If you adore the comforting warmth of cinnamon rolls but crave a fruity twist that brightens every bite, then this Cherry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Soft, fluffy dough swirled with a fragrant cinnamon-sugar blend and bursting with luscious cherry pie filling creates a perfect balance of sweet and tangy that will have you reaching for seconds before the plate is even empty. Topped with creamy, dreamy cream cheese frosting, these rolls bring a vibrant splash of flavor to your breakfast table, brunch spread, or any cozy occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet perfectly chosen to build the texture, flavor, and visual appeal that make these cherry cinnamon rolls truly irresistible. Each element plays an essential role in crafting the soft dough, rich filling, and luscious frosting you’ll fall in love with.
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for that tender, fluffy dough you’ll love pulling apart.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the yeast’s activity.
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast: This magic ingredient makes the rolls rise perfectly soft and airy.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the dough.
- 3/4 cup warm milk: Gently activates the yeast and develops tender gluten.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Brings richness to the dough for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1 large egg, room temperature: Adds moisture and structure for a fluffy roll.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling): The decadent base layer that helps the cinnamon sugar and cherries stick perfectly.
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed: Imparts deep caramel notes in the cinnamon filling.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: The essential warm spice that defines every cinnamon roll.
- 1 cup cherry pie filling, chopped if large pieces: Bursts of juicy, sweet cherry flavor that elevate these rolls to something special.
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened: Creates a tangy and silky frosting that pairs flawlessly with cherry and cinnamon.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting without overpowering the cream cheese.
- 2 tablespoons milk: Adds the perfect frosting consistency for spreading.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Subtly enhances the frosting’s flavor for a classic finish.
How to Make Cherry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Knead the Dough
Start by combining 2 cups of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a large bowl. The flour and yeast mixture is the base where your dough begins to come to life. Add in the warm milk, melted butter, and egg for moisture and richness, mixing until everything comes together. Then, gradually incorporate the remaining flour until you have a soft dough that’s a little sticky but manageable. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for six to eight minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This step activates the gluten, giving your rolls that essential chewy yet tender texture. Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm area until doubled in size, about an hour. You’ll know it’s ready when it feels pillowy and springy to the touch.
Step 2: Roll Out and Add the Filling
After your dough has risen beautifully, punch it down gently to release the air. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 14-by-9-inch rectangle — this precise size helps in creating evenly sized rolls. Spread the softened butter evenly across the surface; the butter is the delicious glue that holds the cinnamon sugar and cherries in place while adding richness to every bite. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle the mixture evenly over the butter layer for that signature sweet and spicy swirl. Carefully spoon the chopped cherry pie filling over the cinnamon sugar, gently spreading it so each bite bursts with juicy fruit flavor.
Step 3: Shape and Rise the Rolls
Starting from the long edge, roll the dough into a tight log to preserve the layers. Cutting the log into 12 equal rolls ensures every portion is perfectly sized for serving. Arrange the rolls close together in a greased 9-by-13-inch baking dish, allowing them enough room to expand but still snug enough to rise upwards. Cover the rolls and let them rise for another 30 to 40 minutes until they’re soft and puffy, setting the stage for that fluffy, tender crumb that makes cinnamon rolls such a crowd-pleaser.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re a beautiful golden brown on top and cooked all the way through. The baking process melds the cinnamon sugar, cherries, and dough into one cohesive, aromatic, and sweet treat that’s so hard to resist fresh from the oven.
Step 5: Make and Spread the Cream Cheese Frosting
While your rolls are baking, whip together the cream cheese until it’s totally smooth. Stir in the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing your frosting until it’s creamy and luscious. The slight tang from the cream cheese frosting perfectly complements the sweetness of the cherries and cinnamon. Once the rolls are warm from the oven but not piping hot, spread this frosting generously over the top and watch it melt into every swirl.
How to Serve Cherry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
To make your cherry cinnamon rolls even more irresistible, consider sprinkling a few fresh or dried cherries on top after frosting. A light dusting of cinnamon or a drizzle of melted white chocolate can boost flavor and add visual appeal. Some chopped toasted pecans or almonds provide a lovely crunch that contrasts perfectly with the soft rolls.
Side Dishes
Serve these rolls alongside a cup of rich coffee, chai tea, or a glass of cold milk for a classic breakfast treat. Fresh fruit salad or a bowl of Greek yogurt makes a refreshing counterpoint to the indulgent sweetness of the rolls. For brunches, pair them with scrambled eggs or a light frittata for a balanced and celebratory meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your cherry cinnamon rolls in mini muffin tins for individual portions with perfectly baked edges. Alternatively, transform them into a pull-apart bread in a bundt pan for a festive centerpiece. Wrapping the rolls individually in parchment paper tied with twine makes a sweet edible gift for friends and family, spreading joy with every bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. This keeps the rolls moist and flavorful while preventing the cream cheese frosting from spoiling. Bring them to room temperature or warm gently before serving to enjoy that fresh-baked taste again.
Freezing
Cherry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is incredibly freezer-friendly. After baking, let the rolls cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently for a fresh-baked experience any time you crave that signature cherry and cinnamon combo.
Reheating
Reheat your rolls in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 15 minutes until warm and soft. Add a little extra cream cheese frosting after reheating if you want to revive that fresh-from-the-oven creaminess. Avoid overheating to preserve the tender texture and prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries instead of cherry pie filling?
Yes! Thaw and drain the frozen cherries well to avoid excess moisture that could make the rolls soggy. You might also want to add a bit of sugar and cornstarch to mimic the texture of cherry pie filling. This swap can give your rolls a fresh, homemade cherry flavor.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely. Substitute the milk with a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and use dairy-free butter alternatives. For the frosting, try using a dairy-free cream cheese option or a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and non-dairy milk.
Can I add almond extract for extra flavor?
Definitely! Adding 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract to the filling enhances the cherry flavor beautifully. It brings a subtle nuttiness that pairs perfectly with both cherries and cinnamon.
What if I don’t have cream cheese for the frosting?
No problem! You can make a simple glaze with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract instead. While it won’t be quite as tangy, it will still add a deliciously sweet finishing touch to your cherry cinnamon rolls.
How long do the dough’s rises need to be?
The first rise should take about one hour until the dough doubles in size, which is critical for that fluffy texture. The second rise lasts 30 to 40 minutes to let the shaped rolls puff up beautifully. Your kitchen’s warmth and humidity affect rise time, so look for visual cues rather than strict timing.
Final Thoughts
This Cherry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is more than just a breakfast – it’s a little celebration in every bite. From the tender dough to the sweet, cinnamon-spiced cherry filling and creamy frosting, these rolls bring heartwarming flavor and joy to your day. I can’t wait for you to try making them yourself and experience the delightful magic only homemade cinnamon rolls can offer.
Print
Cherry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these homemade Cherry Cinnamon Rolls, a perfect breakfast treat featuring soft, fluffy dough swirled with cinnamon sugar and sweet cherry pie filling. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, these rolls offer a balance of fruity sweetness and rich, comforting flavors ideal for a cozy morning or special occasion.
Ingredients
Dough
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg, room temperature
Filling
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup cherry pie filling, chopped if large pieces
Frosting
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, granulated sugar, yeast, and salt. Add warm milk, melted butter, and egg and mix until incorporated. Gradually add the remaining flour until a soft, workable dough forms. Knead on a lightly floured surface for 6 to 8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape and Fill Rolls: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a 14×9-inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle this mixture evenly over the butter. Evenly spoon and gently spread the cherry pie filling over the cinnamon sugar layer. Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log, then cut it into 12 equal rolls. Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30 to 40 minutes until puffy.
- Bake the Rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the Frosting: While the rolls are baking, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy and well combined.
- Frost and Serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls before serving to enjoy the perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors.
Notes
- Ensure the milk is warm but not hot to prevent killing the yeast.
- For extra cherry flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon almond extract to the filling.
- Store leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
