Fluffy Cherry Sweet Rolls Recipe

Pillowy Cherry Sweet Rolls Recipe: Homemade Morning Joy

Soft, pillowy dough meets vibrant cherry swirls in this decadent sweet rolls recipe.

These cherry-packed delights bring a burst of fruity charm to any breakfast or brunch spread.

Rolling tender cherries into buttery, golden dough creates a heavenly treat that melts in your mouth.

Each spiral promises a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors.

The warm, golden-brown exterior hints at the luscious cherry filling waiting inside.

Drizzle with a light glaze for an extra touch of indulgence.

Bake these rolls and watch them disappear in moments.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 223 kcal

Servings: 12

All the Ingredients in Cherry Sweet Rolls

For Dough Base:
  • Warm Milk: Activates the yeast and provides moisture for soft, tender rolls.
  • Granulated Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds subtle sweetness to the dough.
  • Active Dry Yeast: Creates rise and airy texture in the rolls, essential for fluffy consistency.
  • Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender, flaky roll.
  • Large Egg: Binds ingredients and contributes to the soft texture of the rolls.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and creates the foundation for the sweet rolls.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and controls yeast activity.
For Filling and Flavor:
  • Cherry Pie Filling: Delivers burst of fruity sweetness and vibrant color to the rolls.
For Finishing Touch:
  • Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, velvety glaze with perfect drizzling consistency.
  • Milk: Thins the glaze and helps achieve silky texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and aromatic sweetness to the glaze.

Rolling Tools to Bake Cherry Sweet Rolls

  • Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients and kneading dough.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements for perfect rolls.
  • Rolling pin: Needed to roll out dough into a thin rectangle.
  • Sharp knife or bench scraper: Used to cut dough into 12 equal rolls.
  • 9×13-inch baking dish: Perfect for baking and presenting the rolls.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Helpful for mixing ingredients and spreading filling.
  • Whisk: Great for creating smooth glaze without lumps.
  • Cooling rack: Optional, but helps keep rolls crisp after baking.

How to Whip Up Cherry Sweet Rolls at Home

  • Activate the Yeast

Wake up those tiny yeast friends by mixing them with warm milk and sugar. Let them bubble and get happy for about 5 minutes.

  • Create Soft Dough

Blend in melted butter, a cracked egg, and a pinch of salt. Slowly fold in flour until a pillowy dough emerges. Knead the dough on a flour-dusted surface until it feels silky and smooth.

  • Let Dough Rise

Tuck the dough into a greased bowl and cover it up. Let it relax and grow for 1-1.5 hours until it looks puffy and doubled.

  • Craft the Rolls

Roll out the dough into a wide rectangle. Spread a luscious layer of cherry pie filling across the surface, leaving a tiny border. Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, then slice into 12 delectable pieces.

  • Prepare for Baking

Nestle the rolls into a greased baking dish. Let them puff up for another 30 minutes while the oven warms to 350F.

  • Bake and Glaze

Slide the rolls into the oven and bake until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. Whip up a quick glaze by mixing powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Drizzle the sweet topping over warm rolls and devour immediately.

Different Takes on Classic Cherry Sweet Rolls

  • Let dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot like near a preheated oven or inside a turned-off oven with the light on for optimal proofing.
  • Swap cherry pie filling with other fruit preserves like blueberry, raspberry, or apricot for delightful flavor variations.
  • Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and add xanthan gum to maintain proper dough structure and texture.
  • Prepare rolls the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Remove from fridge 30 minutes before baking to reach room temperature.
  • Mix cream cheese with pie filling for a richer, more decadent center that adds extra creaminess to the sweet rolls.

Cherry Sweet Rolls: Presentation That Pops

  • Perfect Brunch Companion: Pair these cherry sweet rolls with a steaming cup of coffee or freshly squeezed orange juice for a delightful morning meal.
  • Weekend Dessert Delight: Serve these warm rolls as a special after-dinner treat, garnished with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
  • Breakfast Party Favorite: Present the rolls on a beautiful platter during holiday gatherings or weekend brunches, creating a stunning centerpiece that will impress family and friends.
  • Gift-Worthy Treat: Package the cooled rolls in cute boxes with ribbons for a homemade gift that shows love and care, perfect for neighbors, teachers, or weekend hosts.

Cherry Sweet Rolls: Save Now, Eat Later

  • Store rolls in an airtight container for 3-4 days, keeping them soft and moist by sealing out air and preventing quick drying.
  • Warm individual rolls in microwave for 15-20 seconds, or briefly in oven at 300F to restore fresh-baked texture without making edges crispy.
  • Wrap cooled rolls individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag. Frozen rolls stay delicious for up to 2 months and can be thawed at room temperature for easy enjoyment.
  • Prepare dough and shape rolls night before, then cover and refrigerate. Remove from fridge 30 minutes before baking to allow gentle rising at room temperature, ensuring perfect morning pastry.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Fluffy Cherry Sweet Rolls Recipe

Fluffy Cherry Sweet Rolls Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Indulgent Cherry Sweet Rolls bring a symphony of sweet-tart flavors from classic European baking traditions. Delicate dough swirled with rich cherry filling promises a delightful breakfast or dessert experience you will savor with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 ¼ tsps (1 packet) active dry yeast
  • 1 cup (240 ml) warm milk (110°F/43°C)
  • 3 ¼ cups (400 g) all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 can (540 g / 21 oz) cherry pie filling
  • 1 tsp almond extract (optional, for extra flavor)
  • 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
  • 2 3 tbsps milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Dough Preparation: Activate yeast in warm milk with sugar until frothy. Blend in melted butter, egg, and salt. Gradually incorporate flour to create a silky, elastic dough. Thoroughly knead on a lightly dusted surface until smooth and supple. Transfer to a greased vessel, envelop, and allow to proof until volume doubles, roughly 1-1.5 hours.
  2. Filling and Shaping: Elongate dough into a rectangular canvas. Lavishly distribute cherry pie filling across surface, maintaining a narrow perimeter. Meticulously roll from the lengthwise edge into a compact cylinder. Slice into uniform portions.
  3. Secondary Proofing and Baking: Nestle rolls into a prepared baking vessel. Allow secondary rise for 30 minutes. Heat oven to 350F (175C). Bake until golden and aromatic, approximately 25-30 minutes.
  4. Glaze Crafting: Whisk powdered sugar with milk and vanilla extract, creating a silky, pourable consistency. Adjust liquid as necessary to achieve desired texture.
  5. Final Touch and Presentation: Generously drizzle glaze over warm rolls. Serve immediately for optimal indulgence.

Notes

  • Select active dry yeast that’s recently purchased and not expired to ensure proper rising and soft texture.
  • Warm milk should be around 110-115°F (43-46°C) – too hot kills yeast, too cold prevents activation.
  • When spreading cherry filling, leave a small border to prevent leakage and ensure clean, neat rolls during baking.
  • Cover rising dough with a damp cloth to maintain moisture and prevent skin formation on the surface.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg
William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star