Cherry Cinnamon Rolls with Homemade Filling

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that feels like a warm hug, these Cherry Cinnamon Rolls with Homemade Filling are just what you need! Imagine waking up to the sweet aroma of freshly baked rolls filled with tart cherries and topped with creamy frosting. They are perfect for cozy weekends, family gatherings, or even a simple afternoon snack. This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it combines the best of cherry pie and cinnamon rolls into one delicious package.

These rolls are not only tasty but also easy to make. Whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned pro, you’ll find joy in rolling out the dough and filling it with luscious cherry goodness. Let’s dive into why this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweet cherries and warm cinnamon is simply irresistible.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, this recipe invites bakers of all skill levels to join in on the fun.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone will love these rolls! They are perfect for breakfast or dessert.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the filling ahead of time, making it a breeze to bake fresh rolls anytime.
• Customizable: Feel free to get creative with fillings or toppings to suit your taste!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating these Cherry Cinnamon Rolls with Homemade Filling is easy with simple and wholesome ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Cherry Filling

• 3 1/2 cups frozen cherries (454g)
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar (67g)
• 1/4 cup cold water (60g)
• 2 tbs corn starch (20g)

For the Dough

• 1/4 cup warm water (60g)
• 1 tsp active dry yeast (6g)
• 3/4 cup whole milk (180g)
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar (67g)
• 2 large eggs
• 4 1/2 cups bread flour (540g)
• 1/2 tsp salt (3g)
• 6 tbs unsalted butter, room temperature

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 4 tbs unsalted butter, room temperature (57g)
• 3 oz cream cheese, room temperature (85g)
• 2 cups powdered sugar (260g)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1-3 tbs whole milk (20-60g)

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s move on to some delicious variations!

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to play around with flavors! Here are some ideas to switch things up:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an added crunch.
• Change the Fruit: Swap out cherries for blueberries or raspberries for a different berry flavor.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the dough for an extra layer of warmth.
• Top It Differently: Instead of cream cheese frosting, drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice.

How to Make Cherry Cinnamon Rolls with Homemade Filling

Step 1: Prepare the Cherry Filling

Start by making your cherry filling. In a medium saucepan, combine the frozen cherries, granulated sugar, cold water, and corn starch. Stir everything together over medium heat until it thickens and bubbles. This step is crucial as it creates that delicious filling that will ooze out when you roll up your dough!

Step 2: Make the Dough

In another bowl, combine the warm water and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together whole milk, sugar, eggs, bread flour, and salt. Once combined, add in your yeast mixture followed by softened butter. Knead this dough until smooth; about 8-10 minutes should do it! A well-kneaded dough is essential for those fluffy rolls.

Step 3: Let It Rise

Place your kneaded dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean towel. Allow it to rise in a warm place until doubled in size—about an hour. This step creates air pockets that make your cinnamon rolls light and airy.

Step 4: Assemble Your Rolls

Once your dough has risen beautifully, punch it down gently. Roll it out into a rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Spread your cherry filling evenly across the dough before rolling it up tightly from one end to the other. Slice into equal pieces and place them in a greased baking dish.

Step 5: Bake Them Up!

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Let your rolls rise again for about 30 minutes while you wait for that oven magic! Bake them for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown on top.

Step 6: Frost Your Rolls

While they cool slightly, whip up your cream cheese frosting by mixing together softened butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and enough milk to reach desired consistency. Drizzle this heavenly frosting over still-warm rolls before serving.

There you have it—delicious Cherry Cinnamon Rolls with Homemade Filling that will bring smiles all around! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Cherry Cinnamon Rolls with Homemade Filling

Creating the perfect cherry cinnamon rolls can be a delightful experience, and these tips will help ensure your rolls turn out wonderfully fluffy and bursting with flavor.

• Use frozen cherries: Frozen cherries are convenient and have a great tartness that makes your filling delicious. They retain their shape well during baking, giving you that perfect cherry bite in every roll.
• Let the dough rise properly: Allowing the dough to rise until it doubles in size is crucial for achieving soft, airy rolls. The yeasted dough needs time to develop, so be patient!
• Don’t skip the cream cheese frosting: The tangy sweetness of cream cheese frosting complements the tart cherry filling beautifully. A drizzle of this frosting takes your cinnamon rolls from good to absolutely irresistible.
• Experiment with spices: While cinnamon is traditional, adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom can enhance the flavor profile of your rolls. These spices pair wonderfully with both cherries and the buttery dough.
• Cool before serving: Letting your rolls cool slightly before drizzling with frosting helps prevent the frosting from melting away. This ensures that every bite is perfectly sweet and creamy!

How to Serve Cherry Cinnamon Rolls with Homemade Filling

These cherry cinnamon rolls are not only delicious but also visually appealing. Presenting them nicely can enhance your dining experience significantly!

Garnishes

• Mint leaves: A few fresh mint leaves on top add a pop of color and a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the rolls.
• Chopped nuts: Sprinkling some chopped almonds or pecans on top adds an extra crunch and nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with cherries.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing balance to the rich flavors of the cinnamon rolls.
• Yogurt parfait: Creamy yogurt layered with granola and berries makes for a light side that complements the sweetness of the rolls.
• Coffee or tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea adds warmth to your breakfast or brunch spread and enhances the overall experience.
• Scrambled eggs: For a savory addition, soft scrambled eggs offer protein and balance out the sweetness, making this dish suitable for brunch gatherings.

Serving these cherry cinnamon rolls with thoughtful garnishes and complementary sides will make for an unforgettable treat! Enjoy every delightful bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These cherry cinnamon rolls with homemade filling are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delightful treat anytime. You can easily make them ahead of time, store leftovers, or even freeze them for later enjoyment!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the rolls to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

• Once cooled, wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place wrapped rolls in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Store in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen rolls overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Heat the rolls for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You may also microwave individual rolls for 20-30 seconds.

FAQs

If you have questions about these cherry cinnamon rolls with homemade filling, we’ve got you covered!

Can I use fresh cherries instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh cherries! Just make sure to pit and chop them before cooking. Adjust the sugar based on their sweetness.

How can I make cherry cinnamon rolls with homemade filling gluten-free?

You can substitute the bread flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum for texture.

How long can I store cherry cinnamon rolls with homemade filling?

These rolls can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for a week. For longer storage, they freeze beautifully!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these cherry cinnamon rolls with homemade filling as much as I do! They’re not just a delicious treat; they’re a warm hug on a plate that brings joy with every bite. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or savoring them by yourself, I encourage you to give this recipe a try. Happy baking!