Delicious homemade cherry cinnamon rolls with a cherry glaze

Cherry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe in 5 Simple Steps

Thinking back to the time when I first discovered the joy of baking, I remember the ecstatic feeling of mixing ingredients, watching simple elements transform into something marvelous. There’s something incredibly soothing and rewarding about kneading dough and waiting for it to rise, especially when the end result is a freshly baked good. This journey led me to create the Irresistible Cherry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe, a sweet treat that combines the tartness of cherries with a soft, doughy embrace, all laced with the warm notes of cinnamon. These are not just rolls; they’re a moment of pure joy, best enjoyed with loved ones on lazy weekend mornings. Trust me, the aroma wafting through your home will be irresistible.

Recipe Timing

  • Prep Duration: 25 minutes
  • Active Cooking: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Total Duration: 2 hours
  • Portion Size: 12 rolls
  • Complexity: Moderate

Nutritional Recipe

  • Calories per portion: Approximately 360
  • Protein: 6g
  • Carbs: 57g
  • Fats: 14g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 23g
  • Sodium: 250mg

Why You’ll Love This Irresistible Cherry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe in 5 Simple Steps

These cherry cinnamon rolls have everything you could want from a breakfast treat. They’re fluffy, fruity, and sweet, making them perfect for brightening any morning. The combination of tangy cherries with rich cream cheese frosting creates a delightful contrast that intrigues the palate. Plus, the method is straightforward, meaning even novice bakers can conquer this recipe with ease. So, roll up those sleeves; let’s get started!

The Complete Cooking Journey

Ingredients:

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

Method:

Step 1: Make the Filling

Combine cherries and sugar in a pan. Bring to a boil, letting the cherries soften and the sugar dissolve. In a small bowl, mix the cold water and cornstarch, then stir into the boiling cherries. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let cool before refrigerating.

Step 2: Activate Yeast

In a bowl, mix the warm water, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for about 15 minutes until it becomes bubbly and frothy. This step is crucial as it activates the yeast, which will help your rolls rise.

Step 3: Make the Dough

In the bowl with the activated yeast, add milk, the remaining sugar, and eggs. Sift the bread flour and salt into the mixture, then mix until combined. Gradually add the softened butter and knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.

Step 4: First Rise

Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size. This is where the magic happens!

Step 5: Shape Rolls

Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a 14″x16″ rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Spread the chilled cherry filling over the dough, leaving a 1-inch margin around the edges. Roll the dough tightly, seal the edges, and cut it into 12 equal rolls. Place them in a greased baking dish.

Step 6: Second Rise

Cover the rolls with a cloth and let them rise in a warm spot for another 30 minutes until fluffy.

Step 7: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and bake the rolls for 30-35 minutes or until they are golden brown on top.

Step 8: Make Frosting

While the rolls are baking, beat together the remaining butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and enough milk to reach your desired frosting consistency until smooth.

Step 9: Cool and Frost

Allow the baked rolls to cool for about 15 minutes before generously frosting them. Serve warm and watch your family dive in!

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

These cherry cinnamon rolls make a fantastic breakfast, but they can also be a delightful dessert. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon treat. For a sophisticated touch, try serving them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Storage & Leftovers Guide

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze the unbaked rolls for up to 3 months; just let them rise before baking.

Kitchen Wisdom & Success Tips

  • Make sure your yeast is fresh for optimal rising.
  • If you want to add a slight twist, try mixing in a pinch of almond extract to the frosting for an extra layer of flavor.
  • Always remember to flour your surface well to prevent sticking!

Flavor Variations & Adaptations

Feel free to experiment by swapping out cherries for other fruits, like blueberries or raspberries. You can also add spices like nutmeg or cardamom for a warm, cozy flavor profile.

Reader Questions & Solutions

  • Q: My rolls didn’t rise. What did I do wrong?
    A: Check if your yeast was active. If it didn’t bubble when mixed with warm water, it might have been expired.

  • Q: Can I use sourdough starter instead of yeast?
    A: Yes! You’ll need to adjust the flour and liquid amounts accordingly.

  • Q: How can I prevent my rolls from becoming too dense?
    A: Avoid over-kneading and ensure proper rising times.

  • Q: What can I do with leftover frosting?
    A: Store it in the fridge and use it for other baked goods, like cupcakes or brownies!

  • Q: Can I make these rolls gluten-free?
    A: Absolutely! Use a gluten-free flour blend that measures 1:1.

Wrapping Up

These irresistible cherry cinnamon rolls are more than just a recipe; they are a celebration of flavors, an invitation to gather, and a chance to create lasting memories in the kitchen. I hope you dive into this delightful baking adventure and bring joy to your home or a loved one’s with these scrumptious treats. Happy baking, and remember, there’s nothing quite like the smile from a warm, sweet roll!

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Irresistible Cherry Cinnamon Rolls

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 143 reviews

These fluffy, fruity cherry cinnamon rolls combine tart cherries with rich cream cheese frosting, perfect for brightening up lazy weekend mornings.

  • Author: penny
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 75 minutes
  • Total Time: 120 minutes
  • Yield: 12 rolls 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 1/2 cups frozen cherries (454g)
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar (67g)
  • 1/4 cup cold water (60g)
  • 2 tbsp corn starch (20g)
  • 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 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature (57g)
  • 3 oz cream cheese, room temperature (85g)
  • 2 cups powdered sugar (260g)
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 13 tbsp whole milk (20-60g)

Instructions

  1. Combine cherries and sugar in a pan. Bring to a boil, letting the cherries soften and the sugar dissolve. In a small bowl, mix the cold water and cornstarch, then stir into the boiling cherries. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let cool before refrigerating.
  2. In a bowl, mix the warm water, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for about 15 minutes until it becomes bubbly and frothy.
  3. Add milk, the remaining sugar, and eggs to the activated yeast. Sift the bread flour and salt into the mixture, then mix until combined. Gradually add the softened butter and knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
  4. Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
  5. Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a 14″x16″ rectangle. Spread the chilled cherry filling over the dough, leaving a 1-inch margin around the edges. Roll the dough tightly, seal the edges, and cut it into 12 equal rolls. Place them in a greased baking dish.
  6. Cover the rolls with a cloth and let them rise in a warm spot for another 30 minutes until fluffy.
  7. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and bake the rolls for 30-35 minutes or until they are golden brown on top.
  8. While the rolls are baking, beat together the remaining butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and enough milk to reach your desired frosting consistency until smooth.
  9. Allow the baked rolls to cool for about 15 minutes before generously frosting them. Serve warm.

Notes

For added flavor, consider mixing in a pinch of almond extract to the frosting. Store leftovers in an airtight container.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 roll
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 23g
  • Sodium: 250mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 57g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg

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