Pillowy Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe: A Sweet Morning Joy

Warm, pillowy soft cinnamon rolls dancing with raspberry swirls will make breakfast an unforgettable delight.

These homemade raspberry cinnamon rolls burst with sweet-tart flavor in every delectable bite.

Soft dough enriched with tender care creates a morning treat that feels like a warm hug.

Fresh raspberries weave through delicate layers of cinnamon-kissed pastry, promising pure comfort.

Each roll emerges from the oven golden and fragrant, tempting everyone nearby with its irresistible aroma.

The perfect balance of sweet raspberries and warm spices transforms an ordinary morning into something magical.

You’ll want to savor every single crumb of this incredible breakfast sensation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 12

Raspberry Cinnamon Roll Baking Essentials

• Flour: Provides the foundational structure for soft, pillowy rolls with a delicate texture.
• Sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and helps activate the yeast's fermentation process.
• Yeast: Living microorganism that createsal rising action and develops rich, complex flavor.
• Salt: Enhances overall taste and balances the sweetness of the rolls.
• Milk: Creates tender crumb and helps activate yeast with its warm temperature.
• Butter: Infuses rich flavor and contributes to the dough's luxurious softness.
• Egg: Binds ingredients together and adds richness to the dough's texture.

• Raspberries: Delivers vibrant, tangy burst of fruity freshness with natural sweetness.
• Sugar: Intensifies raspberry's natural flavor and helps create a syrupy consistency.
• Cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic spice that complements the berries beautifully.
• Cornstarch: Optional thickening agent to control excess raspberry liquid.

• Cream Cheese: Creates smooth, tangy base for luxurious topping.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create silky texture.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps achieve perfect glazing consistency.
• Vanilla: Introduces delicate, classic flavor enhancement.
• Milk: Adjusts glaze to perfect drizzling thickness.

Tools for Raspberry Cinnamon Roll Success

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining dry and wet ingredients thoroughly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements ensure perfect dough consistency.
• Rolling pin: Perfect for rolling out dough into a thin, even rectangle.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: Provides ideal space for rolls to rise and bake evenly.
• Spatula or wooden spoon: Great for mixing dough and spreading filling.
• Small mixing bowl: Useful for preparing raspberry filling and glaze.
• Electric mixer or whisk: Helps create smooth cream cheese glaze.
• Sharp knife: Needed to slice rolled dough into individual rolls.
• Pastry brush (optional): Helpful for greasing bowl and spreading butter.

Rolling and Baking Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls

• Craft the Dough

Combine dry ingredients in a mixing bowl. Pour in warm milk, melted butter, and egg, blending until a soft dough emerges. Knead the mixture on a floured surface until smooth and stretchy. Let the dough rest and rise in a cozy spot for about an hour.

• Create the Fruity Filling

Gently smash fresh raspberries with a sprinkle of sugar and cinnamon. The mixture should be slightly chunky and vibrant with color.

• Roll and Shape

Spread the dough into a wide rectangle on a floured surface. Massage softened butter across the entire surface. Scatter the raspberry mixture evenly, leaving a small border. Carefully roll the dough into a tight cylinder, then slice into delectable rounds.

• Prepare for Baking

Nestle the rolls into a greased baking dish. Allow them to puff up for half an hour. Heat the oven to a toasty 350°F. Bake until the rolls turn a beautiful golden brown, about 25-30 minutes.

• Whip Up the Creamy Topping

Blend cream cheese and butter until silky smooth. Fold in powdered sugar and vanilla, creating a luscious glaze. Adjust consistency with a splash of milk if needed.

• Finish and Enjoy

Drizzle the creamy glaze over warm rolls. Serve immediately and watch everyone’s eyes light up with delight.

Cinnamon Roll Fixes and Flavor Tweaks

• Ensure a warm, draft-free spot for dough rising, like near a preheated oven or in a slightly warmed microwave to help yeast activate properly.
• Experiment with different berries like strawberries, blueberries, or mixed berries to create unique flavor combinations while maintaining the same recipe technique.
• Substitute regular flour with a high-quality gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum to help maintain the dough's structure and texture.
• Replace dairy milk with almond milk, use plant-based butter, swap eggs with flax eggs, and select dairy-free cream cheese for a completely plant-based version of these delightful rolls.
• Prepare the rolls up to the point of second rising, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to allow them to come to room temperature and complete the final rise.

Sweet Ways to Present Raspberry Rolls

• Berry Breakfast Bliss: Pair these rolls with a light, citrusy morning mimosa for a delightful weekend treat.
• Afternoon Tea Companion: Serve alongside a steaming cup of Earl Grey tea, allowing the raspberry's tartness to complement the tea's bergamot notes.
• Dessert Transformation: Reheat the rolls slightly and top with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an indulgent after-dinner surprise.
• Picnic Perfect: Pack these rolls in a portable container for a sweet outdoor brunch or park gathering, ensuring they stay warm in an insulated bag.

Storing Your Raspberry Rolls with Care

• Keep rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, ensuring maximum freshness and soft texture.
• Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap or store in sealed container, extending edible life up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze unbaked rolls before final rise by placing them on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bag. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and bake as normal, maintaining original delicious flavor profile.
• Warm refrigerated rolls in microwave for 15-20 seconds or in oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes, restoring that just-baked warmth and soft, tender consistency.

FAQs

• Why does the recipe recommend using cornstarch in the raspberry filling?

Cornstarch helps absorb excess liquid from juicy raspberries, preventing the filling from becoming too runny and making it easier to spread evenly inside the rolls.

• Can I use frozen raspberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen raspberries. Just thaw and drain them completely before mashing to avoid excess moisture in the filling.

• How do I know when the dough has risen properly?

The dough should double in size and feel puffy when gently pressed. It typically takes about 1 hour in a warm, draft-free area.

• What's the best way to get even roll slices?

Use a sharp serrated knife or unflavored dental floss. For precise cuts, mark the dough into 12 equal sections before slicing.

Fluffy Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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4.6 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Raspberry cinnamon rolls bring sweet-tart magic to classic breakfast pastries from Southern United States. Delicate dough swirls with rich raspberry filling promise comfort and indulgence you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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• 1 large egg
• ¾ cup (180 ml) milk, warmed
• 3 ¼ cups (390 g) all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 2 ¼ tsps (7 g) instant yeast (1 packet)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ cup (57 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup (140 g) fresh or frozen raspberries
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tbsps (28 g) softened butter
• 1 tbsp (8 g) cornstarch (for thickening, optional)
• 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
• ¼ cup (57 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2–3 tbsps (30–45 ml) milk (to thin the glaze, if needed)

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Instructions

1. Dough Preparation: Combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Warm milk, melt butter, and whisk egg, then integrate into dry ingredients until a cohesive dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for one hour in a warm environment.
2. Raspberry Filling Creation: Gently mash raspberries with sugar and cinnamon. Add cornstarch if the mixture appears too liquid to prevent excessive moisture.
3. Rolling and Shaping: Roll the risen dough into a 12×18 inch rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly, then distribute raspberry mixture, leaving a small border. Carefully roll the dough from the long side into a tight log, then slice into 12 equal portions.
4. Baking Process: Position rolls in a buttered 9×13 inch baking pan. Allow a second rise for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F and bake until golden brown, approximately 25-30 minutes.
5. Cream Cheese Glaze: Whip cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until creamy. Adjust consistency with small amounts of milk if needed.
6. Finishing Touch: Drizzle warm cream cheese glaze over freshly baked rolls and serve immediately for optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

Manage Dough Moisture: Adjust flour or liquid quantities if the dough feels too sticky or dry, ensuring a smooth, elastic consistency that springs back when touched.

Control Raspberry Filling Spread: Drain excess liquid from raspberries to prevent soggy rolls and use cornstarch sparingly to maintain the fruit’s natural vibrance and prevent overwhelming thickness.

Optimize Rising Environment: Place dough in a warm, draft-free area like a turned-off oven with a pan of hot water to create ideal proofing conditions, promoting consistent and robust dough expansion.

Glaze Application Technique: Allow rolls to cool slightly before glazing to prevent the cream cheese topping from melting completely, maintaining a thick, lustrous coating that clings beautifully to the warm surface.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 260
• Sugar: 17 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 39 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg