Why Make This Recipe

Cherry Cinnamon Rolls with Homemade Filling are a delightful twist on the classic cinnamon roll, combining the warm, sweet flavors of cinnamon with the tartness of cherries. These rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a sweet treat during the day. Making your filling from scratch enhances the flavor and allows you to control the sweetness and texture. Plus, baking these rolls fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that makes everyone eager to enjoy them. If you’re looking for a fun baking project or simply want to impress your friends and family, this recipe will definitely do the trick!

How to Make Cherry Cinnamon Rolls with Homemade Filling

Creating these delicious Cherry Cinnamon Rolls involves several steps, but with a little patience and attention, you’ll achieve a delightful result. Follow the directions closely for a smooth process.

Ingredients:

3 1/2 cups frozen cherries (454g)
1/3 cup granulated sugar (67g)
1/4 cup cold water (60g)
2 tablespoons corn starch (20g)
1/4 cup warm water (60g)
1 teaspoon active dry yeast (6g)
3/4 cup whole milk (180g)
1/3 cup granulated sugar (67g)
2 large eggs
4 1/2 cups bread flour (540g)
1/2 teaspoon salt (3g)
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature (57g)
3 oz cream cheese, room temperature (85g)
2 cups powdered sugar (260g)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1-3 tablespoons whole milk (20-60g)

Directions:

Make the Filling

Prepare Your Cherries: Start by taking your 3 1/2 cups of frozen cherries and place them in a saucepan. It’s okay to use frozen cherries as they release plenty of juices when heated.
Combine Ingredients in a Pot: Add 1/3 cup of granulated sugar and 1/4 cup of cold water to the saucepan with the cherries. Stir gently to combine.
Thicken the Filling: In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1/4 cup of warm water until smooth. Add this mixture to the saucepan. It will help thicken the filling.
Cook the Filling: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir consistently until the mixture begins to simmer and thicken, about 5-7 minutes. Once thickened, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.

Activate The Yeast

Mix Yeast and Water: In a small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon of active dry yeast with 1/4 cup of warm water. Make sure the water is warm but not hot; around 110°F (43°C) is perfect.
Let It Sit: Allow the mixture to sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This shows that your yeast is active and ready to use.

Make The Dough

Heat the Milk: In a small saucepan, warm 3/4 cup of whole milk until it is around 110°F (43°C). Remove from heat.
Combine the Dough Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warmed milk, 1/3 cup of granulated sugar, and 2 large eggs. Mix them well.
Mix in Flour and Salt: Gradually add 4 1/2 cups of bread flour and 1/2 teaspoon of salt into the mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until a dough begins to form.
Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5-8 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Add Butter: Incorporate 6 tablespoons of room temperature unsalted butter into the dough by kneading it in until fully combined.

First Rise

Shape the Dough: Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl, turning it to coat the surface.
Cover and Rise: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Allow it to rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours or until it has doubled in size.

Make The Rolls

Roll Out the Dough: After the first rise, punch down the dough to remove excess air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle, approximately 16×12 inches.
Spread the Filling: Spread the cooled cherry filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
Roll the Dough: Starting from one long side, carefully roll the dough into a log shape. Make sure to roll tightly for better structure.
Slice the Rolls: Once rolled, cut the log into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss for cleaner cuts.

Second Rise

Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Place the sliced rolls inside, ensuring they are close but not touching.
Cover and Rise Again: Cover the rolls with plastic wrap. Let them rise for another 30-60 minutes until they puff up.

Bake and Frost

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake the Rolls: Once the rolls are done rising, uncover them and bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, until golden brown.
Make the Frosting: While the rolls are baking, in a bowl, beat together 3 oz of room temperature cream cheese, 2 cups of powdered sugar, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, and 1-3 tablespoons of whole milk until smooth.
Frost the Rolls: After baking, allow the rolls to cool for a few minutes before generously spreading the cream cheese frosting over them.

How to Serve Cherry Cinnamon Rolls

These Cherry Cinnamon Rolls are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven. You can serve them warm on their own or pair them with coffee or tea. They are perfect for a brunch gathering or as a sweet breakfast option. For an extra touch, sprinkle some chopped nuts or drizzle additional icing over the rolls before serving.

How to Store Cherry Cinnamon Rolls

If you have leftovers (which is rare because they are so delicious!), you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you’d like them to last longer, consider refrigerating them. They will stay fresh for about a week in the fridge. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them in the oven.

Tips to Make Cherry Cinnamon Rolls

Check Your Yeast: Always ensure your yeast is fresh and active. Using warm water to activate it helps in achieving the best rise.
Knead Properly: Kneading the dough well helps build gluten, which gives the rolls their delightful chewy texture.
Don’t Rush the Rises: Allow enough time for both rises. This step is critical for fluffy and risen rolls.
Serve with Extra Icing: If you love sweet treats, consider preparing a little extra icing to drizzle on top before serving.

Variation

Feel free to experiment with different fruits or fillings. For instance, you could replace the cherries with blueberries or raspberries for a berry-filled delight. Adding a bit of almond extract to the frosting can also provide a unique flavor twist.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries. Just make sure to pit them and chop them into smaller pieces before adding them to the filling.
How can I make these rolls ahead of time?
You can prepare the rolls up to the second rise, freeze them on a baking sheet, and once frozen, store them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, let them rise at room temperature before baking.
What if my dough is too sticky?
If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle a little extra flour while kneading until it reaches the desired texture. Just be careful not to add too much, as it can affect the final product.

By following these simple steps and tips, you’ll be on your way to making the most delicious Cherry Cinnamon Rolls that everyone will love! Happy baking!

Cherry Cinnamon Rolls with Homemade Filling

Print Recipe

Delightful cherry cinnamon rolls combining sweet cinnamon and tart cherries, perfect for breakfast or brunch.

Author: lila-monroe
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 70 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

3 1/2 cups frozen cherries
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup cold water
2 tablespoons corn starch
1/4 cup warm water
1 teaspoon active dry yeast
3/4 cup whole milk
1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
4 1/2 cups bread flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
3 oz cream cheese, room temperature
2 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1–3 tablespoons whole milk

Instructions

Make the Filling: Prepare your cherries by placing them in a saucepan.
Combine ingredients in a pot: Add sugar and cold water, stir gently.
Thicken the filling by mixing cornstarch and warm water, then add to the saucepan.
Cook the filling over medium heat until it simmers, about 5-7 minutes.
Activate the yeast: Mix yeast and warm water in a small bowl and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
Heat the milk until warm, around 110°F (43°C).
Combine the warmed milk, sugar, and eggs in a large mixing bowl.
Mix in flour and salt gradually to form a dough.
Knead the dough for 5-8 minutes until smooth.
Add butter to the dough by kneading until fully combined.
Shape the dough into a ball, place it in a greased bowl, and cover to rise for 1-2 hours.
Roll out the dough into a rectangle after rising.
Spread the cooled cherry filling evenly over the dough.
Roll the dough tightly from one long side into a log shape.
Slice the log into 12 equal pieces.
Prepare a greased baking dish and place slices inside.
Cover and let the rolls rise for another 30-60 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
Make the frosting by beating cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
Frost the rolls after they cool slightly.

Notes

These rolls are best enjoyed warm and can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 roll
Calories: 400
Sugar: 25g
Sodium: 250mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 60g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: cherry cinnamon rolls, sweet rolls, homemade cinnamon rolls, brunch recipes