Iced Raspberry Honey Sweet Rolls Recipe

If you’re searching for a sweet treat that beautifully balances fruity tang with luscious honey notes, you’ve got to try the Iced Raspberry Honey Sweet Rolls Recipe. These rolls are tender, fluffy, and bursting with vibrant raspberry jam and fresh raspberries set against a subtle sweetness from honey and cream cheese glaze. Imagine the delight when each warm, freshly baked roll is crowned with a glossy, pink-hued icing that not only looks stunning but tastes like pure joy. This recipe turns an ordinary baking day into a celebration of flavors and textures that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any time you need a little homemade indulgence.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for a few simple but essential ingredients, each playing a vital role in creating that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in the rolls. From the warm milk activating the yeast to the tangy raspberry jam and creamy glaze, every element complements one another perfectly.

• Warm milk: Activates the yeast and ensures a soft, tender dough.
• Active dry yeast: The magic behind a light, fluffy roll rise.
• Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps keep the rolls moist.
• Salted butter: Brings richness and a delicate buttery flavor.
• Large eggs: Contribute to structure and tenderness in the dough.
• All-purpose flour: The foundation that forms the body of the rolls.
• Salt: Enhances all the sweet and fruity flavors.
• Raspberry jam: Provides a generous, fruity filling full of vibrant color.
• Fresh raspberries (optional): Add a natural burst of flavor and beautiful texture.
• Freeze-dried raspberries: Ground into powder for an irresistible glaze and sprinkle topping.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the freeze-dried raspberry powder and balances tartness.
• Cream cheese: Creates a luscious, silky base for the glaze.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the glaze for perfect consistency.
• Hot milk: Used to thin the glaze for a perfect drizzle or dip.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, comforting aroma and flavor to the glaze.

How to Make Iced Raspberry Honey Sweet Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast and Make the Dough

Start by combining warm milk, active dry yeast, and honey in a stand mixer bowl fitted with a dough hook. Let this mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes bubbly on top — this tells you the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic. Then add room temperature butter, eggs, flour, and salt, kneading until a smooth dough forms. This should take about 4 minutes, and this smoothness is key to those soft, fluffy sweet rolls.

Step 2: First Rise

Cover the dough and let it sit at room temperature for about an hour, or until it doubles in size. This resting period is crucial because it allows the yeast to develop air pockets that produce a light and airy crumb in the finished rolls.

Step 3: Prepare the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Lightly flour your work surface and roll the risen dough into a large rectangle — about 18 by 20 inches and a quarter inch thick. Spread the raspberry jam evenly over the top, using as much or as little as you like, followed by a sprinkling of fresh raspberries if you want that extra burst of freshness. Then cut the dough into 18 to 20 strips and roll each like a cinnamon roll, placing them spaced apart on the lined sheets.

Step 4: Second Rise and Baking

Cover the rolled-up dough strips and let them rise again for about 20 minutes. This step gives the rolls a chance to puff up again before baking, resulting in a tender inside with a lightly golden crust. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the tops begin to turn a warm, inviting golden shade.

Step 5: Make the Raspberry Powder and Glaze

While your rolls bake, blitz the freeze-dried raspberries in a blender or food processor until they become a fine powder. Set aside three tablespoons of this powder for the glaze and mix the rest with granulated sugar for sprinkling. Then blend cream cheese, honey, powdered sugar, hot milk, vanilla, and 2 to 3 tablespoons of the reserved raspberry powder until smooth. Adjust milk to your desired glaze consistency—it should be perfect for drizzling or dipping.

Step 6: Finish and Enjoy

Once the rolls have cooled slightly, generously dip or drizzle them with the creamy raspberry honey glaze. Sprinkle the raspberry sugar over the top for a vibrant, colorful finish that makes these rolls as stunning as they are delicious. Grab one, take a bite, and enjoy the perfect harmony of sweet, tart, and creamy flavors.

How to Serve Iced Raspberry Honey Sweet Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of extra freeze-dried raspberry powder or some fresh raspberries on top can do wonders to amplify both the look and taste. A tiny drizzle of additional honey or a dusting of powdered sugar adds delicate shine and sweetness that’s irresistible.

Side Dishes

These rolls pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea for breakfast or brunch. For a more substantial meal, serve them alongside fresh fruit salad or a light yogurt parfait. These combinations help balance the richness of the sweet rolls and create a well-rounded spread.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving these for a crowd or special occasion, consider arranging the rolls on a large platter with edible flowers and fresh mint sprigs for a charming touch. Alternatively, place each roll in a pretty paper liner or individual ramekin to create delightful, single-serving presents.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep them soft and fresh. If you want to refrigerate, wrap them tightly to prevent drying out, but note that refrigeration can toughen bread slightly.

Freezing

These sweet rolls freeze beautifully! Wrap each cooled roll individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm directly from frozen in a low oven.

Reheating

To revive the soft texture and warm the glaze, reheat rolls in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. You can also microwave individual rolls for 15 to 20 seconds but watch closely to avoid drying out the dough or melting the glaze too much.

FAQs

Can I use frozen raspberries instead of fresh in this recipe?

Fresh raspberries give the best texture and bright flavor, but if you only have frozen, thaw them completely and drain excess moisture before adding so the dough doesn’t get soggy.

Is there a substitute for cream cheese in the glaze?

You can try mascarpone or a thick Greek yogurt for a similar creaminess, though the glaze flavor and texture may vary slightly from the classic cream cheese version.

How long does it take for the dough to rise properly?

Typically, the first rise takes about 1 hour at room temperature until the dough doubles in size. The second rise is shorter, usually 20 minutes, just enough to puff the rolls before baking.

Can I make the dough by hand instead of a stand mixer?

Absolutely! Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. It just requires a bit more elbow grease but works perfectly fine.

What if I don’t have freeze-dried raspberries for the glaze?

You can omit the raspberry powder and simply make a classic honey cream cheese glaze. Alternatively, use a small amount of raspberry jam mixed into the glaze for some fruity flavor.

Final Thoughts

These Iced Raspberry Honey Sweet Rolls strike that golden balance of fun baking and impressive results, making them a delightful go-to treat to brighten up any day. They’re sure to become a treasured favorite in your kitchen, so don’t hesitate to dive in and create a batch that’s bursting with love, flavor, and a touch of raspberry magic.

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