Cherry Sweet Rolls – A Fluffy, Fruity Treat

If you love the cozy comfort of homemade cinnamon rolls but want something with a fruity twist, these Cherry Sweet Rolls are a must-try. Soft, pillowy dough wrapped around a sweet cherry filling and topped with a creamy glaze – they’re the perfect balance of indulgent and refreshing.

Whether you’re baking for a weekend brunch, a family gathering, or just treating yourself, these rolls will make your kitchen smell like heaven and taste even better.

Why You’ll Love These Cherry Sweet Rolls

  • Soft & fluffy dough – just like your favorite bakery rolls.

  • Burst of cherry flavor – sweet, slightly tart, and perfectly balanced.

  • Versatile – enjoy them warm for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or even as dessert.

  • Make-ahead friendly – prep the dough the night before and bake in the morning.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Dough:

  • 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast

  • ½ cup warm milk

  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar

  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1 tsp salt

For the Filling:

  • 1 can cherry pie filling (or homemade cherry compote)

  • 2 tbsp softened butter

  • ¼ cup brown sugar

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 8 oz (1 block) cream cheese, softened

  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened

  • 2 cups powdered sugar

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • Pinch of salt (optional, but balances sweetness)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Dough

  1. Warm the milk until just lukewarm (not hot). Stir in yeast and 1 tbsp sugar. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.

  2. In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, remaining sugar, eggs, and salt. Mix well.

  3. Add the yeast mixture and gradually incorporate the flour. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic (about 8 minutes by hand or 5 minutes in a stand mixer).

  4. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.

2. Assemble the Rolls

  1. Roll the dough into a large rectangle (about 12x16 inches).

  2. Spread butter over the surface, then sprinkle with brown sugar.

  3. Evenly spread the cherry filling on top.

  4. Roll the dough tightly into a log, then cut into 12 even slices.

  5. Place slices into a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise again for 30–45 minutes.

3. Bake & Glaze

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

  2. Bake rolls for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown on top.

  3. Spread cream cheese frosting over warm rolls and serve immediately.

Tips for Success

  • For a richer dough, substitute half the milk with heavy cream.

  • If using fresh cherries, cook them down with a little sugar and cornstarch to thicken before spreading.

  • To make ahead, prepare the rolls up to the second rise, refrigerate overnight, then bake in the morning.