Strawberry Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing: A Decadent Weekend Delight
Strawberry Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing are the perfect indulgence for a weekend breakfast or brunch. These delightful sweet rolls are filled with luscious strawberry jam and fresh strawberries, all topped off with a rich and creamy cream cheese icing. This recipe is sure to become a family favorite, and with a little bit of patience and love, you can create these mouth-watering rolls in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (or margarine, softened to room temperature)
- 1 egg
For the Filling:
- ¾ cup strawberry jam
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped into small pieces
For the Cream Cheese Icing:
- ½ cup cream cheese (at room temperature)
- 3 tablespoon unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Dough
- Warm the Milk: Start by warming up the milk in the microwave for about 30 seconds. The milk should be warm to the touch, but not hot. Add the yeast to the milk, give it a good stir, and let it sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast dissolves and becomes frothy. Adding a teaspoon of sugar to the mixture can help activate the yeast more effectively.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In the bowl of your stand mixer, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Mix these dry ingredients together to ensure they are well distributed.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the softened butter, egg, and yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Using the dough hook attachment on your mixer, knead the mixture for about 3 to 5 minutes. You are aiming for a dough that is elastic and soft to the touch.
- Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a slightly oiled bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size. If your oven has a proofing function, use that. Otherwise, you can warm your oven to 350°F for about a minute, turn it off, and place the bowl with the dough inside. This method speeds up the rising process, and in about 45 minutes, your dough should have doubled in size.
Step 2: Preparing the Filling
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Butter a 9-inch pie plate or a cast iron skillet and set it aside.
- Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a rectangle approximately 18 inches by 12 inches. Spread the strawberry jam evenly over the rolled-out dough. Be careful not to use too much jam, as it can spill out when you slice the rolls.
- Add the Strawberries: Evenly distribute the chopped strawberries over the layer of jam.
- Roll the Dough: Starting from the far side, carefully roll the dough towards you. Make sure to pinch the sides together to seal the roll.
- Slice the Rolls: Gently cut the rolled dough into 8 equal pieces. For best results, cut the roll in half first, then each half in half again, and so on, until you have 8 rolls. A sharp, serrated knife works well for this step.
Step 3: Second Rise and Baking
- Second Rise: Place the rolls into the prepared baking dish and cover them with plastic wrap. Let the rolls rest and rise again until they have doubled in size. You can use the oven warming method to speed up this process. Just remember to turn off the oven after warming it for a minute.
- Bake the Rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Once the rolls have risen, bake them for about 30 minutes or until they are nice and golden brown. Your kitchen will be filled with a delightful aroma that will tempt everyone to gather around.
Step 4: Making the Cream Cheese Icing
- Prepare the Icing: While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese icing. In the bowl of your mixer, combine the cream cheese, softened butter, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar. Mix until the icing is smooth and creamy.
- Adjust Consistency: If the icing is too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency. Be cautious, as the icing can thin out quickly. If it becomes too thin, add more powdered sugar. You want a consistency that is thick enough to drizzle, but not too runny.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
- Cool and Ice the Rolls: Once the rolls are done baking, let them cool for about 10 minutes. This cooling time is crucial as it allows the rolls to set and makes it easier to apply the icing without it melting too quickly.
- Drizzle the Icing: Generously drizzle the cream cheese icing over the slightly cooled rolls. The icing will add a rich, creamy sweetness that perfectly complements the strawberry filling.
Tips and Tricks
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter, cream cheese, and egg are at room temperature. This helps them incorporate more smoothly into the dough and icing.
- Proofing Dough: If your kitchen is cool, you can create a makeshift proofing box by placing a bowl of boiling water at the bottom of your oven. Place the bowl with the dough on a rack above the water and close the oven door. The steam from the water will create a warm, humid environment that is perfect for proofing dough.
- Strawberry Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of strawberries. Fresh, ripe strawberries are ideal, but you can also use frozen strawberries. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well before using.
- Storage: If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely because these rolls are irresistible), store them in an airtight container. They can be reheated in the microwave for a few seconds to enjoy that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
Serving Suggestions
These Strawberry Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing are best enjoyed warm, fresh out of the oven. They make an excellent addition to a weekend brunch spread, paired with a hot cup of coffee or tea. For a special treat, serve them with a side of fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream.
Conclusion
Strawberry Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing are a delightful way to start your day. The combination of soft, fluffy dough, sweet strawberry filling, and rich cream cheese icing is simply heavenly. This recipe requires a bit of time and patience, but the result is well worth the effort. Whether you are making these rolls for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, they are sure to become a favorite in your household. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake a batch of these delicious Strawberry Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing. Enjoy!