Name: Cherry Cinnamon Rolls with Creamy Icing Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 3 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups dark, sweet cherries, pitted and chopped; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch; 3 1/2 tablespoons water; 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast; 1 1/2 cups warm milk; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean paste; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 2 cups bread flour; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 3/4 teaspoon salt; 1 large egg; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened; 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened; 1/3 cup brown sugar; 2 teaspoons cinnamon; 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar; 7 tablespoons heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 10 reviews

I am absolutely thrilled to share with you my Cherry Cinnamon Rolls with Creamy Icing Recipe, a truly delightful twist on a classic favorite. These rolls are loaded with luscious cherry filling that bursts with juicy sweetness and perfectly balanced with the warmth of cinnamon. The creamy icing adds a dreamy finish that melts over each tender swirl, making every bite a heavenly experience. Trust me, once you make this, it will become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Cherry Cinnamon Rolls with Creamy Icing Recipe

One of the things I adore most about this recipe is the outstanding flavor profile. The rich, dark cherries provide a tart and sweet dimension that dances beautifully with the classic cinnamon sugar. It’s like a perfect harmony between fruity freshness and cozy spice, all wrapped up in soft, pillowy dough. The creamy icing is the crown jewel – it’s luscious without being too sweet, adding just the right amount of decadence.

Beyond the incredible taste, I appreciate how approachable this recipe is. Yes, it takes a bit of time with the rising, but the hands-on work is straightforward and satisfying. Even if you’re new to yeast dough, I find the process truly enjoyable. These rolls are a show-stopper for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or any time you want to wow your guests or treat your family. What makes this recipe stand out to me is that wonderful burst of cherry flavor combined with the soft, buttery rolls and the creamy icing that you can’t stop drizzling on top.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A shiny silver metal pot sits on a white marbled surface, filled with a mix of deep purple cherries, some whole and some sliced open, revealing their rich red insides. Alongside the cherries is a pile of white granulated sugar, partially mixed in, creating a contrast between the dark fruit and bright sugar crystals. The handle of the pot extends to the right side, adding to the simple kitchen scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this cherry cinnamon roll recipe plays an essential role, from building the dough’s softness to creating that bright cherry filling and smooth icing. I love how simple staples come together to create something so special.

Dark, sweet cherries: Fresh or frozen, these provide juicy, vibrant flavor and beautiful color.
Granulated sugar: Used to sweeten both the dough and cherry filling without overpowering.
Cornstarch: Helps thicken the cherry filling to a perfect jam-like consistency.
Active dry yeast: Essential for giving the dough its fluffy texture and rise.
Warm milk: Activates the yeast and adds richness to the dough.
Vanilla bean paste: Adds a subtle, fragrant warmth that enhances both dough and icing.
Bread flour and all-purpose flour: A mix for perfect chewiness and tenderness in the rolls.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and boosts flavor complexity.
Egg: Adds richness and helps bind the dough.
Unsalted butter (softened): Used in the dough, cinnamon sugar butter, and finishing icing for richness and moisture.
Brown sugar: Provides a deeper caramel flavor in the cinnamon sugar butter.
Cinnamon: The classic warm spice that makes these rolls irresistible.
Powdered sugar: The base for the smooth, creamy icing.
Heavy cream: Creates that luscious, pourable icing texture.

Directions

Step 1: Start by making the cherry filling. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until completely smooth. Then, in a small saucepan, combine the chopped cherries, granulated sugar, and your cornstarch mixture. Heat over medium, stirring regularly, until the filling thickens and becomes glossy. Remove it from heat and set it aside to cool while you prepare the dough.

Step 2: For the dough, combine the yeast, warm milk, vanilla bean paste, and granulated sugar in the bowl of your stand mixer. Let it sit for about 2 to 5 minutes until the yeast activates and bubbles form on top. Then add 2 cups of bread flour and mix until combined. Next, stir in the salt and the egg, mixing well to form a shaggy dough.

Step 3: Gradually add the remaining flour, one cup at a time, mixing after each addition until the dough starts to pull away from the bowl. Slowly incorporate the softened butter piece by piece, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Once everything is combined, knead the dough for 8 to 10 minutes until it feels smooth, elastic, and passes the windowpane test when stretched.

Step 4: Cover your dough with a towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot until it has doubled in size — this usually takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. This step is so rewarding because you can watch your dough grow into this soft, airy base for your rolls.

Step 5: While the dough rises, prepare the cinnamon sugar butter by mixing softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl until fully combined and smooth. This mixture will be the sweet, spiced heart of your rolls.

Step 6: Once the dough has doubled, preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough out into a 10 by 15-inch rectangle. Spread the cinnamon sugar butter evenly over the dough, then dollop the cooled cherry filling on top and gently spread it out to the edges.

Step 7: Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice the log into 12 even pieces and place them upright in the prepared baking dish. If any cherry filling leaks out during rolling, just spoon it back over the tops of the rolls. Cover and let the rolls proof for another 30 minutes until puffy and risen.

Step 8: Bake your rolls for 30 to 35 minutes, keeping an eye for a golden brown color and fully cooked dough. Once done, allow the rolls to cool for about 5 minutes before adding your icing.

Step 9: To make the creamy icing, whisk together the powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla bean paste until perfectly smooth and pourable. Then spread this luscious icing generously over the warm rolls. Serve immediately and enjoy the melty, rich topping with every bite.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 12 generous cherry cinnamon rolls, perfect for sharing with your family or guests. The total time to make these rolls is about 3 hours, which includes 1 to 1.5 hours of initial dough rising, 30 minutes for the second proofing, and 30 to 35 minutes of baking time. Prep time is around 30 to 40 minutes, and you’ll need to let the rolls rest after baking for about 5 minutes before icing. While it takes a bit of time, every minute spent is totally worth the final delightful result!

How to Serve This Cherry Cinnamon Rolls with Creamy Icing Recipe

The image shows three pieces of sweet rolls with a swirl shape on a white plate. The rolls have a soft, golden-brown outer layer with visible swirls of dark purple berries inside. Each roll is coated with a shiny, white glaze that covers the top and drips slightly down the sides. One roll reveals a bite, showing its fluffy inside and the layers of dough mixed with berries. There are loose berries on the plate around the rolls. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, and in the background, there is a white bowl filled with dark berries. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving these cherry cinnamon rolls warm, right out of the oven, when the icing is still gooey and the dough is soft and tender. They make a stunning centerpiece for weekend breakfasts or holiday brunches. Pairing them with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or even a chai latte enhances the warm spices and fruity notes perfectly. For a special occasion, I sometimes add fresh cherries or a sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts on top to add a little crunch and extra pop of color.

If you want to host an indulgent brunch, I recommend serving these with fresh fruit salads or a light green salad with citrus vinaigrette to balance the sweetness. When plating, I usually serve one or two rolls per person on a pretty dessert plate and drizzle additional icing if desired. These rolls are also delightful at room temperature, making them an easy grab-and-go treat for busy mornings or potlucks.

For festive gatherings or cozy family dinners, they really shine alongside a glass of sparkling wine or a chilled glass of milk. These rolls are versatile enough to be enjoyed anytime you crave comfort with a fruity, sweet twist, and I always find they bring smiles to everyone at the table.

Variations

I’ve experimented with some fun twists on this Cherry Cinnamon Rolls with Creamy Icing Recipe to suit different tastes and dietary needs. For instance, you can swap the cherries for other fresh or frozen berries like blueberries or raspberries to create new fruity profiles. If you prefer a nutty version, try adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon sugar butter before spreading it on the dough.

For those who are gluten-free, I recommend using a blend of gluten-free flours specifically designed for yeast baking, though the texture may be slightly different. It’s also possible to make a vegan version by substituting dairy milk with plant-based milk, replacing butter with vegan margarine, and using a flax or chia egg in place of the chicken egg. These swaps still produce delightfully soft rolls, though you might want to slightly adjust the rising times.

If you want to amplify the cinnamon flavor, adding a sprinkle of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar butter adds a lovely warm depth. Another fun method I’ve tried is baking the rolls in individual muffin tins for cute single servings that are perfect for parties and easier to portion. No matter what tweak you choose, these rolls remain wonderfully scrumptious and satisfying.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, I recommend storing the rolls in an airtight container or covering the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap to keep them fresh. They will keep beautifully at room temperature for 2 days or can be refrigerated for up to 5 days. Just remember to bring them back to room temperature or warm them gently before serving to enjoy that soft, fresh texture.

Freezing

These cherry cinnamon rolls freeze wonderfully! I usually wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap and then place them all in a large freezer-safe zip-top bag or airtight container. They can stay frozen for up to 3 months without losing much flavor or texture. When you want to enjoy them, just thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm gently before icing.

Reheating

The best way to reheat is in a warm oven at about 300°F for 10-15 minutes, which helps restore that fresh-baked softness and warms the filling perfectly. You can also microwave an individual roll for 20-30 seconds, but be careful not to overheat or it can turn chewy. Reheat before adding the icing for the best melt-in-your-mouth experience, and add a fresh drizzle of creamy icing once warmed.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries in this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them fully and drain any excess juice before making the cherry filling so it’s not too watery. Frozen cherries work well and add great flavor.

What if I don’t have vanilla bean paste?

You can substitute with pure vanilla extract in equal amounts. The paste has tiny vanilla bean specks for added texture and flavor, but extract will provide the same wonderful aroma.

Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the rolls up through the second proofing and then refrigerate them overnight. Bring them to room temperature before baking, which can also help develop flavor.

How do I know when the dough is kneaded enough?

The dough should be smooth, slightly tacky but not sticky, and when you stretch it, it should pass the windowpane test (stretch thin without tearing). This typically takes 8-10 minutes of kneading with a stand mixer.

Can I make the icing thicker or thinner?

Definitely. Add more powdered sugar to thicken or more heavy cream to thin the icing until you reach your desired consistency. I like a pourable but thick icing that clings to the rolls.

Conclusion

I truly hope you give this Cherry Cinnamon Rolls with Creamy Icing Recipe a try because it’s become one of my absolute favorites for good reason. The combination of tangy cherries, warm cinnamon, and rich, creamy icing is just irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a cozy morning treat or a special holiday gathering, these rolls bring warmth and joy to the table. I can’t wait for you to experience that first delicious bite!