Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Lemon Cream Cheese Glaze

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

  • In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the milk and stir gently to dissolve. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.
  • In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and vanilla extract. Add the melted butter, egg, and the yeast mixture. Stir until combined, then knead for about 5-7 minutes on a lightly floured surface until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  • Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

2. Make the Cinnamon Sugar Filling:

  • While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
  • Finely chop the strawberries and set them aside.

3. Assemble the Rolls:

  • Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll the dough into a rectangle, about 16×12 inches.
  • Spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
  • Sprinkle the chopped strawberries evenly over the cinnamon mixture.
  • Starting from one of the long edges, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seams to seal.
  • Slice the rolled dough into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss.
  • Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and arrange the rolls inside, leaving a little space between them. Cover the dish with a kitchen towel and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes.

4. Bake the Cinnamon Rolls:

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.

5. Make the Lemon Cream Cheese Glaze:

  • While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze by beating together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy.

6. Finish the Rolls:

  • Once the rolls are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for about 5-10 minutes.
  • Drizzle the lemon cream cheese glaze over the warm cinnamon rolls.
  • Serve and enjoy!