Description
Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep Time: 30 min | Rise Time: 1 hr 30 min | Bake Time: 25–30 min | Yield: 12 rolls
Soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls swirled with tart raspberries and topped with a bright lemon cream cheese frosting—a perfect weekend treat or holiday brunch centerpiece.
Ingredients
Dough:
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1 cup warm milk (110°F)
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2¼ tsp active dry yeast
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½ cup granulated sugar
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⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 tsp salt
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2 large eggs
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4½ cups all-purpose flour
Filling:
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1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
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½ cup granulated sugar
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1 tsp ground cinnamon
Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting:
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½ cup cream cheese, softened
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¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
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2 cups powdered sugar
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Zest of 1 lemon
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2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
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1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Variations:
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White Chocolate & Raspberry: Add ½ cup white chocolate chips
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Orange & Cranberry: Swap raspberries for dried cranberries; use orange zest/juice in frosting
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Lemon Blueberry: Use blueberries in place of raspberries
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Vegan: Plant-based milk & butter, flax egg, vegan cream cheese
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Gluten-Free: 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast
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In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit 5–10 min until foamy.
2. Make the Dough
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Add sugar, softened butter, salt, and eggs. Mix until combined.
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Gradually add flour, kneading with a stand mixer dough hook (8–10 min) or by hand (10–12 min) until smooth and slightly tacky.
3. First Rise
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Shape dough into a ball, place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1 hour in a warm, draft-free spot until doubled.
4. Roll & Fill
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Punch down dough and roll into a 16×12-inch rectangle.
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Mix sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle evenly over dough.
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Scatter raspberries over cinnamon sugar, gently pressing them in.
5. Shape Rolls
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Roll dough tightly from the long edge, pinch seam to seal.
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Slice into 12 even rolls (dental floss works perfectly!).
6. Second Rise
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Place rolls in a greased 9×13-inch pan. Cover and rise 30–45 min until puffy. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
7. Bake
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Bake 25–30 min until golden brown and cooked through.
8. Frosting
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Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
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Add powdered sugar gradually, then lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla. Mix until creamy.
9. Serve
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Spread frosting generously over warm rolls. Optionally, garnish with fresh raspberries and lemon zest.
Notes
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Use frozen berries to reduce leakage.
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Leave space between rolls to prevent burning.
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Dough can be refrigerated overnight after slicing for a make-ahead option.
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Experiment with fruits and spices—cardamom, nutmeg, or different berries are all delightful.
Nutrition
- Calories: 370 kcal Approx. per roll
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Protein: 6 g