Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Juicy Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls: A Sweet Morning Recipe

Sweet mornings just got better with these raspberry cinnamon rolls that blend tangy fruit and warm spices into one irresistible treat.

Soft dough becomes a canvas for bright raspberry swirls and rich cinnamon notes.

Delicate pastry layers promise pure comfort with each delectable bite.

Fragrant spices mingle with fresh fruit, creating a breakfast experience that feels both familiar and extraordinary.

Weekend baking transforms into a delightful culinary adventure when you start rolling these special pastries.

Imagine the kitchen filling with incredible aromas that draw everyone to the table.

Let’s make magic happen with this simple yet spectacular recipe that will become your new weekend tradition.

Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls Flavor Profile

  • Raspberries add a vibrant, tangy twist to traditional cinnamon rolls, creating a delightful flavor explosion that transforms an ordinary breakfast into something extraordinary.
  • Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, this recipe requires minimal technical expertise and can be whipped up with basic kitchen tools, making it accessible for weekend baking adventures.
  • These rolls offer a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, guaranteed to impress family and friends at brunches, potlucks, or lazy weekend mornings with their irresistible aroma and gorgeous presentation.
  • Whether you're celebrating a special morning, hosting brunch, or craving a homemade dessert, these raspberry cinnamon rolls adapt beautifully to any gathering or mood.

Ingredients for Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls

Dough Ingredients:
  • Active Dry Yeast: A key ingredient that helps the dough rise and creates a light, fluffy texture.
  • Warm Milk: Activates the yeast and provides moisture for the dough.
  • Granulated Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness to the dough.
  • Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the dough.
  • Large Egg: Binds the ingredients and provides structure to the rolls.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dough.
  • All-Purpose Flour: The main structure of the rolls, creating a soft and tender base.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Unsalted Butter: Creates a smooth base for the filling and adds richness.
  • Granulated Sugar, Ground Cinnamon: Provides a classic sweet and warm flavor combination.
  • Fresh Raspberries: Adds a burst of fruity flavor and moisture to the rolls.
Frosting Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese, Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich and creamy base for the frosting.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and enhances the overall flavor.
  • Milk: Helps to achieve the perfect frosting consistency.

Baking Instructions for Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Activate Yeast Magic

Warm milk and awaken yeast by gently stirring them together.

Let the mixture sit and bubble for a few minutes until it becomes frothy and alive.

Add:
  • Sugar
  • Melted butter
  • Egg
  • Salt

Mix everything thoroughly until a soft, sticky dough forms.

Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth and elastic.

Place in a warm spot and let it rise for about an hour, watching it double in size.

Step 2: Create Fruity Swirl Base

Roll out the puffy dough into a large rectangular shape.

Generously spread softened butter across the surface.

Sprinkle a delightful mixture of:
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Brown sugar

Scatter fresh raspberries evenly across the dough.

Carefully roll the dough tightly from the long side, creating a beautiful spiraled log.

Slice the log into 12 even rounds.

Step 3: Prepare for Baking

Place the rolled cinnamon beauties into a greased baking dish.

Allow them to rise again for 30 minutes, becoming plump and pillowy.

Preheat the oven to 350F.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the rolls turn a gorgeous golden brown and fill the kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

Step 5: Whip Up Creamy Frosting

Beat together:
  • Cream cheese
  • Butter
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Milk

Blend until smooth and luxuriously creamy.

Once rolls are slightly cooled, generously spread the frosting on top, letting it melt slightly into the warm pastry.

Tips for Fluffy Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls

  • Pat raspberries dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture before spreading on dough, ensuring a crisp and flavorful roll.
  • Place dough in a warm, draft-free area like a turned-off oven with a pan of hot water to help it rise perfectly and develop rich flavor.
  • Use unflavored dental floss to cut rolls cleanly without squishing the delicate dough, creating uniform and neat cinnamon rolls.
  • Let cream cheese and butter soften at room temperature for 30 minutes before making frosting to achieve a smooth, lump-free consistency.
  • Wrap unbaked rolls tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before baking for fresh-tasting treats anytime.

Storing and Reheating Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls

  • Store covered rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep frosting separate in a sealed container.
  • Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag. Freeze for maximum 1 month without frosting.
  • Microwave individual rolls for 15-20 seconds or warm in 325F oven for 5-7 minutes until heated through.
  • Transfer frozen rolls to refrigerator overnight, then warm in oven at 325F for 8-10 minutes before adding fresh frosting.

Pairing Suggestions for Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls

  • Pair with Bright Citrus Tea: Brew a light, zesty lemon or orange herbal tea that cuts through the rich, sweet cinnamon rolls and complements the tangy raspberries.
  • Complement with Vanilla Bean Latte: Create a smooth, creamy coffee drink that echoes the vanilla notes in the frosting and balances the fruity raspberry flavor.
  • Match with Whipped Mascarpone Spread: Prepare a light, airy cheese spread with a hint of honey to enhance the rolls' sweetness and provide a luxurious creamy contrast.
  • Serve with Chilled Raspberry Spritzer: Mix fresh raspberry juice, sparkling water, and a touch of mint for a refreshing drink that mirrors the rolls' fruity essence.

Flavor Variations for Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls

  • Gluten-Free Raspberry Rolls: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum for better texture. Perfect for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
  • Vegan Raspberry Delight: Swap dairy milk with almond milk, use coconut oil instead of butter, and replace egg with flax egg. Choose plant-based cream cheese for frosting.
  • Low-Sugar Alternative: Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener in dough and filling. Replace traditional frosting with a lighter Greek yogurt glaze for fewer calories.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use almond milk, and select dairy-free cream cheese for frosting. Maintains original flavor while accommodating lactose-intolerant individuals.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen raspberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen raspberries. Just thaw and pat them dry before adding to the filling to prevent excess moisture.

  • How do I know if my yeast is still active?

Dissolve yeast in warm milk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. If it becomes foamy and bubbly, the yeast is active and ready to use.

  • What if my dough isn't rising properly?

Ensure your kitchen is warm and draft-free. The ideal temperature for dough rising is around 80-90°F. You can also place the dough near a warm oven.

  • Can I prepare the rolls the night before?

Absolutely! After cutting the rolls, place them in the baking dish, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.

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Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe


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4.5 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Warm cinnamon rolls infused with raspberry swirls offer sweet morning comfort. Pillowy dough embraces delicate fruit and fragrant spice, promising a delightful breakfast experience you’ll savor with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Wet Ingredients:

  • 1 cup whole milk (lukewarm)
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup fresh raspberries

Frosting Ingredients:

  • 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons milk

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast by dissolving it in tepid milk, allowing it to become frothy and aromatic.
  2. Incorporate sugar, melted butter, egg, salt, and flour into the yeast mixture, creating a cohesive and elastic dough.
  3. Knead the dough thoroughly until it achieves a silky, smooth texture and develops a slight springiness.
  4. Allow the dough to rest and expand in a warm, draft-free environment for approximately 60 minutes, or until it doubles in volume.
  5. Gently roll out the risen dough into a rectangular shape, ensuring an even thickness across the surface.
  6. Liberally spread softened butter across the dough, creating a rich, moisture-laden foundation.
  7. Generously dust the buttered surface with a harmonious blend of cinnamon and sugar, ensuring complete coverage.
  8. Delicately scatter fresh raspberries across the dough, distributing them evenly for consistent fruity bursts.
  9. Carefully roll the dough into a tight cylinder, sealing the filling within its soft embrace.
  10. Slice the rolled dough into 12 uniform segments, arranging them in a generously greased baking dish.
  11. Allow the rolls to undergo a second rising period for 30 minutes, becoming puffy and interconnected.
  12. Preheat the oven to 350F (175C), creating an ideal baking environment.
  13. Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until they transform into a golden, enticing masterpiece.
  14. Whip the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk into a luxuriously smooth frosting.
  15. Once cooled, lavishly drizzle the frosting over the warm rolls, creating an irresistible finishing touch.

Notes

  • Check yeast freshness by ensuring it foams in warm milk, which guarantees perfect dough rise and fluffy rolls.
  • Use room temperature ingredients like butter and egg to help ingredients blend smoothly and create consistent texture.
  • Prevent raspberries from bleeding by patting them dry and lightly dusting with flour before adding to filling, keeping roll layers distinct and preventing soggy spots.
  • Consider dairy-free alternatives like almond milk and vegan butter for lactose-intolerant or plant-based diets without compromising taste and texture.
  • Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 326
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 189 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 47 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Jack Sullivan

Jack Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Single-recipe development with a narrative approach, Culinary storytelling and food history, Seasonal and regional ingredient utilization, Home cooking techniques adapted for modern kitchens​

Education

New England Culinary Institute (Montpelier, VT)
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on farm-to-table cooking, sustainable practices, and modern plating techniques.​

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southern Appalachian cuisine and local ingredient sourcing.​


Jack grew up surrounded by smoky skillets and handwritten recipes in the mountains of North Carolina. His roots in Appalachian cooking shaped the way he sees food – as something that connects people, tells a story, and holds meaning.
With hands-on training and a background in sustainable, regional cooking, Jack started Boil And Broil to make meaningful meals more accessible. He’s all about one-dish recipes that are simple to follow but rich with flavor and history.

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