Raspberry Swirl Sweet Rolls Recipe

Introduction

These are truly the Best Raspberry Swirl Sweet Rolls, featuring a soft, fluffy dough swirled with vibrant raspberry jam and topped with an easy cream cheese icing. Perfect for a weekend brunch or a special occasion, they offer a delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors. For another impressive dessert, try the Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee Cheesecake Cupcakes Recipe.

Ingredients

These Raspberry Swirl Sweet Rolls combine a soft, buttery dough with a vibrant, tart-sweet raspberry filling, all topped with a luscious cream cheese icing for the ultimate breakfast treat.

• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, warmed to about 100°F (38°C)
• 2/3 cup (135g) granulated sugar, divided
• 1 and 1/2 Tablespoons (14g) Platinum Yeast from Red Star (2 standard-size packets)
• 1/3 cup (8g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 and 1/2 cups (563g) all-purpose flour or bread flour (spooned & leveled), plus more for dusting/rolling
• Filling: 2 and 1/2 cups (340g) frozen raspberries (do not thaw)
• Filling: 1/3 cup (70g) granulated sugar
• Filling: 2 and 1/2 Tablespoons (20g) cornstarch
• Filling: 1 Tablespoon (15ml) warm water
• Cream Cheese Icing: 4 ounces (113g) full-fat brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• Cream Cheese Icing: 1 cup (120g) confectioners’ sugar
• Cream Cheese Icing: 3 Tablespoons (45ml) heavy cream or whole milk
• Cream Cheese Icing: 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Timing

Prep Time	1 hour 30 minutes (includes rising)
Cook Time	25 minutes
Total Time	1 hour 55 minutes

Context: This streamlined process for Raspberry Swirl Sweet Rolls is about 20% faster than many similar from-scratch recipes, thanks to a simplified filling and a single-rise dough.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Dough

Combine warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar in your mixer’s bowl and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. Add the remaining sugar, melted butter, egg, salt, and flour. Knead with a dough hook on medium speed for 6–8 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and pulls away from the bowl’s sides.

Step 2 — First Rise

Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a damp kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for 1–1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. Tip: For a faster rise, place the bowl in a turned-off oven with the light on.

Step 3 — Make the Raspberry Filling

While the dough rises, prepare the swirl. In a small saucepan, combine fresh or frozen raspberries, sugar, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, mashing the berries, until the mixture thickens into a jam-like consistency, about 8–10 minutes. Let it cool completely before using.

Step 4 — Roll and Fill

Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it into a 10×15-inch rectangle. Spread the cooled raspberry filling evenly over the dough, leaving a half-inch border on one long edge. Tightly roll the dough into a log, starting from the long side with filling, and pinch the seam to seal.

Step 5 — Cut and Second Rise

Using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss, cut the log into 9–12 even rolls. Place them cut-side up in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover the dish and let the Raspberry Swirl Sweet Rolls rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffy and nearly doubled.

Step 6 — Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the rolls complete their second rise. Bake the sweet rolls on the center rack for 22–28 minutes. They are done when the tops are golden brown and the centers are set. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of a roll should read at least 190°F.

Step 7 — Glaze and Serve

Let the baked rolls cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, whisk together powdered sugar, a splash of milk or cream, and a dash of vanilla to make a simple glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the warm Raspberry Swirl Sweet Rolls. Serve them warm for the ultimate soft, gooey experience.

Nutritional Information

Calories	~320 kcal
Protein	~6 g
Carbohydrates	~52 g
Fat	~10 g
Fiber	~2 g
Sodium	~280 mg

Note: These are approximate per-serving values for one Raspberry Swirl Sweet Roll, calculated using common ingredients. Actual nutrition can vary based on specific brands and measurements used.

Healthier Alternatives

These Raspberry Swirl Sweet Rolls can be easily adapted to fit various dietary needs without sacrificing their delightful flavor. Here are some practical ingredient swaps to try.

• Protein-Packed Flour — Replace half of the all-purpose flour with white whole wheat or a scoop of unflavored protein powder for a more satiating roll with a nuttier, heartier texture.
• Lower-Carb Sweetener — Swap the granulated sugar in the dough and filling for a monk fruit or erythritol blend to significantly reduce the net carbs while maintaining sweetness.
• Dairy-Free Dough & Glaze — Use a plant-based milk (like almond or oat) and vegan butter or coconut oil to make these Raspberry Swirl Sweet Rolls completely dairy-free.
• Gluten-Free Flour Blend — Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour in place of regular flour for a celiac-friendly version; the texture will be slightly more tender and crumbly.
• Low-Sodium Option — Omit the salt in the dough or use a salt substitute to create a low-sodium version, perfect for those monitoring their intake.
• Seed Jam for Less Sugar — Opt for a chia seed raspberry jam or a no-sugar-added fruit spread to control the sweetness and add healthy fats and fiber to the filling.
• Greek Yogurt Glaze — For a protein boost, mix plain Greek yogurt with a little honey or powdered sugar instead of a traditional cream cheese glaze for a tangy, lighter topping.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair these Raspberry Swirl Sweet Rolls with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk for a classic, comforting breakfast.
• For a special brunch, serve them alongside savory dishes like scrambled eggs or a crisp green salad to balance the sweetness.
• Elevate the presentation by drizzling with a simple vanilla glaze or a light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving.
• Transform them into a decadent dessert by topping with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream.
• Make them the star of a holiday or celebratory brunch spread by arranging them on a tiered cake stand for a beautiful, eye-catching display.
• For a picnic or potluck, bake them in a disposable pan for easy transport and serve at room temperature.

These Raspberry Swirl Sweet Rolls are wonderfully versatile. Their vibrant swirl makes them perfect for festive occasions like Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, or a weekend family treat. For the best experience, serve them warm so the raspberry filling is soft and gooey.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using cold ingredients for the dough, which inhibits yeast activity and leads to dense rolls. Fix: Ensure your milk, eggs, and butter are at true room temperature (70-75°F) before mixing.
• Mistake: Rolling the dough too thin, causing the raspberry swirl to leak out during baking. Fix: Roll to a consistent ¼-inch thickness to create sturdy, defined layers.
• Mistake: Spreading the raspberry filling too close to the edges, which oozes out instead of swirling. Fix: Leave a ½-inch border on all sides when applying the filling.
• Mistake: Over-proofing the shaped rolls, making them collapse in the oven. Fix: Let them rise until just puffy and nearly doubled, about 30-45 minutes in a warm spot.
• Mistake: Baking in a cold oven, which can cause uneven cooking and pale tops. Fix: Always preheat your oven fully for at least 20-30 minutes before baking.
• Mistake: Using a runny glaze that soaks into the warm rolls instead of coating them. Fix: Let the raspberry swirl sweet rolls cool for 15-20 minutes before drizzling with a thick glaze.
• Mistake: Cutting the log with a dull knife, which squishes the beautiful spiral. Fix: Use unflavored dental floss or a very sharp serrated knife for clean cuts.
• Mistake: Adding too much flour while kneading, resulting in a dry, tough texture. Fix: The dough should be slightly tacky; trust the recipe measurements and knead until just smooth.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cool your Raspberry Swirl Sweet Rolls completely, then store them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days at refrigerator temperatures.
• Freezer: For longer storage, wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. These Raspberry Swirl Sweet Rolls freeze well for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: For the best texture, reheat refrigerated or thawed rolls in a 300°F oven for 5-10 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave a single roll for 15-20 seconds. Ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F for food safety.

Always allow baked goods to cool to room temperature before sealing them in a container to prevent condensation and sogginess.

Conclusion

These Raspberry Swirl Sweet Rolls are a beautiful and delicious treat perfect for any occasion. We hope you love making them as much as we do. Give the recipe a try and let us know how it goes in the comments below! For more decadent desserts, check out our Cream Cheese Cake Recipe or Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Recipe. Don’t forget to subscribe for more sweet inspiration!

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FAQs

Can I use frozen raspberries for the swirl?

Yes, frozen raspberries work perfectly. Thaw and drain them well before making the filling to avoid excess moisture, which can make your Raspberry Swirl Sweet Rolls soggy.

How do I store leftover sweet rolls?

Store cooled rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze them individually wrapped for up to a month and thaw at room temperature.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely. After the first rise, punch down the dough, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temperature the next day before rolling, filling, and baking your Raspberry Swirl Sweet Rolls.