If you adore the perfect blend of earthy and sweet, then the Gooey Matcha Cinnamon Rolls with Strawberry Filling Recipe is about to become your newest obsession. These cinnamon rolls are a delightful twist on the classic treat, featuring soft and fluffy matcha-infused dough that bakes to a gorgeous green color, bursting with an irresistible strawberry jam filling. The marriage of the rich cinnamon sugar and vibrant strawberry jam inside these rolls, crowned with a smooth matcha glaze and topped with delicate freeze-dried strawberries, makes each bite a celebration of flavor and texture. This recipe promises a bakery-worthy experience that’s both fun and utterly delicious, ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a special dessert moment.
Ingredients You'll Need
These ingredients might look simple, but each plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and that signature green hue. From fresh dairy to carefully sifted matcha powder, every element works to bring this Gooey Matcha Cinnamon Rolls with Strawberry Filling Recipe to life.
- Frozen Strawberries: Essential for a fresh, natural strawberry filling that’s sweet and slightly tart.
- Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel notes and richness to both the jam and the cinnamon filling.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens up the strawberry jam with a hint of acidity, balancing sweetness.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the strawberry jam to the perfect spreadable consistency.
- Strawberry Extract (optional): Intensifies the strawberry flavor for an extra punch.
- Bread Flour: Provides structure to the dough, for those soft, fluffy rolls.
- Culinary Grade Matcha: The star ingredient for that vibrant green color and earthy flavor.
- Instant Yeast: Ensures your rolls rise beautifully, light and airy.
- Fine Sea Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- Heavy Cream & Whole Milk: Add tenderness and richness to the dough.
- Large Egg: Helps with the dough’s structure and adds moisture.
- Unsalted Butter: Both in the dough and filling to create luscious, melt-in-your-mouth layers.
- Ground Cinnamon: Brings warmth and spice to the filling.
- Powdered Sugar: Forms the base of the silky matcha icing.
- Freeze-Dried or Fresh Strawberries: For that final charming garnish.
How to Make Gooey Matcha Cinnamon Rolls with Strawberry Filling Recipe
Step 1: Make the Strawberry Jam
Start by cooking the frozen strawberries with brown sugar and lemon juice over medium-high heat, mashing them gently as they soften. This slow simmer transforms the berries into a sweet and vibrant jam. Once it begins to thicken, stir in a cornstarch slurry to achieve a perfect spreadable consistency. Finish with a splash of strawberry extract if desired, then cool it down while you prepare the dough. This jam is the luscious heart of the rolls, offering bursts of fruity brightness.
Step 2: Prepare the Tangzhong
The tangzhong – a simple mixture of bread flour and water cooked until it thickens – adds incredible softness and moisture to your rolls. Making this “water roux” first is a baker’s secret to keeping the buns tender and fresh longer. Let it cool before mixing with the dough ingredients.
Step 3: Mix the Matcha Dough
Combine your bread flour, sugar, sifted matcha, yeast, and salt in a large bowl. Then blend in the heavy cream, whole milk, egg, and cooled tangzhong. Knead in the room temperature butter last for a rich, silky dough. This dough is wonderfully soft yet holds its shape, with the beautiful green matcha color shining through.
Step 4: First Rise
Let the dough rest in a warm spot until it doubles in size. This fermentation step is crucial for that light, airy texture that makes the Gooey Matcha Cinnamon Rolls with Strawberry Filling Recipe so delightful. Patience here will be rewarded!
Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Filling
While the dough rises, mix softened butter with brown sugar and cinnamon until creamy and spreadable. This fragrant filling works in harmony with the strawberry jam, creating layers of gooey sweetness inside each roll.
Step 6: Roll Out, Fill, and Shape
Once risen, roll the dough into a rectangle and spread the cinnamon sugar filling evenly. Next, drizzle or dollop the strawberry jam over the cinnamon layer. Roll it up tightly and slice into 12 equal pieces. This step is where the magic happens, layering vibrant flavor and gooey textures in every spiral.
Step 7: Second Rise and Bake
Place the rolls snugly into a greased 9x13 baking pan for a final rise until puffed and nearly doubled. Then bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 33 minutes, until golden brown with that irresistible inviting aroma of matcha and cinnamon filling.
Step 8: Make the Matcha Icing and Finish
While the rolls bake, whisk powdered sugar with matcha powder, melted butter, heavy cream, and milk until smooth and luscious. Drizzle this silky glaze over the warm rolls, and sprinkle with freeze-dried or fresh strawberries for a bright and beautiful finishing touch.
How to Serve Gooey Matcha Cinnamon Rolls with Strawberry Filling Recipe
Garnishes
Top these rolls with delicate freeze-dried strawberries or fresh berry slices for a burst of color and a lovely texture contrast. A light dusting of extra matcha powder can provide a vibrant, earthy finish that echoes the green dough beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair your Gooey Matcha Cinnamon Rolls with a hot cup of green tea or a lightly creamy latte to complement the matcha flavor. Fresh fruit salad or a simple yogurt parfait also makes a refreshing and balanced accompaniment for brunch or dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the rolls straight from the pan for a cozy, inviting look, or arrange them on a platter with drizzles of additional matcha glaze and strawberry coulis for a festive touch. For a crowd, consider serving mini versions as finger food alongside small dollops of cream or mascarpone.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These rolls keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, retaining their delightful softness and fresh flavor. Refrigeration is not necessary unless your kitchen is very warm.
Freezing
Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. To enjoy later, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm briefly in the oven or microwave.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven covered with foil to refresh the rolls without drying them out. A quick microwave burst wrapped in a damp paper towel also works well if you’re in a hurry.
FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen for the jam?
Absolutely! Fresh strawberries work wonderfully for the jam. Just make sure to mash and cook them down thoroughly for the best consistency and flavor.
Is it necessary to use instant yeast or can active dry yeast work?
You can substitute active dry yeast by proofing it first in warm milk with a pinch of sugar before adding to the dough. Just adjust for the extra liquid and proofing time accordingly.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
With some substitutions like plant-based milk, vegan butter, and egg replacer, you can adapt this recipe. The flavor will still shine, though the texture may be slightly different from the original.
What type of matcha is best for these cinnamon rolls?
Use culinary grade matcha for baking, as it has a bold flavor and vibrant color perfect for infused dough and icing.
How long can I let the dough rise?
The first rise should be about 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled, depending on room temperature. Longer, slower risings in the refrigerator work great for flavor development as well, just extend the time accordingly.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about the Gooey Matcha Cinnamon Rolls with Strawberry Filling Recipe — from their stunning green swirls to the luscious strawberry surprise inside. Baking these rolls is an experience filled with anticipation and joy, and sharing them with loved ones makes it even sweeter. If you want to impress, indulge, or simply treat yourself to something uniquely comforting, give this recipe a go. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and your taste buds will thank you!
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Gooey Matcha Cinnamon Rolls with Strawberry Filling Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 33 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
These Gooey Matcha Cinnamon Rolls with Strawberry Filling are soft, fluffy, and filled with a sweet homemade strawberry jam and cinnamon sugar. The vibrant matcha dough bakes to a beautiful green hue with a delicate earthy flavor, perfectly balanced by the fruity and sweet filling. Finished with a silky matcha glaze and topped with freeze-dried strawberries, these rolls offer a unique twist on a classic bakery favorite, ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Ingredients
Strawberry Jam
- 2 cups frozen strawberries (245 g)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed (30 g)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons water
- 2 teaspoons strawberry extract, optional but recommended
Tangzhong
- ¼ cup bread flour
- ¾ cup water
Matcha Dough
- 3 ⅔ cups bread flour
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon culinary grade matcha, sifted
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- ⅓ cup heavy cream, room temperature
- ⅓ cup whole milk, room temperature
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- Tangzhong from above
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
Cinnamon Sugar Filling
- ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- ⅔ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Matcha Icing
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons culinary grade matcha, sifted
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons whole milk
- Freeze-dried or fresh strawberries, for topping
Instructions
- Make the Strawberry Jam: In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine frozen strawberries, brown sugar, and lemon juice. Stir occasionally while mashing the berries with a potato masher or wooden spoon. When the mixture begins to thicken, whisk together cornstarch and water and stir into the berry mixture. Continue cooking and stirring until the jam is thick and paste-like, about 2-4 more minutes. Remove from heat, stir in strawberry extract if using, transfer to a bowl, and let cool completely.
- Prepare the Tangzhong: In a small saucepan, whisk together bread flour and water until smooth. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens into a paste. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
- Make the Matcha Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine bread flour, granulated sugar, sifted matcha, instant yeast, and sea salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream, whole milk, egg, and the cooled tangzhong. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms. Add room temperature unsalted butter in pieces, kneading until fully incorporated and the dough is soft, smooth, and elastic. Cover and let the dough rise until doubled in size, approximately 2 hours.
- Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Filling: In a bowl, cream together unsalted butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until smooth and combined.
- Assemble the Rolls: Roll out the risen dough on a floured surface into a large rectangle about 16x12 inches. Spread the cinnamon sugar filling evenly over the dough, then spread the cooled strawberry jam over the filling. Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut into 12 equal rolls and place them cut-side up in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Cover and let rise until nearly doubled, about 1 hour.
- Bake the Rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 30-33 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Matcha Icing: In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and sifted matcha. Add melted butter, heavy cream, and whole milk and whisk until smooth and pourable.
- Glaze and Garnish: Drizzle the matcha icing generously over the warm cinnamon rolls. Top with freeze-dried or fresh strawberries for a colorful and flavorful finish. Serve warm and enjoy your gooey, vibrant matcha cinnamon rolls!
Notes
- Measure bread flour by spooning into your measuring cup and leveling off to avoid a dense dough.
- Using culinary grade matcha ensures the best flavor and color for the dough and glaze.
- Allow the strawberry jam to cool completely before spreading to prevent melting the cinnamon sugar filling.
- For best results, keep all dairy ingredients at room temperature before mixing.
- The rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 4 hours
- Cook Time: 33 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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