Strawberry Rolls with Sweet Lemon Glaze: A Delightful Recipe for Any Occasion

Strawberry Rolls with Sweet Lemon Glaze offer a delightful twist on traditional cinnamon rolls, bringing a burst of summer flavors into your kitchen. With a soft, pillowy dough filled with sweet strawberries and topped with a tangy lemon glaze, these rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. This detailed guide will walk you through each step of the process, ensuring your rolls come out perfect every time.

Ingredients

Dough:

• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
• 2/3 cup (135g) granulated sugar
• 1½ tablespoons (14g) active dry yeast (2 standard size packets)
• 1/2 cup (8 tablespoons; 113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature and cut into 4 pieces
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 4½ cups (563g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled), plus more for dusting/rolling

Filling:

• 1¾ cups (222g) finely chopped strawberries
• 1/3 cup (68g) granulated sugar
• 1½ tablespoons cornstarch

Lemon Glaze:

• 1 cup (120g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted
• 2–3 tablespoons (30-45ml) fresh lemon juice

Instructions

Preparing the Dough

1. Warm the Milk: In a small saucepan, warm the milk over low heat until lukewarm, about 95°F (35°C). Pour the warm milk into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment (or you can use a handheld mixer). Stir in the sugar and yeast manually with a spoon. Cover the bowl with a towel and let it sit until the yeast is foamy, about 5-10 minutes. If the yeast does not foam, start over with fresh yeast.
2. Combine Ingredients: On low speed, beat in the softened butter until it is slightly broken up. Add the eggs, one at a time, and then the salt. The butter won’t fully mix into the mixture, so don’t worry if it stays in pieces. Gradually add the flour on low speed. Once all the flour is added, increase to medium speed and beat until a soft dough forms, about 4 minutes.
3. Knead the Dough: Increase the speed to medium-high and beat until the dough is soft and supple, about 6 minutes longer. If you do not have a stand mixer, knead the dough by hand for about 10 minutes on a lightly floured surface. The dough should be slightly sticky but should come together in a soft, elastic ball.
4. First Rise: Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 2 hours. A good trick is to preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C), then turn it off and place the bowl inside the oven to rise.

Making the Filling

1. Prepare the Strawberries: Warm the strawberries in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly for about 4 minutes until the strawberries begin to release their juices. Add the granulated sugar and cornstarch, stirring continuously for another 2 minutes until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat, transfer to a bowl, and chill until ready to use.

Assembling the Rolls

1. Roll the Dough: Grease the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and, using a rolling pin, roll it into a 12×18 inch rectangle. Ensure the dough is smooth and evenly thick, even at the corners.
2. Add the Filling: Spread the chilled strawberry filling evenly over the dough. Tightly roll up the dough to form an 18-inch-long log. Cut the log into 12 even rolls, each about 1.5 inches wide. Arrange the rolls in the prepared baking dish.
3. Second Rise: Cover the rolls and let them rise in a warm environment until puffy, about 1-2 hours. Alternatively, for overnight rolls, cover tightly and refrigerate. In the morning, let them rise in a warm place for 1 hour before baking.

Baking and Glazing

1. Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for about 25 minutes until they are golden brown. Halfway through baking, cover the rolls loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning. Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes.
2. Prepare the Glaze: While the rolls cool, whisk the lemon juice and confectioners’ sugar together until smooth. Pour the glaze over the warm rolls before serving.

Make-Ahead and Freezing Instructions

1. Storing: Cover leftovers tightly and refrigerate for up to 1 week. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
2. Freezing Baked Rolls: Freeze baked rolls for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and warm up before serving.
3. Freezing Unbaked Rolls: Let the rolls rise, bake them for 10 minutes, then cool completely. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and finish baking as directed.

Tips and Tricks

1. Whole Milk: Whole milk is preferred for this recipe due to its higher fat content, which contributes to a richer dough. However, 2% milk can be used if necessary.
2. Fresh or Frozen Strawberries: Both fresh and frozen strawberries work well. If using frozen, do not thaw them before cooking.
3. Rising Environment: Creating a warm, draft-free environment is crucial for the dough to rise properly. An oven preheated to 200°F (93°C) and then turned off provides an ideal environment.

Nutritional Information

Each roll contains approximately:

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Sodium: 210mg
• Potassium: 120mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 25g
• Vitamin A: 300 IU
• Vitamin C: 5mg
• Calcium: 50mg
• Iron: 2mg

Advanced Techniques and Variations

Adding a Twist

1. Flavor Infusions: Enhance the filling by adding a splash of vanilla extract or almond extract. For a more exotic flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of finely grated ginger to the strawberry filling.
2. Citrus Zest: Incorporate lemon or orange zest into the dough for an extra citrusy kick that complements the lemon glaze beautifully.
3. Nutty Addition: Sprinkle finely chopped nuts, such as almonds or pecans, over the strawberry filling before rolling up the dough. This adds a delightful crunch to each bite.

Perfecting the Glaze

1. Consistency Matters: Adjust the consistency of the lemon glaze by varying the amount of lemon juice. For a thicker glaze, use less lemon juice; for a thinner drizzle, use more.
2. Alternative Glazes: Experiment with other glazes such as a vanilla glaze made with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk, or a cream cheese glaze for a richer topping.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

1. Dough Not Rising: Ensure your yeast is fresh and active. The milk should be warm but not hot to activate the yeast properly. If the dough still doesn’t rise, your kitchen may be too cold. Create a warm environment by placing the dough in a preheated (and then turned off) oven or near a warm stovetop.
2. Rolls Too Dense: This can happen if too much flour is added. Be careful when measuring flour; use the spoon-and-level method rather than scooping directly from the bag. Also, avoid over-kneading the dough, which can make it tough.
3. Filling Leaks: Ensure the strawberry filling is thickened properly with cornstarch before spreading it on the dough. Chilling the filling before use can also help prevent it from becoming too runny.

Customizing for Dietary Needs

1. Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum or another binding agent to mimic the elasticity of gluten.
2. Dairy-Free Version: Use plant-based milk such as almond or soy milk and replace the butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil. Ensure the margarine is suitable for baking.
3. Lower Sugar: Reduce the sugar in the dough and filling. You can also use a sugar substitute suitable for baking, such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener, to reduce the overall sugar content.

Presentation and Serving Suggestions

1. Garnishing: Before serving, garnish the rolls with fresh strawberry slices or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a professional touch.
2. Serving Warm: These rolls are best served warm. If they have been refrigerated or frozen, warm them up in the oven at a low temperature before serving to regain their soft and fluffy texture.
3. Pairings: Serve with a side of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea also complements these rolls wonderfully.

Storage and Reheating Tips

1. Room Temperature: Store the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to enjoy them warm.
2. Refrigeration: If storing in the refrigerator, ensure the rolls are tightly covered to prevent them from drying out. They can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.
3. Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the rolls individually on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven before serving.

Making the Perfect Strawberry Rolls

To make your Strawberry Rolls with Sweet Lemon Glaze stand out, consider these advanced techniques and presentation tips:

1. Windowpane Test for Dough: Ensuring your dough is kneaded properly is crucial. The windowpane test, as mentioned earlier, is a foolproof way to check. This ensures the dough is elastic and well-developed.
2. Uniform Slices: When cutting the rolled dough into individual rolls, use a piece of dental floss or a sharp knife to get clean, even slices. This prevents squishing the dough and ensures uniform baking.
3. Decorative Glaze Drizzle: Use a piping bag or a squeeze bottle to apply the glaze in a decorative pattern over the rolls. This not only looks attractive but also ensures an even distribution of the glaze.

Final Thoughts

Strawberry Rolls with Sweet Lemon Glaze are a delightful and refreshing take on traditional sweet rolls. With their vibrant flavors and beautiful presentation, they are sure to impress at any gathering or family breakfast. The combination of the soft, fluffy dough, sweet and tangy strawberry filling, and the zesty lemon glaze creates a perfect harmony of flavors that will have everyone coming back for more.

Remember, the key to perfect rolls is patience and attention to detail. From ensuring your yeast is active to properly kneading the dough and letting it rise adequately, each step plays a crucial role in the final outcome. Happy baking!

With these detailed instructions, tips, and customization ideas, you are well-equipped to create the most delicious and visually appealing Strawberry Rolls with Sweet Lemon Glaze. Enjoy the process and the wonderful aroma that will fill your kitchen as you bake these delightful treats.