Cherry Cinnamon Rolls: The Sweetest Way to Start (or End) Your Day

If regular cinnamon rolls are a warm hug, then Cherry Cinnamon Rolls are a full-on love letter. Juicy, ruby-red cherries tucked inside golden swirls of cinnamon sugar and finished with a creamy glaze—what’s not to obsess over? These rolls are soft, gooey, and bursting with bright, tart-sweet flavor that makes them just as perfect for brunch as they are for dessert. And yes, they taste just as dreamy as they look.

Whether you’re baking for guests, family, or just your sweet tooth, this recipe brings bakery-style rolls right into your kitchen—without the fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the dough:

– ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
– 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
– ¼ cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk
– ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
– 3¼ cups all-purpose flour
– ½ teaspoon salt

For the cherry cinnamon filling:

– 1 cup cherry preserves or canned cherry pie filling
– 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
– ½ cup brown sugar
– ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

For the glaze:

– 4 oz cream cheese, softened
– 2 tablespoons butter, softened
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 1–2 tablespoons milk
– ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Make the Dough

In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Add the egg, yolk, melted butter, flour, and salt. Mix with a dough hook for 8–10 minutes until soft and elastic. Cover with a towel and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1½ hours, or until doubled in size.

Create the Cherry Cinnamon Magic

In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar and cinnamon. Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a large rectangle (about 14×9 inches). Spread the softened butter across the surface, then sprinkle on the cinnamon sugar mixture.

Spoon the cherry filling over the top and spread evenly. You want every bite to get a taste of that rich, tangy fruit. Be careful not to overfill—too much will make it hard to roll.

Roll and Slice

Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Slice into 9–12 even rolls and place them into a greased baking dish. Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes, until puffy.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbling with cherry goodness.

Make the Creamy Glaze

While the rolls bake, beat together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Adjust the thickness to your liking—thick and spreadable or thin and pourable. When the rolls are fresh out of the oven, drizzle or slather the glaze on top while they’re still warm.

Serving Tips

Serve these cherry cinnamon rolls fresh and warm for peak deliciousness. They pair beautifully with hot coffee, chai tea, or even a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream if you’re going full dessert mode.

Want to prep ahead? You can assemble the rolls the night before and let them rise in the fridge overnight. In the morning, bring to room temp and bake as directed.

Final Thoughts

Cherry Cinnamon Rolls are the upgrade you never knew your breakfast (or dessert) needed. Sweet, tart, spiced, and comforting—all wrapped into one pillowy-soft bite. Whether you’re baking them for a crowd or enjoying one quietly with your morning coffee, these rolls deliver a swirl of joy with every bite.

Stick around—every visit tastes better than the last at The Buttered Bliss.