This homemade Cherry Sweet Rolls recipe makes light-as-air yeasty breakfast buns with delicious cherry flavor. It also boasts a thick topping of almond cream cheese glaze. Be still my heart!!
If you love the marriage of cherry and almond flavors, then you're going to fall head over heels for these cherry almond breakfast buns!
Table of Contents Found Here
- The ingredient list:
- Kitchen tools and equipment needed:
- How to pit fresh cherries:
- Nifty ways to remove the pits from cherries:
- Can frozen cherries be used in place of fresh in this recipe?
- How to store glazed cherry sweet rolls:
- Can these sweet cherry breakfast buns be frozen?
- Can vanilla extract be used in place of the almond extract in this recipe?
- Why this recipe works:
- How long will this recipe take to make from start to finish?
- How to make cherry sweet rolls with almond icing:
- Additional cherry recipes:
- Printable Recipe Card
- Please comment if you've made this recipe.
This recipe was originally shared in 2014. This post has been updated with additional information, including a recipe card complete with nutritional information, but the recipe itself has remained unchanged.
The ingredient list:
- fresh cherries (frozen will also work, see below for information)
- all-purpose flour
- granulated sugar
- active dry yeast
- salt
- milk
- egg
- canola oil
- pure almond extract
- butter, softened
- cream cheese, softened
Kitchen tools and equipment needed:
- stand mixer with a dough hook (or large bowl with a wooden spoon)
- plastic wrap
- measuring cups and spoons
- rolling pin
- offset spatula
- cherry pitter (optional, see below for additional information)
- kitchen ruler (optional)
- kitchen timer
- 13" x 9" baking pan
- baking spray
- serrated knife
- whisk or whip attachment for a stand mixer, or hand mixer
- medium bowl
How to pit fresh cherries:
While I was planning this recipe, I knew I'd need to find an easy way to take the pits out of the fresh cherries I'd just purchased.
I looked at the store for a cherry pitter but was unable to find one at my particular market.
When I asked the question on Facebook, "What common household item can I use for removing pits from cherries?" my friend Jenni, of Pastry Chef Online came to my rescue with something she'd seen recently about using a paper clip to remove the pesky pits.
Let me tell you, it worked like a charm, although it was a little messy!
You may want to use kitchen gloves if you're going to use the paperclip method, or you can purchase an actual cherry pitter (that I've since purchased) that does the job quicker, cleaner, and a whole lot more efficiently.
Nifty ways to remove the pits from cherries:
Can frozen cherries be used in place of fresh in this recipe?
Yes.
Thaw and dry them completely on paper towels before chopping and continuing with the recipe as written.
How to store glazed cherry sweet rolls:
Store them in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Can these sweet cherry breakfast buns be frozen?
Yes.
Freeze them in a single layer (or individually) by wrapping them well with freezer paper, and then store them in an air-tight freezer container for up to 2 months.
Can vanilla extract be used in place of the almond extract in this recipe?
Yes. Please feel free to make that substitution if necessary.
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Why this recipe works:
You're going to love the flavor of these awesome breakfast rolls.
They remind me so much of the sweet rolls we sold at the corner bakery where I used to work... only better.
The fresh cherries gives these rolls a slight tartness that compliments their seasonal sweetness.
The almond cream cheese glaze is the perfect compliment to top them off as it's sweet but not overly sweet.
How long will this recipe take to make from start to finish?
Because these sweet cherry breakfast rolls are a yeast product, there are two rise times involved in the making of this recipe.
Both rise times are for approximately 90-120 minutes making a total of 4 hours of (hands-off) time.
The rise times including the bake time and preparation time brings this recipe to a total of roughly 4½ - 5 hours from start to finish, so please plan accordingly.
How to make cherry sweet rolls with almond icing:
- Prepare the cherries by pitting (if needed), drying, and chopping.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer using the dough hook or a large bowl with a wooden spoon, mix all the dough ingredients until the dough comes together into a smooth, elastic ball. *Note -this should take approximately 7 minutes on medium speed if using a stand mixer and longer if kneading by hand.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead by hand for an additional few minutes.
- Place the dough into an oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap and allow to rise in a warm draft-free place until doubled (about 1 ½ to 2 hours).
- While the dough is rising, stir together the cherries, sugar, and almond extract. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- After the dough had doubled in size, punch down to deflate and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
- Using a rolling pin, roll the dough out into an approximate 10"x 14" rectangle.
- Using an offset spatula, spread the softened butter evenly over the dough.
- Drain the cherries and spread them evenly over the buttered dough.
- Roll the dough, starting with the long side, to form a cylinder.
- Slice both ends of the cylinder off to create even ends. Discard the ends.
- Use a serrated knife to slice the cylinder of dough into 12 equal size portions.
- Place the cut dough into a 9" x 13" pan that has been sprayed with baking spray. *Note - You may need to reform them slightly with your hands after they've been sliced, so they resemble their original circular shape.
- Loosely cover the pan with plastic wrap and allow the rolls to rise again until doubled (approximately 1 ½ - 2 hours)
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Place the sweet cherry rolls into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove to a wire rack and cool completely.
- To make the glaze, whisk together the cream cheese, butter, sugar, and almond extract in a medium-sized bowl.
- Use an offset spatula to generously spread the glaze on top of the sweet cherry rolls, and serve.
Additional cherry recipes:
*Traditional Cherry Cheesecake (shown below)
This Traditional Cherry Cheesecake is a delicious and creamy vanilla cheesecake with a tart cherry pie topping.
*Cherry Sriracha BBQ Sauce (not shown)
When you want an all-natural BBQ sauce that’s sweet, with a little heat, mix up a batch of this Cherry Sriracha BBQ sauce. Your taste buds will thank you!
*No-Churn Chocolate Cherry Kahlua Ice Cream (not shown)
Chocolate and cherry lovers will go crazy for this creamy and delicious no-churn recipe for Triple Chocolate Cherry Kahlua Ice Cream.
*Chocolate Cherry Bundt Cake (shown below)
This chocolate cherry bundt cake is a chocolate and cherry lover's dream come true! It’s a rich, dense cake with a brownie-like consistency, and you have my promise that the chocolate and cherry taste will make you swoon with delight!
*Almond Glazed Cherry Sweet Rolls (shown below) THIS IS THE PLACE!!
When you make today's recipe (and I hope that you will), I'd appreciate it if you'd take the time to come back and give it a star rating along with a comment on why you rated as you did.
Search engines such as Google appreciate comments and ratings and, in turn, will show my recipes to more people. Please look for the pink star rating box within the printable recipe card. Thank you!!
Printable Recipe Card
CHERRY SWEET ROLLS WITH ALMOND CREAM CHEESE GLAZE
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoon 1 package active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup warm milk 110-115 degrees
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons canola oil
- ½ teaspoon pure almond extract
For the filling:
- 2 cups fresh cherries pitted and chopped
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure almond extract
- 2 tablespoons softened butter
For the cream cheese glaze:
- 3 ounces cream cheese softened
- 4 tablespoons butter softened
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure almond extract
Instructions
- -In the bowl of a stand mixer using the dough hook or a large bowl with a wooden spoon, mix all the dough ingredients until the dough comes together into a smooth, elastic ball. *Note -this should take approximately 7 minutes on medium speed if using a stand mixer and longer if kneading by hand.
- -Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead by hand for an additional few minutes.
- -Place the dough into an oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap and allow to rise in a warm draft-free place until doubled (about 1 ½ to 2 hours).
- -While the dough is rising, stir together the cherries, sugar, and almond extract. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- -After the dough had doubled in size, punch down to deflate and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
- -Using a rolling pin, roll the dough out into an approximate 10"x 14" rectangle.
- -Using an offset spatula, spread the softened butter evenly over the dough.
- -Drain the cherries and spread them evenly over the buttered dough.
- -Roll the dough, starting with the long side, to form a cylinder.
- -Slice both ends of the cylinder off to create even ends. Discard the ends.
- -Slice the cylinder of dough into 12 equal size portions.
- -Place the cut dough into a 9" x 13" pan that has been sprayed with baking spray. *Note - You may need to reform them slightly with your hands after they've been sliced, so they resemble their original circular shape.
- -Loosley cover the pan with plastic wrap and allow the rolls to rise again until doubled (approximately 1 ½ - 2 hours)
- -Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C)
- -Place the sweet cherry rolls into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, until golden brown.
- -Remove to a wire rack and cool completely.
- -To make the glaze, whisk together the cream cheese, butter, sugar, and almond extract in a medium-sized bowl.
- -Use an offset spatula to generously spread the glaze on top of the sweet cherry rolls, and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
I sincerely hope you've enjoyed today's sweet cherry breakfast buns recipe as much as I've enjoyed bringing it to you!
Should you have any questions or comments regarding anything you've seen on my site, please don't hesitate to reach out to contact me. It is always my distinct pleasure to get back with you just as soon as I possibly can!
Thank you so much for visiting me today in my Kudos Kitchen. I hope you found something you'll love and that you will come back and visit me often. Please know that there is always room for you around my kitchen table!
Until we eat again, I hope you have a delicious day!
Wilhelmina says
Love these sweet rolls! I am a huge almond fanatic and it goes so well with cherry. These were heavenly! I can't wait to make them again soon!
Renée says
I love almond and cherry together too. It's the best combo.
Glad you love the rolls, Wilhelmina.
Take good care,
Renee
Lisa says
A big hit with my family! I'll be making it again for our yearly Mother's Day brunch.
Renée says
Awesome idea, Lisa. I'm sure mom with love them!
Take care,
Renee
Anonymous says
I just wasted 3 hours on this recipe. I'm guessing the egg in the first picture should have been included in the dough ingredients?
Renee Goerger says
Dear Anonymous! I am so sorry, and you're right, in my haste I forgot to add the egg into the ingredient list and instructions. While I do try my hardest to write my recipes without error, sometimes mistakes happen and they get past me. Sadly I have no editor so there are times when I'm working on a deadline, mistakes don't always get caught. I wish there was some way for me to give you your 3 hours back, or better yet, if I could go back in time to have written the recipe without error...I would. Unfortunately, I can't. Please know that I do feel awful about this and will try my hardest never to let such a mistake happen again. Thank you for letting me know. I appreciate it.
Renee
Felice Geoghegan says
You had me at cherry, but the almond cream cheese frosting seals the deal. Your photos are a great resource for a novice like me - thanks!
Paula says
Who needs a cherry picker when you have paperclips! Great tip for removing the pits and your rolls looks wonderful!
Sarah W. Caron (Sarah's Cucina Bella) says
These look incredible!
Holly @ abakershouse.com says
These look great! Thanks for the step by step photos-- the only thing missing is a photo of me eating one of these right now, wishing I had this for breakfast today!
Karen Kerr says
Yum Renee! So gorgeous and amazing photography!
Stacy Rushton says
I clicked on your link and as I scrolled down, I actually spoke out loud. "Ooooh, pretty!" I was on my own in the room so I couldn't even pretend to be talking to the dog. But, you know what? I am willing to take on the label crazy to talk to your cherry rolls, Reneé! They look wonderful!
Angela {Mind Over Batter} says
Metabolism is really wasted on the young. I would love a calorie free day just to eat a whole pan of these! I love the use of cherries here!
Nutmeg Nanny says
These not only look gorgeous I bet they taste out of this world! Trust story, I'm so scared of baking with yeast I almost never do it. I really need to get over that asap so I can make these rolls!
Renee Goerger says
Yes, do try again Brandy. Just make sure your liquids are not too hot or else you'll kill the yeast. Think "warm to the touch" and you'll be fine. I can't wait to see what kinds of yeasty goodness you'll be whipping up 🙂
Lauren says
I want one right now!
Ginny McMeans says
Absolutely wonderful especially with the cherries!
Marjory @ Dinner-Mom says
Your breakfast rolls looks delicious. I'm loving all the creative recipes with cherries!
Marjory @ Dinner-Mom says
Your breakfast rolls are amazing. What a great challenge too...I'm loving all the wonderful recipes using cherries.
Elizabeth says
this is the second cherry recipe i have seen today, and i am in love!
Dionne Baldwin says
The paperclip idea is awesome but let's talk about those rolls. Those gorgeous rolls! I must try that recipe. They look so beautiful, frosted with a fresh cherry on top. I'm saving this for later.
Shulie Foodwanderings says
What a lovely twist to the breakfast rolls, Renee. In fact I would have them all day long but not at home cause' my son is allergic to almonds. Just beautiful!
Lauren Kelly Nutriton says
My family would go CRAZY for these!! YUM!
Alice // Hip Foodie Mom says
Sweet Cherry rolls with almond cream cheese glaze?!! YES!! LOVE these. . wish I could have 3!
The Food Hunter says
love these rolls!
Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes says
My husband loves cherries!! He will love this!
Amanda ( The Kitcheneer) says
Mmm cherries! These look perfect! And would make a wonderful Sunday brunch!
Amy @Very Culinary says
Oh goodness, what's not to love here? Love cherries so much. GIMME.
Renee says
Your sweet rolls turned out so nice. And put cream cheese glaze on any sweet roll and I'm running to the pan to grab one right then and there. Yum!
Back for Seconds says
My goodness, these sound so wonderful!!
Sherron Watson says
Simply amazing rolls! I love Jenni too. She always has fabulous ideas. I should have used her method--lol--but I used my hands and knife instead. Took forever! LOL Enjoy your day.
Heather Schmitt-Gonzalez says
Gorgeous rolls, Renee! I've heard of the paper clip method before, but never tried it (I kid you not, I own 6 cherry pitters - obsess much), it looks brilliant!