Crunchy Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls

 A plate of warm, fluffy cinnamon rolls could be the ideal way to start the weekend gently. Whether these soft rolls are filled with a traditional cinnamon filling, tangy cranberries, or lemon curd, we at Delish are infatuated with them. 

We serve these tall and fluffy strawberry cinnamon rolls with swoops of brilliant pink cream cheese icing, crunchy freeze-dried strawberries, and fresh strawberries because there's always room in our hearts for one more cinnamon roll. Here are some of the methods we employed to create the soft, airy dough for these rolls packed with strawberries.

Ingredients:

DOUGH:

1. 3 large eggs
2. 1 c. whole milk
3. 6 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
4. 1/4 c. (50 g.) granulated sugar
5. 1 Tbsp. pure vanilla extract 
6. 1 (1/4-oz.) pkg. instant yeast
7. 2 tsp. kosher salt
8. 5 1/4 c. (630 g.) all-purpose flour, divided, plus more for dusting
9. Cooking spray

FILLING:

1. 1 lb. frozen strawberries (about 3½ c.), thawed, coarsely chopped
2. 1/3 c. (67 g.) granulated sugar
3. 2 Tbsp. cornstarch
4. 2 tsp. ground cinnamon
5. 1 tsp. finely grated orange zest
6. 1/4 tsp. kosher salt 
7. Cooking spray
8. All-purpose flour, for dusting
9. 1 large egg

FROSTING:

1. 1 c. freeze-dried strawberries
2. 4 oz. cream cheese, softened
3. 3/4 c. (90 g.) confectioners' sugar, sifted 
4. 2 Tbsp. whole milk
5. 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
6. Fresh strawberries, for serving (optional)

Directions:

DOUGH 

STEP 01: 

Combine eggs, milk, butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla in a stand mixer's big bowl. Stir in 2 cups flour, yeast, and salt until just incorporated.

Step 02: 

Place bowl inside stand mixer and attach dough hook. Mix in the remaining 3 cups flour and beat on low speed for about 5 minutes, or until dough is still sticky but beginning to come together into a ball.

Step 03: 

Scrape dough onto a surface dusted with flour. Knead dough for 1 to 2 minutes, or until it is smooth. assemble into a ball.

Step 4: 

Empty the bowl of the stand mixer and apply cooking spray. Put the dough back in the bowl and coat it. Put a fresh kitchen towel over it. Depending on how warm your kitchen is, let the dough rise at room temperature for one to two hours, or until it doubles in size.

FILLING:

Step 01: 

Cook the strawberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, orange zest, and salt in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stirring constantly with a rubber spatula, cook for about 10 minutes, or until the strawberries begin to break down and the mixture boils.

 

Step 02: 

Cook for a further two to three minutes, stirring regularly, or until extremely thick. After transferring to a medium bowl, give it an hour or so to cool fully.

 

Step 03: 

Use cooking spray to coat a 13" x 9" baking pan. After turning the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, sprinkle more flour on top. Roll into a sizable (18" x 15") rectangle.

Step 04: 

Cover the entire dough with strawberry filling. Roll into a tight log starting on the long side. Cut into 12 pieces (each about 1 1/2" thick) after trimming ends. Place with the cut sides down in the prepared pan, then cover securely with plastic wrap. Cool for a minimum of 8 hours or a maximum of 12.

 

Step 05: 

Take off the plastic wrap and place a fresh kitchen towel on top. Allow rolls to sit at room temperature for approximately one hour, or until they have doubled in size and the indent slowly springs back when gently probed with a finger.

 

Step 06:

Preheat the oven to 350° while positioning a rack in the center. Beat the egg with two tablespoons of water in a small bowl. Apply egg wash to the rolls.

Step 07:

For 30 to 35 minutes, or until golden, bake the cinnamon rolls. Give it 20 minutes to cool.

FROSTING:

Step 01: 

Pack the freeze-dried strawberries into a plastic bag that can be sealed after pressing any air out. Crush strawberries with a rolling pin or heavy skillet.

Step 02: 

Beat cream cheese, confectioners' sugar, and 1/4 cup strawberries in a large bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment until smooth, 1 to 2 minutes. Beat on medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes, or until light and fluffy, after adding the milk and salt.

Step 03: 

Cover the chilled cinnamon buns with cream cheese icing right before serving. Add the final 1 tablespoon of freeze-dried strawberries on top. If using, garnish the roll with fresh strawberries.