Strawberry Donut Rolls

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Introduction

Strawberry Donut Rolls are the perfect combination of sweetness and indulgence, offering a fresh take on classic donuts with a fruity twist. These soft, fluffy, bite-sized rolls are filled with a creamy strawberry filling and finished off with a dusting of powdered sugar, making them an irresistible addition to any breakfast or dessert spread. Whether paired with a hot cup of coffee, served at a brunch gathering, or enjoyed as a sweet treat after dinner, these strawberry-filled donut rolls are sure to delight anyone with a love for fruity, delicious desserts.

The first time I made these, I was amazed by how simple yet impressive they were to put together. Rolling the dough, filling them with the creamy strawberry mixture, and watching them bake to perfection was like crafting little pieces of heaven. The aroma of fresh donuts and strawberries filling the kitchen was enough to make everyone eager for a bite, and they were gone almost as quickly as they appeared.

What I love most about Strawberry Donut Rolls is their versatility. They’re perfect for any occasion, whether you’re treating yourself to a special breakfast or impressing guests at a gathering. You can even customize them by switching out the strawberry filling for raspberry, blueberry, or even a decadent chocolate filling for a new twist. No matter how you serve them, these donut rolls are sure to bring a burst of sweetness and joy to your table.

Perfect for:

  • Breakfast or brunch
  • Dessert or afternoon snacks
  • Special occasions
  • Strawberry lovers
  • Weekend treats

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Strawberry Donut Rolls will quickly become a favorite:

  • Fluffy and Soft: The donut dough is light and airy, creating the perfect texture that melts in your mouth.
  • Sweet Strawberry Filling: The creamy strawberry filling adds a burst of fruity sweetness that balances the soft dough.
  • Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as a breakfast pastry, a sweet snack, or a delightful dessert.
  • Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward instructions make these rolls easy to prepare, even for beginners.
  • Customizable: Feel free to experiment with other fruit fillings or toppings for a variety of flavors.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 15 minutes
  • Servings: 12 rolls
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 3g, Carbs: 35g, Fat: 10g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Strawberry Donut Rolls:

  • 1 package (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
  • ¼ cup warm water
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 cup milk, warmed
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
  • ½ cup heavy cream (for filling)

Ingredient Highlights

  • Active Dry Yeast: The key ingredient that helps the dough rise and gives the rolls their soft, fluffy texture.
  • Fresh Strawberries: Adds natural sweetness and a burst of flavor to the filling.
  • Butter and Milk: Provides richness and helps create a soft, tender dough.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor, making the rolls extra aromatic and delicious.
  • Heavy Cream: Used in the strawberry filling to add a creamy, smooth texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

  1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
  2. Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, flour, sugar, and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture and stir to form a dough.
  3. Knead the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough for 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
  4. Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.

Prepare the Strawberry Filling:

  1. Make the Filling: In a small saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries and heavy cream. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the strawberries soften and release their juices. Let it simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
  2. Mash the Strawberries: Once cooled, mash the strawberries slightly with a fork or potato masher to create a chunky yet creamy filling.

Form the Donut Rolls:

  1. Roll Out the Dough: Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll the dough out into a rectangle about ½-inch thick.
  2. Add the Filling: Spread the cooled strawberry filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
  3. Roll and Slice: Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, then slice it into 12 equal pieces.
  4. Prepare for Frying: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C).

Fry the Donut Rolls:

  1. Fry the Rolls: Working in batches, fry the rolls in the hot oil for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Serve and Garnish:

  1. Dust with Powdered Sugar: Once the rolls have cooled slightly, dust them generously with powdered sugar.
  2. Serve: Enjoy your Strawberry Donut Rolls warm with a cup of coffee or tea!

How to Serve

Strawberry Donut Rolls can be served in a variety of ways:

  • As a Breakfast Pastry: Serve alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a perfect morning treat.
  • For Brunch: These rolls are great for brunches or family gatherings.
  • As a Dessert: Top with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.
  • With Fruit Compote: Pair with additional fresh strawberries or a berry compote for added flavor and texture.
  • With Dipping Sauce: Serve with chocolate sauce or a strawberry glaze for a decadent dip.

Additional Tips

  • Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overfill the rolls with strawberry mixture, as it can leak out during frying.
  • Check Oil Temperature: Make sure the oil is at 350°F (175°C) to achieve a crispy exterior without burning the rolls.
  • Substitute Filling: You can use other fruit fillings, like blueberry or raspberry, in place of strawberry for a different flavor.
  • Make Ahead: Prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge overnight for a quicker breakfast the next day.

Recipe Variations

  1. Blueberry Donut Rolls: Swap out the strawberries for fresh blueberries in the filling.
  2. Cinnamon Sugar Donut Rolls: Fill the rolls with cinnamon sugar and coat them after frying for a sweet treat.
  3. Chocolate Strawberry Donut Rolls: Add a drizzle of melted chocolate over the strawberry filling.
  4. Nutella Donut Rolls: Use Nutella as a filling for a rich, chocolatey twist.
  5. Peach Donut Rolls: Replace the strawberries with fresh peaches for a summery variation.
  6. Lemon Donut Rolls: Add a lemon glaze to the finished rolls for a zesty contrast to the sweetness.
  7. Maple Donut Rolls: Drizzle with maple syrup after frying for a sweet breakfast option.
  8. Almond Joy Donut Rolls: Add shredded coconut and chopped almonds to the strawberry filling for a tropical twist.
  9. Raspberry Donut Rolls: Swap strawberries for fresh raspberries for a tart, berry-filled option.
  10. Apple Cinnamon Donut Rolls: Fill the rolls with a spiced apple filling and coat them with cinnamon sugar.

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing: After frying and cooling, store the rolls in a single layer in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes before serving.
  • Storage: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in the microwave for a few seconds.

Special Equipment

  • Deep Skillet or Pot: For frying the donut rolls in hot oil.
  • Slotted Spoon: To remove the rolls from the hot oil.
  • Rolling Pin: For rolling out the dough to the right thickness.
  • Candy Thermometer: To monitor the oil temperature for proper frying.

FAQ

  1. Can I bake these rolls instead of frying them?
    Yes, you can bake them at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
  2. Can I use frozen strawberries for the filling?
    Yes, frozen strawberries can be used; just thaw and drain excess liquid before using.
  3. Can I make the dough in advance?
    Yes, you can prepare the dough the day before and refrigerate it overnight to save time.
  4. How can I make these rolls vegan?
    Use plant-based milk, non-dairy butter, and replace the egg with a flax egg.
  5. Can I use store-bought donut dough?
    Yes, you can use store-bought dough to save time, just fill and fry as directed.

Conclusion

Strawberry Donut Rolls are a fun, fruity twist on the classic donut, offering a delicious and irresistible treat for any occasion. With soft, fluffy dough and a creamy strawberry filling, these rolls are topped off with a light dusting of powdered sugar, making them perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

Easy to make and highly customizable, these donut rolls are sure to delight anyone with a love for sweet, fruity pastries. Whether you’re serving them for a special gathering or enjoying them alongside your morning coffee, they’re a guaranteed hit.

I can’t wait to see how you make these Strawberry Donut Rolls your own! Snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see your creations. Don’t forget to share any tips or variations in the comments. Happy baking!

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