Vegan Strawberry Sweet Rolls Recipe

Introduction

Welcome to the ultimate guide for making the Best Pink Cinnamon Rolls Recipe. These fluffy and creamy homemade rolls are a delightful vegan treat, bursting with fresh strawberry flavor. They’re perfect for a special brunch or a sweet weekend project. For more fruity inspiration, try the Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes Recipe or the classic Strawberry Banana Bread Recipe Easy.

Ingredients

These pink cinnamon rolls are a feast for the senses, combining the soft, sweet aroma of freshly baked dough with the vibrant, tangy burst of berry filling and a luscious, creamy frosting.

• 115g of dairy-free butter
• 400ml of dairy-free milk (room temperature)
• 50g of caster sugar
• 1 pack active dry yeast (approx 7g)
• 480g of plain flour (plus extra for dusting)
• Pink food gel
• 100g of fresh / frozen raspberries
• 50g of caster sugar
• 1 tablespoon of water
• 2 tablespoons of cornflour
• 130g of strawberry / raspberry jam
• 50g of chopped fresh strawberries
• 60g of dairy-free butter
• 40g of dairy-free cream cheese
• 150g of icing sugar
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• Dairy-free milk (if needed)
• 2 tablespoons of freeze dried strawberries/ freeze dried raspberries
• Fresh strawberries

Timing

Prep Time	1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time	25 minutes
Total Time	1 hour 55 minutes

Context: This timeline for Pink Cinnamon Rolls is about 20% faster than many traditional recipes, thanks to a simplified strawberry-infused filling and a quicker proofing method.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Pink Strawberry Dough

In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy. Add strawberry puree, melted butter, sugar, salt, and egg. Gradually mix in flour until a soft, sticky, pink dough forms.

Tip: Use freeze-dried strawberry powder for a vibrant pink color without adding extra liquid. The dough should be tacky but pull away from the bowl’s sides.

Step 2 — Knead and First Rise

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm spot for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Tip: For a quick rise, place the bowl in a turned-off oven with a pan of hot water on the rack below. The dough is ready when a finger indentation remains.

Step 3 — Roll Out and Add Filling

Punch down the risen dough. On a floured surface, roll it into a 10×15-inch rectangle. Brush the surface with softened butter, leaving a ½-inch border. Evenly sprinkle a mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon over the butter.

Tip: For extra strawberry flavor, finely chop a few dried strawberries and mix them into the cinnamon-sugar filling.

Step 4 — Roll, Slice, and Second Rise

Tightly roll the dough into a log, starting from the long side. Using unflavored dental floss or a sharp serrated knife, slice into 9-12 even rolls. Place them in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy.

Tip: For perfect slices, mark the log with a ruler before cutting. Space the rolls slightly apart in the dish so they have room to expand.

Step 5 — Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the risen Pink Cinnamon Rolls for 22-28 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the centers are cooked through.

Tip: The rolls are done when an internal thermometer reads 190°F (88°C). If the tops brown too quickly, tent loosely with foil.

Step 6 — Make the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

While the rolls bake, beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, a splash of vanilla, and strawberry puree or jam. Whip until light and fluffy.

Tip: For a pinker frosting and more intense flavor, use a teaspoon of freeze-dried strawberry powder instead of puree to avoid thinning the consistency.

Step 7 — Frost and Serve Warm

Let the baked Valentine’s rolls cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes. Spread or drizzle the strawberry cream cheese frosting generously over the warm rolls. Serve immediately for the ultimate gooey, festive treat.

Tip: The warmth from the rolls will slightly melt the frosting, creating a delicious glaze. For best results, enjoy the same day.

Nutritional Information

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

Note: These are approximate values per Pink Cinnamon Roll, based on standard ingredients and serving size. Actual values may vary with specific brands and preparation.

Healthier Alternatives for Pink Cinnamon Rolls

These Valentine’s rolls with strawberries can be adapted to fit various dietary needs without sacrificing their festive charm. Here are practical ingredient swaps to try.

• Protein-Packed Flour — Replace half the all-purpose flour with white whole wheat or a scoop of unflavored whey or pea protein isolate for a boost that keeps the dough tender.
• Lower-Carb Sweetener — Swap the granulated sugar in the filling and frosting for a powdered erythritol or monk fruit blend to maintain sweetness while reducing carbs and keeping the pink hue.
• Dairy-Free Dough & Frosting — Use a plant-based milk (like almond or oat) and vegan butter or coconut oil. For the cream cheese frosting, opt for a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
• Gluten-Free Flour Blend — Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Let the dough rest a bit longer to help the starches hydrate for better texture.
• Reduced-Sodium Option — Omit the salt in the dough or use a potassium-based salt substitute. Ensure your baking powder is aluminum-free and low-sodium.
• Natural Pink Color — Instead of food coloring, intensify the pink naturally by adding a tablespoon of reduced strawberry puree or a bit of beet powder to the dough or frosting.
• Healthy Fat Swap — Substitute half the butter in the dough with unsweetened applesauce or mashed ripe banana for a moist, slightly lighter roll with a subtle fruit note.
• Nutty Flavor & Fiber — Mix chopped almonds or pecans into the cinnamon-sugar filling for added crunch, healthy fats, and fiber, complementing the strawberry flavor beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair these festive Pink Cinnamon Rolls with a glass of cold milk, a cup of hot coffee, or a strawberry smoothie for a delightful breakfast or brunch.
• Serve them as the centerpiece of a Valentine’s Day or Galentine’s Day breakfast in bed, arranged on a heart-shaped platter for extra romance.
• Transform them into a decadent dessert by topping warm rolls with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
• Create a beautiful brunch spread by pairing your Valentines rolls with strawberries alongside fresh fruit salad, crispy bacon, and scrambled eggs.
• For a playful party treat, set up a pink icing and sprinkle station so guests can decorate their own individual rolls.
• Drizzle the rolls with a simple pink glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and a touch of strawberry puree or pink food coloring for a glossy finish.
• Plate these rolls on a simple white or pastel-colored plate to make their vibrant pink swirls and any red strawberry pieces truly stand out.

Whether you call them Pink Cinnamon Rolls or Valentines rolls with strawberries, their sweet, fruity flavor and stunning color make them perfect for sharing with someone special.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using cold ingredients for the dough, which inhibits yeast activation and leads to dense rolls. Fix: Ensure your milk, eggs, and butter are at true room temperature (70–75°F) before mixing.
• Mistake: Over-flouring the work surface and dough, resulting in a tough, dry texture. Fix: Lightly flour your surface and hands; a slightly sticky dough is better than an over-floured one.
• Mistake: Rolling the dough too thin, which can cause the rolls to tear or bake up thin and dry. Fix: Aim for a consistent ¼-inch thickness to get plump, soft Pink Cinnamon Rolls.
• Mistake: Spreading the strawberry filling too thickly or using overly wet fruit, creating a soggy, leaky center. Fix: Use a reduced jam or macerated, drained strawberries for intense flavor without excess moisture.
• Mistake: Rushing the final proof, so the rolls don’t achieve their full, fluffy volume before baking. Fix: Let them rise in a warm, draft-free spot until nearly doubled and puffy to the touch (about 1 hour).
• Mistake: Baking in an oven that isn’t fully preheated, causing uneven cooking and pale rolls. Fix: Always preheat your oven for at least 20–30 minutes and use an oven thermometer for accuracy.
• Mistake: Over-baking, which dries out the tender crumb and can burn the pink-tinted edges. Fix: Bake just until the tops are golden and the internal temperature reaches 190–200°F.
• Mistake: Applying cream cheese frosting to hot rolls, causing it to melt into a messy glaze. Fix: Let your Valentine’s rolls cool for 15–20 minutes so the frosting holds its shape and flavor.
• Mistake: Using artificial food coloring that can impart a bitter taste or fade during baking. Fix: For natural pink color, blend freeze-dried strawberry powder into the dough or frosting.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store your Pink Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Ensure they are completely cool before refrigerating to prevent sogginess.
• Freezer: For longer storage, wrap individual Valentine’s rolls with strawberries tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: For the best texture, reheat refrigerated or thawed rolls in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-10 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave a single roll for 15-20 seconds. Always ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

To enjoy the fresh-baked taste of your Pink Cinnamon Rolls, we recommend reheating them just before serving.

Conclusion

These vibrant pink cinnamon rolls are the perfect sweet treat for a special breakfast or Valentine’s Day. We hope you love baking these Valentines rolls with strawberries as much as we do! If you try them, please leave a comment below and subscribe for more delicious recipes like our Moroccan Lentil Carrot Salad (Vegan) Recipe.

Print

FAQs

How do I get the pink color in these cinnamon rolls?

The vibrant pink color in these Pink Cinnamon Rolls comes from using freeze-dried strawberry powder mixed into the dough and sometimes the frosting. This natural method provides both the festive hue and a subtle strawberry flavor, perfect for Valentine’s rolls with strawberries.

Can I make the dough for Pink Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before. After the first rise, shape the rolls, place them in your baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate. The next morning, let them come to room temperature and complete their final rise before baking.

What’s the best way to store leftover Pink Cinnamon Rolls?

Store leftover Pink Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze them unfrosted; simply thaw and warm them before adding the pink strawberry frosting for the best texture and flavor.