If you have a soft spot for sweet, tender rolls packed with a luscious burst of fruit and cream cheese, then this Raspberry Cream Cheese Sweet Rolls with Vanilla Raspberry Frosting Recipe is going to be your new obsession. These rolls marry the pillowy softness of freshly baked dough with the tangy, creamy richness of cream cheese and the vibrant sweetness of raspberry jam, all topped with a dreamy, silky vanilla raspberry frosting that perfectly balances tart and sweet. Whether you’re indulging for breakfast, brunch, or a special dessert, this recipe offers a comforting homemade treat that’s as impressive in taste as it is in appearance.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Raspberry Cream Cheese Sweet Rolls with Vanilla Raspberry Frosting Recipe plays an important role, from creating the perfect dough texture to providing the luscious filling and irresistible frosting. Each element is simple yet essential, working harmoniously to produce a colorful and irresistibly flavorful roll.
- 1 cup warm milk (105-115 degrees F): Activates the yeast gently, ensuring soft and fluffy rolls.
- 2 1/2 teaspoons instant dry yeast: The magic behind the dough’s rise and airy texture; I trust Red Star Platinum for consistent results.
- 2 large eggs (room temperature): Adds richness and tenderness to the dough.
- 1/2 cup salted butter (melted): Enhances flavor and gives the rolls a soft crumb.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and brings out all the other flavors.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough just enough without overpowering.
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (divided): The backbone of the recipe, providing structure while keeping the dough soft.
- 6 ounces cream cheese (softened): Key to the luscious, tangy filling inside each roll.
- 3/4 cup raspberry jam: Bursts of natural fruit sweetness that complement the cream cheese perfectly.
- 1/2 cup warmed heavy cream: Poured over risen rolls before baking to enrich the texture and add moisture.
- 2 ounces cream cheese (softened): For the smooth, creamy frosting base.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: Provides that signature sweetness and silky texture to the frosting.
- 1/2 cup fresh raspberries (softened): Adds fresh fruit flavor and vibrant color to the frosting.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the frosting’s flavor.
How to Make Raspberry Cream Cheese Sweet Rolls with Vanilla Raspberry Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Activate Your Yeast and Mix the Dough
Start by pouring the warm milk into your stand mixer bowl and sprinkle the yeast evenly over the top. Let it sit for a few moments while you prepare your other ingredients. Next, add the eggs, melted butter, salt, and sugar. Add 4 cups of the flour and mix gently just until everything comes together. This brief initial mixing and resting period lets the flour fully absorb the liquid, setting the stage for the perfect dough consistency.
Step 2: Knead the Dough Until Smooth and Elastic
Swap out the beater blade for the dough hook, then mix on medium speed while slowly adding up to 1/2 cup more flour if necessary. Knead the dough for about 5 to 7 minutes until it feels elastic and smooth but still slightly tacky. It’s okay if the dough sticks a bit to the sides of the bowl; this means the texture is just right.
Step 3: First Rise in a Warm Spot
Spray a large bowl with cooking spray, then transfer the dough using a rubber spatula. Cover the bowl with a towel or wax paper and place it in a warm environment — like a slightly warmed oven that’s been turned off. Let it rise until almost double in size, about 30 to 40 minutes. This first rise develops the dough’s flavor and softness.
Step 4: Roll Out and Add Your Cream Cheese and Raspberry Filling
Sprinkle a pastry mat generously with flour and turn out your dough. Lightly flour the top of the dough and your rolling pin, then roll everything into a 12 by 15 inch rectangle. Smooth the softened cream cheese evenly over the surface, then spread the raspberry jam on top. This layering creates the beautiful sweet swirl inside each roll.
Step 5: Roll Up and Slice
Starting from the long end, roll the dough tightly just like a jelly roll. Cut it into 12 to 15 slices and place them in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Cover the pan and allow the rolls to rise again for about 20 minutes, just until nearly doubled in size. This second rise ensures your rolls will turn out irresistibly soft and fluffy.
Step 6: Bake with a Warm Cream Pour-Over
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Warm 1/2 cup of heavy cream until just warm to the touch — not hot — and pour it gently over the risen rolls. This step adds moisture that keeps the rolls tender as they bake. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, covering loosely with foil if necessary to prevent over-browning.
Step 7: Prepare the Vanilla Raspberry Frosting
While the rolls cool, whisk together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until crumbly. Add in the vanilla extract and softened fresh raspberries, beating just until combined—no extra liquid needed as the raspberries release natural juice to thin the frosting perfectly. Spread this luscious frosting over the cooled rolls for a gorgeous finish.
How to Serve Raspberry Cream Cheese Sweet Rolls with Vanilla Raspberry Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
For a picture-perfect presentation, sprinkle a few fresh raspberries and a light dusting of powdered sugar on top of the frosted rolls. A couple of small mint leaves also add a burst of fresh color and a subtle hint of herbal brightness that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness.
Side Dishes
These sweet rolls pair wonderfully with a steaming cup of coffee or a robust black tea to balance their sweetness. For brunch, consider offering fresh fruit salad or a light yogurt parfait on the side to brighten the meal and contrast the indulgence of the rolls.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn these rolls into charming individual servings by placing each slice in a mini cupcake liner or on a pretty dessert plate garnished with edible flowers. Or serve them family-style on a large wooden board to encourage sharing — nothing brings people together like a batch of warm Raspberry Cream Cheese Sweet Rolls with Vanilla Raspberry Frosting Recipe!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To retain freshness longer, keeping them refrigerated is fine but allow them to warm slightly before enjoying to bring back that soft texture.
Freezing
These rolls freeze beautifully. Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently until warm.
Reheating
To reheat, place rolls in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes or microwave individually for about 20 seconds. This brings back their fresh-baked warmth and soft texture, making each bite just as delightful as when first made.
FAQs
Can I use frozen raspberries instead of fresh for the frosting?
Yes, frozen raspberries can work well if thawed and gently mashed before mixing into the frosting. Just be mindful the added moisture may slightly thin the frosting; stir carefully to achieve the right consistency.
What type of cream cheese is best for this recipe?
Regular full-fat cream cheese creates the creamiest texture and richest taste. Avoid whipped or low-fat versions as they can affect the consistency of both the filling and frosting.
Can I prepare the dough the night before?
Absolutely! You can complete the dough step and let it rise slowly in the refrigerator overnight. Just allow it to come to room temperature before rolling out and proceeding with the recipe.
What if I don’t have a stand mixer?
No problem! You can mix and knead the dough by hand. It’ll require more elbow grease but will yield equally delightful rolls. Just knead on a floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes.
How can I adjust sweetness for personal taste?
You can reduce the sugar in the dough and frosting slightly if you prefer less sweetness. Keep the raspberry jam filling as is for that lovely tart contrast—this balance is what makes the rolls so special!
Final Thoughts
If you love the idea of soft, fluffy rolls with a luscious filling and topping bursting with berries and creaminess, you simply must try this Raspberry Cream Cheese Sweet Rolls with Vanilla Raspberry Frosting Recipe. It’s a comforting crowd-pleaser that feels decadent but is surprisingly easy to make at home. The combination of tangy cream cheese, fruity raspberry, and that dreamy frosting creates a taste experience you’ll want to share time after time. So preheat your oven and get ready for a baking adventure that ends with pure deliciousness!
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Raspberry Cream Cheese Sweet Rolls with Vanilla Raspberry Frosting Recipe
- Total Time: 49 minutes
- Yield: 15 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in the homemade goodness of these Raspberry Sweet Rolls, featuring a soft, tender dough rolled with a luscious cream cheese and raspberry jam filling. Finished with a creamy raspberry-infused frosting, these sweet rolls are perfect for brunch, breakfast, or a special treat any time of day. The recipe uses a stand mixer for easy dough preparation and bakes to a golden perfection with a rich, fruity glaze.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 cup warm milk (105–115 degrees F)
- 2 1/2 teaspoons instant dry yeast (Red Star Platinum recommended)
- 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
- 1/2 cup salted butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (divided)
Filling
- 6 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 3/4 cup raspberry jam
Topping and Glaze
- 1/2 cup warmed heavy cream (to be poured over risen rolls)
- 2 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup fresh raspberries (softened)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Activate Yeast and Combine Wet Ingredients: Pour the warm milk into the bowl of a stand mixer and sprinkle the instant dry yeast over the top. Add in the eggs, melted butter, salt, and granulated sugar.
- Add Initial Flour and Rest: Add 4 cups of flour to the mixer. Using the beater blade, mix just until ingredients are barely combined. Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes so the flour can absorb liquids.
- Knead the Dough: Remove the beater blade and attach the dough hook to the stand mixer. Beat the dough on medium speed, gradually adding up to 1/2 cup more flour as needed until a tacky, elastic dough forms, kneading for 5-7 minutes.
- First Rise: Spray a large bowl with cooking spray. Transfer the dough into the greased bowl using a rubber spatula. Cover with a towel or wax paper and place in a warm environment (like inside a slightly warmed oven) to rise until nearly doubled, about 30-40 minutes.
- Roll Out the Dough: Flour a pastry mat generously and turn out the risen dough onto it. Sprinkle additional flour over the dough top and roll it out using a floured rolling pin to a 12×15 inch rectangle.
- Apply Filling: Spread the softened cream cheese evenly over the dough rectangle using a rubber spatula, then spread the raspberry jam on top of the cream cheese layer.
- Form Rolls: Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough jelly-roll style into a log. Cut this log into 12-15 slices and place them in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Second Rise: Cover the pan and allow the rolls to rise for 20 minutes or until nearly doubled in size.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Prepare for Baking: Warm the heavy cream until it’s just warm to the touch (not hot). Once rolls have risen, pour the warm heavy cream evenly over them, allowing it to soak into and around the rolls.
- Bake the Rolls: Bake for 20-25 minutes until the rolls are lightly golden brown and cooked through. If browning too quickly, loosely cover with foil for the remaining time.
- Prepare Frosting: While rolls cool, combine softened cream cheese and powdered sugar in a medium bowl using a hand mixer. The mixture will appear crumbly.
- Add Flavor to Frosting: Add fresh softened raspberries and vanilla extract to the frosting and beat until combined. The berries will release juice that naturally thins the frosting; do not add any liquid.
- Frost the Rolls: Once rolls are cooled, spread the raspberry cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
- Storage: Store the sweet rolls in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Ensure milk is between 105-115°F for proper yeast activation.
- The dough should be slightly tacky and sticky; avoid adding too much flour to keep rolls soft.
- Do not over-rise the dough, or the rolls will become too airy and lose structure.
- Rolling the dough into a tight log is crucial for well-shaped rolls.
- Pouring warm heavy cream over the risen rolls before baking helps keep them moist and tender.
- Check rolls at 20 minutes during baking to prevent over-browning; use foil if necessary.
- Use fresh raspberries for the frosting for best flavor and natural thinning effects.
- Store leftovers tightly covered to prevent drying out; rolls are best consumed within 2-3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
