Name: Strawberry Donut Rolls
Prep time: 1 h 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for dough); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast; 3/4 cup warm milk; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened; 1 large egg; 1 1/2 cups chopped fresh strawberries; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for macerating strawberries); 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 to 3 tablespoons milk or cream; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional); Oil for frying (or baking instructions below)

Imagine biting into a fluffy donut roll topped with a cascade of creamy glaze and juicy, sweet strawberries—pure bliss in every mouthful. These Strawberry Donut Rolls are everything a dessert should be: tender, buttery dough, a rich vanilla icing, and a generous topping of macerated strawberries that deliver a bright burst of flavor. They look bakery-perfect but come together with surprising ease, making them ideal for weekend brunches, birthday treats, or simply whenever you’re craving something sweet and fruity.

What makes these donut rolls so irresistible is the contrast of textures and temperatures. The warm, soft roll meets the cool, lightly sugared strawberries and smooth glaze in a balance that keeps you coming back for more. Whether you’re an experienced baker or new to sweet rolls, this recipe is simple enough to follow and indulgent enough to impress.

What Kind of Dough Should I Use for Strawberry Donut Rolls?

For that rich, donut-like texture, a brioche-style dough works beautifully. It’s enriched with butter and eggs, giving the rolls a pillowy, tender crumb that complements the sweetness of the glaze and strawberries. If you want to keep things easy, refrigerated biscuit dough or premade dough from the bakery section can be a helpful shortcut.

Ingredients for the Strawberry Donut Rolls

Donut Dough: The base of this recipe. A soft, enriched dough gives these rolls their classic donut texture.

Fresh Strawberries: Choose ripe, red berries. They provide the juiciness and fresh flavor that tops off each roll perfectly.

Granulated Sugar: Used to macerate the strawberries, drawing out their juices and enhancing their natural sweetness.

Powdered Sugar: Essential for creating the icing that drips beautifully over the top.

Milk or Cream: Just a splash to make the glaze smooth and pourable.

Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, fragrant note to the icing.

Butter (optional): You can brush the rolls with melted butter after baking for extra richness.

How To Make the Strawberry Donut Rolls

Step 1: Prep the Dough

If you’re using homemade dough, start by mixing warm milk, yeast, a touch of sugar, eggs, and flour. Knead until smooth and elastic, then let it rise until doubled in size. For store-bought dough, just allow it to come to room temperature so it’s easier to work with.

Step 2: Shape and Fry (or Bake)

Roll out the dough to about 1-inch thickness and cut into rounds using a biscuit cutter. You can also shape them into slightly flattened balls. Fry in hot oil (about 350°F) until golden brown on both sides, then drain on paper towels. Alternatively, bake at 375°F for about 15 minutes or until lightly golden.

Step 3: Macerate the Strawberries

While the rolls cool slightly, chop the fresh strawberries and toss them with granulated sugar. Let them sit for 10-15 minutes so they release their sweet, juicy syrup.

Step 4: Make the Vanilla Glaze

Whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a bit of milk or cream until smooth. You want a thick but pourable consistency that will cling to the rolls.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Spoon the glaze generously over the warm donut rolls, letting it drip down the sides. Top with a heaping spoonful of the macerated strawberries. Serve warm or at room temperature for a dreamy dessert or breakfast treat.

How to Serve and Store Strawberry Donut Rolls

These Strawberry Donut Rolls are best enjoyed fresh while the glaze is still slightly warm and the strawberries are juicy. Serve them on a brunch platter, or plate them individually for an elegant dessert presentation. A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of extra glaze right before serving adds a picture-perfect touch.

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Before serving again, you can reheat them gently in the microwave for about 10 seconds. The strawberries may release more juice over time, so keep that in mind when storing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the donuts from getting soggy?

Make sure to let the rolls cool slightly before adding the glaze and strawberries. If added while too hot, the toppings can slide off and soak in too quickly.

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes, but be sure to thaw and drain them well before macerating. Frozen berries tend to release more liquid.

What oil is best for frying the dough?

Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like canola or vegetable oil for best results.

Can I make these ahead of time?

You can prep the dough and strawberries the night before. Store the shaped dough in the fridge and fry or bake fresh in the morning.

Is it okay to bake instead of fry?

Absolutely! Baking yields a lighter texture with less mess and oil. It’s a great option for a slightly healthier twist.

Can I add a filling?

Definitely! Try filling the dough with sweetened cream cheese or strawberry jam before baking or frying for an extra surprise.

Want More Donut Ideas with a Fruity Twist?

If these Strawberry Donut Rolls hit the spot, you’ll love these other sweet and fruity creations from the blog:

Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes for bite-sized indulgence.
Heart-Shaped Sugar Donuts to share love and sweetness.
Blueberry Swirl Yogurt Bites if you’re craving something fruity and light.
Strawberry Puff Pastry Hearts for a quick dessert with buttery layers.
Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes packed with berry flavor in every bite.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you bake or fry them? Did you sneak in a filling or stick with the classic?

I always love seeing your versions and twists. Don’t forget to follow along on Pinterest for more daily ideas: Life with Nina on Pinterest

Strawberry Donut Rolls

Author: Nina Johnson
Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Yield: 8 donut rolls 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Frying or Baking
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

Fluffy, golden donut-style rolls smothered in sweet vanilla glaze and topped with juicy macerated strawberries—these Strawberry Donut Rolls are the perfect weekend treat. Bake or fry them, and watch them disappear in seconds!

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and granulated sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.

2. Mix in egg, softened butter, salt, and flour until a sticky dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 5–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.

3. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled—about 1 hour.

4. Roll dough to 1-inch thickness and cut into rounds. Let rest 10 minutes.

5. Heat oil to 350°F. Fry rolls until golden brown on each side (about 1–2 minutes). Drain on paper towels. Alternatively, bake at 375°F for 15 minutes.

6. While rolls cool, toss chopped strawberries with 2 tablespoons sugar. Let sit for 15 minutes to macerate.

7. In a bowl, whisk powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk/cream until smooth. Adjust consistency as needed.

8. Drizzle glaze over warm rolls, then spoon strawberries on top. Serve immediately or once cooled.