Name: Strawberry Rolls with Lemon Icing Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup Whole milk, warmed (105°-110°F); 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; Zest of 1 lemon; 2 tbsp Whole milk

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 50 reviews

If you’ve been searching for a delightful way to brighten your mornings, look no further than this Strawberry Rolls with Lemon Icing Recipe. These rolls boast a tender, pillowy dough generously filled with luscious homemade strawberry jam that bursts with fresh berry goodness in every bite. The crowning glory is the tangy lemon cream cheese icing that melts over the rolls, weaving creamy citrus magic into every nook and cranny. It’s a joyful parade of flavors and textures that’ll have you coming back for more with a big smile.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up of a white pot with a wooden handle, filled with thick, vibrant red sauce showing a textured, slightly chunky surface. A woman's hand holds a silver spoon in the foreground, lifting a spoonful of the sauce, which glistens with a moist, glossy finish. The background features a bright white marbled surface, creating a clean and fresh look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the first step toward creating these irresistible rolls. Each component plays a key role: the warm milk and yeast ensure a soft, airy dough; fresh strawberries contribute vibrant color and natural sweetness; and the lemon zest adds a refreshing zing to the creamy icing that ties everything together beautifully.

Whole milk, warmed (1 cup): The warmth activates the yeast and helps create tender dough.
Active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp): The essential leavening agent for fluffy rolls.
Sugar to activate yeast (1/4 tsp): Feeds the yeast for proper fermentation.
Unsalted butter, melted (6 tbsp): Adds richness and a subtle buttery flavor to the dough.
Large eggs, room temperature (2): Give structure and moisture to the dough.
White granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the dough just right without overpowering.
All-purpose flour (4 cups): The foundation for a chewy yet soft roll.
Salt (1 tsp): Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
Fresh strawberries, sliced (2 cups): Provide natural sweetness and the star fresh berry flavor for the jam.
Fresh lemon juice (1 tsp): Brightens the strawberry jam with a citrus pop.
White granulated sugar (1/3 cup): Sweetens the jam perfectly.
Water (1 tbsp): Helps create a smooth cornstarch slurry for thickening the jam.
Cornstarch (2 tbsp): Thickens the strawberry jam into a luscious consistency.
Cream cheese, softened (4 oz): Delivers creamy tang for the lemon icing.
Butter, softened (2 tbsp): Adds silky smoothness to the icing.
Powdered sugar (1 cup): Sweetens and balances the tartness in the icing.
Zest of lemon (1): Infuses fresh, aromatic lemon flavor into the icing.
Whole milk (2 tbsp): Adjusts the consistency of the icing to perfectly drizzle over the rolls.

How to Make Strawberry Rolls with Lemon Icing Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by combining warm milk, yeast, and a touch of sugar in a bowl. Let this mixture sit until it becomes bubbly and fragrant—that’s your yeast waking up and ready to work its magic in the dough. This step ensures the rolls will be nice and fluffy once baked.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

In your stand mixer, blend eggs, melted butter, and the bubbly yeast mixture. Gradually add flour, sugar, and salt. Begin mixing with a dough hook on low to bring the dough together, then crank up to medium speed and knead for five minutes. You’ll feel the dough transform into a smooth, elastic ball that’s ready to rise.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Grease a large bowl with nonstick spray and place your dough inside, covering it loosely. Put the bowl in a warm spot and let the dough double in size. This usually takes about an hour, but it’s worth the wait for that perfect lightness in your rolls.

Step 4: Make the Fresh Strawberry Jam

While the dough rises, cook sliced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice on the stove until just simmering. As the berries soften, mash them gently. Mix water and cornstarch to form a slurry, then stir it into the berry mixture, cooking until thickened. Chill this strawberry jam to let it set before assembling your rolls.

Step 5: Assemble the Rolls

Turn the risen dough onto a floured surface, rolling it out into a 14 by 18-inch rectangle. Spread the chilled strawberry jam evenly across the surface, reaching every edge. Cut the dough into 12 strips and carefully roll each away from you into a neat spiral. Arrange the rolls in a greased pan and let them rise a second time until doubled in size.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop the rolls into a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 to 30 minutes. When golden brown and irresistibly fragrant, remove them to cool just slightly before icing.

Step 7: Prepare and Spread Lemon Cream Cheese Icing

Blend softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and lemon zest until silky smooth. Stir in milk to reach a luscious drizzle consistency. Spoon this tangy icing over the warm rolls so it can melt into every crevice, adding a perfect, zingy finish.

How to Serve Strawberry Rolls with Lemon Icing Recipe

A close-up view of a cinnamon roll on a white plate, topped with a thick layer of creamy white icing that drips slightly down the sides, revealing the golden-brown swirl beneath. Inside, there is a bright red strawberry filling visible in the center layer, adding a pop of color and texture to the soft, fluffy dough. The plate rests on a pink surface, surrounded by whole and halved fresh strawberries, enhancing the fresh, sweet feel. In the background, a tall bottle filled with milk and a blurred white bowl add depth to the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra special touch, sprinkle fresh strawberry slices or finely chopped toasted pistachios on top of the icing. A light zesting of lemon over the icing can also brighten up the flavor and presentation, making your rolls look as delightful as they taste.

Side Dishes

Pair these strawberry rolls with a cup of light herbal tea or a freshly brewed latte to balance the sweetness and citrus tang. A simple fruit salad or a dollop of Greek yogurt on the side also complements them wonderfully, turning your breakfast into a well-rounded, satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the rolls on a rustic wooden board lined with parchment for a charming, casual vibe, or arrange them neatly on a bright, floral-patterned platter to celebrate spring or summer gatherings. Drizzle a little extra lemon icing in a zigzag over the top at the table for a fun, interactive element everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover strawberry rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They stay soft and luscious, and the flavors even deepen a bit as they rest. For best enjoyment, bring them to room temperature before serving.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked rolls after the first rise by wrapping the pan tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and let rise until doubled before baking. Baked rolls freeze well too; just rewarm gently before serving to bring back that fresh-baked warmth.

Reheating

Warm up refrigerated or frozen rolls in a low oven around 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes. This restores their softness and gently melts the lemon icing for that freshly glazed feel. Alternatively, a quick 20-second zap in the microwave also works in a pinch.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for the jam?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before cooking to avoid excess water in your jam. Frozen berries work just as deliciously when thickened properly with the cornstarch slurry.

What if I don’t have a stand mixer?

No worries! You can knead the dough by hand on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. It’s a fantastic way to connect with the dough and get a feel for its perfect texture.

Is the lemon icing too tangy for kids?

The icing strikes a beautiful balance of sweet and tangy that most kids adore. If you’re worried, you can reduce the lemon zest slightly or add a tad more powdered sugar for a milder flavor that still keeps the freshness.

Can I make the strawberry jam ahead of time?

Yes, the jam can be prepared up to three days in advance and refrigerated. This actually helps it thicken and intensify in flavor, making your rolls even more delicious when assembled.

How do I prevent the rolls from sticking to the pan?

Lightly grease your baking pan or line it with parchment paper before placing the rolls. This simple trick makes cleanup easy and helps keep the bottoms soft and tender without any sticking.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Strawberry Rolls with Lemon Icing Recipe highly enough. It’s a joyous recipe that wakes up your senses and brings warmth to your kitchen with every bite. Whether it’s a weekend breakfast treat or a sweet gesture to share with friends, these rolls are bound to become a beloved favorite in your recipe collection. Give them a try and get ready for all the smiles!