If you’re looking for a sweet treat that’s equal parts nostalgic comfort and irresistible fruitiness, Cherry Cinnamon Rolls are about to become your new obsession. Soft, pillowy rolls infused with cinnamon are swirled around a gorgeous cherry pie filling, then finished with a dreamy vanilla glaze—every bite is bursting with juicy cherries and warm spice. They’ll light up your brunch table, wow at holidays, or simply make any morning feel extra special. Grab your apron; this recipe is ready to become the highlight of your kitchen adventures!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how a handful of pantry staples, plus those luscious cherries, come together to make Cherry Cinnamon Rolls so incredibly tempting. Each ingredient plays a role, creating tender dough, a fruity, spiced swirl, and that glossy, sweet finish you can’t wait to drizzle on top.
- All-purpose flour (3 1/4 cups): The reliable backbone for a light, fluffy dough—measure carefully for best results.
- Instant yeast (1 packet/2 1/4 tsp): Makes the rolls rise to pillowy perfection in no time at all.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Brings a subtle sweetness to the dough without overpowering the filling.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Just a pinch brightens all the flavors and keeps your rolls from tasting flat.
- Warm milk (3/4 cup): Helps activate the yeast and gives the dough its soft, tender crumb.
- Unsalted butter, melted (1/4 cup for dough, 2 tablespoons softened for filling): Adds rich flavor and that classic, decadent texture in every roll.
- Large egg (1): Binds the dough together and ensures every swirl is delightfully fluffy.
- Cherry pie filling (1 cup): The star of the show—choose a good brand or make your own for superior cherry flavor.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup): Gives a deeper caramel note to the cinnamon swirl that pairs perfectly with cherries.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon): For a warming, fragrant spice that makes these rolls irresistible.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Creates that ultra-smooth, sweet glaze to finish.
- Milk (2 tablespoons for glaze): Helps whisk the glaze to pourable, silky perfection.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): The secret to a seriously swoon-worthy glaze—don’t skip it!
How to Make Cherry Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Mix Up the Dough
Start by combining your warm milk, melted butter, egg, sugar, and yeast in a large mixing bowl. The scent alone will make you want to bake every day! Add about half of the flour and stir until the mixture is smooth, then sprinkle in the salt. Gradually add the rest of the flour to form a soft, slightly tacky dough—don’t worry if things feel a little messy at this stage, your hands (or stand mixer) will soon bring it all together.
Step 2: Knead and Let Rise
Turn your dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until it’s satiny-smooth and springs back when pressed—this step is where the magic happens for pillowy rolls! Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover tightly, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size (about 1 hour). Watching that poufy transformation never gets old.
Step 3: Roll Out and Fill
Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles and roll it into a roughly 16×12-inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter all over—this ensures every bite is rich and tender. Next, sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon in a generous, even layer. Finally, dot and gently spread the cherry pie filling on top for that luscious, ruby-red surprise in every bite. Be as even as you can (but don’t stress, a little unevenness means more cherry in some rolls—a happy accident!)
Step 4: Roll, Slice, and Second Rise
Roll up your dough tightly from the long end, creating that signature swirl. With a sharp knife (or dental floss—a baker’s trick!), slice the log into 12 even rolls. Place them cut side up in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, nestling them side-by-side. Cover loosely and let them rise again for about 30 minutes, until puffed and crowding together. That second rise is key for fluffy, bakery-style Cherry Cinnamon Rolls.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slide in your pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the rolls are golden brown on top and bubbling gently around the edges—that aroma will fill your kitchen and draw a crowd. Let the rolls cool for a few minutes so the filling sets just slightly, making them easier to glaze (and eat) without too much mess—if you can wait that long!
Step 6: Glaze and Serve
Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until you have a glossy, pourable glaze. Drizzle generously over the barely-warm rolls, letting it sink into all those nooks and swirls. Serve them up gooey and warm—this is what Cherry Cinnamon Rolls dreams are made of!
How to Serve Cherry Cinnamon Rolls
Garnishes
To elevate your Cherry Cinnamon Rolls, try dusting them with extra powdered sugar, sprinkling over some toasted, chopped almonds, or adding a handful of fresh or frozen cherries right before serving. A light zesting of orange or lemon can add a bright, citrusy spark that plays perfectly with the cherries.
Side Dishes
Balance out the sweet decadence by serving your rolls with tangy Greek yogurt, a bowl of fresh mixed berries, or even some scrambled eggs for a brunch spread that feels both elegant and inviting. A hot pot of coffee or a tall glass of cold milk will round everything out in true comfort food fashion.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping centerpiece, arrange the rolls in a spiral pattern on a platter and drizzle the glaze tableside for dramatic effect. Individual rolls can be placed in cupcake liners for grab-and-go treats at potlucks or bake sales, or skewered on sticks for a whimsical party twist—Cherry Cinnamon Rolls never looked so charming!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cherry Cinnamon Rolls keep happily at room temperature in an airtight container for up to two days. If you have a larger batch (or some rare self-control), stash them in the fridge for three to four days. A quick zap in the microwave brings back that just-baked magic.
Freezing
For ultimate convenience, freeze baked, unglazed rolls in a well-sealed freezer bag for up to two months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge, then warm and add your fresh glaze right before serving for that homemade bakery feel—even on the busiest mornings.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop individual rolls in the microwave for 20–30 seconds, or cover a pan of rolls with foil and warm in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. This restores their tender, gooey texture and melts the glaze into every crevice, just like they’re fresh from the oven.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cherry filling instead of canned?
Absolutely! A homemade filling with fresh or frozen cherries, cornstarch, and a touch of sugar can really elevate these Cherry Cinnamon Rolls. Just make sure your filling isn’t too runny so your rolls keep their gorgeous shape.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?
Be sure to roll the dough tightly and leave a half-inch border around the edges when adding your cherry filling; pressing the seam where you finish rolling helps seal everything in for neat slices and minimal leaks.
Can I make the dough the night before?
Yes, you can prepare the dough, shape the rolls, and let them rise in the fridge overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature and puff up before baking for effortless breakfast Cherry Cinnamon Rolls.
What if I don’t have instant yeast?
No worries—active dry yeast works too! Just activate it in the warm milk and sugar for 5–10 minutes until foamy, then proceed with the recipe as written for equally fluffy cinnamon rolls.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy free?
Definitely! Substitute non-dairy milk (like almond or oat) for the regular milk, and use your favorite plant-based butter for both dough and filling. The results are still decadently delicious, with all the charm of classic Cherry Cinnamon Rolls.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried Cherry Cinnamon Rolls before, this is your sign to say yes to gooey, fruity, cinnamon-swirled bliss. Whether you’re treating family, friends, or just yourself, these rolls promise to spark joy and satisfy every sweet craving. Trust me—your kitchen will smell incredible, and your heart (and tastebuds!) will thank you for baking up this unforgettable treat.
Print
Cherry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours (including rise time)
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Cherry Cinnamon Rolls, a sweet and fruity twist on classic cinnamon rolls that are perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 large egg
For the Filling:
- 1 cup cherry pie filling
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, melted butter, egg, sugar, and yeast. Add half of the flour and mix until combined. Stir in the salt, then add the remaining flour gradually until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Assemble the Rolls: Punch down the dough and roll it into a 16×12-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter over the surface, then sprinkle evenly with brown sugar and cinnamon. Spoon cherry pie filling over the dough in an even layer. Roll tightly from the long side and slice into 12 rolls. Place rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Bake and Glaze: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden and bubbling. Meanwhile, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make the glaze. Let rolls cool slightly before drizzling with glaze and serving warm.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen cherries tossed with cornstarch and sugar if you prefer homemade filling.
- Add a pinch of almond extract to the glaze for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
