If you are looking for a delightful treat that combines the warm, comforting spice of cinnamon with the bright, sweet tang of cherries, this Cherry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is an absolute must-try. These rolls are soft, fluffy, and generously filled with luscious cherry pie filling and a spiced cinnamon-sugar blend that makes every bite memorable. Drizzled with a smooth vanilla glaze, they bring a perfect balance of sweetness and spice that will brighten any breakfast table or dessert spread. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or simply indulging yourself, these cherry cinnamon rolls are pure joy baked into every swirl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these unforgettable cherry cinnamon rolls. Each element plays a crucial role in perfecting the texture, flavor, and appearance of the rolls, making this recipe both straightforward and incredibly rewarding.
- Active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons or 1 packet): Activates the dough and helps it rise beautifully to a fluffy perfection.
- Warm milk (¾ cup): Provides moisture and warmth to activate the yeast and tenderize the dough.
- Granulated sugar (¼ cup): Adds a touch of sweetness that balances the dough.
- Unsalted butter, melted (¼ cup): Brings richness and a soft texture to the dough.
- Large egg (1): Binds ingredients together and gives structure to the rolls.
- All-purpose flour (2 ¾ cups): The foundation of the dough, giving it structure and body.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- Cherry pie filling (21 oz can): Bursts with juicy cherry flavor, creating a sweet fruit surprise inside each roll.
- Brown sugar (â…“ cup): Adds a deep caramel sweetness to the cinnamon filling.
- Ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons): Provides the quintessential spice that defines cinnamon rolls.
- Butter, softened (2 tablespoons): Used to spread on dough, helping the filling stick and adding creaminess.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): The base for the glaze, lending a silky sweetness.
- Milk (2–3 tablespoons): Mixes with powdered sugar to make a smooth glaze.
- Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon): Adds a warm, aromatic note to the glaze, elevating the flavor.
How to Make Cherry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Activate the Yeast
Start by combining the warm milk with the active dry yeast in a large bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy. This step is essential because it activates the yeast, ensuring your dough will rise beautifully and be light and fluffy.
Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough
Once your yeast is bubbly, add in the granulated sugar, melted butter, egg, flour, and salt. Stir everything until a dough begins to form. Then turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 6 to 8 minutes until smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step, which makes the process even easier. When the dough is ready, place it in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size—about one hour.
Step 3: Roll Out and Add the Filling
After the dough has risen, roll it out into a 14 by 9-inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface. In a small bowl, blend the brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle this mixture over the buttered dough. Next, spoon the cherry pie filling evenly across the entire dough surface, making sure to use just enough to create a thin, luscious layer without excess liquid to avoid sogginess.
Step 4: Roll and Slice the Dough
Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Use a sharp knife to slice the log into 12 even rolls. Arrange these rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover the dish and allow the rolls to rise again for 30 minutes, which gives them that light, cloud-like texture we all adore.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes or until they turn golden brown on top and are cooked through. The kitchen will quickly fill with the irresistible scent of cinnamon and cherries, building your anticipation for the first bite.
Step 6: Prepare and Drizzle the Glaze
While the rolls bake, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until you have a smooth and pourable glaze. Once your rolls come out of the oven and are still warm, generously drizzle the glaze over them so it melts slightly into the crevices, adding that perfect sweet finish that makes these rolls truly special.
How to Serve Cherry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
To make your cherry cinnamon rolls even more festive, consider garnishing with fresh cherries or a sprinkle of chopped toasted almonds for some extra crunch and color contrast. A light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving can add an elegant touch as well.
Side Dishes
These rolls shine on their own but pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a dessert twist. For breakfast, serve alongside fresh fruit or a hot cup of coffee or tea to round out your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try pulling apart the rolls family-style in a rustic basket lined with a colorful napkin to invite sharing and lively conversation. Alternatively, arrange the rolls on a pretty platter with a few edible flowers or mint leaves scattered around for a café-worthy presentation at brunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover cherry cinnamon rolls, keep them covered at room temperature for up to two days to retain their softness. For longer storage, refrigerate them in an airtight container. Just be sure to bring them back to room temperature or warm them gently before serving.
Freezing
These rolls freeze wonderfully. Wrap each roll individually or place them in a single layer inside a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm in the oven or microwave.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat your cherry cinnamon rolls in a preheated oven at 325°F (165°C) for about 10 minutes or until warm. If you’re short on time, use a microwave, but cover the roll with a damp paper towel to keep it from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned pie filling?
Absolutely! Using fresh, pitted cherries mixed with a bit of sugar and cornstarch creates a delightful homemade filling that adds natural freshness and texture. Just be mindful to cook the fruit slightly to reduce excess juice before spreading it on the dough.
What if I don’t have brown sugar for the filling?
You can substitute with an equal amount of granulated sugar mixed with a teaspoon of molasses to bring that characteristic depth brown sugar provides. This swap will keep the filling sweet and rich.
Can I prepare these rolls the night before baking?
Yes! After rolling and slicing, cover your baking dish and refrigerate overnight. Take the rolls out about 30 minutes before baking to let them come to room temperature, then bake as directed.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
With some adjustments, yes. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. You might need to experiment a bit with dough texture and kneading time, but the result can be equally delicious.
How can I make the glaze thicker or thinner?
Adjust the amount of milk in the glaze to change its consistency. Use less milk for a thicker glaze perfect for drizzling, or add a little more milk for a thinner glaze that soaks into the rolls nicely.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about baking your own Cherry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe. The combination of soft dough, spiced cinnamon, and vibrant cherry filling creates a sensory experience that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with loved ones, these rolls bring a little extra happiness to every bite. So roll up your sleeves, and dive into this recipe—you’ll be smiling from the very first warm, glazed mouthful.
Print
Cherry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours (including rising time)
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these Cherry Cinnamon Rolls, a perfect blend of sweet cherry pie filling and classic cinnamon sugar swirls wrapped in a tender, fluffy dough. Ideal for breakfast or dessert, these rolls are topped with a luscious vanilla glaze that adds a creamy finish to every bite.
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the filling:
- 1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling
- â…“ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy to ensure the yeast is properly activated.
- Make Dough: Add sugar, melted butter, egg, flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms, then knead on a lightly floured surface for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare Filling & Roll Dough: Roll out the dough into a 14×9-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly over the surface. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl; sprinkle over the dough. Spoon cherry pie filling evenly across the dough in a thin layer, avoiding excess liquid.
- Shape Rolls: Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice into 12 equal rolls and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 25–30 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.
- Make Glaze: While rolls bake, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Finish & Serve: Drizzle the glaze over warm rolls before serving for that perfect sweet finish.
Notes
- Use fresh pitted cherries for a homemade cherry filling variation.
- Store leftover rolls covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- For longer freshness, refrigerate the rolls and warm slightly before serving.
