Cherry Cinnamon Rolls with Homemade Filling Recipe

Introduction

These Cherry Cinnamon Rolls with Homemade Filling are a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Soft, fluffy dough paired with a sweet cherry and cinnamon center makes for an irresistible treat perfect for breakfast or dessert.

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup warm milk (dairy or non-dairy alternatives like almond or oat milk)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (or vegan butter for a dairy-free version)
• 2 large eggs (or 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce for an egg-free option)
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and chopped (or any other berry)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (or vegan butter)
• For the Cream Cheese Frosting (optional):
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened (or a vegan cream cheese alternative)
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons milk (dairy or non-dairy)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture, melted butter, and eggs (or applesauce). Stir until a dough forms.
3. Step 3: Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add flour if it’s too sticky.
4. Step 4: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour until doubled in size.
5. Step 5: While the dough rises, mix the chopped cherries, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Set aside.
6. Step 6: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a 16×12 inch rectangle.
7. Step 7: Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cherry filling on top.
8. Step 8: Roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log, then cut into 12 slices.

Tips & Variations

• Swap cherries for blueberries or raspberries for a different berry flavor.
• Use vegan butter and cream cheese alternatives to make this recipe dairy-free.
• For egg-free rolls, substitute eggs with unsweetened applesauce.
• Allow rolls to cool slightly before frosting with cream cheese glaze for best texture.

Storage

Store the cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries in this recipe?

Yes, frozen cherries work well. Just be sure to thaw and drain them to avoid excess moisture in the filling.

Do I need to make the cream cheese frosting?

The frosting is optional but adds a rich, sweet finishing touch. You can skip it or substitute with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.

Cherry Cinnamon Rolls with Homemade Filling Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 85 reviews

Delight in these Cherry Cinnamon Rolls with Homemade Filling, featuring a tender, fluffy dough filled with a sweet cherry and cinnamon mixture, topped optionally with a creamy vanilla cream cheese frosting. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, these rolls offer a luscious twist on a classic favorite with fresh or frozen cherries for a burst of fruity flavor.

• Author: Joe
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 rolls 1x
• Category: Breakfast / Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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For the Dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup warm milk (dairy or non-dairy alternatives like almond or oat milk)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (or vegan butter for a dairy-free version)
• 2 large eggs (or 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce for an egg-free option)

For the Filling:

• 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and chopped (use any other berry if preferred)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (or vegan butter)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting (optional):

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened (or a vegan cream cheese alternative)
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons milk (dairy or non-dairy)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Allow it to sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center, pour in the yeast mixture, melted butter, and eggs (or applesauce). Mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, add a little extra flour until it’s manageable.
2. Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
3. Prepare the Filling: While the dough is rising, prepare the filling by mixing the chopped cherries, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Set aside.
4. Shape the Rolls: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a flour-dusted surface into a rectangle approximately 16×12 inches. Spread the softened butter evenly on the dough, followed by the cherry filling. Roll the dough tightly from the long side to create a log. Cut the log into 12 slices.

Notes

• You can substitute cherries with other berries like blueberries or raspberries for different flavors.
• For a vegan or dairy-free version, use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and vegan cream cheese for the frosting.
• Allow the rolls to cool slightly before spreading the cream cheese frosting to prevent it from melting too much.
• If you prefer a less sweet roll, reduce the sugar in the filling slightly.
• Ensure the milk is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly without killing it.

Keywords: cherry cinnamon rolls, homemade cinnamon rolls, cherry filling, cinnamon roll recipe, sweet breakfast rolls, cream cheese frosting cinnamon rolls