Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough:
- 1 cup milk
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup butter or margarine, softened
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
- 3/4 cup strawberry jam or preserves
For the Cream Cheese Icing:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Making the Dough
- The foundation of any great roll lies in its dough. It should be soft, fluffy, and just the right balance of sweet and buttery. Begin by warming the milk in the microwave for about 30 seconds until it reaches 110°F. This temperature is crucial as it activates the yeast without killing it. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the warm milk and let it sit for five minutes to proof. This step is essential because it ensures your yeast is alive and ready to help the dough rise. You’ll know it’s working when the mixture becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the yeast mixture with the egg, granulated sugar, softened butter, all-purpose flour, and salt. Mix these ingredients until a shaggy dough begins to form. If you’re using a stand mixer, switch to the dough hook attachment for kneading. Knead the dough for about five minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can knead the dough by hand on a lightly floured surface.
- Once the dough reaches the desired texture, transfer it to a greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise for about an hour. During this time, it should double in size, becoming pillowy and full of potential.
- Preparing the Filling
- While the dough is rising, you can prepare the filling. Start by washing and dicing fresh strawberries into small, bite-sized pieces. Set them aside. The combination of fresh strawberries and strawberry jam creates layers of flavor, balancing sweetness with a hint of tartness.
- Rolling and Filling the Dough
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release any air bubbles. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a large rectangle, approximately 12×18 inches. The dough should be thin enough to roll but thick enough to hold the filling without tearing.
- Spread the strawberry jam evenly across the surface of the dough, leaving a half-inch border around the edges. This border will help seal the rolls when you shape them. Sprinkle the diced strawberries evenly over the jam, ensuring each roll will have a burst of fruity goodness in every bite.
- Shaping the Rolls
- Now comes the fun part—rolling the dough! Starting from one of the long sides, tightly roll the dough into a log. Use gentle pressure to ensure an even roll without squeezing out the filling. Once the dough is rolled, use a sharp knife or dental floss to slice it into 8-10 equal pieces. Dental floss works exceptionally well as it creates clean cuts without squishing the rolls.
- Arrange the slices cut-side up in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Leave a bit of space between each roll to allow room for rising. Cover the pan with a towel and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes while you preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Baking the Rolls
- Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are lightly golden brown. The aroma wafting from your oven at this point will be irresistible, teasing you with what’s to come. Once baked, remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly in the pan.
- Making the Cream Cheese Icing
- While the rolls are baking, prepare the icing. In a mixing bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, butter, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. This icing is the perfect finishing touch, adding a luxurious richness to the rolls.
- Assembling the Final Masterpiece
- Drizzle the warm rolls generously with the cream cheese icing. The warmth of the rolls will slightly melt the icing, allowing it to seep into every nook and cranny. Serve the rolls warm for the ultimate indulgence.
Notes
- Perfect Dough Texture: If the dough feels too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it’s manageable. Conversely, if it’s too dry, add a splash of milk.
- Filling Variations: Experiment with different fillings like raspberry jam, mixed berries, or even a cinnamon sugar mixture for a unique twist.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the rolls the night before, cover them tightly, and refrigerate. In the morning, let them come to room temperature and rise for 30 minutes before baking.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair these rolls with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast or serve them with a dollop of whipped cream and extra strawberries for an elegant dessert.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes