There’s something irresistible about the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through the kitchen. Now, imagine adding juicy cherries and a touch of tangy sweetness to this beloved classic. Welcome to Cherry Cinnamon Rolls — a beautiful twist on the traditional cinnamon roll that brings together the warm spice of cinnamon, rich brown sugar, fluffy dough, and bursts of sweet-tart cherry goodness in every bite.
Whether you’re preparing a special weekend brunch, surprising loved ones with a homemade treat, or simply indulging your sweet tooth, these Cherry Cinnamon Rolls will not disappoint. The addition of cherries not only adds vibrant flavor but also elevates the overall moistness and richness of the rolls. And to finish it off? A velvety cream cheese glaze that drapes each swirl in sweet perfection.
Preparation Details
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Prep Time: 30 minutes
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Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
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Bake Time: 25 minutes
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Total Time: About 2 hours 30 minutes
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Servings: 12 rolls
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Calories per roll: ~370 kcal (with glaze)
Ingredients
Dough:
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1 cup whole milk (warm, around 110°F)
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2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
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2 large eggs, room temperature
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⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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1 tsp salt
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4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for kneading)
Filling:
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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¾ cup brown sugar, packed
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1 tbsp ground cinnamon
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1 ½ cups fresh or frozen (thawed and drained) cherries, pitted and chopped
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1 tbsp cornstarch (to toss cherries in)
Glaze:
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4 oz cream cheese, softened
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1 cup powdered sugar
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2–3 tbsp milk (adjust for consistency)
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1 tsp vanilla extract
How to Make Cherry Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
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Activate Yeast: In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
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Mix Wet Ingredients: Add eggs, melted butter, sugar, and salt. Mix to combine.
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Add Flour: Slowly add flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing with the dough hook (or by hand) until a soft dough forms.
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Knead: Knead the dough for about 7–10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If it’s sticky, add flour 1 tbsp at a time.
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First Rise: Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 1–1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Make the Cherry Filling
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In a small bowl, mix the chopped cherries with cornstarch to help prevent excess moisture.
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In another bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon.
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Keep your softened butter ready for spreading.
Step 3: Roll and Fill
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Roll Out Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface.
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Shape into Rectangle: Roll the dough into a large rectangle (about 16×12 inches).
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Add Filling:
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Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough.
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Sprinkle the brown sugar-cinnamon mixture over the butter.
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Evenly scatter the cherry pieces over the top.
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Step 4: Shape the Rolls
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Roll Tightly: Starting from the long side, roll the dough into a tight log.
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Cut Rolls: Use unflavored dental floss or a sharp knife to cut the log into 12 even pieces.
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Second Rise: Arrange rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap or towel and let rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
Step 5: Bake
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Preheat Oven: To 350°F (175°C).
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Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 22–28 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
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If tops are browning too quickly, loosely cover with foil for the last 5 minutes.
Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze
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In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
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Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and 2 tbsp milk. Mix until creamy. Add more milk for a thinner glaze.
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Spread over warm (not hot) rolls for the perfect finish.
Tips for Success
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Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps the dough rise more consistently.
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Fresh vs. Frozen Cherries: Frozen cherries are fine but must be fully thawed and drained to avoid soggy rolls.
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Dental Floss Trick: Slide floss under the log, cross over the top, and pull tight for clean slices without squishing.
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Make Ahead: You can assemble the rolls and refrigerate overnight before the second rise. Let them come to room temperature for 30–60 minutes before baking.
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Extra Glaze? Store in the fridge and drizzle over other baked goods or pancakes.
Customizations & Variations
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Almond Cherry Rolls: Add ½ tsp almond extract to the dough or glaze for a cherry bakewell flavor.
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Chocolate Cherry Rolls: Sprinkle chocolate chips over the filling before rolling up.
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Nutty Twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for crunch.
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Cherry Pie Version: Use canned cherry pie filling instead of fresh cherries for a more decadent version.
Storage & Reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temp for 1 day or in the fridge for up to 4 days.
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Reheating: Microwave individual rolls for 15–20 seconds to restore softness.
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Freezing: Freeze unbaked sliced rolls (before second rise) or baked and cooled rolls. Thaw in fridge overnight and warm before serving.
Serving Ideas
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Breakfast or Brunch: Pair with a hot cup of coffee or fresh orange juice.
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Dessert: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
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Gifting: These rolls make beautiful gifts — package in a tin with a little card!
Nutrition Estimate (per roll)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 370 kcal |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 50 g |
| Sugars | 23 g |
| Fat | 16 g |
| Saturated Fat | 9 g |
| Sodium | 240 mg |
| Fiber | 2 g |
Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on ingredients used.
Final Thoughts
These Cherry Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect harmony of warm cinnamon spice and sweet cherry tang, all wrapped in soft, buttery dough and finished with a decadent cream cheese glaze. It’s a recipe that elevates the traditional cinnamon roll into something even more delightful and memorable.
They’re perfect for holidays, birthdays, weekend treats, or just because you’re craving something delicious. Once you try them, they might just become your new favorite version of this classic treat.