Introduction

These easy homemade cherry cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting are a delightful twist on a classic breakfast treat. The sweet-tart cherry filling pairs perfectly with warm spices and a rich, tangy frosting. For another fruity pastry idea, try these Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes Recipe. This recipe guides you through creating soft, gooey rolls that are perfect for a special brunch or weekend baking project.

Cherry Cinnamon Rolls with Homemade Filling - Made in Motherhood image-2

Ingredients

These rolls combine the sweet-tart burst of cherries with the warm spice of cinnamon, all wrapped in a soft, fluffy dough and topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze. Gather these simple ingredients to create a truly special treat.

For the Cherry Filling:
3 1/2 cups frozen cherries (454g)
1/3 cup granulated sugar (67g)
1/4 cup cold water (60g)
2 tbs corn starch (20g)
For the Dough:
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
For the Cinnamon Butter Spread:
4 tbs unsalted butter, room temperature (57g)
1/3 cup granulated sugar (67g)
1 tbs ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
3 oz cream cheese, room temperature (85g)
2 cups powdered sugar (260g)
2 tsp vanilla extract
1-3 tbs whole milk (20-60g)

Timing

Prep Time	1 hour 30 minutes (includes dough rising)
Cook Time	25 minutes
Total Time	1 hour 55 minutes

Context: This streamlined process for Cherry Cinnamon Rolls with Homemade Filling is about 20% faster than many traditional from-scratch recipes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Dough

Combine warm milk, yeast, sugar, and a pinch of the flour in your mixing bowl. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. Add the remaining flour, softened butter, egg, and salt, then knead until a soft, smooth dough forms. This takes about 7–10 minutes with a stand mixer.

Step 2 — First Rise

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with a damp kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours. The dough is ready when a finger pressed into it leaves an indentation.

Step 3 — Make the Homemade Cherry Filling

While the dough rises, pit and chop fresh or frozen cherries. In a saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, cornstarch, and a splash of lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until thickened, about 5–7 minutes. Stir in a teaspoon of vanilla, then let the filling cool completely before using.

Step 4 — Roll and Fill

On a lightly floured surface, roll the risen dough into a 10×15-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter over the surface, then sprinkle generously with cinnamon sugar. Evenly spoon the cooled cherry filling over the top, leaving a small border along one long edge.

Step 5 — Shape the Rolls

Starting from the long edge with filling, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal. Using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss, cut the log into 9–12 even rolls. For clean cuts, wipe your knife between slices.

Step 6 — Second Rise

Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover loosely and let rise again until puffy and nearly doubled, about 30–45 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). The rolls should spring back slowly when gently pressed.

Step 7 — Bake to Perfection

Bake the Cherry Cinnamon Rolls with Homemade Filling on the center rack for 25–30 minutes. They are done when golden brown on top and the internal temperature reaches 190°F. If the tops brown too quickly, tent loosely with foil.

Step 8 — Glaze and Serve

Let the rolls cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and a dash of vanilla for a simple glaze. Drizzle over the warm rolls. Serve immediately for the ultimate gooey, fruity experience.

Nutritional Information

Calories	Approx. 320 kcal
Protein	5g
Carbohydrates	52g
Fat	11g
Fiber	2g
Sodium	280mg

Note: These are estimates for one Cherry Cinnamon Roll with Homemade Filling, based on typical ingredients and serving size. Actual values may vary depending on specific brands and measurements used.

Healthier Alternatives

These Cherry Cinnamon Rolls with Homemade Filling are wonderfully adaptable. Here are some practical ingredient swaps to tailor them to different dietary needs without sacrificing that signature sweet and spiced flavor.

Protein-Packed Flour — Swap half the all-purpose flour for white whole wheat or a scoop of vanilla protein powder for a nuttier, more sustaining roll.
Lower-Carb Sweetener — Use a monk fruit or erythritol blend in both the dough and filling to reduce sugar content while keeping the sweetness.
Dairy-Free Dough & Glaze — Replace milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk and butter with a high-quality vegan butter or coconut oil for a rich, plant-based version.
Gluten-Free Base — Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend to create rolls that are just as tender and perfect for those with sensitivities.
Low-Sodium Option — Omit added salt in the dough and use unsalted butter to better control the overall sodium level.
Nutty Filling Boost — Add finely chopped almonds or walnuts to the cherry cinnamon filling for extra texture, healthy fats, and flavor depth.
Sugar-Free Cherry Preserves — Opt for a no-sugar-added cherry spread or compote as the base for your homemade filling to cut refined sugars.
Greek Yogurt Glaze — For a tangy, higher-protein icing, mix plain Greek yogurt with a little honey or powdered sugar substitute instead of a traditional cream cheese glaze.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these warm Cherry Cinnamon Rolls with a strong cup of black coffee or a cold glass of milk for a classic, comforting breakfast.
For a special brunch, serve alongside savory dishes like scrambled eggs or a crisp breakfast salad to balance the sweetness.
Elevate the dessert course by plating a roll with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and a drizzle of the reserved cherry syrup.
Create a beautiful holiday morning spread by arranging the rolls on a tiered stand with fresh cherries and sprigs of mint for garnish.
For a cozy afternoon treat, enjoy a Cherry Cinnamon Roll with a mug of spiced chai tea or hot chocolate.
Make them the star of a Mother’s Day or birthday breakfast in bed, served on a pretty plate with a dusting of powdered sugar.

Let the rolls cool slightly before serving so the homemade cherry filling sets perfectly. A simple cream cheese glaze can be drizzled over the top for an extra layer of decadence.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake: Using cold ingredients for the dough, which inhibits yeast activation and leads to dense rolls. Fix: Ensure milk, butter, and eggs are at true room temperature (70°F/21°C) before mixing.
Mistake: Over-flouring the work surface, which makes the dough tough and dry. Fix: Use just enough flour to prevent sticking; a lightly oiled surface or silicone mat often works better.
Mistake: Rolling the dough too thin, causing the Cherry Cinnamon Rolls with Homemade Filling to tear or bake unevenly. Fix: Aim for a consistent ¼-inch thickness for a sturdy, pliable rectangle.
Mistake: Spreading warm or hot filling, which melts the butter layer and causes a soggy, leaky mess. Fix: Always cool your homemade cherry compote completely to room temperature before assembling.
Mistake: Cutting rolls with a dull knife, which squashes the dough and ruins the spiral shape. Fix: Use unflavored dental floss or a very sharp serrated knife for clean, defined cuts.
Mistake: Under-proofing the shaped rolls, resulting in small, dense baked goods. Fix: Let them rise until nearly doubled and puffy; they should feel light and leave a slight indent when gently pressed.
Mistake: Baking in a cold oven, which prevents the proper initial spring and can dry out the dough. Fix: Always preheat your oven fully for at least 20-30 minutes before baking.
Mistake: Over-baking, which leads to dry, hard rolls instead of soft, pillowy ones. Fix: Start checking a few minutes before the recipe’s time; they’re done when golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.
Mistake: Applying glaze or icing to hot rolls, causing it to melt and soak in instead of creating a beautiful topping. Fix: Let your cherry cinnamon rolls cool for at least 15-20 minutes before drizzling on the glaze.

Storing Tips

Fridge: Store cooled, baked Cherry Cinnamon Rolls with Homemade Filling in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze baked rolls individually on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container for up to 2 months. Unbaked, filled rolls can be frozen on a tray before the final rise, then bagged for 1 month; thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Reheat: Warm refrigerated or thawed rolls in a 300°F (150°C) oven until heated through, about 10 minutes. For a single roll, microwave for 15-20 seconds. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

For best results, store any glaze or icing separately and add it just before serving to maintain the perfect texture of your homemade cherry cinnamon rolls.

Conclusion

I hope you love baking these Cherry Cinnamon Rolls with Homemade Filling as much as I do. If you try them, please leave a comment or review! For more sweet treats, check out my Vegan Strawberry Sweet Rolls Recipe or No-Bake Cheesecake Parfait Recipe. Don’t forget to subscribe for more recipes from Made in Motherhood.