Indulge in the pure bliss of homemade Raspberry Sweet Rolls, a delightful treat that promises to elevate your breakfast or dessert experience. These rolls are a testament to the perfect balance of textures and flavors: incredibly fluffy and soft dough, a wonderfully chewy consistency, and a vibrant, bursting raspberry filling. Each sweet roll is generously crowned with a luscious, tangy lemon cream cheese frosting, making every bite an unforgettable journey of taste.
Our unique raspberry filling combines the brightness of fresh raspberries with the concentrated sweetness of raspberry jam, creating a depth of flavor that’s both intense and comforting. This fruity heart perfectly complements the rich, buttery sweet rolls and the sweet-tart, creamy lemon cream cheese frosting. It’s a symphony of flavors designed to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.
Experience the Best Raspberry Sweet Rolls You’ll Ever Make
If you’re a devoted fan of gooey, tender sweet rolls, then this Raspberry Sweet Roll recipe is tailor-made for you. Imagine sinking your teeth into a roll that’s not just fluffy and soft, but also boasts a delightful chewiness, an incredible raspberry filling, a tangy lemon cream cheese frosting, and even an optional raspberry cream cheese drizzle for an extra layer of decadence. This recipe delivers on every front, promising a bakery-quality experience right from your own kitchen.
Despite their gourmet appeal, these raspberry sweet rolls are surprisingly simple to create, requiring a straightforward list of ingredients. By carefully following our step-by-step instructions, you’ll effortlessly achieve amazingly soft and tender raspberry “cinnamon” rolls, fresh and warm from your oven. Forget complicated techniques; we break it down so even novice bakers can achieve spectacular results.
Craving more delightful baked goods? You might also love these Orange Sweet Rolls, bright and zesty Lemon Sweet Rolls, classic Caramel Cinnamon Rolls, or the fruity goodness of Berry Sweet Rolls. And of course, no sweet roll journey is complete without trying our recipe for the Best Classic Cinnamon Rolls. Each offers a unique twist on the beloved sweet roll concept.
Raspberry Sweet Rolls: A Visual Tutorial
For those who learn best by watching, we’ve prepared a comprehensive video tutorial to guide you through every stage of making these delectable raspberry sweet rolls. From preparing the dough to rolling and frosting, our video ensures you feel confident and capable throughout the baking process. Watch the magic unfold and follow along for perfect results every time!
Essential Ingredients for Fluffy Raspberry Sweet Rolls
Crafting the perfect sweet roll begins with understanding the role of each ingredient. Here’s a breakdown of the key components you’ll need and some helpful tips to ensure your raspberry sweet rolls turn out flawlessly:
- Yeast: We recommend using instant yeast for this recipe as it’s active and generally doesn’t require proofing. However, quick-rise yeast will also work beautifully, allowing your dough to rise efficiently and achieve that coveted airy texture.
- Eggs: Two large eggs are crucial for enriching the dough, adding moisture, and contributing to its soft, tender crumb. For optimal rising, it’s best to use room temperature eggs. If your eggs are cold, simply place them in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes before adding them to your dough mixture. This prevents the cold from shocking the yeast and slowing down its activity.
- All-Purpose Flour: This versatile flour is our choice for the sweet roll dough. Its moderate protein content strikes the perfect balance, resulting in light, fluffy, and tender rolls that are a joy to eat. Avoid using high-protein bread flour unless you prefer a chewier texture.
- Raspberry Preserves/Jam: The foundation of our incredible filling! You can use your favorite brand of raspberry preserves or jam. Whether you prefer the rustic charm of seeds or a smooth, seedless variety, either will work wonderfully to infuse your rolls with rich raspberry flavor.
- Fresh Raspberries: To elevate the filling, we incorporate about one cup of fresh raspberries alongside the preserves. This addition brings a burst of fresh fruitiness and a lovely texture, making the raspberry filling incredibly flavorful and a perfect complement to the sweet roll dough.
- Cream Cheese: Essential for our irresistible lemon cream cheese frosting. Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before you begin. This allows it to whip up smoothly and incorporate effortlessly with other ingredients, yielding a light, airy, and truly fluffy frosting. A quick trick if it’s cold: unwrap the cream cheese, place it on a paper plate, and microwave it for about 15-20 seconds until slightly softened.
- Powdered Sugar/Confectioners Sugar: This fine sugar is key to creating a smooth, light, and sweet icing without any grainy texture. It dissolves easily, resulting in a perfectly silky finish for your frosting.
- Lemon Extract: To truly amplify the bright citrus notes in our frosting, we add a touch of lemon extract in addition to fresh lemon juice. This enhances the lemon flavor, making it wonderfully prominent and refreshing against the sweet raspberries.
Explore More Decadent Frosting Recipes
A great sweet roll is often defined by its frosting. If you love experimenting with different flavors, here are a few more amazing buttercream and cream cheese frosting recipes you might enjoy:
- Blood Orange Cream Cheese Frosting: A vibrant, citrusy twist.
- Cinnamon Flavored Buttercream Frosting: Warm and spiced, perfect for fall.
- Orange Creamsicle Frosting: A nostalgic, creamy orange delight.
- Classic Cream Cheese Frosting: The go-to, versatile topping.
- Eggnog Buttercream Frosting: Seasonal sweetness for the holidays.
Step-by-Step: Crafting Your Perfect Raspberry Sweet Rolls
Making these delightful sweet rolls is a rewarding experience. Follow these detailed steps to ensure soft, fluffy rolls every time:
- Prepare the Dough: Begin by combining the simple yet essential dough ingredients: flour, sugar, salt, yeast, warm water, and eggs. In the bowl of your stand mixer, first combine the yeast, a pinch of sugar, and warm water. Allow this mixture a few minutes to “bloom”—it should become visibly frothy and bubbly, indicating the yeast is active. This is a crucial step! Next, add all but one cup of your all-purpose flour to the mixer bowl, along with the proofed yeast mixture and the room temperature eggs. Using the dough hook attachment, mix on low speed until all ingredients are just combined and a shaggy dough forms. Gradually incorporate the remaining flour, a half cup at a time, until the dough cleanly pulls away from the sides of the bowl, indicating proper hydration. This careful addition of flour prevents a dense, dry roll.
- Knead and First Rise: Once the dough has come together, continue to knead it with the dough hook attachment for an additional 2-5 minutes. The dough should be smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky to the touch. Lightly grease the mixing bowl, place the dough back inside, and cover it loosely with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Allow the dough to rest in a warm place until it has doubled in size, which typically takes about 60-90 minutes, depending on your room temperature. While your dough is rising, take this time to gather and prepare your filling ingredients.
- Craft the Raspberry Filling: In a small bowl, combine the fresh raspberries and raspberry preserves. Using the back of a spoon or a fork, gently mash the fresh raspberries. Mix them thoroughly with the preserves until you have a thick, spreadable mixture. The goal is a vibrant, flavorful filling that holds its shape when spread.
- Shape the Sweet Rolls: Once your dough has beautifully doubled, gently punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into an approximate 18×10 inch rectangle. Aim for an even thickness. Next, evenly spread your delicious raspberry mixture over the entire surface of the dough, leaving a small border (about ½ to 1 inch) clear along one of the long edges. This clear edge will help seal the roll. Beginning from the long side opposite the clear edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Be gentle but firm to ensure a compact spiral. Once rolled, use a sharp serrated knife or a piece of unflavored dental floss to cut the log into 1 to 1¼ inch slices. (For a special touch, refer to our video tutorial for instructions on cutting heart-shaped rolls!) Arrange these slices, cut-side down, about ½ inch apart on a large, greased baking sheet or a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Second Rise (Proofing): Cover the shaped rolls loosely with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let them rise again in a warm, draft-free place until they have nearly doubled in size and look puffy, typically 60-90 minutes. To speed up this process, you can place the baking sheet in a slightly warm (but turned off) oven for a shorter rise time. They should feel light and airy when gently touched.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: While your rolls are enjoying their final rise, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls are visibly puffy and have doubled in size, bake them in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown on top and around the edges. Their aroma will fill your kitchen!
- Glaze and Serve: As soon as the sweet rolls emerge from the oven, allow them to cool for just a few minutes, then immediately slather them with your freshly prepared lemon cream cheese frosting. The warmth of the rolls will allow the frosting to melt slightly, creating an even more irresistible glaze. Serve warm and enjoy these amazing sweet rolls!
Frequently Asked Questions About Raspberry Sweet Rolls
Absolutely! If fresh raspberries are out of season or unavailable, frozen raspberries are a perfectly fine substitute. To use them in your filling, you’ll need to prepare them slightly differently. Gently heat the frozen raspberries in a saucepan over low heat until they start to break down and release their juices. Then, mix in about 2 tablespoons of cornstarch (dissolved in 2 tablespoons of cold water) and 2 tablespoons of brown sugar. Continue to stir and cook slowly until the mixture thickens to a jam-like consistency. This process helps to reduce excess moisture and ensures your filling isn’t too runny for the rolls.
Dough not rising is usually an indication of inactive yeast or a too-cold environment. First, ensure your water temperature for activating the yeast is lukewarm (around 105-115°F or 40-46°C); too hot will kill the yeast, too cold won’t activate it. Secondly, make sure your kitchen isn’t too chilly. Placing the covered dough in a slightly warm oven (turned off, but warmed by the pilot light or briefly preheated and then turned off) or near a sunny window can provide the ideal environment for a good rise. Always check the expiry date of your yeast; old yeast loses its potency.
For an even gooier texture, you can add a thin layer of softened butter to your rolled-out dough before spreading the raspberry filling. Also, ensure you don’t overbake the rolls. They should be golden brown on top but still slightly soft to the touch in the center, ensuring they remain moist and tender. You can also add a little extra cream cheese frosting while they’re warm; it melts into the rolls, adding to the gooey goodness!
Storing, Freezing, and Reheating Your Sweet Rolls
Planning ahead or managing leftovers is easy with these raspberry sweet rolls. Here’s how to properly store and reheat them to maintain their deliciousness:
- How to Freeze Before Baking: This is an excellent make-ahead option! Follow the steps for mixing the dough, kneading, rolling it out, spreading the filling, and slicing the sweet rolls. Place the individual 1-inch slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they don’t touch. Cover the baking sheet tightly with plastic wrap and freeze until the rolls are completely solid. Once frozen, transfer the rolls to a large freezer-safe ziplock bag or airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 4-6 weeks.
- How to Freeze After Baking: If you have baked and frosted rolls you wish to save, first allow them to cool completely. Individually wrap each sweet roll tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container. If freezing an entire pan of baked rolls, cover the pan very tightly with multiple layers of plastic wrap and then a layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. For best results, don’t freeze frosted sweet rolls longer than 4 weeks, as the frosting texture can change over time.
- How to Thaw Sweet Rolls: When you’re ready to bake your frozen, unbaked sweet rolls, arrange them on a greased baking dish. Transfer the dish to the refrigerator and let them thaw slowly overnight (8-12 hours). Once thawed, remove them from the fridge and place them in a warm spot for about 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until they have had a chance to rise again and look light and fluffy. Then, bake as directed in the recipe. For baked and frozen rolls, simply transfer them to the refrigerator overnight to thaw before reheating.
- How to Re-heat Sweet Rolls: To restore their warmth and softness, warm thawed sweet rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 10 minutes. If reheating individual rolls, the microwave is a quick option: warm them for 20 to 30 seconds after they’ve defrosted. For the best taste and texture, it’s often easiest to freeze the sweet rolls before they are iced, and then frost them fresh once they are thawed and reheated. The cream cheese icing is generally freezer-friendly, but its texture might be slightly softer after thawing.
Raspberry Sweet Roll Recipe
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Ingredients
- 1 cup water, lukewarm
- 2 tablespoons rapid rise yeast
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4½-5 cups all-purpose flour
Raspberry Filling
- 1¼ cups fresh raspberries
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam
Lemon Cream Cheese Icing
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Raspberry Cream Cheese Drizzle (Optional)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, room temperature
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons raspberry jam
- 1/2 teaspoon milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
To Make the Sweet Roll Dough
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, pour in the warm water (ensure it’s around 115 degrees F or comfortably warm to the touch on your wrist, not hot).
- Add the sugar and yeast to the warm water, stir gently, and let this mixture sit undisturbed for about 5 minutes. You’re looking for it to become light and frothy, which indicates the yeast is active and ready.
- After the yeast has bloomed, add 3 cups of the all-purpose flour, along with the eggs and salt, to the mixer bowl. Using a dough hook attachment, mix on a low speed for about 2 minutes. The dough will initially look very gooey and stringy; this is normal. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is incorporated.
- Continue to add more flour, about a half cup at a time, to the yeast mixture while the mixer is running on low. After you’ve added approximately 4 cups of flour in total, continue to knead the dough. Only add more flour if the dough is still too sticky to handle, adding just enough until it pulls away cleanly from the edges of the bowl. You might use up to 1 more cup (for a total of 5 cups). This crucial step helps prevent adding too much flour, which can result in dry rolls. If you have some flour leftover, don’t worry, you can use it to lightly dust your countertop when you roll out the dough later.
- Once the dough is smooth and elastic, cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap. Let your dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 20-30 minutes, or until it has noticeably increased in volume.
Berry Filling
- In a medium-sized bowl, gently mix together the fresh raspberries and raspberry jam until well combined. Lightly mash the fresh raspberries with a fork to help them incorporate and release their juices.
Rolling out the Berry Sweet Rolls
- Once the dough has doubled in size, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Using your hands, gently form it into a small rectangle. Then, with a rolling pin, carefully roll the dough into an approximate 24″ x 12″ rectangle. The dough should be about ½” thick. Try to maintain an even thickness across the entire surface for consistent rolls.
- Evenly spread the berry filling over the entire rolled dough rectangle. Make sure to keep the mixture about 1″ away from the edges on all sides; this border helps to seal the roll effectively.
- Starting at one of the 24″ long sides, carefully roll the dough up into a tight log. Aim for an even, snug roll without pulling or stretching the dough too much. Once rolled, use a sharp serrated knife or unflavored dental floss to cut the log into 1″ to 1.5″ slices. For using floss, slide it under the log, cross the ends over the top, and pull to slice cleanly.
- Place the cut slices, cut side down, in a lightly greased 9″ x 13″ baking pan. Arrange them about 1″ apart, as they will expand during the final rise and baking. Cover the pan loosely with a light towel or plastic wrap and place it in a warm area. Let them rise until they double in size, which usually takes about 20-30 minutes. They should feel spongy and tender to the touch when gently pressed.
Baking the Raspberry Rolls
- While your dough is completing its second rise, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have sufficiently risen and are wonderfully puffy, bake them in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the tops and bottoms are beautifully golden brown and the rolls are cooked through.
- Remove the pan from the oven. While the sweet rolls are still warm (this allows the frosting to melt slightly and seep into the cracks), generously spread a thick layer of the lemon cream cheese frosting over them. Pay close attention to evenly coat the edges and crevices. Serve immediately and savor every delicious bite!
Cream Cheese Icing for Berry Sweet Rolls
- For the Lemon Cream Cheese Icing: In an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the room temperature cream cheese until it is light, smooth, and fluffy. Reduce the mixer speed to very low, then gradually add the powdered sugar, lemon juice, lemon extract, and vanilla extract. Mix until all the ingredients are just combined and smooth. Increase the mixer speed to high again and beat for another minute or two until the frosting is wonderfully light and airy.
- For the Raspberry Cream Cheese Drizzle (Optional): Prepare this drizzle exactly as you would the lemon cream cheese icing, substituting raspberry jam for the lemon juice and extract. You may need to thin it down slightly with a small amount of milk (start with ½ teaspoon and add more if needed) to achieve a perfect drizzling consistency.
Video Tutorial
Chef’s Notes & Pro Tips
Storing Baked Sweet Rolls: Store any leftover baked sweet rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, individually wrap cooled baked rolls and place them in a freezer bag in a single layer in the freezer for up to 1 month. To thaw, simply remove them from the freezer the night before and let them slowly come to temperature in the refrigerator.
How to Bake Frozen Sweet Rolls (Unbaked): If you’ve frozen your rolls before baking, transfer them from the freezer to the refrigerator overnight to thaw. The next morning, place them in a warm spot for about 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until they have had a chance to complete their final rise and are light and fluffy. Once risen, bake the sweet rolls as directed in the recipe, ensuring your oven is preheated to 350°F (175°C).
Reheating Baked Sweet Rolls: To reheat thawed or leftover baked sweet rolls, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 10 minutes until heated through and softened. Alternatively, for individual rolls, you can warm them in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds after they have defrosted.
Nutrition Information
Disclaimer: Nutritional values were calculated using a third-party tool and are provided as an estimation only.
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These truly are the best raspberry sweet rolls you’ll ever bake. If you adore soft, gooey, and flavorful sweet rolls, this recipe will guide you through every precise step to achieve baking perfection. Each roll is incredibly fluffy, tender, and delightfully chewy, boasting a rich raspberry filling that harmonizes beautifully with the bright lemon cream cheese frosting. And for those who love an extra touch, the optional raspberry cream cheese drizzle adds another layer of irresistible flavor. Prepare to impress yourself and everyone you share them with!