If you adore the sweet combination of fresh berries and creamy textures tucked inside flaky, golden pastry, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Strawberry Cream Rolls Recipe. These delightful rolls are the perfect balance of luscious cream cheese, vibrant strawberry preserves, and a tender puff pastry exterior that fluffs up just right every single time. They make a wonderful breakfast treat, a charming snack, or an impressive dessert to share with friends and family. Once you try these rolls, they might just become your new favorite go-to for any occasion that calls for something both comforting and refreshingly fruity.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, accessible ingredients is the magic behind how effortlessly delicious this recipe comes together. Each component plays a vital role in layering flavors and creating that perfect texture you’ll love from the first bite.
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed: The flaky, buttery base that puffs up beautifully to encase the fillings.
- 1/2 cup strawberry preserves: Adds a lovely jammy sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened: Brings creamy richness and a subtle tang to the filling.
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese mix gently without being overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and gives the cream cheese a warm aromatic note.
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash): Ensures a gorgeous golden shine on top once baked.
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped: Freshness and natural juiciness that brighten every bite.
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional): A pretty, sweet finishing touch to present your rolls like a pro.
How to Make Strawberry Cream Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to a crisp 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your rolls bake evenly and don’t stick, setting the stage for perfect golden results.
Step 2: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until you achieve a smooth, creamy blend that will lend that luscious, velvety texture inside every roll.
Step 3: Roll Out the Puff Pastry
Lightly flour your surface and roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet just a little so it’s roughly rectangular and ready to be layered with flavors.
Step 4: Layer the Flavors
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the pastry, creating a creamy canvas. Then dollop and spread the strawberry preserves on top, followed by a generous sprinkle of those finely chopped fresh strawberries for bursts of flavor and texture.
Step 5: Roll and Slice
Carefully begin rolling the pastry from one long side into a log shape, keeping the filling inside. Once rolled, slice the log into 8 equal rolls — this guarantees consistent portions and baking.
Step 6: Prepare for Baking
Arrange the rolls cut side up on your baking sheet. Brush the tops lightly with the beaten egg to help them turn that perfect golden brown while baking.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pop the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 18–22 minutes. Keep an eye out for your rolls to puff up beautifully and develop a rich, golden crust.
Step 8: Final Touches
Once baked, let the rolls cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar if you like a little extra sweetness and a pretty finish. Then get ready to savor these irresistible strawberry cream delights.
How to Serve Strawberry Cream Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
For a simple yet elegant presentation, dust your rolls with powdered sugar to add a delicate sweetness and a snowy effect. You can also sprinkle chopped fresh mint or a few extra fresh strawberry slices on top for a pop of color and freshness that complements the creamy filling.
Side Dishes
These rolls pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or freshly brewed tea, making them a standout breakfast or brunch item. For a more substantial spread, serve alongside a mixed green salad with a hint of citrus vinaigrette or a light yogurt parfait sprinkled with granola, balancing sweetness and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these rolls on a beautiful wooden board or a colorful platter surrounded by whole fresh strawberries for a delightful visual effect. For gatherings, add a small bowl of extra strawberry preserves on the side for dipping, or drizzle some melted white chocolate over the top for a decadent twist that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any rolls left after your indulgent feast (and you might!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Keeping them covered ensures they stay soft without drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked rolls by placing the sliced pieces on a baking sheet in the freezer until firm, then transferring them to a zip-top bag or airtight container. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time for fresh-from-the-oven goodness anytime you want.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8 to 10 minutes. This helps restore their flaky texture and warms the creamy strawberry filling without making the pastry soggy, delivering that just-baked sensation again.
FAQs
Can I use other fruit preserves instead of strawberry?
Absolutely! While the Strawberry Cream Rolls Recipe shines with strawberries, raspberry, apricot, or even blueberry preserves would add wonderful variations. Just be mindful of the sweetness and consistency of the preserves you choose for the best results.
Do I have to use puff pastry?
Puff pastry is essential here for that flaky, light texture that makes these rolls so special. Other doughs like crescent roll dough won’t give you quite the same buttery, airy layers.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap the cream cheese for a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream cheese, and ensure the puff pastry you choose doesn’t contain butter. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious!
Is it better to use fresh or frozen strawberries?
Fresh strawberries provide the best texture and brightness in flavor for this recipe. Frozen strawberries tend to release more moisture which can make the rolls soggy, so if you only have frozen, make sure to thaw and drain them well before chopping.
Can I add lemon zest to this recipe?
Definitely! Adding a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture adds a lovely citrus zing that brightens the flavor and complements the sweetness of the strawberries beautifully.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Strawberry Cream Rolls Recipe, it’s hard not to come back for more because it’s such a delightful treat that feels both special and simple at the same time. Whether you’re treating yourself on a lazy weekend morning or impressing guests with a fresh twist on classic pastries, these rolls bring warmth, joy, and a burst of strawberry goodness to every bite. Give it a go—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Strawberry Cream Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 rolls
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Strawberry Cream Rolls are delightful puff pastry treats filled with a smooth cream cheese mixture and sweet strawberry preserves, topped with fresh strawberries. Perfect for a breakfast or brunch, these rolls are golden baked to perfection and can be dusted with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry Base
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Filling
- 1/2 cup strawberry preserves
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped
Topping
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Mix Cream Cheese Filling: In a small bowl, blend the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency without lumps.
- Roll Out Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out the puff pastry sheet into a slightly larger rectangle to prepare it for the filling.
- Assemble Filling: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the entire pastry surface. Next, spread the strawberry preserves on top, then sprinkle the finely chopped fresh strawberries evenly over the preserves.
- Roll and Slice: Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the pastry into a tight log. Use a sharp knife to cut the log into 8 equal-sized rolls.
- Place and Brush: Arrange the rolls cut side up on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly brush the tops with the beaten egg to ensure a golden, glossy finish.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes or until the rolls are puffed up and golden brown.
- Cool and Finish: Allow the rolls to cool slightly on a wire rack before optionally dusting them with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
Notes
- For added flavor, stir some lemon zest into the cream cheese mixture to brighten the taste.
- You can substitute strawberry preserves with other fruit preserves like raspberry or apricot based on your preference.
