Irresistible Homemade Strawberry Rolls with Zesty Lemon Cream Cheese Icing: Your Ultimate Breakfast & Brunch Delight

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #BakeItYourself #BakeFromScratch #CollectiveBias

Craving a fresh, homemade treat that’s bursting with flavor? Look no further than these incredible Strawberry Rolls with Lemon Cream Cheese Icing! Forget your standard cinnamon rolls – these are their brighter, fruitier, and equally comforting cousins, destined to become a family favorite for breakfast, brunch, or any special occasion.

The thought of baking from scratch can sometimes feel overwhelming, conjuring images of complex recipes and hours spent in the kitchen. However, these Strawberry Rolls with Lemon Cream Cheese Icing are designed to be surprisingly simple, yielding results that far surpass anything you’d find at a store. Thanks to the reliable power of Fleischmann’s® RapidRise® Yeast, this delightful twist on a classic sweet roll comes together with ease, proving that homemade doesn’t have to mean complicated. The satisfaction of pulling a pan of warm, fragrant rolls from your oven is truly unmatched, and with this recipe, it’s an experience anyone can enjoy.

Sharing delicious food with loved ones is one of life’s greatest pleasures, and my homemade baked goods are always among the recipes I’m most proud to present. When it comes to yeast-based baking, I consistently turn to Fleischmann’s® Yeast, a brand with a long-standing reputation for quality and consistency. Their products ensure that all my home baking adventures, including these delectable strawberry rolls, are a resounding success. These rolls are perfect for a leisurely Sunday brunch with friends and family, making any gathering feel a little more special. They’re also an ideal treat for holidays like Christmas morning, adding a touch of festive sweetness. And for ultimate convenience, the dough can even be prepared in advance, saving you precious time on busy mornings. This flexibility makes them a perfect choice for any occasion, allowing you to enjoy fresh-baked goodness without the last-minute rush.

Why You’ll Adore These Strawberry Rolls

If you’re already a fan of the classic cinnamon roll, prepare to fall in love with its vibrant, berry-infused cousin! These strawberry rolls offer a wonderful balance of sweet and tart flavors, elevated by a bright, zesty lemon cream cheese icing. Here’s why this recipe will quickly become a cherished part of your baking repertoire:

• Unforgettable Flavor: The juicy sweetness of fresh strawberries combined with a hint of tang from the lemon icing creates a truly delightful taste experience that’s both refreshing and indulgent.
• Easier Than You Think: Don’t let yeast baking intimidate you! With Fleischmann’s® RapidRise® Yeast, the process is streamlined, offering a quicker rise time and reliable results, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy family breakfast, an elegant brunch spread, or a special holiday morning treat, these rolls are sure to impress.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: The ability to prepare the dough in advance means you can enjoy freshly baked rolls without having to start from scratch early in the morning.
• A Taste of Homemade Love: There’s a unique warmth and satisfaction that comes from serving something you’ve baked yourself. These rolls embody that feeling, making every bite extra special.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Perfect Rolls

Having the right tools on hand makes the baking process much smoother and more enjoyable. Here are the kitchen essentials you’ll need to create these delicious strawberry rolls:

• A Stand Mixer with a Hook or Paddle Attachment: While not strictly essential (you can knead by hand), a stand mixer significantly eases the dough preparation process, ensuring thorough mixing and efficient kneading. The dough hook is ideal for kneading, while a paddle attachment can be used for initial mixing.
• A 9×13 Inch Baking Dish: This size is perfect for baking all 12 rolls together, allowing them to proof and bake beautifully. Alternatively, you could use two 8-inch round pans, placing 6 rolls in each, for a slightly different presentation.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision is key in baking! Ensuring all your ingredients are measured accurately is crucial for the perfect dough consistency and flavor balance. Resist the urge to eyeball measurements for these rolls – grab those measuring tools!
• A Small Bowl: This will be used for effortlessly mixing together the vibrant lemon cream cheese icing that crowns these homemade delights.
• A Rolling Pin: Essential for rolling out the dough into a perfect rectangle, creating the foundation for your beautifully spiraled rolls.
• A Sharp Knife: For cleanly slicing the rolled dough into individual rolls. For an extra clean and crisp cut, a fantastic trick is to use plain, unflavored dental floss! Simply slide it under the log of dough, cross the ends over the top, and pull for a neat slice.
• A Thermometer (Optional, but highly recommended): Achieving the correct water temperature is vital for activating yeast. A thermometer ensures your water is within the optimal 120-130°F range, preventing dormant or “killed” yeast. This small investment can make a big difference in your baking success.

Key Ingredients for Delicious Strawberry Rolls

Every great recipe starts with quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather for your homemade strawberry rolls and their luscious lemon cream cheese icing:

• Baking Staples: Flour (all-purpose works wonderfully), granulated sugar for the dough and filling, powdered sugar for the icing, and a large egg. These foundational ingredients create the soft, rich dough that makes these rolls so special.
• Fleischmann’s® RapidRise® Yeast: This is my go-to yeast for a reason! It’s incredibly user-friendly, offering a quick rise time that’s perfect for both novice and experienced yeast bakers. If you’ve ever felt daunted by baking with yeast, this product makes the process much simpler and more approachable. Plus, the superior taste of homemade far outweighs any store-bought alternative, making the time invested in these strawberry rolls truly worthwhile!
• Strawberry Jam: You have options here! A good quality store-bought strawberry jam works perfectly well. However, for an extra layer of homemade goodness, you could try my Homemade Jam with No Pectin recipe – it’s fantastic for these rolls and adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
• Fresh Strawberries: For the best results, I strongly recommend using fresh, ripe strawberries. Frozen strawberries tend to hold more water, which can lead to a watery filling and compromise the texture of your rolls. Sliced fresh strawberries provide that burst of natural fruit flavor and vibrant color.
• Lemon Juice: Essential for that bright, zesty kick in the cream cheese icing! Both freshly squeezed or bottled lemon juice will work beautifully.
• Cream Cheese: The base for our irresistibly tangy and sweet icing. Ensure it’s softened to room temperature for a smooth, lump-free consistency.
• Butter: Used in both the dough for richness and in the icing for its creamy texture. Like the cream cheese, softened butter is key for the icing.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Strawberry Rolls

These delightful Strawberry Rolls come together surprisingly quickly, making them a fantastic choice for a scrumptious breakfast or brunch to share with friends and family. While the Fleischmann’s® RapidRise® Yeast packet provides excellent instructions and tips, I’ll walk you through every detail below, ensuring your baking experience is a breeze.

Preparing the Light & Fluffy Dough

The secret to exceptional rolls lies in a perfectly prepared dough. Follow these steps for a soft, elastic base that will rise beautifully.

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of your all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, Fleischmann’s® RapidRise® Yeast, and salt. Stir these dry ingredients together thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
2. Next, prepare your wet ingredients. Place the water and butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on HIGH in short 15-second increments until the mixture is very warm to the touch, but not hot. Aim for a temperature between 120°F and 130°F. The butter may not melt completely, and that’s perfectly fine. For my microwave, it took about 1 ½ minutes for the water to reach 120°F. *Refer to the “Quick Tips” section below for detailed advice on getting your water temperature just right for optimal yeast activation!
3. Once your wet mixture is at the correct temperature, add it to the flour mixture along with the egg. Using an electric stand mixer fitted with a paddle or dough hook attachment, beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Then, add 1 additional cup of flour and continue to beat on high speed for another 2 minutes. Gradually stir in just enough of the remaining flour until the dough comes together and forms a cohesive ball. The exact amount of flour can vary based on humidity and other factors; for me, this usually requires about 4 ½ cups total, but you might need slightly more or less.
4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for approximately 7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic, and springs back gently when lightly pressed with your finger. This kneading process develops the gluten, giving your rolls their characteristic chewy texture. Cover the kneaded dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for 10 minutes. This brief rest period allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll out. While your dough is resting, take this opportunity to prepare the delicious strawberry filling.

Crafting the Sweet Strawberry Filling

The star of these rolls is the luscious strawberry filling. Here’s how to prepare it to perfection:

1. For the filling of these strawberry rolls, you have the flexibility to use either homemade jam or your favorite store-bought strawberry jam. Both options will yield delicious results. Measure out your chosen jam and set it aside, ready for assembly.
2. Take your fresh strawberries, thinly slice them, and place them in a small bowl. Add a little granulated sugar to the sliced strawberries and gently stir to combine. While the sugar isn’t strictly necessary, it enhances the natural sweetness of the strawberries and helps create a more syrupy filling.
3. Set the prepared strawberry filling aside. It will be ready to spread over your dough once it has rested and is ready for rolling.

Assembling and Slicing Your Rolls

This is where your strawberry rolls truly take shape! Follow these instructions carefully for perfectly formed, beautiful spirals.

1. Once your dough has completed its 10-minute rest, lightly flour your work surface and your rolling pin. Roll the dough out into a precise 15 x 10-inch rectangle. Strive for an even thickness across the entire surface to ensure consistent baking.
2. Carefully spread your prepared strawberry jam and fresh sliced strawberries evenly over the rolled dough. Make sure to leave a clean 1-inch border around all the edges – this helps seal the roll properly.
3. Starting from one of the long ends of the rectangle, begin to tightly roll the dough towards the opposite long end. Take your time to keep the roll even and firm. Once rolled, pinch the seam closed along the entire length to prevent the filling from escaping too much during baking. Don’t worry if a little bit of strawberry filling oozes out; it’s perfectly normal and often adds to the rustic charm!
4. Now, it’s time to slice your log of dough into 12 equal pieces. You can use a sharp knife for this, but for incredibly clean and crisp cuts, I highly recommend using plain, unflavored dental floss. Simply slide a piece of floss under the log, cross the ends over the top where you want to make your cut, and pull firmly. This method prevents squishing the delicate layers. Place the cut rolls, cut sides down, into your greased 13×9 inch baking pan. Cover the pan with a clean towel and let the rolls rise in a warm, draft-free place until they have doubled in size. This second rise typically takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on your room temperature.

Baking to Golden Perfection

The aroma of these rolls baking is simply heavenly! Here’s how to ensure they’re perfectly golden and delicious.

1. Once your strawberry rolls have beautifully doubled in size after their second rise, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they achieve a gorgeous golden brown color on top and are cooked through. While your strawberry rolls are baking, it’s the perfect time to prepare the zesty lemon cream cheese icing.
2. After the rolls are finished baking, carefully remove them from the oven. Resist the urge to ice them immediately! Allow them to rest in the pan for about 20 minutes. This allows the rolls to set slightly and cool enough so the icing doesn’t melt completely.
3. Finally, generously top your warm (but not hot!) strawberry rolls with the delightful lemon cream cheese icing.
4. Enjoy!

How to Make the Zesty Lemon Cream Cheese Icing

This lemon cream cheese icing is not only one of the easiest recipes you’ll ever encounter, but it’s also incredibly delicious and the perfect complement to the sweet strawberry rolls. Seriously, all you need to do for this luscious topping is gather your ingredients, toss them into a bowl, and give them a good stir until beautifully combined. It’s SO incredibly simple! While you could certainly use a hand mixer to achieve a super-smooth consistency, I genuinely don’t find it necessary. A simple whisk or even a fork will do the trick, allowing you to thoroughly incorporate all the ingredients and ensure no stubborn cream cheese or butter chunks remain. The slight tang of the lemon cuts through the sweetness, creating a balanced and addictive flavor profile.

For the photos accompanying this recipe, I opted for a delicate drizzle of icing over the rolls. This amount provides a lovely accent without overpowering the strawberry flavor. However, if you’re a true icing enthusiast and prefer to lavishly coat each entire roll, I recommend doubling the lemon cream cheese icing recipe to ensure you have plenty. Additionally, if you consider yourself a “lemon head” and crave an even stronger citrus punch, feel free to adjust the amount of lemon juice to your liking. Another fantastic way to boost that bright lemon flavor is by adding a touch of fresh lemon zest to the icing. While not mandatory, it introduces a wonderful aromatic quality that truly elevates the experience.

Discover More Delicious Breakfast & Brunch Recipes

Looking for other fantastic ways to kickstart your day or impress your brunch guests? Explore these mouth-watering breakfast recipes:

Baked Blackberry French Toast
Blueberry White Chocolate Scones
Homemade Apple Cinnamon Bread
Morning Glory Muffins
Bacon Stuffed French Toast
Strawberry Pancakes

Expert Quick Tips for Baking Success

Achieving perfect yeast-baked goods can feel like a science, but with these simple tips, you’ll master these strawberry rolls in no time!

The Golden Rule: Water Temperature is Key!

When baking with yeast, getting the water temperature just right is paramount. It’s a common mistake to use water that’s too hot, which can unfortunately kill the yeast – a devastating blow to your aspiring strawberry rolls, as they simply won’t rise. To prevent this heartbreaking scenario, always ensure your water is within the ideal range of 120°F to 130°F. I personally find a kitchen thermometer invaluable for precise temperature control, guaranteeing my water is perfectly conditioned for yeast activation every time.

However, if you don’t own a thermometer, don’t despair! You can still successfully execute this recipe. The key is to trust your touch. When you dip your finger into the water, it should feel comfortably warm, like a pleasant bath, but definitely NOT hot to the point where you have to quickly pull your hand away. If it feels too hot, let it cool down, or you risk destroying your yeast. The best analogy I can offer for the ideal water temperature for maximum yeast action is that of a hot tub: warm, inviting, but never scalding.

Check Your Yeast’s Vitality: Not Too Old!

Another critical factor when baking with yeast is to confirm that your Fleischmann’s® RapidRise® Yeast is not expired. It’s fascinating to remember that yeast is a living organism, and it’s this very life that allows your strawberry roll dough to beautifully rise and achieve its light, airy texture! Isn’t that truly remarkable when you consider it? Therefore, to ensure this incredible organism can perform its job effectively and give you those perfectly risen rolls, it’s essential to check the expiration date on your yeast packet. Using old or expired yeast will lead to a lackluster rise, if any, and ultimately flat, dense rolls. Always opt for fresh yeast for the best possible results.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

One of the best things about these delicious Strawberry Rolls is that they keep well, allowing you to enjoy them for days after baking! For optimal freshness and flavor, it’s best to remove the strawberry rolls from their baking dish once cooled and transfer them to an airtight container. When stored in the refrigerator, these rolls will remain wonderfully fresh for up to 4 days.

When you’re ready to indulge, you have a couple of options. You can certainly enjoy them cold, straight from the fridge – they’re still incredibly tasty! Alternatively, for that fresh-from-the-oven experience, pop them into the microwave for about 15-30 seconds, or just until they are pleasantly warm. Be cautious not to overheat the strawberry rolls, as microwaving them for too long can cause them to become a bit chewy. A gentle warming is all they need to bring back that soft, tender texture and delightful aroma.

I sincerely hope you and your friends and family absolutely adore these Homemade Strawberry Rolls! My personal favorite times to bake these delightful rolls are for a leisurely Sunday brunch with my family, or to bring along to a festive holiday gathering with friends. As an enthusiastic “breakfast for dinner” kind of gal, you can bet these irresistible rolls make frequent appearances on my evening table as well. They’re versatile, comforting, and always a hit!

Happy Eating!

Thank You for Sharing!