If you love soft, fluffy pastries with a creamy, fruity filling, then these Raspberry Cream Sweet Rolls will be your new favorite treat! These rolls are filled with sweet raspberry cream cheese filling and topped with a smooth vanilla glaze that melts in your mouth. Whether you serve them fresh for breakfast or as a comforting dessert, they will always be a hit.
Making these rolls from scratch may seem complicated, but it’s easier than you think! The dough is soft and pillowy, the raspberry filling adds a tangy-sweet contrast, and the vanilla glaze brings everything together. Even if you’re new to baking, this recipe provides step-by-step guidance to ensure a perfect result.
Another great feature of this recipe is that it is highly customizable. You can swap out ingredients to suit dietary needs or experiment with different fillings to create your own twist on this delicious treat.
Now, let’s dive into the details of how to make the most decadent Raspberry Cream Sweet Rolls!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Understanding the role of each ingredient in this recipe will help you achieve the best results. Here’s what you need and some possible substitutes:
- All-Purpose Flour – This provides the right texture for soft and chewy rolls. If you need a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free all-purpose blend with xanthan gum.
- Raspberries – Fresh raspberries add a delicious, tart-sweet contrast. If fresh raspberries aren’t available, you can use raspberry jam or thawed frozen raspberries. Just be sure to drain the frozen ones before use.
- Cream Cheese – This gives the filling a rich and creamy texture. You can substitute it with Greek yogurt for a tangy twist or a dairy-free cream cheese for a plant-based alternative.
- Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the dough and balances the tartness of the raspberries. You can use brown sugar for a deeper caramel-like flavor or a sugar substitute if you prefer a lower-calorie option.
- Milk – Whole milk makes the dough soft and moist. If you need a dairy-free option, you can substitute it with almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk.
How to Achieve a Smooth and Elastic Dough
A key factor in making soft and fluffy rolls is ensuring the dough is kneaded correctly. Follow these tips to get the perfect consistency:
- Mix dry ingredients properly – This ensures the yeast is evenly distributed, which leads to an even rise.
- Avoid overmixing – When you add the wet ingredients to the dry, mix just until combined to avoid developing too much gluten too soon.
- Knead thoroughly – Knead the dough for at least 5-7 minutes until it becomes soft and elastic. If it’s too sticky, add a little flour, but don’t overdo it!
- Let it rise in a warm space – Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rest for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size. The warmth helps activate the yeast for a soft, fluffy texture.
Step-by-Step Raspberry Cream Sweet Rolls Recipe
Ingredients
The Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
The Filling:
- 1 cup fresh raspberries (or raspberry jam)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
The Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk (adjust for consistency)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Making the Dough
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, yeast, and salt to distribute everything evenly.
- In a separate bowl, mix warm milk, melted butter, and eggs. Slowly pour this mixture into the dry ingredients while stirring.
- Mix until a soft dough forms, then transfer it to a floured surface for kneading.
2. Kneading & First Rise
- Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. It should be slightly tacky but not overly sticky.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
3. Preparing the Filling
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gently fold in the raspberries, being careful not to overmix, or they will break down too much.
4. Rolling & Shaping the Rolls
- Roll out the risen dough into a 16×12-inch rectangle on a floured surface.
- Spread the raspberry cream cheese filling evenly over the dough.
- Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, starting from the longer side.
- Using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss, cut into 12 equal pieces.
5. Second Rise & Baking
- Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between them.
- Cover and let them rise again for 30-45 minutes until they puff up.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Making the Glaze
- Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and slightly thick. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed.
7. Drizzling & Serving
- Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for about 5 minutes before drizzling the glaze over them.
- Serve warm and enjoy every bite of the soft, creamy, and flavorful sweet rolls!
How to Serve Raspberry Cream Sweet Rolls
Raspberry Cream Sweet Rolls are best served warm and fresh out of the oven. The soft, fluffy texture combined with the creamy raspberry filling and sweet vanilla glaze makes them irresistible. Here are some serving ideas to enhance your experience:
- For Breakfast or Brunch: Pair them with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa for a comforting start to your day.
- As a Dessert: Serve them as a sweet treat after dinner with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- With Fresh Fruit: Garnish with fresh raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries for an extra burst of flavor and color.
- Drizzle with More Sauce: Try adding a drizzle of raspberry sauce, caramel sauce, or extra vanilla glaze for a decadent touch.
- Make it Extra Special: Dust with powdered sugar or add a sprinkle of toasted almonds for extra texture.
Helpful Tips
- Use Fresh or Frozen Raspberries Wisely: If using frozen raspberries, thaw and drain them well to prevent excess moisture from making the filling runny.
- Don’t Overfill the Rolls: Adding too much filling can make them difficult to roll and cause the filling to leak while baking. Spread the filling evenly, leaving a slight border around the edges.
- Cut Rolls with Dental Floss: Instead of using a knife, use unflavored dental floss to slice the dough cleanly. This prevents squishing the rolls and helps them keep their shape.
- Let the Dough Rise Fully: The first and second rises are crucial for achieving soft, fluffy rolls. If your kitchen is cold, place the dough near a warm oven or in a slightly heated microwave to speed up the process.
- Bake Until Golden Brown: Keep an eye on the rolls while baking. They should be golden brown on top and slightly firm but soft to the touch when done.
- Adjust the Glaze Consistency: If you prefer a thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar. For a lighter drizzle, add more milk.
- Reheat for Freshness: If storing leftovers, warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving to restore their soft, fluffy texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen raspberries?
Yes! However, thaw them first and drain any excess liquid to avoid making the filling too runny.
What if I only have active dry yeast?
If using active dry yeast instead of instant yeast, proof it first by dissolving it in warm milk with a teaspoon of sugar and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. Then, proceed with the recipe as usual.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! After the first rise, you can refrigerate the dough overnight. When ready to bake, let it come to room temperature, roll, fill, and proceed with the second rise.
How do I store leftovers?
- At room temperature: Keep them in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerated: Store in the fridge for up to 5 days. Warm them slightly before serving.
- Freezing: Place in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.
How Can I Make These Rolls Dairy-Free?
To make this recipe dairy-free, use almond, oat, or coconut milk instead of regular milk. Replace the butter with vegan butter and use dairy-free cream cheese for the filling.
Can I Add Other Flavors to the Filling?
Absolutely! Try mixing in lemon zest, almond extract, or chopped nuts for a unique twist. You can also substitute the raspberries with blueberries, blackberries, or strawberries.
Why Didn’t My Dough Rise Properly?
If your dough didn’t rise well, check these factors:
- Your yeast may be expired. Always use fresh yeast for the best results.
- The milk may have been too hot or too cold. It should be warm (110°F/43°C), not hot.
- The dough needs a warm environment to rise properly. Place it in a warm spot for the best results.
Final Thoughts
Making Raspberry Cream Sweet Rolls from scratch is incredibly rewarding. These rolls are soft, fluffy, and packed with a delicious raspberry cream cheese filling, making them the perfect treat for any time of day. Whether you enjoy them with your morning coffee or serve them as a sweet ending to a meal, they are sure to be a hit. Plus, with simple ingredients and step-by-step guidance, even beginner bakers can master this recipe!
Try them today and indulge in every decadent, sweet, and creamy bite!
PrintRaspberry Cream Sweet Rolls
- Total Time: 2 hours (including rising time)
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Raspberry Cream Sweet Rolls are soft, fluffy, and filled with a luscious raspberry cream cheese mixture. Topped with a smooth vanilla glaze, they’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
For the Filling:
- 1 cup fresh raspberries (or raspberry jam)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk (adjust for consistency)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Make the Dough: Combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add warm milk, melted butter, and eggs. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead & First Rise: Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth. Let it rise in a greased bowl for 1 hour.
- Prepare the Filling: Mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Gently fold in raspberries.
- Roll & Shape: Roll the dough into a 16×12-inch rectangle, spread the filling, roll into a log, and cut into 12 pieces.
- Second Rise & Bake: Place rolls in a greased dish, let rise for 30-45 minutes, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes.
- Make the Glaze & Serve: Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Drizzle over warm rolls and enjoy!
Notes
- You can use frozen raspberries, but drain them first.
- The dough can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American