Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls – Sweet, Tangy, and Irresistibly Soft!
What’s better than the warm aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through your kitchen? Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls — that’s what! 🍓✨
These soft, fluffy rolls take the classic cinnamon roll and give it a fruity, tangy twist with bursts of fresh raspberries and a hint of bright lemon zest. The sweet-tart raspberries balance perfectly with the warm cinnamon filling and the pillowy, buttery dough. Finish it all off with a drizzle of vanilla-lemon glaze, and you’ve got a bakery-worthy treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack any time of day.
If you love homemade rolls, you’ll also enjoy this Classic Cinnamon Roll Recipe or for another fruity twist, try these Strawberry Sweet Rolls.
Ready to make your kitchen smell amazing? Let’s get baking!
Ingredients
- Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/4 cups milk warm
- 5/16 cup unsalted butter melted (about 5 tablespoons)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Filling:
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice fresh
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 –2 tablespoons lemon juice to desired consistency
- Optional Garnish:
- Extra lemon zest
- Fresh raspberries
- Dusting of powdered sugar
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
- Instant yeast
- Sugar
- Melted butter
- Eggs
- Vegetable oil
- Whisk until smooth.
- Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead the dough by hand or using a stand mixer with the dough hook attachment for 6–8 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
Step 2: Let the Dough Rise
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Tip: If your kitchen is cool, place the bowl in a slightly warm (but turned off) oven.
Step 3: Prepare the Raspberry Filling
- In a small bowl, gently toss the raspberries with:
- Lemon zest
- Lemon juice
- Sugar
- Ground cinnamon
- Set aside and let the mixture macerate while the dough finishes rising.
Step 4: Roll Out the Dough
- Once the dough has doubled, punch it down and turn it onto a floured surface.
- Roll it into a rectangle about 12×18 inches.
Step 5: Add the Filling
- Spread the raspberry mixture evenly over the dough.
- Gently press the filling into the dough to help it stick.
Step 6: Roll and Slice
- Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log.
- Slice into 12 equal rolls using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss for cleaner cuts.
Step 7: Second Rise
- Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cover with a clean towel and let rise again for 30–45 minutes, until puffy.
Step 8: Bake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Step 9: Make the Glaze
- In a bowl, whisk together:
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Lemon juice (adjust until desired consistency is reached)
Step 10: Glaze and Serve!
- Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls.
- Garnish with extra raspberries and lemon zest if desired.
- Serve and enjoy every sweet, tangy bite!
Notes
Variations
Want to put your own twist on these Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls? Try these ideas: 1. Add Cream Cheese Glaze
Swap the lemon glaze for a luscious cream cheese frosting. 2. Mixed Berry Rolls
Use a mix of blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries for a berry explosion. 3. Nutty Raspberry Rolls
Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans or almonds to the filling for crunch. 4. Chocolate Raspberry Rolls
Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the raspberry filling before rolling up. 5. Spiced Up
Increase the cinnamon and add a pinch of cardamom for extra warmth. 6. Overnight Method
Prep the rolls the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. In the morning, let them come to room temperature and bake as directed. Storage and Reheating
Storage:
Store cooled rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days. Freezing:
Freeze unglazed rolls for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm and glaze before serving. Reheating:
Microwave individual rolls for 15–20 seconds. Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 8–10 minutes. Pro Tip: Add a splash of milk or water before reheating to keep them soft! 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use frozen raspberries?
Yes! Use frozen berries directly from the freezer — no need to thaw. 2. Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare and shape the rolls, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh in the morning. 3. What if I don’t have instant yeast?
You can use active dry yeast. Just dissolve it in the warm milk with a pinch of sugar first, and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy. 4. Can I use a stand mixer?
Yes! Use the dough hook attachment to knead the dough for about 6–8 minutes. 5. How do I get cleaner slices?
Use unflavored dental floss to slice the dough cleanly without squishing it. 6. What flour works best?
All-purpose flour is perfect, but you can use bread flour for an even chewier texture. 7. Can I add a crumble topping?
Yes! Mix butter, sugar, and flour for a quick streusel to sprinkle over the rolls before baking. 8. How do I prevent soggy bottoms?
Avoid overfilling and bake on the middle rack. Also, let the rolls cool slightly before serving. 9. Can I double the recipe?
Of course! Just use two baking dishes and rotate them halfway through baking. 10. What’s the best way to serve them?
Warm, with a hot cup of coffee or tea — and extra glaze for dipping! Conclusion
There’s something magical about homemade rolls — especially when they’re filled with juicy raspberries and warm cinnamon spice. 🍓✨ These Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls are soft, fluffy, and bursting with bright, fruity flavor. The sweet-tart balance of the raspberries, the cozy warmth of cinnamon, and the finishing touch of tangy lemon glaze make every bite unforgettable. They’re perfect for lazy weekend breakfasts, festive brunches, or anytime you want to treat yourself and your loved ones to a bakery-quality experience at home. For more cozy bakes, try these Blueberry Sweet Rolls or this Lemon Poppy Seed Bread. Happy baking!
Want to put your own twist on these Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls? Try these ideas: 1. Add Cream Cheese Glaze
Swap the lemon glaze for a luscious cream cheese frosting. 2. Mixed Berry Rolls
Use a mix of blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries for a berry explosion. 3. Nutty Raspberry Rolls
Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans or almonds to the filling for crunch. 4. Chocolate Raspberry Rolls
Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the raspberry filling before rolling up. 5. Spiced Up
Increase the cinnamon and add a pinch of cardamom for extra warmth. 6. Overnight Method
Prep the rolls the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. In the morning, let them come to room temperature and bake as directed. Storage and Reheating
Storage:
Store cooled rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days. Freezing:
Freeze unglazed rolls for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm and glaze before serving. Reheating:
Microwave individual rolls for 15–20 seconds. Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 8–10 minutes. Pro Tip: Add a splash of milk or water before reheating to keep them soft! 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use frozen raspberries?
Yes! Use frozen berries directly from the freezer — no need to thaw. 2. Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare and shape the rolls, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh in the morning. 3. What if I don’t have instant yeast?
You can use active dry yeast. Just dissolve it in the warm milk with a pinch of sugar first, and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy. 4. Can I use a stand mixer?
Yes! Use the dough hook attachment to knead the dough for about 6–8 minutes. 5. How do I get cleaner slices?
Use unflavored dental floss to slice the dough cleanly without squishing it. 6. What flour works best?
All-purpose flour is perfect, but you can use bread flour for an even chewier texture. 7. Can I add a crumble topping?
Yes! Mix butter, sugar, and flour for a quick streusel to sprinkle over the rolls before baking. 8. How do I prevent soggy bottoms?
Avoid overfilling and bake on the middle rack. Also, let the rolls cool slightly before serving. 9. Can I double the recipe?
Of course! Just use two baking dishes and rotate them halfway through baking. 10. What’s the best way to serve them?
Warm, with a hot cup of coffee or tea — and extra glaze for dipping! Conclusion
There’s something magical about homemade rolls — especially when they’re filled with juicy raspberries and warm cinnamon spice. 🍓✨ These Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls are soft, fluffy, and bursting with bright, fruity flavor. The sweet-tart balance of the raspberries, the cozy warmth of cinnamon, and the finishing touch of tangy lemon glaze make every bite unforgettable. They’re perfect for lazy weekend breakfasts, festive brunches, or anytime you want to treat yourself and your loved ones to a bakery-quality experience at home. For more cozy bakes, try these Blueberry Sweet Rolls or this Lemon Poppy Seed Bread. Happy baking!