There are few things as delightful as pulling a pan of homemade Raspberry Swirl Sweet Rolls from the oven, their vibrant berry swirls promising a perfect marriage of sweet, tart, and buttery flavors. These soft spirals combine pillowy yeasted dough, a glossy raspberry jam filling, and the irresistible finish of tangy cream cheese glaze. Whether you serve them for a special brunch or an anytime treat, Raspberry Swirl Sweet Rolls are sure to win over everyone lucky enough to snag one warm from the pan.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple pantry ingredients, along with a few fresh touches, make these Raspberry Swirl Sweet Rolls shine. Each element plays a starring role: flour for structure, butter and eggs for richness, raspberries for a burst of fruitiness, and a luscious glaze to tie it all together.
- Warm milk (1 cup, 110°F): The ideal base for activating the yeast and creating soft, tender dough.
- Active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons): Gives the rolls their beautiful rise and signature fluffiness.
- Granulated sugar (½ cup): Sweetens the dough perfectly without overpowering the fillings.
- Unsalted butter, melted (â…“ cup): Adds richness and helps keep the dough irresistibly soft.
- Large eggs (2): Bind the dough together and create a pillowy texture.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- All-purpose flour (4 cups): The foundation of any great yeasted bread, delivering just the right crumb.
- Raspberry jam or preserves (1 cup): A juicy, flavorful swirl that’s the star of these sweet rolls.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Thickens the raspberry filling for a perfectly gooey layer.
- Water (1 tablespoon): Helps dissolve the cornstarch for a smooth, glossy filling.
- Fresh raspberries, optional (½ cup): Adds bursts of tart berry flavor and a beautiful, natural brightness.
- Cream cheese, softened (4 oz): Forms the base of the creamy glaze you’ll want on everything.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Sweetens and thickens the glaze for a smooth, spreadable finish.
- Milk (2–3 tablespoons): Gives the glaze its perfect drizzling consistency.
- Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon): Adds depth and warmth to the glaze, enhancing every bite.
How to Make Raspberry Swirl Sweet Rolls
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Begin your Raspberry Swirl Sweet Rolls adventure by combining warm milk and active dry yeast in a large mixing bowl. Give it a gentle stir and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. The yeast will blossom into a bubbly, frothy layer—this is your sign that the dough will be light and fluffy. If you don’t see bubbles, your yeast may be inactive, so always double-check.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
Add granulated sugar, melted butter, eggs, and salt to the yeast mixture and stir well. Gradually mix in the flour, one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but easy to handle. You can use a stand mixer with a dough hook or simply knead by hand if you love getting in touch with your baking.
Step 3: Knead and Proof the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes, or for about 5 to 6 minutes with a stand mixer. This step is crucial for achieving the signature tender bite that defines Raspberry Swirl Sweet Rolls. Shape the dough into a ball, place it in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise somewhere warm until doubled—about an hour. This is when the magic of yeast does its work!
Step 4: Prepare the Raspberry Filling
While the dough rises, stir together raspberry jam, cornstarch, and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook for 2–3 minutes, just until the jam is slightly thickened and glossy. This extra step ensures your filling stays in place and swirls beautifully through the rolls. Set it aside to cool to room temperature.
Step 5: Shape and Fill the Rolls
Punch down the dough and gently roll it into a 16×12-inch rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the cooled raspberry filling evenly, getting all the way to the edges for maximum berry flavor in every bite. If using fresh raspberries, sprinkle them over the jam for even more texture and tang. Starting at the longer side, roll the dough up tightly to form a log, then slice into 12 equal rounds.
Step 6: Second Rise and Bake
Arrange the rolls, cut-side up, in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let them rise a second time until puffy, about 30 to 45 minutes. While they rise, preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown on top and fragrant throughout your kitchen. The swirls should be juicy and have lovely ruby-red streaks.
Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze
As the rolls cool slightly, mix together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until creamy and smooth. The glaze should be thick enough to spread but soft enough to ooze into every swirl. When the rolls are just warm, slather the glaze generously over the top for a decadent finish.
How to Serve Raspberry Swirl Sweet Rolls
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar or a scattering of extra fresh raspberries makes Raspberry Swirl Sweet Rolls look as pretty as they taste. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a little lemon zest sprinkled on top adds a touch of brightness and color contrast to the sweet, creamy glaze.
Side Dishes
Serve these sweet rolls with a platter of fresh fruit for a refreshing contrast, or pair with creamy Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey for a balanced breakfast or brunch spread. They also sit beautifully alongside freshly brewed coffee or a lovely pot of herbal tea.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform your Raspberry Swirl Sweet Rolls into a festive dessert by piling them high on a cake stand and finishing with edible flowers. Or serve them pull-apart style right from the baking pan for a cozy, informal gathering where everyone gets a warm roll straight from the oven. Individual cupcake wrappers also make them perfect for potlucks or bake sales.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Raspberry Swirl Sweet Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want them to last longer, keep them in the refrigerator where they’ll stay soft and fresh for about four days. Just remember to let them come to room temperature or gently reheat before enjoying again.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze these rolls! Once baked and cooled, wrap them snuggly in plastic wrap and foil or place in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll freeze well for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm and glaze just before serving for bakery-fresh results.
Reheating
To bring that just-baked magic back, pop individual rolls in the microwave for about 20–30 seconds, or warm a whole pan in a low oven (about 300°F) loosely covered with foil for 10–15 minutes. Add an extra spoonful of glaze after heating for ultimate gooeyness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Breakfast, Dessert
Absolutely! While raspberry is classic, strawberry, blackberry, or even a mixed berry preserve work beautifully in these Raspberry Swirl Sweet Rolls. Just make sure to thicken any jam with cornstarch for the same swirl effect.
Do I have to use fresh raspberries for the filling?
Fresh raspberries are optional, but they add lovely bursts of tart fruit flavor and a pretty look inside the rolls. Frozen raspberries can work too—just thaw and pat dry before adding so they don’t water down the filling.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! After shaping the rolls, cover and refrigerate them overnight before the second rise. In the morning, let them come to room temperature and rise for 30–45 minutes, then bake as usual. This makes Raspberry Swirl Sweet Rolls perfect for prepping ahead.
What if I don’t have a stand mixer?
No mixer? No problem! Just use a sturdy spoon to start, then knead the dough by hand on a floured surface. It’s a great way to get in a little kitchen workout and connect with the dough.
Is there a way to make these Raspberry Swirl Sweet Rolls dairy free?
You can swap in your favorite plant-based milk and vegan butter for the dough, and use a dairy-free cream cheese in the glaze. The rolls may taste a touch different but will still be absolutely delicious and beautiful!
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never made Raspberry Swirl Sweet Rolls at home, you’re in for a seriously rewarding treat. The process is easier than you think, and every bite delivers a swirl of home-baked love and irresistible berry flavor. Gather your ingredients, invite someone to help you swirl, and discover why these sweet rolls always disappear fast. Happy baking!
Print
Raspberry Swirl Sweet Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the sweet and tangy delight of Raspberry Swirl Sweet Rolls with a creamy cream cheese glaze. These soft, pillowy rolls are perfect for breakfast or as a dessert treat.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- â…“ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
Raspberry Filling:
- 1 cup raspberry jam or preserves
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- ½ cup fresh raspberries, optional
Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Dough Preparation: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit until foamy. Add sugar, melted butter, eggs, and salt. Gradually mix in flour to form a dough. Knead until smooth. Let rise for 1 hour.
- Raspberry Filling: Cook raspberry jam, cornstarch, and water until thickened. Cool.
- Assembly: Roll out dough, spread raspberry filling, add fresh raspberries, roll into a log, slice into rolls, and place in a baking dish.
- Baking: Let rise, then bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes.
- Cream Cheese Glaze: Mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Spread over warm rolls.
Notes
- You can substitute raspberry jam with any berry preserves.
- For a brighter flavor, add lemon zest to the filling.
- Rolls can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight before the final rise.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
