If you love the idea of combining subtle earthiness with bright, fruity sweetness, then the Strawberry Matcha Latte Rolls Recipe is about to become your new obsession. These rolls offer a beautiful balance between the delicate floral notes of matcha and the fresh burst of strawberries, all wrapped up in a soft, tender dough that’s just begging to be devoured. Imagine biting into a warm, pillowy roll with a creamy matcha frosting that perfectly complements the sweet strawberry swirl inside — it’s a treat that feels special yet is surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether you’re baking for a cozy weekend brunch or to delight friends at your next gathering, this recipe delivers a unique and unforgettable flavor experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Strawberry Matcha Latte Rolls Recipe plays a crucial role in creating its unforgettable flavor, texture, and vibrant appearance. From the rich butter and fresh strawberries to the delicate matcha powder, these kitchen staples come together in perfect harmony.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup + 1/4 cup): Provides richness and tenderness to both dough and frosting, making everything melt in your mouth.
- Whole milk (3/4 cup): Adds moisture and richness, creating a soft, pliable dough.
- All-purpose flour (4 cups): The structural backbone for the dough, giving the rolls their fluffy texture.
- Freeze dried strawberries (1/4 cup ground): Packs concentrated strawberry flavor directly into the dough for natural color and taste.
- Granulated sugar (1/3 cup + 1/3 cup): Sweetens the dough and the strawberry filling to balance earthy matcha notes.
- Instant or active dry yeast (1 tablespoon): Leavens the dough for light, airy rolls.
- Diamond Crystal Kosher salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
- Large eggs (3): Strengthen the dough structure and add a lovely golden hue.
- Vanilla bean paste or pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon/1 tablespoon): Brings warmth and complexity to the dough.
- Fresh strawberries (11, finely chopped): The star of the filling offering juicy bursts of sweetness.
- Water (1 tablespoon + a splash): Helps cook the filling and form the cornstarch slurry.
- Cornstarch (2 teaspoons): Thickens the strawberry filling to prevent it from leaking out of the rolls.
- Cream cheese (3 ounces, room temperature): Creates a luxuriously smooth and tangy frosting base.
- Powdered sugar (2 cups): Sweetens and lightens the matcha frosting.
- Matcha powder (2 teaspoons, sifted): Infuses the frosting with its signature earthy green flavor and gorgeous color.
How to Make Strawberry Matcha Latte Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Begin by melting the butter gently on low heat, then remove from the heat and add milk to slightly warm it without killing the yeast. If using active dry yeast, sprinkle it over this mixture and allow it to bloom for 5 minutes. In your stand mixer bowl, combine the flour, ground freeze dried strawberries, sugar, yeast (if using instant), and salt. Beat eggs and vanilla extract together, then slowly add the milk-butter mix into the dry ingredients while mixing on low speed. Gradually add the egg mixture, increase the speed slightly, and knead for about 5 minutes until the dough becomes slightly sticky but well-hydrated.
Step 2: Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it proof in a warm, draft-free spot. This should take about 1 1/2 to 2 hours until it doubles in size. Alternatively, refrigerate overnight for a slower rise and even more flavor development.
Step 3: Make the Strawberry Filling
While the dough is rising, prepare the filling by cooking the chopped strawberries, sugar, and a splash of water in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Simmer until the strawberries soften and it bubbles, roughly 3-4 minutes. Whisk cornstarch with water to create a slurry and stir it into the pan, cooking for another minute until thickened. Transfer the filling to a bowl and chill it in the fridge to cool completely before assembling.
Step 4: Assemble the Rolls
Flour your work surface and roll the dough into a 14-by-20 inch rectangle. Spread the cooled strawberry filling evenly over the dough, leaving about a 1/2-inch border around the edges. Press the filling gently into the dough, then roll up tightly from one of the longer edges. Trim the ends and slice into 9 equal rolls about 2 inches thick. Arrange the rolls in a greased 9-inch pan in a 3-by-3 pattern, cover, and let them proof again for 40 minutes until doubled in size.
Step 5: Bake the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F about 45 minutes into the proofing time. Once the rolls have fully risen, bake them for 20-25 minutes until they turn just golden brown. Avoid over-baking, as the best rolls are soft, tender, and fresh right out of the oven.
Step 6: Prepare the Matcha Frosting
While the rolls bake, whip together cream cheese and butter until silky smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, sifted matcha powder, and a pinch of salt, beating until combined and fluffy. Once the rolls have cooled slightly after baking, spread this vibrant frosting evenly over the top and serve immediately.
How to Serve Strawberry Matcha Latte Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few fresh strawberry slices or a light dusting of matcha powder on top of the frosted rolls can take the presentation to the next level while enhancing those signature flavors.
Side Dishes
Serve these rolls alongside a cup of hot green tea or your morning latte for a beautifully coordinated flavor experience. A simple fruit salad or light yogurt parfait also pairs wonderfully without overpowering the delicate rolls.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the rolls while warm and serve them on a pretty platter with a drizzle of extra cream cheese glaze or even a handful of finely chopped pistachios for added texture and color contrast. They also make an excellent gift when wrapped individually in parchment paper and tied with a soft ribbon.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Strawberry Matcha Latte Rolls Recipe leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This helps maintain their soft texture without drying out.
Freezing
To enjoy these delightful rolls later, freeze them after baking and frosting by wrapping each roll tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They keep well for up to three months.
Reheating
Warm leftover rolls in a microwave for 20-30 seconds or gently reheat in an oven set to 325°F for about 10 minutes. Reapply frosting or a dusting of matcha if desired to refresh that fresh-baked feel.
FAQs
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast in this recipe?
Yes! If you’re using active dry yeast, simply sprinkle it over the warmed milk-butter mixture and let it bloom for about 5 minutes before mixing it with the dry ingredients. This helps activate the yeast properly and ensures a good rise.
Where can I find freeze dried strawberries for the dough?
Freeze dried strawberries are often available in the baking section of specialty grocery stores or online. They provide concentrated flavor and color without adding moisture, which is perfect for this dough.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
This recipe relies on dairy, eggs, and cream cheese for texture and flavor, so it would need several substitutions to be vegan-friendly, such as plant-based milk, vegan butter, and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Keep in mind these swaps can slightly change the final texture and taste.
Can I prepare the dough the night before?
Absolutely! After kneading, cover the dough and refrigerate it overnight. This slower, cold fermentation develops flavor beautifully, and you can roll and bake the next day once it warms slightly and doubles in size.
What’s the best way to prevent the rolls from becoming too sticky?
Sticky dough in this recipe means good hydration, but to manage stickiness while rolling, lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin. Avoid adding too much flour to keep rolls soft and tender.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about the Strawberry Matcha Latte Rolls Recipe that brings together unexpected flavors into one irresistible bite. Whether you’re a matcha enthusiast or a strawberry lover, these rolls offer a delicious twist on classic cinnamon rolls that is sure to impress. I encourage you to try this recipe, share it with loved ones, and witness firsthand how something so simple can delight and inspire in every fluffy, flavorful bite.
Print
Strawberry Matcha Latte Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
These Strawberry Matcha Latte Rolls are soft, fluffy cinnamon roll-inspired treats infused with ground freeze-dried strawberries in the dough and filled with a sweet strawberry filling. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting flavored with matcha, these rolls offer a delightful balance of fruity sweetness and earthy green tea notes—perfect for breakfast or an indulgent snack.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 4 cups all purpose flour
- 1/4 cup ground freeze dried strawberries (from 1 cup freeze dried)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast or active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
Filling
- 11 strawberries (stems removed and finely chopped)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon water
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
Frosting
- 3 ounces cream cheese (at room temperature)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (at room temperature)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons matcha (sifted)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Remove from heat and add the milk to slightly warm it. If using active dry yeast, sprinkle it over the milk and butter mixture and let bloom for 5 minutes.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, mix flour, ground freeze dried strawberries, sugar, instant yeast (if using), and salt. Break up any clumps of freeze dried strawberries to ensure even mixing.
- Mix Eggs and Vanilla: In a small bowl, beat together the eggs and vanilla extract until combined.
- Form the Dough: Add the milk and butter mixture to the flour mixture. Turn the mixer on low to combine, then add the egg and vanilla mixture while mixing. Increase speed slightly and knead for 5 minutes until the dough comes together and is slightly sticky but well hydrated.
- First Rise: Lightly spray a bowl with nonstick cooking spray. Transfer the dough to the bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for 1.5 to 2 hours until doubled in size. Alternatively, refrigerate overnight.
- Prepare the Filling: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine chopped strawberries, sugar, and a splash of water. Cook until strawberries soften and the mixture bubbles, about 3-4 minutes.
- Thicken the Filling: In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch with water to make a slurry. Add this to the strawberry mixture and cook for another minute until thickened. Transfer to a bowl and refrigerate until cool.
- Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a roughly 14 by 20-inch rectangle.
- Spread Filling: Evenly spread the cooled strawberry filling over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges. Lightly press the filling into the dough.
- Roll and Cut: Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Trim the ends and cut the log into 9 equal rolls approximately 2 inches thick using unflavored dental floss or a sharp knife.
- Arrange for Second Rise: Lightly spray a 9-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Place the rolls in the pan in 3 rows of 3. Cover with plastic wrap and let proof for 40 minutes until doubled in size.
- Bake the Rolls: Preheat oven to 350ºF after about 45 minutes of proofing. Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until barely golden brown. Avoid overbaking for soft, tender rolls.
- Make the Frosting: While rolls bake, beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add powdered sugar, sifted matcha, and a pinch of salt, mixing until combined.
- Finish and Serve: Let the rolls cool for 5 minutes after baking, then spread the matcha cream cheese frosting evenly over the warm rolls. Serve fresh for best taste.
Notes
- Using instant yeast speeds up dough preparation; if using active dry yeast, bloom it first.
- Freeze dried strawberries add natural color and flavor without excess moisture.
- Be careful not to overbake to retain softness.
- Red food coloring is optional and used for enhanced color.
- Rolling and cutting with dental floss prevents squishing the dough.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
