Cherry Cinnamon Rolls with Homemade Filling

There’s something irresistibly comforting about the smell of cinnamon wafting through a cozy kitchen, especially on a chilly morning. But when that classic spice is paired with a sweet-tart cherry filling, it takes the humble cinnamon roll to extraordinary heights. These Cherry Cinnamon Rolls with Homemade Filling aren’t just a treat—they’re a story baked into soft, pillowy dough, swirled with memories of family gatherings, lazy weekend brunches, and the joyful surprise of biting into warm, juicy cherries tucked inside every spiral.

Growing up, my grandmother made cinnamon rolls for every holiday morning. But one summer, with cherries ripening on the trees in her backyard, she decided to stir a handful into her filling. That small experiment transformed her usual rolls into a vibrant, fruity masterpiece that became a beloved family tradition. Ever since, these cherry-studded rolls have marked our special breakfasts, blending the nostalgia of cinnamon with the brightness of cherries.

Perfect for brunch, dessert, or a festive breakfast table, these rolls bring warmth, sweetness, and a touch of indulgence. And with a homemade cherry filling that’s bursting with real fruit flavor, they feel extra special—yet remain simple enough to make from scratch.

Whether you’re using fresh cherries from the farmer’s market in summer or frozen cherries in the colder months, this recipe delivers soft, fluffy rolls crowned with a velvety cream cheese frosting. And trust me: once you taste them warm from the oven, you’ll never want to go back to plain cinnamon rolls again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A fruity twist on a classic: The tartness of cherries balances beautifully with the warm spice of cinnamon.
• Homemade cherry filling: Made from scratch, without artificial flavors or preservatives.
• Perfectly soft dough: Tender, buttery rolls that stay moist for days.
• Versatile for any season: Use fresh or frozen cherries to enjoy this treat year-round.
• Make-ahead friendly: Prepare the night before for an easy morning bake.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Dough:

• 1/4 cup warm water
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
• 3/4 cup whole milk
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 4 1/2 cups bread flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

For the Cherry Filling:

• 3 1/2 cups frozen cherries
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup cold water
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 3 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 to 3 tablespoons whole milk

How to Make Cherry Cinnamon Rolls with Homemade Filling

Making these cherry cinnamon rolls with homemade filling from scratch may sound ambitious, but each step is simple and rewarding. Let’s walk through it together—just imagine the anticipation as the rolls bake and that incredible aroma fills your kitchen.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Cherry Filling

In a medium saucepan, combine the frozen cherries and sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cherries release their juices and the mixture starts to bubble. In a small bowl, stir together the cold water and cornstarch until smooth, then pour it into the saucepan. Stir constantly for 2–3 minutes until the mixture thickens into a glossy, jammy filling. Remove from heat and let cool completely; refrigerate while you make the dough.

Tip: Cooling the filling prevents it from making the dough soggy when you roll it up.

2. Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes until foamy and bubbly—a sign that the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.

3. Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the bloomed yeast, warm milk, sugar, and eggs. Gradually add the flour and salt, stirring until a shaggy dough forms. Knead in the butter pieces, then transfer to a stand mixer with a dough hook (or knead by hand) for 8–10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. It should feel soft but not sticky.

4. Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and set it in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

5. Roll Out and Fill

Once risen, turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it into a large rectangle, about 14×16 inches. Spread the cooled cherry filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border along the edges. Gently roll up the dough from the long side into a tight log.

6. Slice and Arrange

Using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss, slice the log into 12 even rolls. Arrange them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spacing them slightly apart. Cover and let rise again for 30 minutes until puffy.

7. Bake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.

8. Frost and Enjoy

While the rolls bake, beat together the butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until fluffy. Thin the frosting with milk as needed. Spread the frosting over the warm rolls right after baking for a melt-in effect—or wait until they cool for a thicker layer.

Helpful Tips

• Proof in a warm spot: If your kitchen is cold, place the dough near a warm oven or in a microwave with a cup of hot water to encourage rising.
• Don’t overfill: Use all the filling, but spread it evenly—too much in one spot may leak out during baking.
• Cut cleanly: Use a sharp serrated knife or floss to avoid squashing the rolls.

Details

• Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 rolls
• Category: Dessert, Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Notes

• Make it ahead: Assemble the rolls the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Let them come to room temperature before baking in the morning.
• Add-ins: A sprinkle of chopped nuts or dark chocolate chips inside the filling adds extra texture and flavor.

Nutritional Information (Per Roll)

• Calories: 380
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 24g
• Protein: 6g
• Sodium: 290mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh cherries instead of frozen?
Yes! Simply pit fresh cherries and follow the same steps for making the filling.

Can I freeze these rolls?
Absolutely. Freeze them before baking for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and bake fresh.

How long will they stay fresh?
These rolls stay soft at room temperature for 2 days, or up to 5 days refrigerated in an airtight container.

Storage Instructions

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Store up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Freeze unbaked rolls up to 2 months; thaw overnight before baking.

Related Recipes

If you loved these cherry cinnamon rolls with homemade filling, try these other irresistible baked treats:

• Cherry Hawaiian Danishes
• Cherry Cheesecake Egg Rolls: A Crispy, Sweet Treat You’ll Love
• Blueberry Cheesecake Rolls
• Magic Lemon Cobbler – A Sweet & Tangy Dessert Delight

Conclusion

Whether you’re baking for a holiday morning, a cozy weekend brunch, or simply to fill your home with the inviting aroma of cinnamon and cherries, these Cherry Cinnamon Rolls with Homemade Filling are a heartwarming treat that’s sure to delight. Every soft, fruity bite tells a story—and invites you to make new memories around the table.

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