Strawberry Shortcake Rolls combine everything you love about classic strawberry shortcake into a soft, fluffy sweet roll. Filled with a luscious strawberry filling and topped with a light cream cheese frosting, these rolls are perfect for spring and summer gatherings, brunches, holidays, or whenever fresh strawberries are in season.

Each bite features tender homemade dough, sweet strawberry swirls, and creamy frosting that melts into the warm rolls. They’re beautiful enough for special occasions yet simple enough to enjoy on a weekend morning.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft and fluffy homemade rolls
• Fresh strawberry flavor
• Perfect for spring and summer
• Great for brunch and desserts
• Make-ahead friendly
• Beautiful presentation
• Family favorite
• Bakery-quality results

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• First Rise: 1 hour
• Second Rise: 30 minutes
• Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
• Total Time: About 2 hours 30 minutes

Yield: 12 rolls

Servings: 12

Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Stand mixer (optional)
• Rolling pin
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Saucepan
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 3½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• ¾ cup warm milk
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• ½ teaspoon salt

Strawberry Filling

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, diced
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

Cream Cheese Frosting

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2–3 tablespoons milk

Garnish

• Fresh sliced strawberries
• Crushed freeze-dried strawberries (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a large bowl combine:

• Warm milk
• Sugar
• Yeast

Allow to stand for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

Temperature

• Milk: 105–110°F (40–43°C)

Step 2: Make the Dough

Add:

• Melted butter
• Egg
• Salt

Gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms.

Knead for:

• 8–10 minutes by hand
• 5–6 minutes using a stand mixer

The dough should be smooth and elastic.

Step 3: First Rise

Place dough into a lightly greased bowl.

Cover and allow to rise until doubled.

Rising Time

• 60–90 minutes

Temperature

• 75–85°F (24–29°C)

Step 4: Prepare the Strawberry Filling

In a saucepan combine:

• Strawberries
• Sugar
• Lemon juice

Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes.

Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl.

Stir into strawberries.

Cook until thickened.

Temperature

• Medium heat (325°F / 165°C)

Time

• 2–3 additional minutes

Cool completely before using.

Step 5: Roll Out the Dough

Roll dough into a rectangle approximately:

• 16 x 12 inches

Spread the cooled strawberry filling evenly across the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

Step 6: Roll and Cut

Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log.

Cut into 12 equal rolls.

Place into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 7: Second Rise

Cover and allow the rolls to rise.

Time

• 30–45 minutes

Until noticeably puffy.

Step 8: Bake

Preheat oven to:

350°F (175°C)

Bake for:

25–30 minutes

Until golden brown.

Internal Temperature

The center rolls should reach:

190°F (88°C)

Step 9: Make the Frosting

Beat together:

• Cream cheese
• Butter
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla
• Milk

Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 10: Frost the Rolls

Allow rolls to cool for about 10 minutes.

Spread frosting generously over warm rolls.

Step 11: Garnish and Serve

Top with:

• Fresh sliced strawberries
• Crushed freeze-dried strawberries

Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips for Perfect Strawberry Shortcake Rolls

Cool the Filling Completely

Warm filling can make the dough difficult to roll.

Use Fresh Strawberries

Fresh berries provide the best flavor and texture.

Roll Tightly

This helps create beautiful swirls.

Don’t Overbake

Soft rolls stay moist and fluffy.

Variations

Strawberry Cheesecake Rolls

Add small dollops of sweetened cream cheese beneath the strawberry filling.

Mixed Berry Rolls

Use a combination of:

• Strawberries
• Blueberries
• Raspberries

Lemon Strawberry Rolls

Add:

• 1 tablespoon lemon zest

to the dough and frosting.

Chocolate Strawberry Rolls

Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the filling before rolling.

Glazed Strawberry Rolls

Replace cream cheese frosting with a simple powdered sugar glaze.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator

Store covered for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze unfrosted rolls for up to 2 months.

Thaw and frost before serving.

Reheating

Warm individual rolls in the microwave for:

• 20–30 seconds

Nutritional Information

Per Roll

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 40mg
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 24g

Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes. Thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture.

Can I prepare these overnight?

Absolutely. Assemble the rolls, refrigerate overnight, and bake the next morning.

Why did my filling leak out?

Overfilling or using warm filling can cause leakage during baking.

Can I make them without cream cheese frosting?

Yes. A simple vanilla glaze works beautifully.