Why I’ll Love This Recipe
I enjoy how the no-knead dough is simple to prepare while still producing incredibly tender rolls. The fresh strawberries add a bright, fruity flavor that pairs beautifully with the warm cinnamon filling, and the cream cheese glaze creates a rich finishing touch. I also appreciate that I can prepare the dough ahead of time for an easy bake the next day.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Dough
- All-purpose flour
- Instant yeast
- Granulated sugar
- Salt
- Warm milk
- Unsalted butter, melted
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
For the Filling
- Fresh strawberries, diced
- Brown sugar
- Ground cinnamon
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Cornstarch (to help absorb excess moisture)
For the Cream Cheese Glaze
- Cream cheese, softened
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Milk
- Pinch of salt
Directions
- I mix the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt in a large bowl.
- I stir in the warm milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla until a sticky dough forms.
- I cover the bowl and let the dough rise for about 1½ to 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- I combine the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- I gently fold the cornstarch into the diced strawberries to reduce excess moisture.
- I roll the dough into a large rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
- I spread the softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar evenly across the surface.
- I scatter the strawberries over the filling and roll the dough tightly into a log.
- I slice the log into equal rolls and arrange them in a greased baking dish.
- I let the rolls rise for another 30–45 minutes before baking at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes, or until golden brown.
- I whisk together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, milk, and salt until smooth.
- I spread the glaze over the warm rolls before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12 rolls
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Rise Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes
Variations
- I use strawberry jam along with the fresh strawberries for an even richer filling.
- I replace strawberries with raspberries, blueberries, or mixed berries.
- I add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
- I mix lemon zest into the filling for a bright citrus flavor.
- I drizzle white chocolate over the finished rolls instead of cream cheese glaze.
- I add a handful of mini chocolate chips for a strawberry chocolate version.
Storage/Reheating
I store the rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days because of the cream cheese glaze. I reheat individual rolls in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds or warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 8–10 minutes until soft. I also freeze the unglazed rolls for up to 3 months, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator, and glaze them after reheating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes. I thaw and drain them thoroughly before using them to prevent excess moisture from making the filling soggy.
Why is this called a no-knead recipe?
I simply mix the ingredients until combined and allow time for the dough to develop naturally during the long rise, eliminating the need for traditional kneading.
Can I prepare the rolls the night before?
Yes. I assemble the rolls, cover them, and refrigerate them overnight. I let them sit at room temperature for about 30–45 minutes before baking the next morning.
How do I keep the filling from leaking out?
I coat the strawberries with a little cornstarch and avoid overfilling the dough, which helps keep the filling inside the rolls while they bake.
Can I make these without the cream cheese glaze?
Yes. I sometimes use a simple powdered sugar icing or enjoy the rolls plain when I want a lighter finish.
Conclusion
I keep making these No Knead Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls because they are soft, fluffy, and filled with sweet strawberry and cinnamon flavor. The easy no-knead dough, juicy fruit filling, and creamy glaze create a comforting homemade treat that is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. It is one of my favorite baking recipes whenever I want an impressive pastry with minimal effort.
PrintNo Knead Strawberry Cinnamon Roll
These No Knead Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls are soft, fluffy, and filled with sweet strawberries, warm cinnamon, and a luscious cream cheese glaze. The easy no-knead dough makes them perfect for a comforting breakfast, brunch, or dessert with minimal effort.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, diced
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Mix the flour, instant yeast, granulated sugar, and salt in a large bowl.
- Stir in the warm milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until a sticky dough forms.
- Cover and let the dough rise for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Combine the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Toss the diced strawberries with the cornstarch to absorb excess moisture.
- Roll the dough into a large rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
- Spread the softened butter over the dough and sprinkle evenly with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Scatter the strawberries over the filling, then roll the dough tightly into a log.
- Slice into 12 equal rolls and arrange them in a greased baking dish.
- Let the rolls rise for 30 to 45 minutes, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 35 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Whisk together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, milk, and salt until smooth.
- Spread the glaze over the warm rolls before serving.
Notes
- Add strawberry jam with the fresh strawberries for a richer filling.
- Substitute raspberries, blueberries, or mixed berries for the strawberries.
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
- Mix lemon zest into the filling for a bright citrus flavor.
- Drizzle with melted white chocolate instead of cream cheese glaze for a sweeter finish.
- Prepare the rolls the night before and refrigerate before the second rise for easy morning baking.
- Store glazed rolls in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze unglazed rolls for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 330 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg