Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup whole milk, warmed to about 110°F
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 tablespoons milk (as needed to achieve desired consistency)

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.
2. Add the melted butter and eggs to the yeast mixture and mix well. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
3. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
4. While the dough is rising, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Set aside the softened butter and sliced strawberries for later.
5. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it out into a rectangular shape, about 1/4 inch thick.
6. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture across the top and distribute the sliced strawberries evenly.
7. Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal and cut the rolled dough into 12 equal pieces.
8. Place the cinnamon rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes.
9. Preheat your oven to 350°F while the rolls are rising.
10. Bake the cinnamon rolls in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
11. While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting by mixing the softened cream cheese and butter, then gradually adding the powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
12. Once the cinnamon rolls are baked, let them cool for about 10 minutes before frosting them.