Cherry Cinnamon Rolls with Homemade Filling

There’s something so comforting about warm, freshly baked cinnamon rolls—soft, gooey, and filled with the perfect balance of sugar and spice. Now imagine that classic combination, but with a twist: the addition of a luscious homemade cherry filling. These Cherry Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect blend of tart and sweet, with bursts of cherry goodness nestled in the buttery cinnamon layers. Whether you’re making them for a weekend brunch, a special occasion, or just because, these rolls are guaranteed to become a family favorite.

With a light, fluffy dough and a filling made from real cherries, these cinnamon rolls have everything you love about the original with an added touch of fruitiness that takes them to the next level. Not only do they taste amazing, but they also look beautiful, with their vibrant cherry swirls and that irresistible glaze dripping down the sides.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fresh Fruit Filling: These rolls feature a homemade cherry filling made from real cherries, giving them a naturally sweet and slightly tart flavor that perfectly complements the cinnamon.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re making these for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or as a snack, they’re perfect for any time of day. Plus, they look gorgeous, making them great for serving to guests.
• Customizable: You can easily switch out the cherries for other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or even apples to make different variations of this recipe.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the rolls the night before and bake them in the morning for a stress-free breakfast.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours (including rising time)
• Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls
• Serving Size: 1 roll

Nutritional Information (per roll)

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 65g
• Fat: 13g
• Protein: 6g
• Sugar: 35g
• Fiber: 2g

(Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on the exact ingredients and portions used.)

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup whole milk, warmed
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cherry Filling:

• 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon water

For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling:

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

For the Icing:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon cream cheese (optional for a tangy twist)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 ¼ teaspoons of active dry yeast, ¼ cup of warm milk, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Stir and let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This ensures the yeast is activated.
2. In the meantime, whisk together 4 cups of flour, the remaining sugar, and ½ teaspoon of salt in a separate bowl.
3. Once the yeast mixture is bubbly, add the remaining warm milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir to combine.
4. Gradually add the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring with a wooden spoon or dough hook attachment of a stand mixer. Mix until a soft dough forms.
5. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If you’re using a stand mixer, knead the dough with the dough hook on medium speed for about 5 minutes.
6. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours or until it has doubled in size.

Step 2: Make the Cherry Filling

While the dough is rising, prepare the homemade cherry filling.

1. In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups of pitted cherries, ¼ cup of granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of water.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the cherries begin to break down and the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes. If you’re using frozen cherries, make sure to thaw and drain them before cooking.
3. Once the filling has thickened, remove it from the heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
4. Let the cherry filling cool to room temperature while the dough finishes rising.

Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Filling

In a small bowl, combine ½ cup of brown sugar and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon. Set this mixture aside. This classic cinnamon sugar layer will add warmth and depth to the rolls, perfectly balancing the sweetness of the cherries.

Step 4: Roll Out the Dough

1. Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release the air.
2. Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle, approximately 12×18 inches in size.
3. Spread ¼ cup of softened butter evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough, followed by the cooled cherry filling.

Step 5: Roll and Slice the Dough

1. Starting from one of the longer sides of the rectangle, roll the dough tightly into a log.
2. Once rolled, use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to cut the log into 12 equal slices.
3. Arrange the slices in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, making sure they have some space to expand during the second rise.
4. Cover the baking dish with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let the rolls rise for another 30-45 minutes in a warm place until they are puffy and nearly doubled in size.

Step 6: Bake the Cherry Cinnamon Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

1. Once the rolls have finished their second rise, place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and baked through. If the tops start to brown too quickly, you can cover them with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
2. Remove the rolls from the oven and allow them to cool for about 10 minutes before adding the icing.

Step 7: Make the Icing

While the rolls are cooling, prepare the icing.

1. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth. If you prefer a tangier icing, add 1 tablespoon of cream cheese.
2. Drizzle the icing over the slightly warm rolls, allowing it to seep into the layers.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Once the icing has been drizzled over the rolls, they are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them warm for the best experience—the soft dough, gooey cherry filling, and sweet cinnamon layers create the perfect bite every time.

How to Serve Cherry Cinnamon Rolls

These Cherry Cinnamon Rolls are a treat on their own, but here are a few ideas on how to serve them for an elevated experience:

• For Breakfast or Brunch: Serve these rolls with a side of fresh fruit and a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy morning meal.
• For Dessert: Pair a warm cinnamon roll with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent dessert.
• With a Beverage: These rolls are perfect with a hot beverage—whether it’s coffee, chai, or hot chocolate, the flavors pair beautifully.

Tips for Perfect Cherry Cinnamon Rolls

1. Use Fresh or Frozen Cherries: Both fresh and frozen cherries work for this recipe. If using frozen, be sure to thaw and drain them well before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
2. Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for the best dough consistency. This will help the dough rise properly.
3. Cut with Dental Floss: For clean, even slices, use unflavored dental floss to slice the dough log. Simply slide the floss under the roll, cross it over the top, and pull tight to slice through the dough without squishing it.
4. Let Them Cool Slightly Before Icing: Wait about 10 minutes before adding the icing to prevent it from melting too much and running off the rolls.
5. Make Ahead: You can prepare the rolls the night before and refrigerate them after assembling them in the baking dish. The next morning, allow them to rise at room temperature for about an hour before baking.

Recipe Variations

1. Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls:

Swap the cherries for raspberries in the filling for a tart twist. The tanginess of raspberries pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the cinnamon sugar.

2. Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls:

Blueberries work just as well in this recipe, offering a sweet, juicy filling that complements the cinnamon flavor perfectly.

3. Apple Cinnamon Rolls:

For a fall-inspired version, replace the cherry filling with a cooked apple filling made from diced apples, cinnamon, and sugar.

4. Chocolate Cherry Rolls:

For chocolate lovers, sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the cinnamon sugar before adding the cherry filling. The combination of chocolate and cherry is divine!

Freezing and Storage

Storing Leftovers:

Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Freezing Instructions:

To freeze the unbaked rolls, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. When ready to bake, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and let them rise at room temperature for about an hour before baking.

Reheating Instructions:

To reheat the rolls, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes or until warmed through.

Special Equipment

• Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: To mix and knead the dough.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: For baking the cinnamon rolls.
• Rolling Pin: To roll out the dough evenly.
• Pastry Brush: For brushing butter onto the dough.
• Sharp Knife or Dental Floss: For slicing the dough into rolls.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make the dough by hand?

Yes, you can mix and knead the dough by hand if you don’t have a stand mixer. It will take a bit more effort but is entirely doable.

2. Can I use canned cherry pie filling?

While you can use canned cherry pie filling, making your own cherry filling is easy and adds a fresher, more vibrant flavor to the rolls.

3. Can I make these rolls gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and make sure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

4. How can I make these rolls vegan?

To make vegan cherry cinnamon rolls, substitute the butter with plant-based butter, use almond or soy milk, and replace the eggs with flaxseed or a vegan egg substitute.

5. Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe doubles easily if you’re serving a larger crowd. Just make sure you have a large enough baking dish or divide the rolls between two dishes.

Conclusion

These Cherry Cinnamon Rolls with Homemade Filling are the perfect way to elevate your regular cinnamon roll recipe into something truly special. The combination of fresh cherries, sweet cinnamon, and fluffy dough makes for an unforgettable treat that’s sure to impress anyone who takes a bite. Whether you’re serving these for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, they’re sure to be a hit.

Plus, with so many ways to customize and make ahead, this recipe is versatile enough to fit any occasion. So go ahead and whip up a batch of these rolls—they’re worth every minute of effort. The warm, gooey center, swirls of cherry filling, and light drizzle of icing are sure to become your new favorite.

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