These Raspberry Swirl Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on the classic cinnamon roll. With a soft, fluffy dough and a vibrant raspberry filling, they offer the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess. Topped with a luscious glaze, these rolls are ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a special treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A fresh and fruity alternative to traditional cinnamon rolls
- Perfectly soft and fluffy texture
- A homemade raspberry filling that adds natural sweetness and tang
- Ideal for special occasions or weekend baking
- Can be made ahead for convenience
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Dough:
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Active dry yeast
- Warm milk
- Unsalted butter
- Eggs
- Salt
For the Raspberry Filling:
- Fresh or frozen raspberries
- Granulated sugar
- Cornstarch
- Lemon juice
For the Cinnamon Layer:
- Brown sugar
- Ground cinnamon
- Softened butter
For the Glaze:
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Milk or cream
Directions
- Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit until foamy. Add eggs, melted butter, and salt. Gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms. Knead until smooth, then let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
- Make the Raspberry Filling: In a saucepan, cook raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice over medium heat. Stir in cornstarch and cook until the mixture thickens. Let it cool completely.
- Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Spread a thin layer of softened butter, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly.
- Add the Raspberry Swirl: Spread the cooled raspberry filling over the cinnamon-sugar layer. Carefully roll the dough into a log and slice it into rolls.
- Second Rise: Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise again until puffy.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls until golden brown.
- Prepare the Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Drizzle over the warm rolls before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes approximately 12 rolls
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Rise Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
- Bake Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: About 2 hours and 45 minutes
Variations
- Cream Cheese Frosting: Swap the glaze for a rich cream cheese frosting.
- Chocolate Raspberry Rolls: Add chocolate chips to the raspberry filling for a decadent twist.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped almonds or pecans on top before baking.
- Lemon Glaze: Add lemon zest and juice to the glaze for extra citrus flavor.
- Whole Wheat Version: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes.
- Freezing: Wrap unglazed rolls tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat before serving.
FAQs
How do I prevent the raspberry filling from leaking out?
Be sure to spread the filling thinly and leave a small border around the edges before rolling. This helps keep the filling inside.
Can I use store-bought raspberry jam instead?
Yes, you can substitute homemade filling with store-bought raspberry jam for convenience.
What is the best way to slice the rolls evenly?
Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to cut the rolls cleanly without squishing them.
Can I prepare these rolls the night before?
Yes! Assemble the rolls and place them in the baking dish, then refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature and rise slightly before baking.
Can I make these rolls without yeast?
Yeast is essential for the fluffy texture, but you can try a quick dough using baking powder for a faster version.
What can I use instead of all-purpose flour?
You can substitute bread flour for a chewier texture or use a gluten-free flour blend if needed.
How do I make these dairy-free?
Use non-dairy milk (like almond or oat milk) and swap butter for vegan butter.
Why didn’t my dough rise properly?
Ensure your yeast is fresh and that your milk is warm but not too hot (about 110°F/43°C). Cold environments can also slow down rising.
Can I make mini rolls instead?
Yes! Roll the dough tighter and cut smaller pieces for bite-sized rolls. Adjust the baking time accordingly.
How do I prevent my rolls from drying out?
Cover them with foil while baking if they brown too quickly, and store them properly to maintain moisture.
Conclusion
Raspberry Swirl Cinnamon Rolls offer a deliciously fruity take on a beloved classic. With their soft, pillowy texture and vibrant raspberry filling, they are sure to impress at any breakfast or brunch table. Whether you make them fresh or prepare them ahead of time, these rolls are a perfect treat for any occasion. Enjoy them warm with a drizzle of glaze for the ultimate indulgence
Print
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
Description
These Raspberry Swirl Cinnamon Rolls are a fruity twist on the classic treat! Soft, fluffy dough is swirled with a sweet and tangy raspberry filling, then topped with a smooth glaze for the perfect balance of flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup warm milk
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough for 5 minutes, then let it rise for 1 hour.
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle and spread raspberry jam evenly over the surface. Sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Roll the dough tightly and slice into rolls. Place in a greased baking dish and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Mix glaze ingredients and drizzle over warm rolls.
Notes
- You can use fresh raspberries blended with sugar instead of jam for a more natural filling.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American