Name: Strawberry Rolls with Lemon Cream Cheese Icing Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 45 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 dough is 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

If you are craving a sweet, fruity breakfast treat that feels like a warm hug, the Strawberry Rolls with Lemon Cream Cheese Icing Recipe is exactly what you need. These soft, fluffy rolls are packed with a luscious homemade strawberry jam that bursts with fresh flavor, finished with a tangy and creamy lemon cream cheese icing that perfectly balances sweetness and zest. Not only do they look stunning, but every bite delivers a delightful combination of texture and taste that makes them an instant favorite for brunches, special occasions, or a weekend indulgence with loved ones.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view showing a woman's hand holding a spoon full of bright red, chunky sauce or puree above a white pot with wooden handles. The pot is filled with the same deep red mixture, which has a slightly thick, uneven texture. The background is a white marbled surface, softly lit to highlight the glossy shine on the sauce and the smooth, light speckled finish of the pot. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic behind these Strawberry Rolls with Lemon Cream Cheese Icing Recipe lies in a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect dough, luscious filling, and dreamy frosting that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Whole milk (1 cup, warmed 105°-110°): Warms up the yeast gently and gives the dough tenderness.
Active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp): Key for that airy, risen dough with soft texture.
Sugar (1/4 tsp to activate yeast + 1/2 cup in dough + 1/3 cup for jam): Sweetens and helps fermentation.
Unsalted butter (6 tbsp melted + 2 tbsp softened for icing): Adds richness and softness to the dough and frosting.
Eggs (2 large, room temperature): Provide structure and moisture to the rolls.
All purpose flour (4 cups, spooned and leveled): The backbone of the dough, giving it body but staying tender.
Salt (1 tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
Fresh strawberries (2 cups, washed, hulled, sliced): Creates the fresh and vibrant strawberry jam filling.
Fresh lemon juice (1 tsp) and lemon zest (1 zest): Bring a bright, citrusy lift to the jam and icing.
Water (1 tbsp) and cornstarch (2 tbsp): Thicken the jam to a perfect spreadable consistency.
Cream cheese (4 oz softened): The star ingredient in the luscious lemon cream cheese icing.
Powdered sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the icing while keeping it smooth and creamy.
Whole milk (2 tbsp for icing): Adjusts icing to the ideal spreading texture.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Strawberry Rolls with Lemon Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast and Prepare the Dough

Start by stirring together the warm milk, active dry yeast, and a tiny bit of sugar in a bowl. Let this mixture sit until it becomes bubbly, about 10 minutes. This little waiting game wakes up the yeast, making sure your dough will rise beautifully. Next, in your stand mixer bowl, combine the eggs, melted butter, and the yeast mixture. Then add flour, sugar, and salt. Using a dough hook, mix the ingredients on low speed until the dough comes together, then switch to medium speed to knead for about 5 minutes. The result? A soft, elastic dough that’s begging to rise.

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise

Once kneaded, transfer the dough to a large bowl sprayed with nonstick spray. Cover it up and find a warm spot to let it double in size, which usually takes about an hour. This rising time is crucial—it allows the yeast to develop air pockets making the rolls fluffy and tender.

Step 3: Make the Strawberry Jam Filling

While the dough is rising, you can prepare the luscious strawberry jam filling. Combine the fresh sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan and cook until the mixture simmers. Mashing the berries with a potato masher as it cooks releases their vibrant juices. Next, stir together water and cornstarch to make a slurry, pour it into the strawberry mixture, and cook until the jam thickens—about 2 to 3 minutes. Pop it in the fridge to cool completely before assembling.

Step 4: Roll Out and Assemble the Rolls

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 14×18-inch rectangle about a quarter-inch thick. Keep the long side closest to you—it makes rolling easier. Spread the cooled strawberry jam evenly over the dough using an offset spatula, right up to the edges. Then cut the dough into 12 strips about 1 1/2 inches wide using a pizza cutter. Roll each strip away from you and place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch pan, giving them some room to grow.

Step 5: Second Rise and Bake

Cover the assembled rolls loosely and let them rise again in a warm place until doubled, which will take roughly another hour. When ready, preheat your oven to 350°F and bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown on top and smell irresistible.

Step 6: Prepare the Lemon Cream Cheese Icing

While the rolls bake, whip up the icing by beating together softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and lemon zest until smooth and creamy. Stir in milk to loosen it up slightly for easy spreading. Once the rolls come out warm from the oven, generously spoon and spread the lemon cream cheese icing over them while they’re still slightly warm to let it melt into all the nooks and crannies.

How to Serve Strawberry Rolls with Lemon Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

A white baking dish filled with twelve golden brown strawberry swirl rolls arranged in three rows of four; each roll has visible red strawberry filling spiraled throughout the soft dough. Half of the rolls are topped with thick, creamy white icing that appears smooth and slightly melted, covering the swirls and edges. A woman's hand is holding a spoon spreading the creamy icing onto the center rolls. Around the dish, halved strawberries and lemon halves are scattered on a pink surface with a white marbled texture under the dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh lemon zest or a few whole strawberries on top of the iced rolls adds a burst of color and fresh zing that makes the presentation pop and excites the palate before the first bite.

Side Dishes

Serve your Strawberry Rolls with Lemon Cream Cheese Icing Recipe alongside a steaming cup of coffee or freshly brewed tea to balance the tangy sweetness. Light fruit salads or even savory breakfast dishes like scrambled eggs complement the rolls beautifully for a balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider placing the rolls in a beautiful woven basket lined with a pastel napkin for brunch guests or arrange them on a rustic wooden board alongside other pastries. You can also drizzle extra lemon glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar for a cafe-style look that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and fresh without drying out, perfect for quick breakfasts or afternoon treats.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these strawberry rolls later, freeze them after baking and icing by wrapping each roll individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. They keep well for up to 3 months and thaw quickly.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave for about 20 seconds or wrap in foil and warm in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes. This will bring back their fresh-out-of-the-oven softness and make the lemon cream cheese icing a little melty and irresistible.

FAQs

Can I substitute frozen strawberries in the Strawberry Rolls with Lemon Cream Cheese Icing Recipe?

Frozen strawberries can work if fresh ones aren’t available, but be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture that could make the jam runny.

Is it necessary to let the dough rise twice?

Yes, the two rises develop both flavor and the perfect fluffy texture—the first for yeast activation and the second after shaping to expand the rolls.

Can I make the lemon cream cheese icing ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the icing a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Bring it to room temperature and give it a quick stir before spreading.

What’s the best way to slice the rolls after baking?

Use a serrated knife and cut gently between rolls to keep their shape intact, or simply pull them apart for a rustic, casual serving style.

Can I double this Strawberry Rolls with Lemon Cream Cheese Icing Recipe for a larger group?

Definitely! Just double the ingredients and use two pans or a larger baking dish to accommodate the extra rolls. Keep an eye on baking times as they might vary slightly.

Final Thoughts

These Strawberry Rolls with Lemon Cream Cheese Icing Recipe have quickly become one of my absolute favorites to make whenever I want something that’s both impressive and deeply comforting. The fresh strawberry jam combined with that zingy lemon icing makes every bite a little celebration. If you want to bring a bit of sunshine and joy to your kitchen, I promise these rolls won’t disappoint!