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Cherry Cinnamon Rolls with Homemade Cherry Filling and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

5 from 75 reviews

Delicious homemade Cherry Cinnamon Rolls featuring a sweet and tangy cherry filling made from frozen cherries and a soft, tender dough. These rolls are topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting for the perfect balance of fruity and rich flavors, ideal for breakfast or dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Cherry Filling

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

Dough

  • 1/4 cup warm water (60g)
  • 1 teaspoon 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 teaspoon salt (3g)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature (approx. 85g)

Frosting

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature (57g)
  • 3 ounces cream cheese, room temperature (85g)
  • 2 cups powdered sugar (260g)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 13 tablespoons whole milk (20-60g)

Instructions

  1. Make the Filling: In a medium pan, combine frozen cherries and sugar. Stir constantly over medium-high heat until the mixture comes to a gentle boil. In a small bowl, dissolve cornstarch in cold water, then add to the cherry mixture. Continue stirring until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool. Refrigerate until chilled.
  2. Activate The Yeast: In a small bowl, mix warm water, active dry yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let sit for 15 minutes until bubbly and activated.
  3. Make The Dough: Into the yeast mixture, whisk milk, sugar, and eggs until combined. Sift bread flour and salt into the liquid, stirring until a shaggy dough forms. Incorporate 6 tablespoons room temperature butter by hand or mixer on low speed for about 3 minutes. Knead the dough using a stand mixer with a dough hook or by hand for about 10 minutes until the dough pulls away from the bowl sides.
  4. First Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise at 72°F (22°C) for 1 hour until nearly doubled in size.
  5. Shape the Rolls: Lightly flour a surface and roll the dough into a 14″x16″ rectangle. Spread the chilled cherry filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch margin. Roll the dough tightly from the long side opposite the margin, seal the edge with water, and let it rest seam-side down for 1 minute. Cut into 12 equal rolls with a non-serrated knife and arrange in an 11″x15″ baking pan.
  6. Second Rise: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Let rolls rise in a warm spot at 72°F (21°C) for about 30 minutes until puffy.
  7. Bake the Rolls: Bake rolls in the center of the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until tops start to brown.
  8. Prepare Frosting: While rolls bake, beat together 4 tablespoons butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 1-3 tablespoons milk until smooth and creamy without lumps. Adjust milk for desired consistency.
  9. Frost and Serve: Let rolls cool for 15 minutes after baking, then spread frosting on top. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

  • Use frozen cherries for consistent flavor and texture year-round.
  • Ensure yeast is properly activated; if mixture does not bubble, yeast may be old or water temperature incorrect.
  • Chilling the filling helps it set and prevents the rolls from becoming soggy.
  • Room temperature butter and cream cheese blend easier into the frosting for a smooth finish.
  • Roll the dough tightly for neat, even rolls that hold the filling well.
  • Use a non-serrated knife to cut the dough rolls cleanly without squashing.
  • Allow rolls to cool slightly before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting and running off.

Keywords: cherry cinnamon rolls, cherry filling, homemade rolls, cream cheese frosting, breakfast pastry, sweet rolls, baking recipe