Raspberry Cream Cheese Sweet Rolls

These Raspberry Cream Cheese Sweet Rolls combine light, fluffy dough with a creamy raspberry filling and are topped with a delectable cream cheese glaze. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat, they’re an elevated version of traditional rolls, perfect for any occasion.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

Dough

  • ⅔ cup whole milk, warmed
  • 5 tablespoons sugar, divided
  • 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • ½ tablespoon melted butter

Cream Cheese Filling

  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Raspberry Filling

  • 1 ½ cups frozen raspberries
  • ½ tablespoon cornstarch

Cream Cheese Glaze

  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ounce cream cheese, softened
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla
  • ¾ cup confectioners’ sugar
  • 3 tablespoons milk

Directions

  1. Prepare the dough: Combine warm milk, 1 tablespoon sugar, and yeast. Let sit until foamy. Add eggs, whisking smooth. Mix remaining sugar, flour, and salt in a stand mixer. Add the milk mixture and butter, knead for 5 minutes until dough is soft. Let rise in a buttered dish for 1 hour.
  2. Roll the dough: Punch down the dough and roll into a rectangle. Spread cream cheese filling, top with raspberry mixture, and roll up. Cut into rolls and let rise again for 1 hour.
  3. Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F and bake rolls for 25 minutes, or until golden brown.
  4. Prepare glaze: Mix butter, cream cheese, vanilla, sugar, and milk for the glaze. Pour over warm rolls.

Nutritional Facts

Per serving:

  • Calories: 350
  • Fat: 16g
  • Carbs: 47g
  • Protein: 5g

The Allure of Sweet Rolls

Sweet rolls have long been a beloved comfort food. The dough is soft and pillowy, with a slight sweetness that pairs beautifully with a variety of fillings. These raspberry sweet rolls, in particular, stand out due to the cream cheese filling that adds richness and depth, while the raspberry filling balances the sweetness with its tartness. The result is a decadent pastry that can satisfy a wide range of cravings.

The dough itself is a traditional yeasted recipe, which contributes to its lightness and fluffiness. The yeast helps create the delicate texture, while the butter and sugar add a golden richness. Baking the rolls brings out a wonderful aroma that fills the kitchen and makes the entire process feel like an event.

Why Raspberry and Cream Cheese Make the Perfect Pair

Raspberries and cream cheese are a pairing that has earned its place in many dessert recipes. The tartness of raspberries cuts through the richness of the cream cheese, creating a perfect balance of flavors. The sweet cream cheese filling melts into the dough, while the raspberries maintain their form to offer bursts of fresh, tangy flavor in every bite. This contrast in textures – smooth cream cheese and slightly firm raspberries – gives the rolls an inviting and comforting mouthfeel.

Incorporating cream cheese also adds a slight tang, which prevents the sweetness from becoming overwhelming. This tanginess contrasts well with the sweetness of the rolls and enhances the overall flavor profile. When combined with the yeast dough, it creates a deliciously decadent roll that is both comforting and refreshing.

Perfect for Special Occasions

These Raspberry Cream Cheese Sweet Rolls make a wonderful centerpiece for any special occasion. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, preparing a holiday breakfast, or simply looking to treat yourself and loved ones, these rolls are sure to impress. Their vibrant raspberry color and delicious flavor make them as visually appealing as they are tasty. The process of making the rolls can also be a fun activity for families or friends to enjoy together.

The rolls are versatile and can be customized with various fillings to suit different tastes. While raspberry is the star of this recipe, other fruits such as blueberries, strawberries, or blackberries can be swapped in, offering a fresh take on the traditional sweet roll. You could even add nuts, such as pecans or almonds, to the filling for an extra layer of texture.

The Joy of Homemade Pastries

There’s something magical about baking at home. The process itself can be a relaxing and rewarding experience. Kneading the dough, rolling it out, spreading the fillings, and waiting for the rolls to rise gives a sense of accomplishment. When you finally pull those golden brown rolls from the oven, the satisfaction of having made them from scratch is unmatched. Plus, homemade pastries tend to taste far fresher and more flavorful than their store-bought counterparts.

For those who may be intimidated by baking, this recipe is forgiving and manageable. While it requires some patience due to the rising times, the steps themselves are straightforward and achievable. Even novice bakers will find that they can create an impressive batch of sweet rolls with just a little practice and care.

Pairing Suggestions for Raspberry Cream Cheese Sweet Rolls

These sweet rolls can be enjoyed as they are, but there are also several pairing options that can elevate the experience. For a more indulgent breakfast or brunch, serve them with a hot cup of coffee or a rich cappuccino. The bitterness of coffee complements the sweetness of the rolls and creates a harmonious balance.

If you’re hosting a brunch, consider pairing the rolls with other breakfast dishes such as scrambled eggs, bacon, or a fresh fruit salad. The rich, buttery nature of the rolls will contrast nicely with the savory elements of a full breakfast spread. For dessert, serve the rolls with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of fresh cream to make them even more decadent.

A Fun Twist on a Classic Pastry

While sweet rolls are nothing new, this variation with raspberry and cream cheese offers a fun and exciting twist on the classic. The addition of the raspberry filling adds a burst of color and flavor that’s both unexpected and delightful. The cream cheese filling, on the other hand, brings a level of sophistication to the rolls, transforming them from a simple pastry into something special.

This version of sweet rolls offers a perfect blend of nostalgia and innovation. The familiar soft dough and sweet glaze are enhanced by the fresh fruit and creamy filling, creating a treat that will delight both young and old alike. It’s a modern take on a classic, and a perfect recipe to add to your baking repertoire.

Tips for Making the Best Raspberry Cream Cheese Sweet Rolls

To ensure your rolls turn out perfectly, here are a few helpful tips:

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh raspberries and high-quality cream cheese. Fresh fruit will provide a juicier filling, while quality cream cheese will yield a smoother and more flavorful glaze.

  • Watch the Yeast: The dough relies on yeast to rise, so ensure the yeast is active by testing it with warm milk and sugar before adding it to the flour. If the mixture doesn’t bubble or foam, the yeast may be expired and should be replaced.

  • Don’t Skip the Rise Times: Allow the dough to rise fully before baking. If you rush this step, the rolls will lack the desired fluffiness. Patience is key for achieving the perfect texture.

  • Be Creative with the Filling: While raspberries are the star in this recipe, feel free to experiment with different fruit fillings. Mix and match fruits, or add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to complement the cream cheese.

  • Serve Warm: These sweet rolls are best enjoyed warm out of the oven. The cream cheese glaze will melt into the rolls, and the flavors will be at their peak. If you have leftovers, reheat them gently in the microwave or oven to revive their delicious taste.

Conclusion

Raspberry Cream Cheese Sweet Rolls are a perfect combination of sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors. Their soft, buttery dough and delightful filling make them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a special brunch or simply want a comforting breakfast, these rolls are sure to impress.

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