Dough
- Proof the yeast. Pour warm milk into your mixer bowl. Add 1/2 tsp. of the sugar, then sprinkle the yeast over the milk. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes or until foamy.
- Add the eggs, melted butter and sugar. Whisk the ingredients until combined.
- Add the flour and salt. With a dough hook attachment knead the dough, on medium speed, for about five minutes or until the dough is soft, smooth and forms a ball. The dough will be tacky and slightly sticky. If the dough is too sticky you can add 1-2 tbsp. of flour.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 – 1 1/2 hour or until doubled in size.
Filling
- To a medium sauce pan add strawberries and sugar.
- Cook on low heat for 45 minutes – 1 hour. The strawberries should have cooked down and created a thick strawberry sauce. If the strawberry sauce is still runny continue cooking until thick. ( at about the half way point try the sauce, add more sugar if needed. If too sweet add some lemon juice. )
- Optional: Add 1/3 cup of freeze dried strawberries to food processor. Grind until the strawberries turn to powder. Measure out about 2 tablespoons and add to strawberry sauce. Cook until thickened.
- Cool completely.
Assembling the rolls
- Transfer to the dough to a floured surface. Roll the dough into a large rectangle. My rectangle is usually around 15-16 inch x 12-13 inch.
- Spread the strawberry filling all over the dough. You should have strawberry filling leftover for the top. About 1/3 cup.
- Cut the dough evenly into 12 long strips. Then roll the dough away from you to form a cinnamon roll. Transfer cinnamon rolls onto baking dish.
- Cover the cinnamon rolls with a towel and let them rise for 15-20 min. or until they slightly puffed up. While the cinnamon rolls are rising preheat the oven to 350 F.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. If the inside looks a little underdone, but the cinnamon rolls are golden brown cover with aluminum foil and bake for another 5 minutes.
Strawberry Cream Cheese frosting
- To a food processor add freeze dried strawberries.
- Beat cream cheese, butter, sugar and freeze dried strawberries until smooth. Add more sugar if desired.
- Slightly cool the cinnamon rolls for at least 10- 15 minutes.
- Spread the remaining strawberry filling over rolls then spread cream cheese frosting.