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A close-up of gooey raspberry sweet rolls topped with sweet icing, served on a plate with fresh raspberries.

Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls

Indulge in these delightful Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls, featuring a tender, fluffy yeast dough swirled with a buttery cinnamon-brown sugar filling and bursts of fresh raspberries, all crowned with a sweet vanilla glaze.
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls
Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 1 cup milk warm (105-115°F / 40-46°C)
  • 2.25 tsp active dry yeast 1 packet
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted and cooled slightly
  • 1 large egg room temperature
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour plus more for dusting
For the Filling
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar packed
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1.5 cups fresh raspberries or frozen, thawed and well-drained
For the Glaze
  • 1.5 cups powdered sugar
  • 3-4 tbsp milk or cream
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Equipment

  • Stand Mixer (with dough hook)
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Rolling Pin
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Whisk

Method
 

Prepare the Dough
  1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm milk, yeast, and 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Add the remaining 1/4 cup granulated sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix with the dough hook attachment on low speed until combined.
  3. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing on low speed until a shaggy dough forms. Increase speed to medium-low and knead for 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and pulls away from the sides of the bowl. If the dough is too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time; if too dry, add a teaspoon of milk.
  4. Lightly grease a large bowl. Transfer the dough to the bowl, turning once to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Prepare the Filling & Assemble Rolls
  1. While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Mix until well combined and spreadable.
  2. Once the dough has doubled, gently punch it down and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a large rectangle, approximately 12x18 inches.
  3. Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the entire surface of the dough rectangle, leaving a small border (about 1/2 inch) on one long edge. Evenly sprinkle the fresh raspberries over the filling.
  4. Starting from the long edge opposite the border, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam closed to seal.
  5. Using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal rolls, about 1.5 inches thick. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish and arrange the rolls snugly in the dish.
  6. Cover the baking dish loosely with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let the rolls rise again in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, or until puffy and almost doubled in size.
Bake the Rolls
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) during the last 15 minutes of the second rise.
  2. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the rolls are cooked through. If the tops start to brown too quickly, you can lightly tent the dish with aluminum foil.
  3. Remove from oven and let cool in the dish for about 10 minutes.
Prepare the Glaze
  1. While the rolls are cooling slightly, whisk together the powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons of milk or cream, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add more milk 1 teaspoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
  2. Drizzle or spread the glaze generously over the warm raspberry cinnamon rolls. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, ensure your yeast is fresh and your milk is at the correct temperature (like warm bathwater) to activate the yeast properly. If using frozen raspberries, make sure they are completely thawed and well-drained to prevent excess moisture from making the rolls soggy. These rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.