Cherry Cinnamon Rolls with Homemade Filling Recipe

Introduction

Cherry cinnamon rolls bring a delightful twist to a beloved classic. The combination of sweet, spiced dough and juicy cherries creates a warm, comforting treat that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert. Let’s explore how to make these irresistibly fruity and fragrant rolls from scratch.

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup warm milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (or vegan butter)
• 2 large eggs (or 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce)
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and chopped
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (or vegan butter)
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened (or vegan cream cheese)
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons milk (dairy or non-dairy)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine warm milk, granulated sugar, and yeast. Let sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and eggs (or applesauce). Stir until a dough forms.
3. Step 3: Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Step 4: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. Step 5: Prepare the filling by mixing chopped cherries, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Set aside.
6. Step 6: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a 16×12 inch rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly, then sprinkle the cherry filling over the top.
7. Step 7: Roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log. Cut into 12 slices.
8. Step 8: Arrange slices in a greased 9×13 inch pan. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
9. Step 9: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
10. Step 10: While baking, prepare the frosting by beating cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
11. Step 11: After baking, let rolls cool slightly, then drizzle with cream cheese frosting. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

• Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon filling for added warmth.
• If using frozen cherries, thaw and drain them well to prevent excess moisture.
• Make the dough ahead by refrigerating overnight after kneading; bring to room temperature before continuing.
• Swap cherries for blueberries or raspberries for a different fruity twist.
• Use a serrated knife to cut the rolled dough for clean slices.

Storage

Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving to restore softness and warmth. You can also freeze unbaked rolls after shaping; thaw and let rise before baking.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these rolls dairy-free?

Yes, substitute dairy milk and butter with your favorite plant-based alternatives, and use vegan cream cheese for the frosting to keep them dairy-free.

How do I know if the yeast is active?

After mixing yeast with warm milk and sugar, it should become foamy within 5 minutes. This indicates the yeast is active and ready to use.

Cherry Cinnamon Rolls with Homemade Filling Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 147 reviews

These Cherry Cinnamon Rolls with Homemade Filling combine the classic warm spices of cinnamon rolls with the sweet-tart burst of fresh or frozen cherries. Soft, fluffy dough is filled with a luscious cherry cinnamon mixture, baked to golden perfection, then topped with a creamy homemade cream cheese frosting. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful dessert, these rolls bring a cozy, nostalgic treat with every bite.

• Author: Rami
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup warm milk (dairy or non-dairy like almond or oat milk)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (or vegan butter)
• 2 large eggs (or 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce for egg-free option)

For the Filling:

• 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and chopped
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (or vegan butter)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened (or vegan cream cheese)
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons milk (dairy or non-dairy)

Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast: In a bowl, combine warm milk, granulated sugar, and instant yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy to ensure the yeast is active.
2. Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, sift together flour and salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture, melted butter, and eggs (or applesauce). Mix until all ingredients come together into a rough dough.
3. Knead the Dough: Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and not sticky. Add a little flour if necessary during kneading.
4. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
5. Prepare the Filling: While the dough rises, mix together chopped cherries, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Set aside.
6. Shape the Rolls: After the dough has risen, punch it down gently and roll it out on a floured surface into a 16×12 inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then evenly distribute the cherry filling on top.
7. Roll and Slice: Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Use a serrated knife to cut the log into 12 equal slices.
8. Second Rise: Place the slices cut-side up in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Cover and let them rise another 30 minutes.
9. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes until they turn a golden brown color and are cooked through.
10. Make Frosting: While the rolls bake, beat together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and creamy.
11. Serve: Once baked, let the rolls cool slightly before drizzling with the cream cheese frosting. Serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor.

Notes

• Try swapping the cherries with blueberries, raspberries, or other berries for a different fruit flavor.
• If using frozen cherries, thaw and drain well to prevent excess moisture in the dough.
• Make-ahead option: After kneading, refrigerate the dough overnight and bring to room temperature before shaping.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure milk is warmed to about 110°F for ideal yeast activation.
• For easier slicing, use a serrated knife to cut the rolled dough into slices.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: cherry cinnamon rolls, cinnamon rolls, cherry filling, homemade frosting, breakfast treat, dessert rolls, sweet rolls