Embark on a delightful culinary adventure with Strawberry Cream Cheese Rolls, a sweet treat that marries the luscious sweetness of ripe strawberries with the rich decadence of cream cheese. These rolls offer a perfect balance of fruity freshness and creamy indulgence, making them an exquisite addition to any brunch or dessert spread.
Begin by preparing a soft and pillowy dough, a canvas for the delectable filling that will unfold. The dough, enriched with butter and a touch of sweetness, is rolled out into a thin layer, creating the perfect foundation for the upcoming layers of flavor. The star of the show is the cream cheese filling, a velvety mixture of cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla. This luscious blend not only adds a rich and indulgent dimension but also serves as a decadent counterpart to the bright and juicy strawberries. Spread this creamy concoction generously over the rolled-out dough, ensuring an even distribution of flavor.
Moving on to the strawberries, opt for fresh, ripe berries that are thinly sliced to create a vibrant layer of fruity goodness. As the strawberries nestle into the cream cheese filling, they bring a burst of sweetness and a pop of color that transforms the rolls into a visual and gastronomic delight. Roll the dough into a log, sealing in the layers of cream cheese and strawberries. Slice the log into individual rolls, each one showcasing a swirl of enticing flavors. As the rolls bake, the kitchen is enveloped in the irresistible aroma of sweet strawberries and warm, buttery dough.
While the Strawberry Cream Cheese Rolls bake to golden perfection, prepare a simple glaze to drizzle over the top. This finishing touch adds a hint of sweetness and a glossy sheen, turning the rolls into a tempting masterpiece that beckons to be enjoyed.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 1/2 cup lukewarm water
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (more or less)
The Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 3/4 cup strawberry jam
- 1 cup finely diced strawberries
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 teaspoons milk
- A touch of vanilla
Directions:
- In a mixing bowl, blend warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir in milk, melted butter, salt, eggs, and 1 cup flour. Beat until smooth.
- Add flour to make dough. Knead until smooth. Let the dough rest for 5 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese until soft and fluffy. Add 3/4 cup powdered sugar and beat until smooth. Reserve about 1/3 cup of the topping.
- In another small bowl, combine jam and diced strawberries.
- Roll out the dough on a greased counter into a rectangle about 10×15″. Spread the cream cheese mixture, then the berry mixture. Roll up and pinch the edge to seal.
- Cut the log into 12 slices and place them in a well-greased 9×13-inch pan. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate.
- Add the 1/2 cup powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to the reserved cream cheese mixture. Beat until smooth, adding enough milk to make a thin glaze. Place the frosting in a ziplock bag in the fridge.
- Chill the rolls in the refrigerator for 8 to 10 hours or overnight.
- Remove rolls and the bag of frosting from the refrigerator. Place the rolls in a warm place and let them rise until doubled (about an hour).
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until set in the middle. You may need to cover them with foil to prevent excessive browning.
- Cut a corner in the ziplock bag and glaze the rolls while still warm.
Serve these rolls warm, allowing the cream cheese to ooze and the strawberries to impart their juicy goodness. Whether relished as a breakfast treat or a dessert sensation, Strawberry Cream Cheese Rolls promise a symphony of flavors that will leave taste buds dancing with delight.