Raspberry Swirl Sweet Rolls Recipe
Imagine biting into a warm, pillowy soft roll that’s swirled with tangy, jewel-bright raspberry filling and topped with a rich, dreamy cream cheese glaze. That’s the magic of Raspberry Swirl Sweet Rolls—an irresistible twist on classic cinnamon rolls that brings the flavor and color of summer berries to your breakfast table or brunch spread. Whether you serve them at a weekend gathering or enjoy one with your morning coffee, these sweet rolls are guaranteed to brighten any day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how these simple pantry staples combine to create something so stunning. Each ingredient in Raspberry Swirl Sweet Rolls plays a vital role, from the tender dough base to the vibrant raspberry filling and the luscious cream cheese glaze on top.
- Whole milk: Adds richness and makes the dough extra soft—warm just enough to activate the yeast, not too hot!
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens both the dough and the raspberry filling, helping the yeast bloom too.
- Active dry yeast: The key to those fluffy, bakery-style layers in every roll.
- Unsalted butter: Melted for the dough and softened for the glaze, it brings a melt-in-your-mouth texture and buttery flavor.
- Large egg: Gives structure and color, making the rolls golden and tender.
- All-purpose flour: Reliable, versatile, and creates the perfect pillowy texture for sweet rolls.
- Salt: Just a touch balances out the sweetness and boosts the overall flavor.
- Fresh or frozen raspberries: Bright, tangy, and juicy, they make the perfect filling (no thawing needed for frozen berries).
- Cornstarch: Thickens the raspberry filling, so it stays beautifully swirled inside the rolls.
- Lemon juice: Adds brightness and helps bring out the natural berry flavor.
- Cream cheese: Essential for a thick, creamy glaze with the right tang to complement the sweet rolls.
- Powdered sugar: Blends smoothly into the glaze, making it silky and sweet.
- Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the glaze.
- Milk (for glaze): Just enough to get the glaze to that dreamy, drizzle-able consistency.
How to Make Raspberry Swirl Sweet Rolls
Step 1: Bloom the Yeast
Start by combining your warm milk with a bit of sugar and the yeast. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy and smells slightly sweet and yeasty—this means the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic!
Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough
In a large bowl, mix together your melted butter and egg with the activated yeast mixture. Stir in the flour and salt until a shaggy dough forms, then knead on a lightly floured surface for 6 to 8 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic. This step is incredibly satisfying and essential for those soft, fluffy layers.
Step 3: First Rise
Pop your dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and place it somewhere warm. Let it rise for about an hour—enough time for the dough to double in size and get beautifully airy. Use this time to prep your raspberry filling!
Step 4: Make the Raspberry Swirl Filling
In a saucepan, cook raspberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice over medium heat, stirring until the mixture thickens and the berries break down (about 5 to 7 minutes). Let this vibrant, aromatic filling cool completely before assembling your rolls. It’s what gives Raspberry Swirl Sweet Rolls their iconic look and taste.
Step 5: Roll Out and Fill the Dough
Punch down your risen dough and roll it into a 10×15-inch rectangle. Spread the cooled raspberry filling evenly over the surface, right up to the edges, for maximum swirl in each bite.
Step 6: Shape and Second Rise
Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Slice it into 12 equal pieces and arrange them into a greased 9×13-inch pan. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes, so they get plump and puffy before baking.
Step 7: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake the rolls for 22 to 25 minutes, until they’re golden, bubbling, and your kitchen smells absolutely amazing. Let the rolls cool slightly before glazing.
Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze
Beat together soft cream cheese and butter until fluffy, then add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and just enough milk to make the glaze spreadable but not too thin. This luscious topping brings the entire Raspberry Swirl Sweet Rolls experience together.
Step 9: Glaze and Enjoy
Spread the glaze generously over the still-warm rolls so it melts slightly and seeps into the layers. Grab a fork and dive in—the first bite is pure bliss!
How to Serve Raspberry Swirl Sweet Rolls
Garnishes
For a bakery-worthy finish, scatter a handful of fresh raspberries or lemon zest over the glazed rolls. A sprig of mint also looks lovely and adds a touch of freshness. Dusting with a bit of extra powdered sugar just before serving is another simple, pretty touch.
Side Dishes
These rolls are the star of any breakfast or brunch but go beautifully with fresh fruit salad, a crisp citrus parfait, or even a side of Greek yogurt. If you’re feeling especially decadent, try pairing them with mimosas or a creamy latte.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Raspberry Swirl Sweet Rolls family-style in their baking dish for that classic, cozy look, or arrange them on a cake stand drizzled with extra glaze. For a brunch buffet, try making individual rolls in muffin tins for easy grab-and-go servings. Mini rolls are perfect for parties and tea times, turning an everyday treat into something extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Raspberry Swirl Sweet Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want them to last longer, transfer to the fridge and enjoy within four days—just warm them slightly before serving for that fresh-from-the-oven effect.
Freezing
For maximum convenience, you can freeze baked or unbaked rolls. Bake, cool completely, then wrap and freeze for up to two months. If freezing before baking, arrange shaped rolls in a pan, cover tightly, and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed. Glaze after reheating for the freshest results.
Reheating
Pop individual rolls in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds, or warm a pan in a 300°F oven for 10–12 minutes. For best texture, cover loosely with foil while reheating so the glaze doesn’t dry out and the rolls stay soft and tender.
FAQs
Can I use frozen raspberries for Raspberry Swirl Sweet Rolls?
Absolutely! Frozen raspberries work perfectly and there’s no need to thaw them beforehand. Using frozen berries can even make the filling easier to handle and spread, giving you those gorgeous swirls without any extra fuss.
How can I prepare the rolls the night before?
Simply assemble the rolls up to the point of the second rise, then cover the baking dish tightly and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature and complete the final rise for about 30 minutes before baking as usual. This makes breakfast or brunch a breeze.
What’s the best way to prevent the filling from leaking out?
Ensure the raspberry filling is completely cool before spreading it on the dough, and don’t spread it all the way to the short edges—this gives the spiral room to seal. Rolling the dough tightly and cutting with a sharp knife or string also helps those perfect swirls stay intact.
Can I add anything extra to the filling?
If you’d like to take your Raspberry Swirl Sweet Rolls up a notch, sprinkle a handful of white chocolate chips over the filling before rolling up the dough. Chopped nuts or a dusting of cinnamon are also fun ways to experiment and make this recipe your own.
Is there a way to make these dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute plant-based milk and vegan butter in the dough and filling, and use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for the glaze. The results are just as soft, swirly, and delicious.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, give Raspberry Swirl Sweet Rolls a try. They’re a showstopper for any occasion and just as lovely alongside a cup of coffee as they are at a festive brunch. I hope these sweet, berry-filled rolls bring a little extra joy and color to your table!
Print
Raspberry Swirl Sweet Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours (including rise time)
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these decadent Raspberry Swirl Sweet Rolls with a creamy cream cheese glaze. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat any time of day.
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 3/4 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the raspberry filling:
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen raspberries
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For the cream cheese glaze:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk, as needed
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit until foamy. Mix in melted butter, egg, flour, and salt. Knead until smooth. Let rise.
- Make the raspberry filling: Cook raspberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice until thickened. Cool.
- Assemble the rolls: Roll out dough, spread raspberry filling, roll up, slice into rolls. Let rise again.
- Bake: Bake the rolls until golden.
- Prepare the glaze: Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk. Spread over warm rolls.
Notes
- You can prep the rolls the night before and refrigerate overnight before baking.
- Frozen raspberries work well—no need to thaw.
- Add white chocolate chips to the filling for extra indulgence.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
