These Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls are a delicious twist on the classic cinnamon roll, featuring a sweet, tangy raspberry filling and a luscious cream cheese glaze. The fresh raspberries add a burst of fruitiness that pairs beautifully with the warm cinnamon and soft, pillowy dough. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a special treat, these cinnamon rolls are sure to become a family favorite!
Why You’ll Love These Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls
- Fruity & Sweet: The combination of fresh raspberries and cinnamon adds a tangy-sweet flavor that elevates the traditional cinnamon roll.
- Soft & Fluffy Dough: The dough is tender, fluffy, and slightly sweet, creating the perfect base for the raspberry filling.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, these cinnamon rolls are easy to make from scratch.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: These rolls are ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, making them a versatile and crowd-pleasing recipe.
Key Ingredients for Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls
1. Raspberries
- Fresh or frozen raspberries work perfectly in this recipe, adding a tangy sweetness to the filling.
2. Cinnamon
- Cinnamon gives the rolls their signature warm, spiced flavor, perfectly complementing the raspberry filling.
3. Cream Cheese
- Cream cheese is used in the glaze to create a rich, tangy topping that pairs beautifully with the sweet rolls.
4. Butter
- Butter is used in both the dough and the filling, adding richness and flavor to the rolls.
5. Yeast
- Active dry yeast helps the dough rise, creating a light and fluffy texture.
6. Powdered Sugar
- Powdered sugar is used to sweeten the glaze, giving it a smooth, creamy texture.
How to Make Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls
These raspberry cinnamon rolls are made in three main parts: preparing the dough, making the raspberry filling, and baking the rolls. Here’s how to make them:
Step 1: Make the Dough
- In a small bowl, combine 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F), 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet), and 1 tablespoon sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes, until the yeast is bubbly and frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Add the yeast mixture, 1 egg, and 1/4 cup melted butter. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Raspberry Filling
- In a small saucepan, combine 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen raspberries, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the raspberries break down and the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle (about 12×18 inches). Spread 1/4 cup softened butter evenly over the dough.
Step 4: Add the Raspberry Filling
- Spread the raspberry filling evenly over the buttered dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon and 1/4 cup brown sugar for added sweetness.
Step 5: Roll and Slice
- Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces and place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let the rolls rise for 30-45 minutes, until puffy.
Step 6: Bake the Rolls
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Let cool slightly before glazing.
Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze
- In a medium bowl, beat together 4 oz softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup softened butter, 1 cup powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Add 1-2 tablespoons milk to reach your desired consistency.
Step 8: Glaze and Serve
- Spread the cream cheese glaze over the warm cinnamon rolls and serve. Enjoy these rolls warm for the best flavor and texture!
Tips for Making the Best Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls
1. Use Fresh or Frozen Raspberries
- Both fresh and frozen raspberries work well in this recipe. If using frozen, thaw them slightly before cooking the filling to release their juices.
2. Let the Dough Rise Properly
- Make sure to give the dough enough time to rise in a warm place until it doubles in size. This ensures the rolls will be soft and fluffy.
3. Don’t Overfill the Rolls
- Be careful not to overfill the rolls with the raspberry mixture to prevent it from spilling out when you roll the dough.
4. Add Extra Cinnamon for Flavor
- If you love cinnamon, feel free to add extra cinnamon to the filling for a spicier, more aromatic roll.
5. Serve Warm
- Raspberry cinnamon rolls are best served warm with the cream cheese glaze melting over the top. Reheat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a fresh-from-the-oven taste.
Recipe Variations
1. Raspberry Almond Cinnamon Rolls
- Add 1/2 teaspoon almond extract to the cream cheese glaze and sprinkle sliced almonds over the top for a nutty, flavorful twist.
2. Lemon Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls
- Add 1 tablespoon lemon zest to the raspberry filling and 1 tablespoon lemon juice to the glaze for a bright, citrusy flavor.
3. Chocolate Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls
- Sprinkle chocolate chips over the raspberry filling before rolling up the dough for a decadent chocolate twist.
4. Mixed Berry Cinnamon Rolls
- Use a mix of berries like blueberries, blackberries, and strawberries in the filling for a colorful, fruity variation.
5. Vegan Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls
- Replace the milk with almond or oat milk, use vegan butter and cream cheese for the glaze, and ensure the sugar is vegan-friendly to make these rolls vegan.
FAQs: Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls
1. Can I Make These Rolls Ahead of Time?
- Yes! You can prepare the rolls up to the point of baking, cover them, and store them in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature before baking.
2. How Long Do Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls Last?
- These rolls will keep for 2-3 days at room temperature when stored in an airtight container. You can also refrigerate them for up to 5 days.
3. Can I Freeze These Rolls?
- Yes, you can freeze the baked cinnamon rolls (without glaze) for up to 3 months. Reheat them in the oven or microwave, then glaze them before serving.
4. Can I Use Store-Bought Dough?
- If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought crescent roll dough or pizza dough to make these rolls.
5. What Can I Serve with Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls?
- These rolls are perfect on their own but also pair well with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk. You can serve them alongside fresh fruit for a complete breakfast or brunch.
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