Cherry Almond Cinnamon Rolls

Cherry Almond Cinnamon Rolls are delightfully fluffy, sweet, and packed with rich almond flavors, complemented by the juicy tartness of fresh cherries. Perfectly soft dough combined with fragrant cinnamon and crunchy almonds, these rolls are the ideal weekend brunch or afternoon treat, satisfying both adults and children alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Cherry Almond Cinnamon Rolls elevate classic cinnamon rolls with a unique and delicious twist. The addition of sweet cherries and crunchy almonds adds texture and a delightful burst of flavor. They are:

• Easy and straightforward to prepare, even for beginner bakers.

• Perfectly balanced in sweetness, blending juicy cherries and aromatic almonds.

• Ideal for special occasions, brunch gatherings, or everyday indulgence.

• Versatile, allowing easy customization to suit your preferences.

• An excellent way to enjoy seasonal cherries.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour

• Granulated sugar

• Active dry yeast

• Warm milk

• Unsalted butter (softened)

• Egg

• Salt

• Ground cinnamon

• Fresh or frozen cherries (pitted and chopped)

• Almond extract

• Slivered or sliced almonds

• Powdered sugar (for glaze)

• Vanilla extract

Directions

1. Prepare Dough: In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until bubbly. Mix in softened butter, egg, and almond extract. Gradually add flour and salt until a soft dough forms. Knead for about 5–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let it rise for 1 hour until doubled.

2. Make Filling: In a bowl, combine softened butter, sugar, ground cinnamon, chopped cherries, and almonds. Mix until evenly combined.

3. Assemble Rolls: Roll out dough into a rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Spread cherry-almond filling evenly over the dough. Roll tightly from the long side, sealing edges. Cut into slices.

4. Second Rise: Arrange rolls in a lightly greased baking pan. Cover and let rise again for 30 minutes until puffy.

5. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown. Remove and let cool slightly.

6. Prepare Glaze: Mix powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract until smooth. Drizzle over warm cinnamon rolls. Garnish with additional sliced almonds if desired.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 12 cinnamon rolls

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes

• Rising Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

• Cooking Time: 25–30 minutes

• Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 20 minutes

Variations

• Fruit Variations: Substitute cherries with blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, or peaches.

• Nut Options: Replace almonds with pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts for a different crunch.

• Glaze Flavors: Experiment with lemon zest or cream cheese frosting instead of almond glaze for additional flavor options.

• Spiced Dough: Add a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger to the dough for enhanced warmth and aroma.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in the refrigerator for up to one week.

• Freezing: Rolls can be frozen individually or in batches for up to two months. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

• Reheating: Reheat individual rolls in the microwave for 20–30 seconds, or warm multiple rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–10 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use canned cherries instead of fresh cherries?

Yes, you can use canned cherries, but drain thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the filling.

Can I prepare these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the rolls the night before, refrigerate overnight after assembly, then bake them fresh in the morning.

What type of yeast should I use?

Active dry yeast works best, but instant yeast is also suitable, just skip the proofing step.

Can I use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Replacing all-purpose flour entirely with almond flour is not recommended because it affects dough consistency. However, you can substitute a small portion of flour with almond flour for added almond flavor.

How can I make these rolls dairy-free?

Replace milk with almond milk or any non-dairy milk alternative, and use dairy-free butter substitutes.

How do I know when the dough is kneaded enough?

The dough should be smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky. When pressed lightly with your finger, it should bounce back quickly.

Can I omit almonds for nut allergies?

Yes, you can omit almonds entirely or substitute with oats or pumpkin seeds for texture.

Why didn’t my dough rise properly?

Possible reasons include expired yeast, incorrect milk temperature (too hot or too cold), or insufficient rising time.

Can I use frozen cherries directly without thawing?

Yes, you can, but consider adding extra baking time as frozen cherries may release additional moisture.

Why are my rolls tough instead of fluffy?

Over-kneading or using too much flour during rolling can result in tough cinnamon rolls. Knead gently, and avoid excessive flour.

Conclusion

Cherry Almond Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect balance of sweetness, tartness, and comforting spices, creating an irresistible treat suitable for any occasion. With simple instructions and customizable options, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite. Enjoy warm, freshly glazed, and accompanied by your favorite beverage for an indulgent experience

Print