Vegan Strawberry Sweet Rolls Recipe

Introduction

These easy pink cinnamon rolls are a delightful, naturally colored treat. Made with a simple vegan dough and a vibrant strawberry filling, they offer a beautiful swirl without any artificial food coloring. This recipe is perfect for a special breakfast or a sweet afternoon snack. For another plant-based dish, try the Moroccan Lentil Carrot Salad (Vegan) Recipe.

Ingredients

These vibrant pink cinnamon rolls promise a soft, pillowy texture with a sweet-tart berry filling and a luscious, creamy frosting. Gather these ingredients for a festive and delicious treat.

• 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 schedule for Pink Cinnamon Rolls is about 20% faster than many traditional recipes, thanks to a simplified strawberry-infused dough that requires less initial proofing time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Pink Strawberry Dough

In a small bowl, combine warm milk (about 110°F), yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy. In a large mixing bowl, blend the strawberry puree, melted butter, egg, and remaining sugar. Add the yeast mixture and gradually mix in the flour and salt until a shaggy dough forms.

Tip: For a vibrant pink color, use freeze-dried strawberry powder in the dough or a generous amount of fresh puree. The dough will be slightly sticky.

Step 2 — Knead and First Rise

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

Tip: To test if the dough is properly kneaded, perform the “windowpane test”: stretch a small piece; it should thin without tearing easily.

Step 3 — Make the Filling and Roll Out Dough

While the dough rises, prepare the filling by mixing soft butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and a touch of strawberry powder for extra flavor and color. Punch down the risen dough and roll it on a floured surface into a 10×15-inch rectangle.

Step 4 — Assemble the Rolls

Spread the filling evenly over the dough rectangle, leaving a small border. Starting from a long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Use unflavored dental floss or a sharp knife to cleanly cut the log into 9-12 equal pieces.

Tip: For neat cuts, chill the rolled log for 15-20 minutes before slicing. This prevents the filling from squishing out.

Step 5 — Second Rise and Preheat

Place the cut Pink Cinnamon Rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between them for expansion. Cover and let them rise again for 30-45 minutes until puffy. Towards the end of this rise, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 6 — Bake to Perfection

Bake the Valentine’s rolls for 22-28 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the centers are fully set. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of a roll should read at least 190°F.

Tip: If the tops brown too quickly, tent the pan with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.

Step 7 — Prepare the Glaze and Finish

While the rolls bake, whisk together powdered sugar, milk or cream, vanilla extract, and a bit of strawberry puree or pink food coloring for the glaze. Let the baked Pink Cinnamon Rolls cool in the pan for 10 minutes before drizzling the glaze generously over the top.

Tip: For the best texture, apply the glaze while the rolls are still warm so it melts slightly and soaks in.

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 a standard recipe and serving size. Actual nutrition can vary with specific ingredients and preparation.

Healthier Alternatives for Pink Cinnamon Rolls

These festive pink cinnamon rolls can be adapted for various dietary needs without sacrificing their delightful strawberry flavor. Here are some practical ingredient swaps to try.

• Protein-Packed Flour — Swap half the all-purpose flour for a white whole wheat or oat flour blend. This adds fiber and a subtle nuttiness that complements the strawberry filling.
• Lower-Carb Sweetener — Replace the granulated sugar in the dough and filling with a monk fruit or erythritol blend. This maintains sweetness while reducing the overall carbohydrate count of your Valentine’s rolls.
• Dairy-Free Dough & Glaze — Use a plant-based milk (like almond or oat) and vegan butter. For the pink glaze, a simple mix of powdered sugar and dairy-free milk with strawberry powder works perfectly.
• Gluten-Free Base — Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for the dough. Adding a teaspoon of xanthan gum (if not included in the blend) helps achieve the soft, pliable texture needed for rolling.
• Low-Sodium Option — Omit the salt in the dough or use a potassium-based salt substitute. The sweetness from the strawberries and cinnamon will ensure the pink cinnamon rolls are still full of flavor.
• Natural Pink Color — Instead of food coloring, intensify the pink hue by using freeze-dried strawberry powder in both the dough and the glaze for a concentrated berry taste.
• Reduced-Fat Filling — For the cinnamon-sugar layer, mix your sweetener with ground cinnamon and a light spread of applesauce or mashed banana instead of butter for a moist, gooey result.
• Egg Substitute — For an egg-free version, use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water per egg) to bind the dough, which works well with the fruity notes of these strawberry rolls.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair these festive pink cinnamon rolls with a glass of cold milk, a creamy latte, or a cup of hot coffee to balance the sweetness.
• For a special Valentine’s Day breakfast in bed, arrange two pink Valentine’s rolls on a heart-shaped plate with fresh strawberries and a dusting of powdered sugar.
• Transform them into a decadent dessert by serving warm pink cinnamon rolls à la mode with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.
• Create a beautiful brunch spread by placing a platter of these rolls alongside other pink-themed treats like strawberry smoothies or fruit salad.
• For a charming plating idea, drizzle the rolls with extra pink glaze and garnish with edible rose petals or pink sprinkles for added texture and color.
• Offer a side of whipped cream cheese frosting or a strawberry compote for dipping, enhancing the berry flavor of your Valentine’s rolls with strawberries.

These pink cinnamon rolls are incredibly versatile. They shine as the centerpiece of a romantic morning, a sweet addition to a holiday brunch, or as a delightful homemade gift when packaged in a pretty box.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using too much strawberry puree, which adds excess liquid and makes the dough sticky and unworkable. Fix: Reduce other liquids in the recipe proportionally and consider using freeze-dried strawberry powder for intense color and flavor without the moisture.
• Mistake: Over-kneading the pink dough, which can damage the delicate gluten structure and lead to tough rolls. Fix: Knead just until the dough is smooth and elastic, and passes the windowpane test.
• Mistake: Letting the dough rise in a cold kitchen, which stalls yeast activity and results in dense rolls. Fix: Create a warm proofing spot by placing the bowl in a turned-off oven with a pan of hot water.
• Mistake: Rolling the dough too thin, causing the filling to leak out during baking and creating dry rolls. Fix: Aim for a consistent ¼-inch thickness to contain the cinnamon-sugar butter.
• Mistake: Spreading butter that’s too soft or melted for the filling, making it ooze out and creating a greasy pan. Fix: Use very soft, but not melted, butter so it stays in place and bakes into the layers.
• Mistake: Cutting rolls with a dull knife, which squishes the beautiful spiral instead of creating a clean slice. Fix: Use unflavored dental floss or a very sharp serrated knife for perfect, uncompressed portions.
• Mistake: Baking in a pan that’s too crowded, preventing heat circulation and yielding doughy centers. Fix: Space rolls with about an inch between them in the pan to allow for expansion and even baking.
• Mistake: Over-baking, which dries out the rolls and can cause the pink color to turn brownish. Fix: Bake just until the internal temperature reaches 190°F and the tops are golden, not dark brown.
• Mistake: Applying cream cheese frosting to hot rolls, causing it to melt into a thin, messy glaze. Fix: Let the pink cinnamon rolls cool for at least 15-20 minutes so the frosting holds its shape and flavor.
• Mistake: Storing leftover rolls at room temperature, which makes them stale quickly and can be a food safety risk due to the dairy in the frosting. Fix: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently before serving.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store your pink cinnamon rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The strawberry filling can make them soggy, so separate layers with parchment paper.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze un-iced rolls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
• Reheat: Warm refrigerated or thawed Valentine’s rolls in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-10 minutes, or in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Add icing after reheating.

For the best texture, enjoy these pink cinnamon rolls fresh. If you plan to freeze them, do so before adding the cream cheese frosting.

Conclusion

These vibrant Pink Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful, plant-based treat perfect for a special breakfast or Valentine’s Day. If you love fruity spreads, try our Orange Jam Recipe as a sweet topping. We hope you enjoy making these valentines rolls with strawberries—be sure to leave a comment and subscribe for more recipes!

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FAQs

What makes these cinnamon rolls pink?

These Pink Cinnamon Rolls get their festive color from a strawberry reduction or puree mixed into the dough. This natural ingredient adds a subtle berry flavor and a lovely pink hue, perfect for a Valentine’s Day treat.

Can I make these Valentine’s rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before. After shaping the Pink Cinnamon Rolls, cover and refrigerate them. In the morning, let them rise at room temperature before baking for fresh, warm rolls.

What’s the best frosting for these strawberry rolls?

A cream cheese frosting complements the strawberry notes beautifully. For an extra touch, you can add a little strawberry puree or pink food coloring to the frosting to match your Pink Cinnamon Rolls.