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Strawberry Matcha Rolls Recipe

4.9 from 142 reviews

These Strawberry Matcha Rolls combine the earthy flavor of culinary matcha with the sweet freshness of strawberries in a soft, enriched dough. Perfect for breakfast or an elegant dessert, these rolls feature a fluffy matcha-infused dough filled with a brown sugar matcha filling and topped with a luscious strawberry cream cheese frosting.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

  • 1 cup whole milk (warmed)
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 2 eggs (room temperature)
  • 4 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • 4 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon culinary matcha powder (sifted)
  • 1 ¼ teaspoons fine sea salt (or table salt)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)

Filling

  • ⅓ cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • ¾ cup brown sugar (packed; light or dark)
  • 1 tablespoon culinary matcha powder

Topping

  • ⅓ cup heavy cream (room temperature)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (packed; light or dark)
  • 1 teaspoon culinary matcha powder (sifted)

Frosting

  • 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
  • ½1 cup powdered sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons freeze dried strawberry powder (or a few tablespoons strawberry jam, adjust to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla (paste or extract)
  • ⅓ cup heavy cream (chilled)
  • 6 strawberries (cut lengthwise into 12 pieces)

Instructions

  1. Proof yeast: In a medium bowl, whisk together the warmed whole milk, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture is frothy and the yeast is activated.
  2. Make matcha dough: In a stand mixer fitted with a hook attachment, combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, sifted matcha powder, salt, yeast mixture, and eggs. Mix on medium low speed until a dough forms.
  3. Add butter: While continuing to mix on medium low speed, gradually add the softened unsalted butter a tablespoon at a time every 30 seconds. Continue mixing for 8-10 minutes until the dough passes the windowpane test, indicating it’s kneaded enough to be elastic and thin enough to let light pass through.
  4. Proof dough: Transfer the dough to a large bowl, cover lightly with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1.5-2 hours. Alternatively, refrigerate overnight for slower proofing.
  5. Prepare filling: With a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat softened butter, brown sugar, and sifted matcha powder on medium high speed until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
  6. Roll out dough and add filling: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the risen dough into an 18” by 12” rectangle. Evenly spread the matcha brown sugar filling over the surface, then tightly roll the dough into an 18-inch log.
  7. Cut rolls: Using a sharp knife, slice the rolled log into 12 equal pieces, about 1.5 inches each.
  8. Second proof: Arrange the rolls in a lined 9” x 13” baking pan. Lightly cover with plastic wrap and allow to rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1-1.5 hours. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) during the last 5-10 minutes of proofing.
  9. Prepare matcha cream topping: In a small bowl, whisk together heavy cream, brown sugar, and sifted matcha powder until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the proofed rolls before baking.
  10. Bake rolls: Bake the rolls for 20-30 minutes, or until they turn slightly golden and are cooked through with no doughy centers.
  11. Make frosting: While the rolls bake, whip the softened cream cheese in a stand mixer with the paddle attachment until smooth and lump-free, about 5 minutes. Gradually mix in powdered sugar, freeze dried strawberry powder, and vanilla until fully combined. Finally, whip in chilled heavy cream until frosting is light and fluffy.
  12. Frost and garnish: Let the baked rolls cool for about 5 minutes, then generously spread the strawberry cream cheese frosting on top. Place half a sliced strawberry on each roll as garnish, then serve and enjoy!

Notes

  • For best flavor, sift matcha powder to avoid clumps.
  • The windowpane test is essential to check dough development; it ensures gluten is sufficiently kneaded.
  • Dough can be proofed overnight in the refrigerator for enhanced flavor and convenience.
  • Adjust the sweetness of the frosting by modifying the amount of powdered sugar and strawberry powder or jam.
  • Use light or dark brown sugar depending on your flavor preference; dark brown sugar gives a richer molasses taste.
  • If freeze dried strawberry powder is not available, strawberry jam works as a substitute but may add more moisture.
  • Ensure all dairy ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.

Keywords: matcha rolls, strawberry matcha rolls, matcha dessert, matcha sweet rolls, cream cheese frosting, strawberry frosting, Japanese dessert, baked sweet rolls