Raspberry Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls are heaven sent! This recipe takes cinnamon rolls to a whole new level of delicious.
What comes to mind when you hear raspberry and cinnamon roll together? In the past, every time I purchased a raspberry cinnamon roll at a bakery I was disappointed. The thin layer of jam, or jam in the icing, or red food coloring combined with a lot of sugar and raspberry flavoring left me craving something better…
If I’m going to eat a raspberry cinnamon roll, I want RASPBERRIES in my rolls! Once I get an idea into my head, there’s no stopping me. My new mission in life was making the best Raspberry Cream Cheese Cinnamon Roll ever.
A Fun Change to an Old Favorite
The idea of a raspberry cinnamon roll is basically the same as a traditional cinnamon roll, only with fresh raspberries in the filling. I love the little bit of tart the raspberries give to the sweet roll and the way the raspberries slightly melt into the buttery sweet filling after being baked. I just wash and dry the raspberries thoroughly, then sprinkle on top of the filling just before rolling up (see photo). It’s not absolutely necessary to top the rolls with more fresh raspberries, but I think it takes this recipe to over-the-top status!
Fresh Fruit FTW
There’s nothing better than a homemade cinnamon roll. My favorite type of cinnamon roll is not too light, not too heavy, a bit chewy, moist, with gooey filling and smothered with thick, dreamy frosting. I’ve developed a similar idea using traditional cinnamon rolls made into a fresh raspberry version!
You won’t find thin, flavorless filling in these rolls. This filling is pure heaven. Combined with the most perfect roll texture and thick cream cheese frosting, talk about a fun new way to celebrate the humble cinnamon roll!
When I’m in the mood to make a sweet breakfast treat, I tend to turn to my traditional Overnight Cinnamon Rolls or Cutler’s Cinnamon Rolls. Raspberry Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls are the best of both worlds. They are perfect for so many occasions: family brunch, holiday time, conference weekend, you name it! These sweet rolls belong on your table.
Fresh fruit, moist filling
Some may be hesitant to add fresh fruit in baked goods, because it can make the bread or dough a little soggy. These rolls are definitely best served the same day, but they are perfectly delicious, even on day two.
I highly recommend using fresh raspberries when possible. My favorite brand of fresh raspberries for any type of baking are Driscoll’s. I’ve found this brand to be picked fresh and packed with very little water if any, so they work well in this recipe. You will need two pints or about 3 1/2 to 4 cups for one recipe if you’d like enough for topping the rolls as well as the filling!
The secret to moist gooey cinnamon rolls!
Last year, Kathleen (my assistant and dear friend) told me she and her daughters tried pouring cream over cinnamon rolls before baking and they were over crazy about the results. I have to agree! The combination of cream poured over the rolls (see below) just before baking, juicy raspberries, and then frosting the rolls partially with a decadent cream cheese frosting while they’re still warm…amazing! Did I mention more fresh raspberries on top?! You’ve never tasted a roll this good.
How to make-ahead Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls
If you’re like me and you like to make everything ahead as much as possible, without compromising quality, I have good news for you! I initially thought this recipe would not freeze well because of the fresh berries. I was wrong. After experimenting, I’ve found a method that works and the rolls taste just as wonderful as if made and baked the same day! Follow the recipe until the rolls are shaped and placed into the baking pan. See recipe notes for details. After the rolls are shaped, they may be frozen until day of baking. You need to allow about 3 hours to let the rolls thaw and rise before baking.
Raspberry Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls are a must have on your holiday menu this year Pin this recipe so you’ll be able to find it easily. This recipe is sure to become a new family favorite. Oh, and one more bit of advice, take out your dessert plates, this sweet roll can’t be eaten on a napkin!
Raspberry Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 cups warm water, 1 3/4 cups in extremely humid environment
- ⅔ cup nonfat dry milk
- 2 tablespoons active dry yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons sea salt
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup canola or sunflower oil
- 1 large egg PLUS one yolk , room temperature
- 4½ to 5 cups bread flour or all purpose, *see recipe notes
- Oil for coating bowl
Filling
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- pinch of salt
- 2 cups fresh raspberries (more needed for topping), see recipe notes
- 1 tablespoon cream for each roll, room temperature
Frosting
- 6 oz cream cheese, softened, regular (not low or no fat)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 1/2 – 3 cups powdered sugar
- pinch of salt
Topping
- fresh raspberries for garnish, about 1 1/2-2 cups, see recipe notes
Instructions
Make roll dough
- Combine water and dry milk powder in a large bowl of a stand mixer. Using paddle attachment, stir until milk dissolves. You may also use a whisk and mix this portion by hand.
- Add yeast, 1/4 cup sugar, 2 teaspoons salt, ⅓ cup melted butter, 1/4 cup oil, 1 egg PLUS 1 yolk, and 2 cups of the bread flour. Mix on low speed until ingredients are combined. Increase mixer speed to medium and mix for about 1 minute. Turn mixer off.
- I like to change to the bread or dough hook at this point. Add 2 more cups of flour. Mix on low speed until ingredients are combined for 2 minutes at low speed. Dough will start to get stiff. Remaining flour may need to be mixed in by hand.
- Add remaining flour, until dough is soft and not sticky or wet looking (it is not necessary to use all of the flour). When the flour is mixed in, scrape down sides of bowl, and turn dough over in bowl. Lightly apply oil to the inside of the bowl with cooking spray or a paper towel coated with canola oil or butter.
- Set the bowl in a warm place away from drafts. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a light clean kitchen towel and let rise for about 60-90 minutes or until dough has doubled.
Prepare fruit & filling (while dough is rising)
- Wash raspberries gently in cold water, toss lightly and drain so all of the water is out of the cavity of the fruit. Let sit on on paper towel and come to room temperature while dough is being prepared and rising. Save about 1 1/2 cups of the raspberries for topping the rolls after baked and cooled. Two cups of the raspberries go in the filling of the roll.
- In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon all purpose flour, cinnamon and salt. Set aside.
Frosting (prepare while rolls are baking)
- Place 6 oz cream cheese and 3 tablespoons unsalted butter in a large mixing bowl or bowl of a stand mixer. Mix until combined. Add 3 cups powdered sugar, vanilla and salt. Mix on low until powdered sugar is combined. If mixture is too thick, add a little milk or cream. Set aside until ready to frost rolls.
Assemble, let rise & bake rolls
- When the dough has risen, generously flour a clean surface with all purpose flour.
- Roll out dough into approximately a 20"x10" rectangle. Spread 6 tablespoons room temperature butter over filling. Sprinkle filling onto the dough evenly. Sprinkle 2 cups of the raspberries on top of the filling evenly over the dough (see photo).Roll up the dough, starting with the long side, until the dough is rolled into one long piece (see photo).
- Using a sharp knife, pastry scraper with sharp edge or unflavored dental floss, cut the rolled dough into half, then each half into 2 pieces, then each portion into 3 even portions. You should have 12 rolls when finished.
- Butter a 9×13 pan, or two 9 inch round cake or pie plates, or line with parchment paper. All of the rolls will fit into one 9×13, or if you prefer to space the rolls out a bit, use 2- 9×13 pans or 6 each in the round pans. Place the rolls into prepared pans.
- Cover the rolls with parchment or a clean kitchen towel. Let rise for about 45 minutes in a draft free place at least 72 degrees.
- Place rack in middle of oven, and preheat oven to 375 degrees 15 minutes before baking.
- Before baking, pour 1 tablespoon cream or half and half over each roll in pan. Make sure the cream is room temperature.
- Bake the rolls for 18-20 minutes or until golden on top and the bottom is cooked and slighly golden as well. While rolls are baking, make frosting.
- Remove from oven and let cool for about 5 minutes. While rolls are still hot, frost with about 1/2 of the frosting, being careful to not press down on the rolls too much.
- After 30 minutes, frost rolls with remaining cream cheese frosting and place a few fresh raspberries on top of each roll before serving.
Notes
- Remember, the amount of flour you will need depends upon the climate in which you are baking. If you are baking in a dry climate, your dough may only need 4 1/2 cups of flour. Especially if using bread flour! Bread flour has a higher protein content than all purpose flour, and usually when I’m baking in Utah, I need about 4 1/2 cups of flour in this recipe. In Spain, where it is very humid, and we are at sea level, I need 5 cups of bread flour plus I have to reduce the liquid in this recipe by 1/4 cup. Follow recipe directions and watch the dough. If you have mixed in all of the flour and it still is wet and very sticky, add an additional 1/4-1/2 cup of flour until you have the right consistency!
- For success in roll making, always start with a warm bowl. Run warm water into the bowl used for making rolls and wipe out with towel. Proceed with making rolls.
- Use large, room temperature eggs.
- If you do not have access to dry milk, you may use 2 cups of whole milk, warmed just a bit. I like the texture better when using dry milk and water.
- For best results, keep flour at room temperature, not in a cold or hot garage or storage space. I use bread flour for cinnamon rolls. Bread flour has a higher protein content than all purpose flour and will produce a bit better rise and a chewier texture in cinnamon rolls.
- Pouring cream or half and half over the rolls is not absolutely necessary, but will change the overall moistness of the roll after baked. It also creates a creamy, soft texture inside of the cinnamon roll.
- This recipe requires about 4 cups or two pints total of raspberries.
- You should allow about 3 1/2 hours start to finish (majority of time rising and baking).
- For make ahead: Follow directions, make dough, let rise, roll up dough and cut into pieces. Instead of letting rise again in pan, place the rolls in a freezer proof pan, cover tightly and freeze. When ready to bake, remove from freezer and place in a warm (at least 72 degrees) room, covered. Let rise for about 3 hours or until almost doubled in size. Top with cream and bake as directed.
Equipment
- stand mixer
Did you make this recipe?
Be sure to leave a comment and give this recipe a rating, letting me know how you liked it. I’d love to see a photo, tag @abountifulkitchen on Instagram!
Ashlee Stratton
I’ve made a lot of cinnamon rolls and these are me and my husband’s FAVORITE! I make them every general conference weekend! It’s not general conference without these specific raspberry rolls! To die for!
Shanna
Omg where has this recipe been all my life? It takes a delicious cinnamon roll to the next level!! And the tip about freezing….dangerous and wonderful all at the same time. I have a second pan of these on my freezer right now! They are huge, soft, and decadent without being too rich. Thank you!!
Kaitlin Madson
I was skeptical about raspberries in my cinnamon rolls, but I’m so glad I gave them a try! They turned out soft and delicious! The raspberries were a fun change of pace. They don’t keep very well in my opinion, they’re definitely best fresh. So yummy!
Krystal Bovero
Love, love, LOVE these rolls. It’s a tradition to make them every General Conference weekend. My family devours them!
Michelle
These seriously look so delicious! Can you tell me what the tablespoon of cream in the filling is? Heavy whipping cream?
Si Foster
Hi Michelle,
You can use half and half, whipping cream or heavy whipping cream. I’ve used whipping cream with great results. Whatever you have will work. These rolls are amazing. Let me know how this recipe works for you!
Thank you for reading ABK.
xo,
Si
Becca BArnes
You guys, Si never lets me down with her recipes. Every single thing I’ve ever made of hers is a family favorite. When she posted about these raspberry rolls I knew they needed to become my new spring time conference tradition. I had never made fruit inside a cinnamon roll before and her recipe was easy to follow and they turned out perfect!! I shared them with all my extended family and everyone was raving about them. This one is a keeper for sure.
Si Foster
Becca,
Thank you so much for your review! I agree, this recipe is one I will be making for years. Thanks for reading ABK,
xo
Si
Heather Karren
This was my first time ever making cinnamon rolls and it was a huge success! I doubled the recipe and it made 3 cookie sheets full, about 38 rolls. I made the rolls and froze all three cookie sheets the night before and then I pulled them out at 5:00am to bake at 9:30am. I used my convection oven so I could bake all three cookie sheets together, and they were golden brown after 20 minutes of baking. I thought my family would each want two rolls, but were all satisfied after one roll. I saved some for dessert later and then shared the rest with neighbors. I will definitely be making them again. (Oh, and I just used regular I bleached flour, not bread flour. They tasted great. But next time I want to try bread flour and see if I can taste the difference.) Thank you Si, for sharing all your recipes and tips to make baking successful!
Si Foster
Thanks Heather for all of your tips! I agree these rolls are perfect for breakfast or dessert! I’m sure you are the favorite neighbor of everyone!
xo
Si
Arianne Morgan
I make these every spring for Saturday General Conference for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. This is an easy to follow recipe that anyone could make, baking pro or not! And this dough is AMAZING! Sooo soft!!! The cream drizzled over top before baking is PURE GENIOUS!!! I’ve made A LOT of rolls, bread and cinnamon rolls in my day and these are hands down my very favorite❣️
Si Foster
Hi Adrianne,
I agree the dough is so soft, and the cream takes this recipe over the top!
Thanks for reading ABK,
xo
Si
Kim Rasband
Made these last October for LDS General Conference weekend and my family loved them! Now they are officially a part of our conference rotation. Drizzling each roll with cream before baking was a total game changer. These were easy to make and such a delicious treat!
Si Foster
Thanks so much Kim! Happy to be a part of your family tradition!
xo
Si
Emily
Has anyone tried thawing frozen ones in the fridge overnight? I’d like to have these for breakfast but I’m not an early bird by any means! How can I make this work??
Si Foster
Hi Emily,
I think it will work to do it this way! If you don’t want to guess, you can use the overnight cinnamon roll dough recipe and this filling! Let us know how they turn out. I’d love your feedback 🙂
xo
Si
Katie
I didn’t have canola oil. So I used coconut oil. The dough still looks a bit wet even after adding a little extra flour. (5 1/4 c total).
Has anyone ever used different oils? Hoping I didn’t ruin it….
Si Foster
Hi Katie,
One problem with using coconut oil is the dough will usually be softer. You can add flour until the dough is more firm. Also, if you live in a humid environment, you can reduce the amount of liquid by 1/4 cup. Hope this helps!
xo
Si
Clara
I made these for conference breakfast. They are a bit time consuming, but so worth it. They were so moist and delicious. My family thought I was a hero.
Si Foster
Thank you Clara! I agree, they are worth every minute!
xo
Si
Ashlee Stratton
SO good! I think these are the best things I ate all year! They were gone in one day! Thanks for sharing the recipe!
Si Foster
Thank you Ashley! I’m so glad you loved this recipe <3
xo
Si
Joddi Murdock
Raspberry Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls are a new favorite at our house. These truly are amazing!
Si Foster
I agree, Joddi, thank you for sharing and for reading ABK!
xo
Si
ALexIs
Love love love! I’m no pro by any means, and followed this recipe to a T with the tips and everything and they turned out delicious! Even prepped all the ingredients the night before so in the morning everything was measured and ready to use which made it easier for me! Best cinnamon rolls I’ve ever made!
Si Foster
Alexis,
I love it when trying something new gives us confidence in the kitchen! And prepping before hand is such a great idea. Thanks so much!
xo
Si
Heather
You never can go wrong with fresh raspberries! We made these once this week and they disappeared so we made them again on the weekend. Delicious! If you use the recipe notes then you can’t go wrong. I even used the same trick of warming the bowl with warm water to get my eggs to room temperature. These rolls are huge and can easily be cut in half if you want to share.
Si Foster
Heather,
Thanks so much for your feedback! Glad the recipe notes helped you out!
xo
Si
Ashley
I love the simplicity of these recipes. These rolls are super easy to make, but when you serve them to your family and friends they think you slaved away at them. I don’t know if they taste the same the next day because everyone asked to take at least one roll home. These rolls go fast!
Si Foster
Hi Ashley,
There are never any leftovers of this roll in our kitchen either!
Thanks so much,
xo
Si
Clara
I am a huge fan of these rolls!! I am not a fan of dry rolls. These are so moist and yummy. Don’t skip putting cream on before you bake. It really makes the rolls delicious. Thanks Si for another no fail recipe.
Si Foster
Thank you Clara! Same with me. The moisture factor in this cinnamon roll is over the top! I appreciate your rating and comment 🙂
xo
Si