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There’s something magical about the combination of sweet, juicy cherries and warm cinnamon wrapped in soft, pillowy dough. These Cherry Cinnamon Rolls with Homemade Filling take the classic breakfast treat to a whole new level. The homemade cherry filling bursts with flavor in every bite, creating a delightful twist on traditional cinnamon rolls that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Key Ingredients
The secret to these irresistible cherry cinnamon rolls lies in using quality ingredients. Fresh or frozen cherries create a vibrant filling that’s far superior to anything from a can. The dough benefits from bread flour for that perfect chewy texture, while the cream cheese frosting adds a tangy sweetness that complements the fruit perfectly. Each component works together to create a breakfast pastry that’s truly special.
Ingredients List
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Frozen cherries | 3 1/2 cups (454g) |
| Granulated sugar | 1/3 cup (67g) |
| Cold water | 1/4 cup (60g) |
| Corn starch | 2 tbs (20g) |
| Warm water | 1/4 cup (60g) |
| Active dry yeast | 1 tsp (6g) |
| Whole milk | 3/4 cup (180g) |
| Large eggs | 2 |
| Bread flour | 4 1/2 cups (540g) |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp (3g) |
| Unsalted butter, room temperature | 6 tbs (85g) |
| Unsalted butter, room temperature (frosting) | 4 tbs (57g) |
| Cream cheese, room temperature | 3 oz (85g) |
| Powdered sugar | 2 cups (260g) |
| Vanilla extract | 2 tsp |
| Whole milk (frosting) | 1-3 tbs (20-60g) |
Helpful Tools
To make these cherry cinnamon rolls successfully, you’ll need a few essential tools. A stand mixer with a dough hook attachment makes kneading the dough much easier, though you can certainly do it by hand if you prefer. A 11″ x 15″ cake pan provides the perfect size for these rolls to expand without crowding. A non-serrated knife is crucial for cutting the rolls cleanly without squishing the delicate dough. Finally, a rolling pin helps you achieve that perfect rectangular shape for even rolling.
Pro-Tips
1. Use fresh ingredients – Make sure the yeast you use in this recipe is within its expiration date. If using expired yeast you may not see your rolls rise as they should. Fresh yeast ensures those beautiful, fluffy rolls we’re after.
2. Chill the filling – Filling that isn’t fully chilled will warm the dough when it is spread on top and make the dough extremely lax and hard to roll up. Make the filling before mixing the dough so that it has an adequate amount of time to chill in the fridge. For more detailed instructions on making the perfect filling, check out these Cherry Cinnamon Rolls.
3. Cutting technique matters – Fruit Rolls can be messy to fill and cut. Wetting your knife every few cuts and working quickly will prevent the dough from pulling and give you the cleanest outcome. A gentle sawing motion works better than pressing straight down.
4. Temperature control is key – Both rises work best at around 72°F (22°C). Too warm and the butter might melt; too cold and the yeast won’t activate properly. Find a draft-free spot in your kitchen for optimal rising conditions.
5. Don’t skip the margin – When spreading the cherry filling, leaving that one-inch margin along one edge is crucial. This border helps seal the rolls when you roll up the dough, preventing the filling from leaking out during baking.
How to Make Cherry Cinnamon Rolls with Homemade Filling
1. Make the cherry filling – In a medium pan, combine cherries and sugar. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, stirring continuously. Mix cold water and cornstarch until dissolved, then stir into the cherry mixture. Continue stirring until thickened, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat, cool completely, then refrigerate while making the dough.
2. Activate the yeast – In a small bowl, whisk warm water, active dry yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let sit for 15 minutes until bubbly and activated.
3. Prepare the dough – Add milk, sugar, and eggs to the bloomed yeast, whisking until combined. Sift in bread flour and salt, stirring until a shaggy dough forms. Work in room temperature butter by hand or with a stand mixer on low speed for about 3 minutes.
4. Knead the dough – Using a dough hook attachment or by hand, knead for approximately 10 minutes until the dough pulls cleanly from the sides of the bowl and becomes smooth and elastic.
5. First rise – Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise at 72°F for 1 hour or until almost doubled in size.
6. Shape the rolls – Lightly flour your work surface and pat dough into a rectangle. Roll out to 14″ x 16″. Spread chilled cherry filling over the dough, leaving a one-inch margin along one long edge. Roll up tightly from the opposite edge, sealing with a bit of water along the margin.
7. Cut and arrange – Using a non-serrated knife, cut the log into twelve equal rolls. Arrange in a greased 11″ x 15″ pan.
8. Second rise – Preheat oven to 350°F. Place pan in a warm spot and let rolls rise for 30 minutes until puffy.
9. Bake – Bake on the center rack for 30-35 minutes until tops are lightly golden brown.
10. Frost and serve – While rolls bake, beat together butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until creamy. Cool baked rolls for 15 minutes before frosting generously. Serve warm.
Variations
1. Almond Cherry Rolls – Add 1/2 teaspoon almond extract to both the filling and frosting for a delightful cherry-almond flavor combination that’s classic and delicious.
2. Chocolate Cherry Rolls – Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the cherry filling before rolling up the dough. The chocolate melts slightly during baking, creating pockets of gooey goodness.
3. Cherry Cream Cheese Rolls – Mix 4 oz of softened cream cheese with 2 tablespoons of sugar and spread this mixture over the dough before adding the cherry filling for an extra creamy center.
Cherry Cinnamon Rolls with Homemade Filling
Ingredients
FAQ
Can I make cherry cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the rolls through the second rise, then cover and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes while preheating your oven, then bake as directed. The frosting can also be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh cherries work wonderfully in this recipe. You’ll need about 1 pound of fresh cherries, pitted and halved. The cooking time may be slightly shorter since fresh cherries contain less water than frozen ones.
How do I store leftover cherry cinnamon rolls?
Store cooled rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze unfrosted rolls for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in the oven before frosting and serving.
Conclusion
These Cherry Cinnamon Rolls with Homemade Filling transform a beloved classic into something extraordinary. The combination of soft, fluffy dough, vibrant cherry filling, and tangy cream cheese frosting creates a breakfast treat that’s perfect for special occasions or whenever you want to make an ordinary morning feel special. The process might seem lengthy, but each step is straightforward, and the results are absolutely worth the effort. Your family and friends will be amazed by these bakery-quality rolls made right in your own kitchen.
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