Raspberry Swirl Rolls
I remember the first time I made Raspberry Swirl Rolls. It was a cloudy afternoon, and the sweet aroma of freshly baked rolls filled my kitchen, wrapping me in a warm embrace. As a child, I spent countless weekends with my grandmother, who taught me the magic of baking. She had a special way of blending flavors that made everything she touched taste like a dream. With spring in the air, I decided to recreate those memories, and what better way than with these delightful rolls? The combination of fluffy dough and tangy raspberry jam creates a symphony of flavors that’s simply irresistible!
Recipe Snapshot
60 mins
40 mins
20 mins
Medium
250 kcal
4g g
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP
10g g
Frying Pan, Blender, Oven, Large Pot, Chef’s Knife, Mixing Bowl, Wooden Spoon, Baking Sheet
The Beauty of This Raspberry Swirl Rolls
Gorgeous Presentation
There’s something about the swirl of raspberry that makes these rolls visually stunning. When you cut into them, the bright red jam creates a beautiful contrast against the soft, golden dough. It’s like unwrapping a gift every time you slice one!
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether it’s a casual brunch, a holiday gathering, or just because, Raspberry Swirl Rolls are versatile enough to shine at any event. Their delightful sweetness pairs perfectly with coffee or tea, making them a fantastic addition to your breakfast table.
Simple Ingredients
This recipe doesn’t require any fancy ingredients. Just simple staples that you likely already have in your pantry. This means you can whip these up on a whim, satisfying those unexpected sweet cravings!
Fun for the Family
Baking these rolls is an excellent way to involve the whole family. Kids love rolling the dough and spreading the raspberry jam. It becomes a fun bonding activity that creates lasting memories.
Deliciously Irresistible
Once you take a bite of a warm, gooey roll, you’ll see why they are irresistible. The combination of textures—from the fluffy bread to the smooth icing—makes every bite a treat. You’ll find it hard to stop at just one!
Make Ahead Option
If you’re planning for a special occasion, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and let it rise overnight in the fridge. This makes morning prep a breeze!
Everything You Need for Raspberry Swirl Rolls

The philosophy behind creating Raspberry Swirl Rolls lies in the balance of flavors and textures. The key ingredients work together to create something truly special. The combination of flour, yeast, and milk lays the foundation for a soft and airy dough, while the raspberry jam adds a vibrant burst of flavor. Each component plays its part in crafting the perfect roll.
- 1 Tbsp yeast – This is the star of the show, making the dough rise wonderfully.
- 1/4 cup warm water, 110 to 115 degrees – Helps activate the yeast for that perfect rise.
- 1 cup whole milk – Adds richness and contributes to the softness of the rolls.
- 1/4 cup cream – Makes the rolls even more luxurious.
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter – For a rich flavor and tender texture.
- 1/3 cup sour cream – Adds moisture and a slight tang.
- 1 egg – Binds the ingredients together.
- 1 tsp vanilla – Enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 tsp salt – Balances the sweetness.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar – Sweetness to offset the tartness of the raspberry.
- 5 cups all-purpose flour – The base for our dough.
- 1 tsp baking powder – Helps the rolls rise more during baking.
- 1 1/2 cups raspberry jam, seedless if preferred – The delightful filling.
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar – For the filling, sweetening the jam.
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted – To brush on the dough.
- 1/4 cup butter, softened – For the icing.
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened – A creamy base for the frosting.
- 1 tsp vanilla – For flavoring the icing.
- 4 cups powdered sugar – Sweetness for the frosting.
- 2 Tbsp whole milk – To achieve the right frosting consistency.
How to Prepare Raspberry Swirl Rolls

Making Raspberry Swirl Rolls is a delightful process that will fill your kitchen with delicious aromas. Follow these steps, and you’ll be rewarded with beautiful, fluffy rolls that everyone will love. Let’s get started!
- In a large mixing bowl of an electric mixer, combine yeast and warm water. Stir until the yeast has dissolved, then let it rest for about 5 minutes until bubbly. This is crucial as it activates the yeast, ensuring a good rise!
- While waiting, heat milk, cream, and butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. You want to scale the mixture and bring it nearly to a boil, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream. Allow this mixture to cool to 110 to 115 degrees before adding it to the proofed yeast.
- Once cooled, add the egg, vanilla, salt, and sugar to the yeast mixture. Stir well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Gradually add flour, mixing until the dough starts to come together. Switch to a kneading attachment and knead for about 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic. The mixture will seem runny, but resist the temptation to add more flour.
- Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size, about 1 hour. This step is essential for achieving light and fluffy rolls.
- After the dough has risen, sprinkle in baking powder and knead for another minute just to combine.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions. On a generously floured surface, roll each portion into a 12-inch by 16-inch rectangle. This size will help create a nice swirl effect!
- Brush each rectangle with about 1 tablespoon of melted butter. In a separate bowl, mix together 1/3 cup sugar and raspberry jam. Spread this mixture over the dough, leaving about 1 inch from the edges.
- Carefully roll the dough tightly from the longer side, ensuring a nice tight swirl. Once rolled, cut each log into 12 slices, about 1 1/4 inches thick.
- Place the slices onto two greased jelly roll pans, ensuring they are spaced out. Cover and let rise again until doubled, about 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. When ready, bake the rolls for 17 to 19 minutes until they are lightly golden on top.
- While the rolls are baking, prepare the icing. In a large mixing bowl, whip together the softened butter and cream cheese until fluffy. Add in vanilla, powdered sugar, and milk, blending until smooth and well combined.
- As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, frost them while they’re still warm. You want the icing to melt slightly into the warm rolls, creating a delicious layer of sweetness!
Things Worth Knowing
- Always let your dough rise in a warm area; this helps create a fluffy texture.
- Ensure your yeast is fresh; if it doesn’t bubble when mixed with water, it’s no longer active.
- For the best swirl, roll the dough tightly and evenly to avoid gaps.
- Using seedless raspberry jam can enhance the smooth texture of the rolls.
Tips and Variations

Here are some tips to ensure your Raspberry Swirl Rolls turn out perfectly!
- Storage: Keep leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
- Freezing: You can freeze these rolls before baking. Just wrap them tightly and store them in the freezer. Bake when you’re ready!
- Pairing: Enjoy these rolls with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk for a cozy treat.
- Customization: Feel free to experiment with other fruit jams like strawberry or blueberry for a twist.
- Glazing: For an extra touch, drizzle a lemon glaze over the iced rolls for a refreshing zing.
Side Dish Ideas for Raspberry Swirl Rolls
If you’re wondering what to pair with your delicious Raspberry Swirl Rolls, here are some fantastic ideas:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant fruit salad complements the sweetness of the rolls perfectly.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a refreshing side.
- Scrambled Eggs: Serve with fluffy scrambled eggs for a delightful brunch option.
- Breakfast Sausages: Add a savory touch with some breakfast sausages on the side.
- Hot Beverages: Pair with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for a cozy experience.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can add a savory balance to the sweet rolls.
FAQ
Conclusion
Raspberry Swirl Rolls are a wonderful way to bring a touch of sweetness to any occasion. With their fluffy texture and vibrant raspberry flavor, they are sure to become a favorite in your home. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and indulge in the deliciousness!

Raspberry Swirl Rolls
Equipment
- Frying Pan
- Blender
- Oven
- Large Pot
- Chef's Knife
- Mixing Bowl
- Wooden Spoon
- Baking Sheet
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp yeast
- 1/4 cup warm water 110 to 115 degrees
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup cream
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 cups raspberry jam seedless if preferred
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 1/4 cup butter softened
- 8 oz. cream cheese softened
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 Tbsp whole milk
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl of an electric mixer, combine yeast and warm water. Stir until the yeast has dissolved, then let rest for about 5 minutes until bubbly. This is crucial as it activates the yeast, ensuring a good rise!
- While waiting, heat milk, cream, and butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. You want to scale the mixture and bring it nearly to a boil, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream. Allow this mixture to cool to 110 to 115 degrees before adding it to the proofed yeast.
- Once cooled, add the egg, vanilla, salt, and sugar to the yeast mixture. Stir well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Gradually add flour, mixing until the dough starts to come together. Switch to a kneading attachment and knead for about 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic. The mixture will seem runny, but resist the temptation to add more flour.
- Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size, about 1 hour. This step is essential for achieving light and fluffy rolls.
- After the dough has risen, sprinkle in baking powder and knead for another minute just to combine.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions. On a generously floured surface, roll each portion into a 12-inch by 16-inch rectangle. This size will help create a nice swirl effect!
- Brush each rectangle with about 1 tablespoon of melted butter. In a separate bowl, mix together 1/3 cup sugar and raspberry jam. Spread this mixture over the dough, leaving about 1 inch from the edges.
- Carefully roll the dough tightly from the longer side, ensuring a nice tight swirl. Once rolled, cut each log into 12 slices, about 1 1/4 inches thick.
- Place the slices onto two greased jelly roll pans, ensuring they are spaced out. Cover and let rise again until doubled, about 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. When ready, bake the rolls for 17 to 19 minutes until they are lightly golden on top.
- While the rolls are baking, prepare the icing. In a large mixing bowl, whip together the softened butter and cream cheese until fluffy. Add in vanilla, powdered sugar, and milk, blending until smooth and well combined.
- As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, frost them while they’re still warm. You want the icing to melt slightly into the warm rolls, creating a delicious layer of sweetness!
Notes
- Storage: Keep leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
- Freezing: You can freeze these rolls before baking. Just wrap them tightly and store them in the freezer. Bake when you’re ready!
- Pairing: Enjoy these rolls with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk for a cozy treat.
- Customization: Feel free to experiment with other fruit jams like strawberry or blueberry for a twist.
- Glazing: For an extra touch, drizzle a lemon glaze over the iced rolls for a refreshing zing.


