If you’ve ever dreamed of a breakfast pastry that walks the perfect line between sweet, tangy, and ooey-gooey, Cherry Cinnamon Rolls with Homemade Filling are exactly what your mornings need. Imagine soft, pillowy rolls wrapped around a juicy, cinnamon-spiced cherry filling, crowned with a dreamy cream cheese glaze—the aroma alone will have everyone queued up at the oven. Whether you’re craving a holiday treat, a weekend brunch showstopper, or simply inspired to bake something extraordinary, these rolls deliver homemade comfort along with that special homemade magic that store-bought just can’t match.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Just a handful of everyday ingredients are all it takes to create irresistible Cherry Cinnamon Rolls with Homemade Filling. Each component plays a vital role, from the fluffy dough and luscious cherry center to the swoon-worthy creamy frosting. Here’s what you’ll need—and a few tips for making every ingredient shine:
- All-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy, tender structure for your rolls—make sure to measure with care for the softest result.
- Active dry yeast: The magic that makes your dough rise into beautiful, fluffy rolls—check the expiration date for best results.
- Granulated sugar: Adds subtle sweetness to both dough and filling, and helps feed the yeast for a perfect rise.
- Salt: Balances all the flavors and heightens the dough’s character.
- Milk: Warm milk brings richness and helps create that soft, cloud-like crumb in the dough.
- Unsalted butter: Melted for easy mixing, it adds tenderness to the dough and an undeniable buttery flavor.
- Eggs: Give the dough richness and a golden color—room temperature eggs integrate best.
- Fresh or frozen pitted cherries: The starring fruit! Their tart sweetness makes the homemade filling unforgettable.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the cherry filling and keeps the flavor fresh and lively.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the cherry mixture so it stays nestled inside your rolls instead of escaping.
- Ground cinnamon: Warms and deepens the filling, perfectly complementing the cherries.
- Powdered sugar: Gives you a smooth, sweet glaze with just the right texture.
- Cream cheese: For a tangy richness in your frosting that puts these rolls over the top.
- Vanilla extract: Just a dash brings all the flavors together in harmony.
- Milk or heavy cream: Adjusts the frosting’s consistency so it’s easy to drizzle over the warm rolls.
How to Make Cherry Cinnamon Rolls with Homemade Filling
Step 1: Make the Dough
Start by adding 2 cups of your flour, active dry yeast, granulated sugar, and salt to a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer. Pour in the warm milk, melted butter, and eggs, and blend everything until smooth. Gradually add the rest of the flour, mixing until a soft, slightly tacky dough forms. Knead by hand or with a dough hook for 5 to 7 minutes, until the dough feels smooth and elastic—this step is key for that signature pillowy texture in every Cherry Cinnamon Roll with Homemade Filling. Place your dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour until doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Cherry Filling
While your dough rises, get started on that unforgettable filling. Combine the cherries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon in a saucepan over medium heat. Let the mixture bubble and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cherries soften and release their juices. Stir in the cornstarch and cook for another minute or two, until the mixture thickens nicely. Transfer your cherry filling to a bowl to cool—you want it room temperature before spreading it on the dough, so it doesn’t melt the dough or make it tricky to roll.
Step 3: Roll Out and Fill the Dough
Once the dough has doubled, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it into a 16-by-10-inch rectangle, aiming for even thickness so every roll bakes up the same. Evenly spread your cooled cherry filling all the way to the edges (leaving a tiny border), making sure each bite will have a burst of that cinnamon-spiced cherry goodness. Roll everything up tightly from the long edge, then slice into 12 even rolls—a serrated knife works wonders for this step.
Step 4: Let the Rolls Rise Again
Arrange your rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, with their swirled tops facing up. Cover the pan and let the rolls rise again for 30 to 40 minutes. This second rise is essential for super-fluffy Cherry Cinnamon Rolls with Homemade Filling—don’t rush it! The rolls should look puffy and just barely touch each other.
Step 5: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Once the rolls have puffed, bake for 25-30 minutes until they’re golden on top and the centers look cooked through. If you like your rolls extra soft, err on the shorter side; for a bit of toasty edge, give them the full baking time. Let them cool just slightly while you whisk up the dreamy cream cheese frosting.
Step 6: Frost and Serve
To make the frosting, whisk together the powdered sugar, softened cream cheese, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Drizzle generously over the warm rolls—watch it melt into every nook and cranny! Now, grab a plate (and maybe a fork) and enjoy your batch of Cherry Cinnamon Rolls with Homemade Filling while they’re still warm and gooey.
How to Serve Cherry Cinnamon Rolls with Homemade Filling
Garnishes
To make your rolls extra special, try sprinkling a few whole cherries or dried cherry bits on top after frosting, or dust with a bit of extra ground cinnamon for a cozy bakery look. A light zesting of lemon adds a pop of color and subtle sparkle that pairs beautifully with the cherry flavor. For an added touch, a few toasted sliced almonds bring lovely crunch and a hint of elegance.
Side Dishes
These breakfast beauties are fantastic with simple sides like a bowl of fresh berries or a citrus fruit salad, which balances the sweetness with juicy brightness. If you’re serving them for brunch, pair your Cherry Cinnamon Rolls with Homemade Filling with creamy Greek yogurt or a crustless veggie quiche for a well-rounded plate. Coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk make classic companions as well.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive brunch buffet, arrange the warm rolls on a pretty platter and drizzle the icing right before serving. Or, pop individual rolls into cupcake liners for single-serving treats—perfect for parties or grab-and-go breakfasts. For something truly memorable, layer slices of Cherry Cinnamon Rolls with Homemade Filling in glass jars with whipped cream and extra cherries for a showstopping breakfast trifle!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (lucky you!), simply cover the rolls tightly and keep them at room temperature for up to 2–3 days. They’ll stay soft and moist, and the cherry flavor actually deepens a bit overnight. If you want to refrigerate, cover well to prevent them from drying out—the frosting may firm up a little, but a quick reheat fixes that.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap the unfrosted rolls individually or as a whole pan in plastic wrap and foil. They’ll keep beautifully in the freezer for up to two months. When you’re ready to serve, thaw the rolls overnight in the fridge, then warm and frost just before enjoying. You can also freeze already-frosted rolls, but the icing may get a tad runny upon thawing—still delicious, just a bit messier.
Reheating
Warm leftover Cherry Cinnamon Rolls with Homemade Filling in a 300°F oven for 8–10 minutes, covered loosely with foil to hold in the moisture. For a quick fix, microwave individual rolls for 15–20 seconds. If they’ve lost any gooeyness, a drizzle of extra icing or a little butter brings them right back to bakery-fresh perfection.
FAQs
Can I use canned cherry pie filling instead of making my own?
Absolutely! In a pinch, canned cherry pie filling speeds things up, but the homemade cherry filling truly makes these rolls shine with a fresher, slightly tangier flavor and less sweetness. If you go the canned route, you might want to stir in a little extra ground cinnamon for added warmth.
What’s the best way to make these rolls ahead of time?
To get a jump-start, assemble the rolls up to the second rise, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, let the rolls come to room temperature and finish rising for 30-45 minutes, then bake as instructed. This trick gives you fresh-baked Cherry Cinnamon Rolls with Homemade Filling with minimal morning effort!
Can I substitute another fruit instead of cherries?
Definitely! Blueberries, raspberries, or even diced apples work beautifully and will create their own twist on the classic. Adjust the sugar and lemon juice to taste based on the fruit you choose, but otherwise, the process remains the same.
Is it possible to make these rolls dairy-free?
Yes, these can be made dairy-free by swapping in a non-dairy milk (like almond or oat) for both the dough and the frosting, as well as using vegan butter and a plant-based cream cheese alternative. The results are still wonderfully soft, sweet, and satisfying!
How do I know when the rolls are done baking?
Look for golden tops and set, fluffy centers. You can check doneness by gently touching the center roll; it should feel bouncy, not doughy. If you have a food thermometer, the internal temperature should hit around 190°F. Don’t overbake, as they’ll keep cooking a bit after you pull them from the oven.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the aroma and taste of Cherry Cinnamon Rolls with Homemade Filling—comforting, homemade, and full of love in every bite. Whether you bake them for a weekend brunch or a special morning treat, these rolls are guaranteed to make cherished memories (and maybe start a brand new family tradition!). Go ahead, give this recipe a try and let their sweet, tangy goodness brighten your kitchen!
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Cherry Cinnamon Rolls with Homemade Filling Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of homemade cherry cinnamon rolls, filled with a luscious cherry filling and topped with a creamy frosting. These sweet rolls are perfect for breakfast or a special dessert treat.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
For the Cherry Filling:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen pitted cherries, halved
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Add warm milk, melted butter, and eggs. Knead until smooth. Let rise for 1 hour.
- Make the Cherry Filling: Cook cherries, sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon until thickened. Cool.
- Roll and Fill: Roll out dough, spread cherry filling, roll up, and cut into rolls. Place in a baking dish.
- Rise and Bake: Let rolls rise, then bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes.
- Prepare the Frosting: Mix powdered sugar, cream cheese, milk, and vanilla. Drizzle over warm rolls.
Notes
- You can use canned cherry pie filling as a shortcut.
- Best served fresh but can be stored for a few days or frozen.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes (plus 1.5 hours rise time)
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
