Jump to Recipe Print RecipeEvery bite of these Cherry Cinnamon Rolls transports me back to my childhood kitchen, where the enticing aroma of freshly baked pastries filled the air. Combining the tartness of homemade cherry filling with the cozy hug of soft dough, this recipe is a delightful twist on a classic American favorite. The secret? Using frozen cherries lets you enjoy this gourmet treat year-round, making Cherry Cinnamon Rolls the perfect solution for any craving! Not only are these rolls surprisingly easy to whip up, but they also elevate any breakfast or brunch gathering into something truly memorable. With a rich cream cheese frosting drizzled on top, they’re an indulgence you won’t want to miss. Ready to step into your kitchen and create a sweet masterpiece? Let’s get rolling! Why Are These Cherry Cinnamon Rolls Special? Homemade Flavor: These Cherry Cinnamon Rolls boast a luscious homemade filling that captures the essence of fresh cherries. Crowd Pleaser: Perfect for any gathering, they’ll disappear faster than you can say “second helping!” Versatile: Swap frozen cherries for seasonal fruit or experiment with other fillings like raspberry or blueberry for a twist. Effortless Indulgence: With easy preparation steps, you can enjoy gourmet-grade rolls without the fuss. Plus, they’re delightful warm with a cup of coffee, much like my Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies that make for a perfect breakfast treat! Get ready to impress everyone with these irresistible rolls! Cherry Cinnamon Rolls Ingredients For the Cherry Filling • Frozen Cherries – This essential ingredient brings the tartness reminiscent of cherry pie; swap with fresh cherries if in season. • Granulated Sugar (2/3 cup total) – Balances the tartness, enhancing the sweetness of the filling; brown sugar offers a deeper flavor profile. • Cold Water (1/4 cup) – Activates the corn starch in the filling, ensuring a thick consistency. • Corn Starch (2 tablespoons) – Thickens the cherry filling; consider arrowroot as a similar substitute. For the Dough • Warm Water (1/4 cup) – Critical for activating active dry yeast; make sure it’s warm, not hot, to keep the yeast alive. • Active Dry Yeast – Key for leavening the dough; instant yeast can be used if preferred. • Whole Milk (3/4 cup) – Introduces moisture and richness to the dough; non-dairy alternatives work too for lactose-free options. • Eggs (2 large) – Provide structure and moisture essential for soft rolls; try flax eggs for a vegan alternative. • Bread Flour (4 1/2 cups) – Offers the rolls their hearty structure and chewiness; use all-purpose flour with adjusted liquids if needed. • Salt (1/2 teaspoon) – Enhances flavor beautifully; it can be omitted if you’re watching your sodium intake. • Unsalted Butter (10 tablespoons total) – Adds decadence and richness to the dough; coconut oil is a great dairy-free alternative. For the Cream Cheese Frosting • Cream Cheese (3 oz) – Responsible for the creamy frosting consistency; vegan cream cheese works for a plant-based option. • Powdered Sugar (2 cups) – Sweetens and thickens the frosting; sugar substitutes can lower the sugar content if needed. • Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons) – Elevates overall flavor; consider almond extract for a unique twist. • Whole Milk (1-3 tablespoons) – Adjusts the frosting’s texture for the perfect spreadable consistency; any milk substitute is fine. These Cherry Cinnamon Rolls will have your kitchen smelling like a warm embrace from Grandma, so gather your ingredients and let’s create a delightful memory! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cherry Cinnamon Rolls Step 1: Prepare Cherry Filling In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine frozen cherries, sugar, corn starch, and cold water. Stir the mixture regularly, allowing it to cook until it thickens, which takes about 5-7 minutes. Once thickened, remove the saucepan from heat and let the filling cool to room temperature while you prepare the dough. Step 2: Activate Yeast In a small bowl, mix the warm water with active dry yeast and let it sit undisturbed for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. This activation is crucial for the success of your Cherry Cinnamon Rolls, ensuring they rise beautifully. Meanwhile, gather your other dough ingredients to make the process smoother. Step 3: Make Dough In a large mixing bowl, combine milk, the remaining sugar, eggs, and the frothy yeast mixture. Gradually add in bread flour and salt, mixing until the ingredients come together. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. The texture should be soft and slightly tacky, perfect for fluffy rolls. Step 4: First Rise Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, approximately 1 hour. The dough should feel airy and puffy to the touch. This first rise is essential for those delightful Cherry Cinnamon Rolls you’re about to create. Step 5: Roll Out Dough Once risen, punch down the dough gently and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll it out into a rectangle about 1/4-inch thick, ensuring an even spreading of the filling. Carefully spread the cooled cherry filling evenly over the dough, covering every corner before rolling it up tightly into a log. Step 6: Cut Rolls Using a sharp knife, slice the rolled dough into equal pieces, about 1-2 inches thick. Place the cut rolls in a greased baking dish, ensuring they are snug but not overcrowded. The rolls should be positioned cut-side up, ready for the next rise that will help them expand. Step 7: Second Rise Cover the baking dish with a towel and let the rolls rise again in a warm area for about 30-45 minutes, until they are noticeably puffy and have nearly doubled in size. This second rise is crucial for achieving that light and airy texture that makes your Cherry Cinnamon Rolls irresistible. Step 8: Bake Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once heated, place the baking dish in the oven and bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes until they turn golden brown on top. Keep an eye on them; they should look beautiful and smell heavenly, filling your kitchen with the aroma of baked goodness. Step 9: Frost While the rolls bake, prepare the cream cheese frosting by mixing room-temperature cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon of milk in a bowl. Adjust the consistency with additional milk if necessary. Spread the frosting generously over the warm Cherry Cinnamon Rolls as soon as they come out of the oven, allowing it to melt slightly into every crevice. Cherry Cinnamon Rolls Variations Feel free to twist this recipe to match your taste buds and pantry; creativity is the key to deliciousness! Cinnamon Infusion: Mix ground cinnamon into the cherry filling for a warm spice kick. The resulting flavor symphony makes each bite a cozy delight. Berry Medley: Substitute the cherry filling with a mix of frozen raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries for a vibrant twist. Each bite bursts with different fruity flavors, bouncing with sweetness and tartness. Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make this treat suitable for gluten-sensitive friends, adjusting liquid as needed. You won’t miss the gluten as these rolls retain their delightful softness! Nutty Addition: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts into the dough for a crunchy texture. The nuts provide a satisfying bite amidst the soft sweetness of the rolls. Chocolate Drizzle: Once frosted, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the top for a decadent chocolate-cherry combo. This indulgence adds an exquisite richness to the rolls. Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes to the cherry filling for an unexpected spicy twist. It creates a delightful contrast with the sweetness and works wonders! Maple Pecan Glaze: Swap the cream cheese frosting for a maple syrup and pecan glaze for a breakfast-luxury feel. The warm, nutty notes blend perfectly with the cherry rolls. Dairy-Free Delight: Use plant-based cream cheese and non-dairy milk for the frosting to make this recipe completely dairy-free without sacrificing indulgence. Enjoy each fluffy roll with the same creamy goodness! Let your Cherry Cinnamon Rolls reflect your culinary spirit! For more inspiration, check out my charming Cinnamon Sugar Buttermilk that sprinkle a bit of joy at breakfast tables! How to Store and Freeze Cherry Cinnamon Rolls Room Temperature: Store leftover Cherry Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh and fluffy while allowing the delicious flavors to remain intact. Fridge: If you want to extend their life, refrigerate the rolls in an airtight container for up to 1 week. However, be aware they may lose some softness. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the rolls wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, followed by foil, for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before reheating. Reheating: To reheat, simply place the rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through, then drizzle with fresh cream cheese frosting for a delightful treat! Make Ahead Options These Cherry Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cherry filling and dough up to 24 hours in advance, making your baking experience a breeze. Simply follow the initial steps to create the cherry filling and allow it to cool, then form the dough and let it rise for the first time. Afterward, refrigerate the dough overnight (this also enhances flavor!). When you’re ready to bake, remove from the fridge, shape the rolls as usual, let them rise for the second time (about 30-45 minutes), and bake as directed. This prep method saves time while ensuring your rolls are just as delicious, providing warm, fresh bakery-style treats right when you need them! Expert Tips for Cherry Cinnamon Rolls Perfect Dough: Use bread flour for optimal structure and chewiness; all-purpose flour will require adjusting liquid for the right consistency. Cool Filling: Allow the cherry filling to cool fully before spreading it on the dough; this prevents the dough from becoming soggy. Don’t Rush the Rise: Give your dough ample time to rise until it has doubled; this is crucial for light, fluffy rolls. Sharp Knife: Use a sharp knife to cut the rolls, ensuring even slices for a consistent bake. Frost Warm Rolls: Spread cream cheese frosting over the rolls while warm for a melty, irresistible finish; it makes each bite even more indulgent! Storage Awareness: Keep leftover Cherry Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container; they’re best enjoyed fresh, but can last up to three days at room temperature. What to Serve with Cherry Cinnamon Rolls Indulging in these delightful rolls creates a perfect moment for pairing flavors that enhance your experience and satisfy your cravings. Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant blend of seasonal fruits adds freshness, contrasting beautifully with the sweet rolls and providing a burst of color on your plate. Brewed Coffee: A warm cup of rich coffee complements the sweetness of the rolls, making it the ideal breakfast or brunch pairing that invokes cozy memories. Maple Bacon: The savory crunch of crispy bacon drizzled with maple syrup highlights the sweet and tart flavors, creating a delightful balance of taste and texture. Creamy Yogurt: A dollop of vanilla or Greek yogurt provides a tangy contrast to the sweet rolls, offering a creamy texture that rounds out the meal perfectly. Nutty Granola: Sprinkling crunchy granola over the rolls adds a satisfying crunch and a nutty flavor that enhances each bite, creating a delightful variation in texture. Herbal Tea: A soothing cup of herbal tea, like chamomile or mint, offers a light, refreshing finish that complements the richness of the cream cheese frosting. Whipped Cream: A fluffy topping of whipped cream creates an indulgent dessert experience that invites you to savor each sweet mouthful alongside your cherry-filled delight. Vanilla Ice Cream: For a decadent twist, serve warm cherry cinnamon rolls with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, blending melty creaminess with tart sweetness. Chocolate Drizzle: A drizzle of melted chocolate provides a luxurious touch, creating an indulgent dessert experience that’s sure to please sweet tooth cravings. Cherry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe FAQs What type of cherries should I use for the filling? You can use frozen cherries for a convenient and year-round option. They provide that tart cherry pie filling taste we all love! If you have access to fresh cherries in season, feel free to swap them in, but remember to pit and chop them beforehand. How should I store leftover Cherry Cinnamon Rolls? To keep your rolls fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend their shelf life, you can refrigerate them for up to a week, though they might become a little less fluffy. Can I freeze these Cherry Cinnamon Rolls? Absolutely! To freeze, wrap the cooled rolls tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. They’ll stay good for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw them overnight in the fridge or at room temperature. What should I do if my dough doesn’t rise? If your dough hasn’t risen properly, check the temperature of your kitchen. Yeast works best in a warm (not hot) environment. If the dough hasn’t doubled after 1 hour, try again in a warmer spot, or simply give it more time. Additionally, make sure that your yeast is still active by checking its expiration date and ensuring it’s been properly activated in warm water. Are these Cherry Cinnamon Rolls suitable for special dietary needs? You can easily adapt this recipe for various dietary preferences! For a vegan option, replace eggs with flax eggs and use a plant-based milk and butter. Additionally, if you’re looking for gluten-free options, try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend; just be mindful that it may require some liquid adjustment for the dough consistency. Can I make these rolls ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the cherry filling and the dough the night before. Simply let the dough rise in the fridge overnight for a slower rise, which will enhance the flavor. In the morning, continue with rolling and baking them fresh for a delightful breakfast treat! Cherry Cinnamon Rolls that Taste Just Like Grandma's Pie These Cherry Cinnamon Rolls combine the tartness of homemade cherry filling with soft dough for a delightful twist on a classic treat. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsFirst Rise Time 1 hour hrTotal Time 2 hours hrs Servings: 12 rollsCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 320 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? Cherry Filling2 cups Frozen Cherries Swap with fresh cherries if in season2/3 cup Granulated Sugar Can use brown sugar for a deeper flavor1/4 cup Cold Water For activating corn starch2 tablespoons Corn Starch Arrowroot can be a substituteDough1/4 cup Warm Water Should be warm to activate yeast1 packet Active Dry Yeast Instant yeast can be used if preferred3/4 cup Whole Milk Non-dairy alternatives work as well2 large Eggs Flax eggs can be used for a vegan option4 1/2 cups Bread Flour All-purpose flour with adjusted liquids can be used1/2 teaspoon Salt Omit if watching sodium intake10 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Coconut oil is a great dairy-free alternativeCream Cheese Frosting3 oz Cream Cheese Vegan cream cheese works for a plant-based option2 cups Powdered Sugar Substitutes can lower sugar content2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract Almond extract can be used for a twist1-3 tablespoons Whole Milk Any milk substitute is acceptable Equipment Saucepanmixing bowlFloured Surfacebaking dishovenSharp Knife Method PreparationIn a medium saucepan, combine frozen cherries, sugar, corn starch, and cold water over medium heat. Cook for 5-7 minutes until thickened. Cool to room temperature.In a small bowl, mix warm water with active dry yeast and let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.In a large mixing bowl, combine milk, remaining sugar, eggs, and frothy yeast mixture. Gradually add bread flour and salt, mixing until combined.Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.Roll out the risen dough into a rectangle, spread the cooled cherry filling evenly, and roll into a log.Slice the dough into pieces about 1-2 inches thick and place in a greased baking dish.Cover the dish and let rolls rise in a warm area for 30-45 minutes until puffy.Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.Prepare frosting by mixing cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk in a bowl. Adjust with more milk for spreadability. Frost warm rolls. Nutrition Serving: 1rollCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 6gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 180mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 10mg NotesStore leftover rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature. They can also be refrigerated for up to 1 week or frozen for up to 2 months. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
