Cherry Cinnamon Rolls with Homemade Filling

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours
• Servings: 12
• Difficulty Level: Medium

Nutrition Information

• Calories per serving: 210
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 29g
• Fat: 9g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 180mg

Why Make This Cherry Cinnamon Rolls with Homemade Filling

Cherry Cinnamon Rolls with Homemade Filling offer a delightful twist to the classic cinnamon roll. Imagine biting into a soft, fluffy roll infused with the perfect sweet-tart flavor of fresh cherries, combined with the warm spiciness of cinnamon. These rolls not only make your kitchen smell heavenly but also impress your family and friends with their stunning look and delicious taste. Ideal for brunch, special occasions, or as a comforting snack, they can elevate any meal with their heavenly aroma and gooey filling that everyone will love. Plus, making the filling from scratch gives you the chance to control the sweetness and flavor, resulting in a treat that feels just like home.

How to Make Cherry Cinnamon Rolls with Homemade Filling

Making these Cherry Cinnamon Rolls may seem a bit involved, but with each step, you’ll find that it’s quite straightforward. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll be whipping up batches for every occasion!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 packet instant yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup cherries (pitted and chopped)
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
• 1-2 tablespoons milk (for icing)

Directions:

• Step 1: Preparation

  In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until well blended. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth, approximately 5-7 minutes. Once kneaded, place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

• Step 2: Mixing the Filling

  While your dough is rising, prepare the cherry filling. In a medium bowl, mix the chopped cherries, cinnamon, brown sugar, and cornstarch until well combined. Set this mixture aside to allow the flavors to meld.

• Step 3: Rolling Out the Dough

  Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. On a floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. Spread the cherry mixture evenly over the surface of the dough. Starting from one edge, carefully roll the dough tightly into a log. Use a sharp knife to slice the roll into 12 equal pieces to form your cinnamon rolls.

• Step 4: Baking

  Place the sliced rolls into a greased baking dish. Cover them lightly with a cloth and allow them to rise for another 30 minutes until they have puffed up slightly. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once preheated, bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until they are golden brown on top.

• Step 5: Drizzling the Icing

  While the cinnamon rolls bake, prepare the icing by mixing powdered sugar and milk together in a small bowl until smooth. Once the rolls are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before drizzling the icing over the warm rolls. Serve them warm for the best experience!

How to Serve Cherry Cinnamon Rolls with Homemade Filling

Cherry Cinnamon Rolls are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven while they’re still warm. For a delightful breakfast or brunch, serve them alongside a cup of coffee or tea. They also pair wonderfully with fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream for special occasions. You can even top them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert twist!

How to Store Cherry Cinnamon Rolls with Homemade Filling

If you have leftovers (which is rare!), allow them to cool completely before storing them. Place the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate them for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the rolls. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, where they will keep for up to three months. To reheat, simply warm in a microwave or oven until heated through.

Expert Tips for Perfect Cherry Cinnamon Rolls with Homemade Filling

1. Ingredient Temperature: Make sure your milk is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast without killing it.
2. Kneading Technique: Don’t skip the kneading step! This helps develop gluten, creating fluffy rolls.
3. Cherry Choices: Fresh cherries bring a vibrant flavor, but you can also use frozen cherries. Just ensure they’re thawed and drained of excess moisture.
4. Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet filling, reduce the sugar in the cherry mixture.
5. Avoiding Soggy Rolls: Use cornstarch in the filling to help absorb excess moisture from the cherries.

Delicious Variations

• Nutty Rolls: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the cherry cinnamon filling for a crunchy texture.
• Cream Cheese Filling: For a richer flavor, mix cream cheese with sugar and spread this in place of the cherry filling.
• Berry Swirls: Substitute cherries with blueberries or raspberries for a berry medley delight.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
  Yes! All-purpose flour works perfectly, although rolls may be a bit less chewy than those made with bread flour.

• How can I make these rolls vegan?
  Substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water), use plant-based milk, and replace the butter with a non-dairy alternative.

• What can I do if my dough isn’t rising?
  Ensure your yeast is fresh. If dough is in a cold environment, move it to a warmer spot, like near a preheating oven.

• Can I make the dough ahead of time?
  Absolutely! Prepare the dough and let it rise, then punch it down and refrigerate overnight. Bring to room temperature and continue with the recipe the next day.

• How do I know when the rolls are done baking?
  Look for a golden-brown color and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.

Conclusion

Cherry Cinnamon Rolls with Homemade Filling are an absolute treat that combines comfort and flavor in every bite. They are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a special dessert. The soft, tender dough wrapped around a luscious cherry filling is something everyone will savor. We hope you give this recipe a try, and more than that, we hope it brings a smile to your face and joy to your table! Enjoy the baking adventure!