Cherry Cinnamon Rolls
Soft, Fruity, and Irresistibly Sweet
If you love warm, gooey cinnamon rolls but want a fruity twist, Cherry Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect treat. These rolls combine soft, buttery dough, sweet cherry filling, and cinnamon sugar, finished with a drizzle of creamy icing for the ultimate indulgence.
Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls are visually stunning, deliciously aromatic, and sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love These Rolls
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Sweet and fruity: Cherries add a natural, tangy sweetness.
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Soft and fluffy: Perfectly risen dough that melts in your mouth.
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Cinnamon-spiced: Classic warm flavors with a twist.
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Homemade and comforting: Makes your kitchen smell amazing!
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Versatile: Use fresh, frozen, or canned cherries.
Ingredients (Makes 12–14 Rolls)
For the Dough:
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3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
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½ tsp salt
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½ cup whole milk, warmed
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¼ cup water, warm
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⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
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2 large eggs
For the Cherry Filling:
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1 cup pitted cherries (fresh or frozen, thawed)
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⅓ cup brown sugar
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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2 tablespoons butter, softened
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Optional: 1 tsp cornstarch if using fresh cherries to thicken
For the Icing:
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1 cup powdered sugar
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2–3 tablespoons milk or cream
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½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
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In a large bowl, combine warm milk, water, and yeast. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
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Add sugar, melted butter, eggs, and salt. Mix until combined.
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Gradually add flour until a soft dough forms.
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Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
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Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, until doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Cherry Filling
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In a small bowl, mix cherries, brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter.
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If using fresh cherries, add 1 teaspoon cornstarch to prevent excess moisture.
Step 3: Roll and Fill the Dough
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Roll the risen dough into a rectangle, about 12×18 inches.
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Spread the cherry mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border.
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Starting from the long edge, roll dough into a tight log.
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Cut the log into 12–14 equal rolls and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 4: Second Rise
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Cover the rolls with a clean towel and let them rise 30–45 minutes until puffed.
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) during the last 10 minutes of rising.
Step 5: Bake
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Bake rolls for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
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Optional: cover with foil for the first 15 minutes to prevent over-browning.
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Let rolls cool slightly before icing.
Step 6: Make the Icing
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In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
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Drizzle over warm rolls for a sweet finishing touch.
Tips for Perfect Cherry Cinnamon Rolls
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Use thawed cherries if using frozen to prevent soggy rolls.
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Don’t overfill: Too much filling can leak during baking.
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Even slices: Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut rolls cleanly.
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Warm milk and water: Helps the yeast activate properly.
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Optional glaze variations: Add a little cream cheese to the icing for tangy richness.
Variations
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Cherry Almond Rolls: Add sliced almonds on top before baking.
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Chocolate Cherry Rolls: Sprinkle chocolate chips over the cherry filling.
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Mini Rolls: Use a smaller pan for bite-sized versions, perfect for parties.
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Vegan Version: Use plant-based milk, coconut oil, and egg substitute.
Storage
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Room temperature: Store covered for 1–2 days.
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Refrigerator: Up to 4 days; reheat slightly in the microwave.
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Freezing: Freeze unbaked rolls in the dish or individually; thaw and bake fresh.
Nutrition Overview (Approx. per roll)
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Calories: 250–280
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Protein: 4g
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Carbs: 38g
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Fat: 10g
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Fiber: 2g
Perfect as a breakfast treat, brunch item, or dessert, these rolls are indulgent but easy to enjoy in moderation.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve warm with coffee, tea, or milk.
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Add a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
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Great for holiday breakfasts, brunches, or family gatherings.
Why This Recipe Works
The soft dough, sweet cherry filling, and cinnamon sugar create a balance of flavors and textures. Baking ensures the rolls are golden outside and soft inside, while the icing adds the perfect touch of sweetness.
Final Thoughts
Cherry Cinnamon Rolls are a crowd-pleasing, comforting treat that combines classic cinnamon roll flavors with fruity cherries for a delightful twist. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls are soft, sweet, and visually stunning.