Cherry Cinnamon Rolls with Homemade Filling

There’s something magical about biting into a warm, gooey cinnamon roll, especially when it’s infused with the sweet-tart flavor of cherries. Cherry cinnamon rolls take this classic treat to the next level, offering a delightful balance of spicy cinnamon and juicy cherries wrapped in soft, fluffy dough. The best part? You can make them from scratch at home, complete with a homemade cherry filling that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

The Allure of Cherry Cinnamon Rolls

A Brief History of Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon rolls have been a beloved treat for centuries, with roots tracing back to Sweden’s “kanelbulle,” a classic cinnamon bun. Over time, these rolls made their way across Europe and eventually to North America, where they’ve become a staple in bakeries and kitchens alike.

The Addition of Cherries: A Flavor Revolution

While traditional cinnamon rolls are undeniably delicious, the addition of cherries brings a fresh and exciting twist. The tartness of cherries cuts through the sweetness of the cinnamon sugar, creating a well-balanced flavor profile that’s both unique and irresistible.

Preparing the Dough

Start by warming your milk until it’s lukewarm—about 100°F (38°C). Stir in a teaspoon of sugar and sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating that the yeast is activated.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Create a well in the center and add the foamy yeast mixture, melted butter, and beaten eggs. Mix until a dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until it has doubled in size.

Making the Homemade Cherry Filling

While the dough is rising, it’s time to prepare the cherry filling. If you’re using fresh cherries, start by pitting them. If using frozen cherries, make sure they are thawed and drained. In a saucepan, combine the cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and the cherries are softened—about 10 minutes. Set the filling aside to cool.

Assembling the Rolls

Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it into a rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. Spread the cooled cherry filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Use a sharp knife or dough cutter to slice the log into 12-15 rolls, depending on your preferred size.

Baking to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each one. Cover the dish with a cloth and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes.

Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Detailed Dough Preparation

Choosing the Right Flour

All-purpose flour is your go-to for these rolls. It strikes the perfect balance between softness and structure, resulting in a dough that is easy to work with and yields tender, fluffy rolls.

How to Activate Yeast for Fluffy Rolls

The secret to fluffy rolls lies in properly activating the yeast. Ensure your milk is lukewarm—not too hot, not too cold. If the yeast doesn’t foam up after a few minutes, it may be inactive, and you’ll need to start again with fresh yeast.

Kneading Techniques for the Perfect Dough

Kneading is essential for developing the gluten in your dough, which gives the rolls their structure. Knead by pressing the dough with the heel of your hand, folding it over, and rotating it. Continue for 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Crafting the Homemade Cherry Filling

Selecting the Best Cherries

For the best flavor, use ripe, fresh cherries when they’re in season. If they’re out of season, frozen cherries are a great alternative. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid a watery filling.

Cooking the Filling for Maximum Flavor

Cook the filling over medium heat, allowing the cherries to break down slightly while thickening the mixture. The cornstarch helps achieve the right consistency, making sure the filling stays in place during baking.

Tips for Thickening the Filling

If your filling is too runny, add a bit more cornstarch dissolved in cold water. Stir it into the filling and cook for a few more minutes until it thickens up.

Assembling Your Cherry Cinnamon Rolls

Rolling Out the Dough

Roll the dough evenly to ensure each roll is uniform in size. If the dough resists or shrinks back, let it rest for a few minutes before rolling again.

Spreading the Cherry Filling Evenly

Use a spatula to spread the filling, ensuring even coverage. A thin, even layer prevents the rolls from becoming too soggy or difficult to roll.

Rolling and Cutting the Dough

Roll the dough tightly to create distinct layers in the finished rolls. Use a sharp knife or dental floss to slice the dough cleanly without squishing the layers.

Baking and Finishing Touches

Optimal Baking Temperatures and Times

Baking at 350°F (175°C) is ideal for these rolls. It allows them to cook through without browning too quickly. Check them at the 25-minute mark; they’re done when they’re golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

How to Know When Your Rolls are Done

The rolls should be golden on top and soft but fully cooked in the center. If they’re browning too quickly, cover them with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.

Glazing Options: Traditional or Cherry-Flavored

A classic vanilla glaze complements the cherry cinnamon rolls perfectly. If you want to intensify the cherry flavor, add a bit of cherry juice or puree to the glaze for a fruity twist.

Serving Suggestions

Pairing Cherry Cinnamon Rolls with Beverages

These rolls pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. For something a bit more indulgent, serve them with a cold glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Garnishing Ideas for a Stunning Presentation

For an extra touch, sprinkle chopped nuts or a dusting of powdered sugar over the glaze. You can also add a few fresh cherries on top for a beautiful presentation.

Storage and Reheating Tips

How to Store Leftover Rolls

Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Best Methods for Reheating

Reheat rolls in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10 minutes. Cover them with foil in the oven to prevent drying out.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

What to Do if the Dough Doesn’t Rise

If your dough doesn’t rise, it could be due to inactive yeast or a too-cold environment. Ensure your yeast is fresh and that the dough is kept in a warm place to rise.

Fixing Overcooked or Undercooked Rolls

Overcooked rolls can be saved by brushing them with a bit of butter or glaze. If they’re undercooked, return them to the oven for a few more minutes, covering with foil to prevent further browning.

Adjusting Filling Consistency

If your filling turns out too thick, stir in a bit of water or cherry juice to loosen it. If it’s too thin, cook it a little longer to evaporate some of the liquid.

Healthier Alternatives

Making a Lighter Dough

For a lighter dough, substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. You can also use less sugar and butter to reduce the calorie count.

Reducing Sugar in the Filling

To make the filling less sweet, cut back on the sugar or use a sugar substitute like stevia. The natural sweetness of the cherries will still shine through.

Substituting Ingredients for Dietary Needs

For a vegan version, replace the butter with a plant-based alternative and use almond milk in place of regular milk. You can also use flax eggs instead of regular eggs.

Conclusion

Cherry cinnamon rolls with homemade filling are a delightful treat that combines the classic flavors of cinnamon rolls with the fruity burst of cherries. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh out of the oven or reheating leftovers, these rolls are sure to impress. The process of making them from scratch may take a little time, but the result is well worth the effort.

FAQs

1. Can I Use Frozen Cherries?
Yes, frozen cherries work just as well as fresh. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before using.

2. How Long Do Cherry Cinnamon Rolls Last?
Stored in an airtight container, they’ll stay fresh for up to two days at room temperature or up to a week in the fridge.

3. Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge overnight.

4. What Can I Use Instead of Glaze?
If you’re not a fan of glaze, try a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream.

5. Is There a Vegan Version?
Yes, by substituting plant-based ingredients for the butter, milk, and eggs, you can make these rolls vegan-friendly.

Yield: 12

Cherry Cinnamon Rolls with Homemade Filling

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There’s something magical about biting into a warm, gooey cinnamon roll, especially when it's infused with the sweet-tart flavor of cherries. Cherry cinnamon rolls take this classic treat to the next level, offering a delightful balance of spicy cinnamon and juicy cherries wrapped in soft, fluffy dough. The best part? You can make them from scratch at home, complete with a homemade cherry filling that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Prep Time 1 hour

Cook Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 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)
• 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
• Cream Cheese Frosting:
• 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)

Instructions

• Make the Filling
• In a medium-sized pan, combine the fresh or frozen blueberries and sugar. Stir the mixture continuously as you bring it to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
• In a small bowl combine the cold water and cornstarch. Mix until fully dissolved, then gently stir into the cherry sugar mixture and continue stirring until thickened.
• Once thickened, remove the pan from the heat and allow the mixture to cool before transferring it to a bowl. Place the bowl of homemade cherry filling into the fridge while the dough is being made to allow it to fully chill.
• Activate The Yeast
• In a small bowl, whisk together the warm water, active dry yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes, or until the yeast blooms, and becomes bubbly and activated.
• Make The Dough
• Add the milk, sugar and eggs to the bloomed yeast, and whisk until they are thoroughly combined.
• Sift the bread flour and sea salt into the mixture, stirring just until a shaggy dough forms.
• Work in the room temperature butter by hand or with a stand mixer on low speed until incorporated, about 3 minutes.
• Once the butter is fully incorporated, knead the dough on medium speed using a dough hook attachment, or knead it by hand, for approximately 10 minutes or until the dough fully pulls from the sides of the bowl.

• First Rise
• Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, and cover it with a damp cloth or kitchen towel. Let the dough rise at a temperature of around 72°F (22°C) for 1 hour, or until it has almost doubled in size.

• Make The Rolls
• Before turning out the dough, lightly dust your work surface with flour. Gently pat the dough into a rectangular shape and use a floured rolling pin to roll it out into a 14″x16″ rectangle.
• Pull the cherry filling from the fridge and spread it over the sheet of dough, leaving a one-inch margin along the length of the dough. This margin will help to seal the rolls when you roll up the dough.

• Next, roll dough up tightly. Start with the end opposite of the margin and roll inwards applying a gentle pressure. Lightly wet the margin with water before sealing and allow the roll to rest, seam side down, for a minute to ensure a tight seal. This step can be messy.
• Using a non-serrated knife, cut the log into twelve equally-sized cherry cinnamon rolls and arrange them in an 11″ x 15″ pan.
• Second Rise
• Pre-heat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
• Place your pan of rolls in a warm spot of your kitchen, and allow them rise at a temperature of around 72°F (21°C) for approximately 30 minutes. During this second rise, the rolls will increase in size and become visibly poofy. 

• Bake and Frost
• Position the rolls on the center rack of your 350°F (177°C) preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tops are just beginning to brown.
• While the rolls are baking, prepare the frosting. In a medium sized bowl, beat together the butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until you achieve a creamy lump-free frosting. Add more or less milk as needed to achieve your desired consistency.
• Once out of the oven allow the cherry cinnamon rolls to cool for 15 minutes before frosting. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

• Use fresh ingredients – Make sure the yeast you use in this recipe is within its expiration date. If using expired yeast you may not see your rolls rise as they should.
• Chill the filling – Filling that isn’t fully chilled will warm the dough when it is spread on top and make the dough extremely lax and hard to roll up. Make the filling before mixing the dough so that it has an adequate amount of time to chill in the fridge.
• Cutting Quickly – Fruit Rolls can be messy to fill and cut. Wetting your knife every few cuts and working quickly will prevent the dough from pulling and give you the cleanest outcome