 1 tbsp Water; 2 tbsp Cornstarch; 4 oz Cream cheese (softened); 2 tbsp Butter (softened); 1 cup Powdered sugar; 1 Zest of lemon; 2 tbsp Whole milk

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 8 reviews

I absolutely adore sharing this Strawberry Rolls with Lemon Cream Cheese Icing Recipe with you because it perfectly combines soft, fluffy rolls packed with fresh, tangy strawberries and topped with the most irresistible lemon cream cheese icing. To me, this recipe feels like a warm hug in pastry form—sweet, slightly tart, and incredibly comforting. Whenever I make these rolls, the mix of fresh strawberry jam and zesty lemon icing always brings a burst of brightness to my kitchen that I know you’ll love just as much as I do.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Rolls with Lemon Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

What really gets me excited about this recipe is the flavor contrast. The sweet, homemade strawberry jam inside the rolls is perfectly balanced by the tangy, silky lemon cream cheese icing on top. I love how the strawberries stay fresh and bright rather than becoming overly cooked, giving the rolls a refreshing pop in every bite. The lemon zest in the icing elevates the whole experience and creates an unforgettable citrusy finish that lingers just enough to make you reach for one more roll.

On top of that, this recipe truly shines in its preparation. I’ve found it to be very approachable, even if you’re new to baking yeast doughs. The dough is soft and easy to work with, and the step-by-step rise timings make it simple to fit into your day. These rolls are just perfect for special breakfasts, brunches with friends, or even a weekend treat. They stand out because they bring a lovely homemade vibe without requiring hours of sitting by the oven, plus that icing makes all the difference in transforming simple rolls into a show-stopping dessert or snack.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white speckled pan with a wooden handle holds smooth, thick red sauce inside. A woman's hand is holding a silver spoon filled with the same shiny red sauce close to the camera, making the texture and color bright and clear. The background has a soft pink tone replaced by a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

All the ingredients in this recipe are simple staples, but they play very specific roles in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and color in the rolls and icing. Fresh strawberries bring juiciness and vibrant color, while the lemon juice and zest in the icing add a delightful brightness that ties everything together.

Whole milk: Warmed to activate the yeast gently and add richness to the dough.
Active dry yeast: The magic that makes the rolls fluffy and light.
Sugar: Activates the yeast and sweetens the dough moderately.
Unsalted butter: Adds softness and buttery flavor to the dough and icing.
Eggs: Provide structure and a tender crumb in the rolls.
All purpose flour: The base of the dough that sets the roll’s soft texture.
Salt: Enhances overall flavor without overpowering sweetness.
Fresh strawberries: Hulled and sliced for a fresh, natural strawberry flavor in the jam.
Fresh lemon juice: Adds a subtle tang that brightens the jam.
Cornstarch: Thickens the strawberry mixture into a luscious jam consistency.
Cream cheese: Softened for a smooth and tangy icing base.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the lemon cream cheese icing perfectly.
Lemon zest: Infuses an aromatic citrus punch into the icing.
Whole milk (for icing): Adjusts the icing’s consistency for easy spreading.

Directions

Step 1: In a small bowl, stir together the warm milk (between 105° and 110°F), yeast, and 1/4 teaspoon sugar. Let it sit until bubbly and foamy, about 10 minutes. This shows that your yeast is active and ready.

Step 2: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine room temperature eggs, melted butter, and the yeast mixture. Give them a quick mix to combine.

Step 3: Add the flour, 1/2 cup sugar, and salt to the wet ingredients. Using the dough hook, mix on low speed until the dough starts coming together, then increase the speed to medium and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 4: Lightly spray a large bowl with nonstick spray, place the dough inside, cover it loosely, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size—around one hour. This rise gives the rolls their airy texture.

Step 5: While the dough is rising, prepare the strawberry jam. Combine sliced strawberries, 1/3 cup sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat. Allow it to come to a simmer, mashing the berries gently with a potato masher as they soften to release their juices.

Step 6: In a small bowl, mix water and cornstarch to make a slurry. Stir it into the simmering strawberries and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens noticeably. Remove the jam from heat and refrigerate until fully cooled.

Step 7: Once the dough has doubled, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it into a 14×18 inch rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick, with the longer side facing you.

Step 8: Spread an even layer of the cooled strawberry jam all over the dough, spreading right to the edges to maximize flavor in every bite.

Step 9: Cut the dough into 12 strips about 1 1/2 inches wide using a pizza cutter. Roll each strip away from you into a tight spiral and place them carefully into a lightly greased 9×13 baking dish.

Step 10: Cover the pan loosely and place it somewhere warm again for the rolls to rise until doubled in size once more—this usually takes about 30-45 minutes.

Step 11: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have risen, bake them for 25-30 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown on top.

Step 12: While the rolls bake, prepare the lemon cream cheese icing. Beat softened cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and lemon zest together until smooth. Add milk gradually and mix until the icing reaches a spreadable consistency.

Step 13: When rolls come out of the oven, spoon and spread the lemon cream cheese icing on them while they are still warm. The warmth helps the icing melt into the rolls for that luscious, gooey finish.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 12 generous strawberry rolls, perfect for sharing with family or friends. Prep time, including the yeast activation and dough making, takes about 20 minutes, but factoring in two rising periods brings the total to around 2 hours. Baking time is 25 to 30 minutes, and you’ll want to add a little extra time for cooling before icing, so all in all, plan for about 3 hours and 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s a bit of a project, but the results are so worth it.

How to Serve This Strawberry Rolls with Lemon Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

A soft cinnamon roll sits in the center of a white plate, its light golden-brown dough layered in a spiral with a visible filling of red strawberry jam oozing from the middle. The top of the roll is coated with a thick, white icing that drips slightly over the sides, creating a creamy texture. Next to the cinnamon roll, two halves of a fresh, bright red strawberry with green leaves rest on the plate, adding a fresh and colorful contrast. The plate is set on a light pink surface with scattered whole strawberries in the background, along with a blurred white bottle and bowl, all on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving these strawberry rolls warm, right out of the oven, to showcase their soft texture and gooey icing at its best. They pair beautifully with a simple cup of freshly brewed coffee or black tea for a morning brunch or afternoon treat. If you want to make a bigger occasion out of it, I suggest adding a side of fresh fruit or a mixed green salad to balance the sweetness.

When plating, I like to garnish the rolls with a few fresh strawberry slices or a light sprinkle of lemon zest to highlight those core flavors visually. For a festive touch, a dusting of powdered sugar looks charming. If you’re serving them at a party or brunch, arranging them in a circular pattern on a pretty platter invites guests to dig in.

For beverage pairings beyond coffee and tea, these rolls are lovely with a crisp sparkling wine or a refreshing lemonade for non-alcoholic options. Their warm, vibrant flavors make them perfect for weekend gatherings, holiday breakfasts, or even a special weeknight treat when you want to impress with homemade goodness. No matter the occasion, I always aim to serve these strawberry rolls warm to keep that fresh-baked magic alive.

Variations

I like to experiment with this Strawberry Rolls with Lemon Cream Cheese Icing Recipe by trying different fruit fillings. Blueberries, raspberries, or even a mix of berries work beautifully if you want a slightly different berry twist. You could also swap out the lemon in the icing for orange zest and juice for a sweeter, mellow citrus flavor.

If you’re looking to make this recipe gluten-free, I recommend using a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and being mindful that the dough might be stickier—adding a bit more flour as you knead can help. For a vegan version, swapping dairy milk for plant-based milk and using vegan butter alongside a flax egg works well, although the texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

Another fun twist is baking these strawberry rolls in individual muffin tins to create cute single servings that can be packed for on-the-go treats or gifted easily. I’ve also tried lightly toasting leftovers for a warm, crispy texture before spreading extra icing on top, which brings a whole new dimension to these delightful rolls.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your strawberry rolls, I store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep them soft and fresh. If my kitchen is warm, I prefer to keep them in the fridge, but I make sure to bring them back to room temperature or warm them slightly before eating to restore their softness without drying them out.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully! I let the rolls cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once frozen solid, I transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container. They keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge and warm gently before adding more fresh icing if you like.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the rolls in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes or microwave them covered for 20-30 seconds. Avoid overheating, or the rolls can become dry. Adding a little extra spoonful of lemon cream cheese icing right after warming really brings them back to life, giving you that just-baked feeling again.

FAQs

Can I make the strawberry jam ahead of time?

Absolutely! The strawberry jam can be made a day or two in advance and refrigerated until ready to use. Just make sure it’s fully cooled before spreading it on the dough to prevent interfering with the yeast rise.

What if I don’t have a stand mixer? Can I knead by hand?

Yes, you can definitely knead the dough by hand. It will take a bit longer, around 8-10 minutes, but the dough should become smooth and elastic as you work it. Just be patient and enjoy the process!

Is it important to use fresh strawberries for this recipe?

Fresh strawberries give the best natural flavor and texture for the jam. If fresh are not in season, frozen strawberries can be used but might release more water, so you may need to cook the jam down a bit longer to achieve the right thickness.

Can I make smaller rolls or a different shape?

Definitely! You can cut the dough into smaller squares or circles if you prefer bite-size rolls. Just adjust the baking time accordingly, as smaller rolls will bake faster—start checking around 18-20 minutes.

How tangy is the lemon cream cheese icing? Can I adjust it?

The icing has a pleasant but not overpowering lemon tang thanks to the zest and juice. If you prefer it more lemony, you can add a bit more zest or a splash of lemon juice, adjusting powdered sugar to keep the right consistency. For a milder flavor, simply reduce the lemon zest slightly.

Conclusion

I truly hope you give this Strawberry Rolls with Lemon Cream Cheese Icing Recipe a try because it’s one of those dishes that brings happiness with every bite. The combination of fresh strawberries, soft homemade rolls, and that luscious lemony icing never fails to impress me or my guests. Baking these feels like a special treat, but it’s so doable that you can enjoy it anytime you crave a sweet, uplifting homemade delight. I can’t wait to hear how much you love them!