Cherry Cinnamon Rolls with Homemade Filling Recipe

The Most Heavenly Cherry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe Ever Created

Delectable cherry cinnamon rolls bring warmth and comfort to any kitchen, elevateing ordinary mornings into extraordinary culinary experiences.

Sweet cherries dance alongside rich, aromatic spices, creating a sensory symphony that awakens your taste buds.

These rolls represent more than just a pastry—they’re a celebration of traditional baking techniques merged with innovative flavor combinations.

Soft, pillowy dough becomes a canvas for the vibrant cherry and warming cinnamon filling, promising each bite will be an indulgent adventure.

Handcrafted with care, these rolls elevate breakfast from mundane to magnificent, offering a luxurious treat that feels both nostalgic and modern.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this delightful recipe, turning simple ingredients into a stunning morning masterpiece.

Ingredients That Make These Cherry Rolls Stand Out

Dough Ingredients:
  • Bread Flour: High-protein flour for soft and stretchy texture with good rise.
  • Active Dry Yeast: Essential for bread rising and creating fluffy texture.
  • Milk: Adds richness and helps activate yeast for tender rolls.
  • Eggs: Provides structure and moisture to the dough.
  • Sugar: Feeds yeast and adds subtle sweetness.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and controls yeast growth.
  • Butter: Creates tender, rich dough with smooth texture.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Frozen Cherries: Sweet and tangy base for fruit-filled rolls.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps thicken cherry mixture.
  • Cornstarch: Provides thickening agent for smooth filling consistency.
  • Cold Water: Helps dissolve cornstarch for proper filling texture.
Frosting Ingredients:
  • Butter, Cream Cheese: Creamy base for rich, smooth frosting.
  • Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and smooth texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, classic flavor to frosting.
  • Milk: Adjusts frosting consistency for perfect spreadability.

Rolling and Filling Instructions for Cherry Rolls

Step 1: Prepare Cherry Filling

  • In a medium pan, combine frozen cherries and sugar
  • Cook over medium-high heat until mixture begins to bubble
  • In a separate small bowl, whisk cold water and cornstarch
  • Slowly add cornstarch mixture to boiling cherries
  • Stir until filling thickens and becomes glossy
  • Remove from heat and cool completely
  • Refrigerate filling while preparing other components

Step 2: Activate Yeast Mixture

  • Combine warm water, active dry yeast, and sugar in a small bowl
  • Let mixture sit for 15 minutes until foamy and bubbly
  • Ensure yeast becomes frothy and active

Step 3: Create Soft Dough

  • Mix bloomed yeast with milk, sugar, and eggs
  • Sift bread flour and salt into wet ingredients
  • Stir until shaggy dough forms
  • Add room temperature butter
  • Knead using stand mixer or by hand for 10 minutes
  • Dough should become smooth and elastic
  • Transfer to greased bowl
  • Cover with damp cloth
  • Let rise in warm area for 1 hour until doubled

Step 4: Roll and Fill Dough

  • Dust work surface with flour
  • Roll dough into 14
  • Spread chilled cherry filling evenly
  • Leave 1-inch margin on one edge
  • Gently roll dough into tight log
  • Seal edge with water
  • Let rest seam-side down

Step 5: Shape Cinnamon Rolls

  • Cut log into 12 equal portions
  • Arrange rolls in 11

Step 6: Final Rise

  • Preheat oven to 350°F
  • Let rolls rise 30 minutes
  • Rolls should look puffy and increased in size

Step 7: Bake and Frost

  • Bake rolls 30-35 minutes
  • Tops should be golden brown
  • Mix cream cheese frosting ingredients
  • Beat until smooth and creamy
  • Cool rolls 15 minutes
  • Generously spread frosting over warm rolls

Enjoy your delicious homemade cherry cinnamon rolls!

Top Tips for Soft, Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls

  • Activate Yeast Perfectly: Ensure water temperature is between 100-110°F to wake up yeast without killing it, creating a bubbly, active mixture.
  • Knead Dough Correctly: Develop gluten by kneading until the dough becomes smooth and elastic, pulling away cleanly from the bowl's sides.
  • Roll Dough Evenly: Use a ruler and gentle pressure to create a uniform rectangle, helping achieve consistent roll sizes and even baking.
  • Prevent Soggy Filling: Allow cherry filling to cool completely and drain excess liquid to avoid making the dough too wet during rolling.
  • Frost at the Right Temperature: Let rolls cool slightly before frosting to prevent melting, but still apply while warm for the best absorption and flavor melding.

Keeping and Warming Leftover Cinnamon Rolls

  • Refrigerate: Wrap cherry cinnamon rolls tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Keep refrigerated for up to 4 days to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
  • Reheat in Oven: Preheat oven to 300°F. Place rolls on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil to prevent burning. Warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through and soft.
  • Microwave Option: Warm individual rolls for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Be careful not to overheat, which can make them tough and rubbery.

Perfect Pairings for Cherry-Filled Cinnamon Rolls

  • Pair with Sparkling Cherry Prosecco: Complement the sweet and tangy cherry rolls with a chilled glass of cherry-infused prosecco, enhancing the fruity notes and adding a celebratory touch to your breakfast or brunch.
  • Match with Vanilla Bean Latte: The creamy, smooth vanilla latte perfectly balances the rich cinnamon and sweet cherry flavors, creating a harmonious morning indulgence that elevates the rolls' complexity.
  • Serve Alongside Almond Butter Smoothie: A protein-packed almond butter smoothie provides a nutty contrast to the sweet rolls, offering a balanced and nutritious accompaniment that cuts through the dessert's richness.
  • Complement with Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with fresh berries and a drizzle of honey to create a light, tangy side that refreshes the palate and adds a nutritious element to the decadent cherry cinnamon rolls.

Creative Fillings to Try Next Time

  • Cherry Almond Sensation: Replace half the cherry filling with sliced almonds for a nutty crunch and sprinkle almond extract into the frosting for enhanced flavor.
  • Chocolate Cherry Swirl: Mix dark chocolate chips into the cherry filling and drizzle melted chocolate over the cream cheese frosting for a decadent touch.
  • Spiced Cherry Fusion: Add ground cardamom and a pinch of nutmeg to the dough for a warm, aromatic undertone that complements the cherry filling.
  • Citrus Cherry Burst: Incorporate orange zest into the dough and mix lemon juice into the cream cheese frosting for a bright, tangy dimension.

Cherry Cinnamon Rolls with Homemade Filling That Shines

  • Bursting with Fruity Delight: The homemade cherry filling transforms ordinary cinnamon rolls into a vibrant, tangy-sweet sensation that dances on your taste buds with every bite.
  • Soft and Pillowy Perfection: The carefully crafted dough creates an incredibly tender, light texture that melts in your mouth, making these rolls irresistibly smooth and luxurious.
  • Weekend Breakfast Showstopper: These cherry cinnamon rolls elevate your morning routine, turning an ordinary breakfast into a special occasion that brings family and friends together with their gorgeous appearance and incredible aroma.
  • Stress-Free Baking Adventure: Despite looking impressive, the recipe breaks down into simple steps that even novice bakers can master, promising a delightful baking experience without overwhelming complexity.
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Cherry Cinnamon Rolls with Homemade Filling Recipe

Cherry Cinnamon Rolls with Homemade Filling Recipe


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4.8 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Warm, aromatic cherry cinnamon rolls bring sweet comfort from grandma’s kitchen. Delicate pastry swirls packed with luscious cherry compote and spicy cinnamon will make you crave another delightful bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

Cherries:

  • 3 ½ cups (454 grams) frozen cherries
  • ⅓ cup (67 grams) granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup (60 grams) cold water
  • 2 tablespoons (20 grams) cornstarch

Dough Ingredients:

  • 4 ½ cups (540 grams) bread flour
  • ¾ cup (180 grams) whole milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • ⅓ cup (67 grams) granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup (60 grams) warm water
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon (6 grams) active dry yeast
  • ½ teaspoon (3 grams) salt

Frosting Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (260 grams) powdered sugar
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature (57 grams)
  • 3 ounces (85 grams) cream cheese, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 13 tablespoons (2060 grams) whole milk

Instructions

  1. Craft a vibrant cherry compote by melting frozen cherries with granulated sugar in a simmering pan over medium heat until slightly bubbly.
  2. Dissolve cornstarch in cold water, then gently incorporate into the cherry mixture, stirring continuously until the filling thickens and transforms into a glossy consistency.
  3. Remove cherry filling from heat, transfer to a chilled container, and refrigerate while preparing the dough base.
  4. Awaken the yeast by whisking it with warm water and a touch of sugar, allowing the mixture to foam and activate for approximately 15 minutes.
  5. Create a rich dough foundation by blending the activated yeast with milk, sugar, and eggs in a spacious mixing bowl.
  6. Gradually sift bread flour and salt into the liquid ingredients, mixing until a shaggy texture emerges.
  7. Incorporate room temperature butter, kneading the dough using a stand mixer or manual technique for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  8. Place the dough in a greased vessel, drape with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm environment until nearly doubled in volume.
  9. Roll the risen dough into a rectangular shape on a lightly dusted surface, ensuring an even thickness.
  10. Spread the chilled cherry filling across the dough, leaving a narrow border for sealing.
  11. Carefully roll the dough into a compact log, using a light water wash to secure the seam.
  12. Slice the log into 12 uniform rolls, positioning them in a prepared baking pan.
  13. Allow the rolls to undergo a second rise in a warm location, becoming visibly plump and expanded.
  14. Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake the rolls until they develop a golden-brown complexion.
  15. While baking, whip together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk to create a luxurious frosting.
  16. After a brief cooling period, lavish the warm rolls with the creamy frosting, creating an indulgent finishing touch.

Notes

  • Prepare the cherry filling ahead of time to allow it to cool and thicken, ensuring a rich, concentrated flavor that won’t make the dough soggy.
  • Activate yeast carefully with warm water around 110°F to guarantee proper rising and soft, fluffy texture in your rolls.
  • Knead the dough thoroughly until smooth and elastic, which develops gluten and creates a tender, light pastry with perfect consistency.
  • Let dough rise in a draft-free, warm environment to help it double in size and develop complex, deep flavors characteristic of great cinnamon rolls.
  • Cut rolls with a sharp, non-serrated knife for clean edges that prevent squishing and maintain the delicate structure of the dough.
  • Allow rolls to cool slightly before frosting to prevent the cream cheese topping from melting and sliding off, ensuring a beautiful, professional presentation.
  • Prep Time: 1 hour
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 295
  • Sugar: 22g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 43g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg
David Bennett

David Bennett

Founder & Head Recipe Developer

Expertise

Culinary Nutrition​, Recipe Development​, Nutritional Counseling​, Food Science​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Nutrition
  • Focus: Blending culinary arts with nutritional science to create health-focused cuisine.

Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®)

  • Credential: Advanced certification in personalized nutrition therapy. ​

David Bennett is the lead recipe creator and nutrition expert at HealthyChoices.org, your friendly space for tasty meals that nourish body and mind. 

With a Culinary Nutrition degree from Johnson & Wales University and a Certified Nutrition Specialist® credential, David pairs practical nutrition with delicious cooking, creating recipes you’ll crave daily. 

At Healthy Choices, David shares easy, nutritious dishes and smart cooking tips to make healthy eating something everyone can enjoy, with no complicated diets needed.

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