Strawberry and Cream Sweet Rolls

Strawberry and Cream Sweet Rolls are a delicious treat that combines the sweetness of strawberries with creamy, soft dough. Here’s a simple recipe for making them from scratch:

Ingredients:

For the dough:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 large egg

For the filling:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries (chopped)
• 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened)
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the glaze:

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Prepare the dough:

   • In a small saucepan, warm the milk and melted butter over low heat until it’s warm but not too hot (around 110°F). Stir in the sugar.
   • Sprinkle the yeast over the milk mixture and let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
   • In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and the egg.
   • Mix the dough until it starts to come together. Knead the dough for about 6-8 minutes on a floured surface until it’s smooth and elastic.
   • Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise for 1-1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.

2. Prepare the filling:

   • In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
   • Gently fold in the chopped strawberries, being careful not to mash them too much.

3. Assemble the rolls:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Punch down the dough and roll it out into a rectangle, about 12×8 inches in size.
   • Spread the strawberry and cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border along the edges.
   • Roll the dough tightly from one end to the other and pinch the seam to seal.
   • Cut the roll into 8-10 equal pieces using a sharp knife or floss.
   • Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and let them rise for another 30 minutes, covered with a towel.

4. Bake the rolls:

   • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown.

5. Make the glaze:

   • While the rolls are baking, mix the powdered sugar, heavy cream (or milk), and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth.
   • Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for about 10 minutes before drizzling the glaze over the top.

6. Serve and enjoy!

   • Enjoy your warm, strawberry and cream sweet rolls with a cup of coffee or tea!

These sweet rolls are perfect for a brunch or a special treat, and the combination of strawberries and cream is always a crowd-pleaser!