Olivia
These Sourdough Cream Cheese and Cherry Filled Sweet Rolls are soft, fluffy, and bursting with sweet-tart cherry filling and creamy cheesecake goodness. Made with active sourdough starter, these rolls have a wonderfully tender crumb and rich flavor that only natural fermentation can provide. Finished with a silky vanilla glaze, they’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, holidays, or dessert.
If you love cherry Danish pastries and cinnamon rolls, this recipe combines the best of both worlds into one irresistible sourdough treat.
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Rise Time: 8–12 hours
Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: About 10–14 hours
Yield: 12 rolls
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Naturally fermented flavor
- Soft and fluffy texture
- Creamy cheesecake filling
- Sweet cherry swirls
- Perfect for brunch and holidays
- Make-ahead friendly
- Freezer-friendly
- Bakery-quality results
- Great use of active sourdough starter
- Beautiful presentation
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 100g active sourdough starter
- ¾ cup whole milk, warm
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3½ cups bread flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cherry Filling
- 1½ cups cherry pie filling
Or Homemade Cherry Filling
- 2 cups pitted cherries
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Vanilla Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Stand mixer (optional)
- Rolling pin
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Saucepan
- Cooling rack
Step 1: Mix the Dough
In a large bowl combine:
- Active sourdough starter
- Warm milk
- Egg
- Sugar
- Butter
Mix thoroughly.
Add:
- Bread flour
- Salt
Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 2: Knead
Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
The dough should feel soft and slightly tacky.
Step 3: First Rise
Place dough into a greased bowl.
Cover and let rise at room temperature for 8–12 hours or overnight.
The dough should nearly double in size.
Making Homemade Cherry Filling
If using fresh or frozen cherries:
Combine:
- Cherries
- Sugar
- Cornstarch
- Lemon juice
Cook over medium heat for 8–10 minutes.
Stir frequently.
Once thickened, remove from heat and cool completely.
Step 4: Prepare Cream Cheese Filling
Beat together:
- Cream cheese
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla
Until smooth and creamy.
Set aside.
Step 5: Roll Out the Dough
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface.
Roll into a rectangle approximately:
12 x 18 inches.
Step 6: Spread Cream Cheese Layer
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly across the dough.
Leave a ½-inch border around the edges.
Step 7: Add Cherry Filling
Spread the cherry filling over the cream cheese layer.
Distribute evenly.
Avoid overfilling to prevent leaks.
Step 8: Roll Into a Log
Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly.
Pinch the seam closed.
Step 9: Slice the Rolls
Cut into 12 equal rolls.
Dental floss or a sharp knife works best.
Step 10: Arrange in Pan
Place the rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Leave a little room between each roll.
Step 11: Second Rise
Cover and let rise for 1–2 hours.
The rolls should become puffy and nearly touch.
Step 12: Bake
Preheat oven to:
350°F (175°C)
Bake for:
25–30 minutes
until lightly golden.
The centers should be fully baked.
Step 13: Cool Slightly
Allow the rolls to cool for 10–15 minutes.
Warm rolls absorb glaze beautifully.
Step 14: Make the Glaze
Whisk together:
- Powdered sugar
- Milk
- Vanilla
Until smooth.
Drizzle generously over the warm rolls.
Why Sourdough Makes These Rolls Better
Natural fermentation adds:
- Complex flavor
- Improved texture
- Better keeping qualities
- Soft, fluffy crumb
The slight tang balances the sweetness perfectly.
Flavor Profile
Dough
- Buttery
- Soft
- Slightly tangy
Cream Cheese Filling
- Rich
- Smooth
- Cheesecake-like
Cherry Filling
- Sweet
- Fruity
- Slightly tart
Glaze
- Sweet
- Creamy
- Light
Serving Suggestions
These rolls pair beautifully with:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Hot chocolate
- Fresh fruit
Perfect for:
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Holiday mornings
- Dessert
Make-Ahead Instructions
Prepare the rolls through shaping.
Cover and refrigerate overnight.
The next morning:
- Let sit at room temperature for 1 hour.
- Bake as directed.
Ideal for special occasions.
Storage
Store covered at room temperature for:
2 days
Or refrigerate for:
Up to 5 days.
Freezing Instructions
Freeze baked rolls without glaze for up to:
3 months.
Thaw overnight and glaze before serving.
Delicious Variations
Chocolate Cherry Rolls
Add:
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
with the filling.
Almond Cherry Rolls
Add:
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
to the cream cheese mixture.
Mixed Berry Rolls
Replace cherries with:
- Blueberries
- Raspberries
- Strawberries
Lemon Cherry Rolls
Add:
- Zest of one lemon
for bright citrus flavor.
Cheesecake Cherry Danish Rolls
Top with extra cream cheese frosting after baking.
Tips for Success
Use Active Starter
A bubbly starter ensures fluffy rolls.
Cool the Cherry Filling
Warm filling can make the dough difficult to roll.
Don’t Overfill
Too much filling may leak out during baking.
Slice Carefully
Dental floss creates clean swirls.
Avoid Overbaking
Overbaked rolls lose their softness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Underproofing
Results in dense rolls.
Warm Filling
Can soften the dough too much.
Overworking the Dough
May create tough rolls.
Excess Filling
Can cause messy leaks.
Thick Glaze
Makes spreading difficult.
Nutritional Highlights
Cherries
Provide:
- Vitamin C
- Potassium
- Antioxidants
Cream Cheese
Adds:
- Calcium
- Rich flavor
Sourdough
Contributes:
- Complex flavor
- Natural fermentation benefits
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Sourdough Discard?
Yes, but active starter gives better rise.
Can I Use Canned Cherry Pie Filling?
Absolutely.
It saves time and works wonderfully.
Can I Freeze Unbaked Rolls?
Yes.
Freeze after shaping and thaw before baking.
Can I Use Other Fruits?
Yes.
Blueberries, raspberries, and peaches all work beautifully.
Can I Add Nuts?
Certainly.
Chopped pecans or almonds add crunch.
Perfect Occasions
These rolls are ideal for:
- Christmas morning
- Easter brunch
- Mother’s Day
- Weekend breakfasts
- Baby showers
- Bake sales
- Family gatherings
Final Thoughts
These Sourdough Cream Cheese and Cherry Filled Sweet Rolls are the perfect combination of soft sourdough dough, creamy cheesecake filling, and sweet cherry goodness. Every bite offers rich flavor, beautiful swirls, and a tender texture that rivals your favorite bakery pastries.
Whether served warm with coffee or enjoyed as a special dessert, these rolls are guaranteed to impress family and friends. Their sweet cherry filling, creamy center, and delicate vanilla glaze make them an unforgettable treat that’s worth every minute of preparation. Happy baking!These Sourdough Cream Cheese and Cherry Filled Sweet Rolls are soft, fluffy, and bursting with sweet-tart cherry filling and creamy cheesecake goodness. Made with active sourdough starter, these rolls have a wonderfully tender crumb and rich flavor that only natural fermentation can provide. Finished with a silky vanilla glaze, they’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, holidays, or dessert.
If you love cherry Danish pastries and cinnamon rolls, this recipe combines the best of both worlds into one irresistible sourdough treat.
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Rise Time: 8–12 hours
Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: About 10–14 hours
Yield: 12 rolls
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Naturally fermented flavor
- Soft and fluffy texture
- Creamy cheesecake filling
- Sweet cherry swirls
- Perfect for brunch and holidays
- Make-ahead friendly
- Freezer-friendly
- Bakery-quality results
- Great use of active sourdough starter
- Beautiful presentation
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 100g active sourdough starter
- ¾ cup whole milk, warm
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3½ cups bread flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cherry Filling
- 1½ cups cherry pie filling
Or Homemade Cherry Filling
- 2 cups pitted cherries
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Vanilla Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Stand mixer (optional)
- Rolling pin
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Saucepan
- Cooling rack
Step 1: Mix the Dough
In a large bowl combine:
- Active sourdough starter
- Warm milk
- Egg
- Sugar
- Butter
Mix thoroughly.
Add:
- Bread flour
- Salt
Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 2: Knead
Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
The dough should feel soft and slightly tacky.
Step 3: First Rise
Place dough into a greased bowl.
Cover and let rise at room temperature for 8–12 hours or overnight.
The dough should nearly double in size.
Making Homemade Cherry Filling
If using fresh or frozen cherries:
Combine:
- Cherries
- Sugar
- Cornstarch
- Lemon juice
Cook over medium heat for 8–10 minutes.
Stir frequently.
Once thickened, remove from heat and cool completely.
Step 4: Prepare Cream Cheese Filling
Beat together:
- Cream cheese
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla
Until smooth and creamy.
Set aside.
Step 5: Roll Out the Dough
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface.
Roll into a rectangle approximately:
12 x 18 inches.
Step 6: Spread Cream Cheese Layer
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly across the dough.
Leave a ½-inch border around the edges.
Step 7: Add Cherry Filling
Spread the cherry filling over the cream cheese layer.
Distribute evenly.
Avoid overfilling to prevent leaks.
Step 8: Roll Into a Log
Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly.
Pinch the seam closed.
Step 9: Slice the Rolls
Cut into 12 equal rolls.
Dental floss or a sharp knife works best.
Step 10: Arrange in Pan
Place the rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Leave a little room between each roll.
Step 11: Second Rise
Cover and let rise for 1–2 hours.
The rolls should become puffy and nearly touch.
Step 12: Bake
Preheat oven to:
350°F (175°C)
Bake for:
25–30 minutes
until lightly golden.
The centers should be fully baked.
Step 13: Cool Slightly
Allow the rolls to cool for 10–15 minutes.
Warm rolls absorb glaze beautifully.
Step 14: Make the Glaze
Whisk together:
- Powdered sugar
- Milk
- Vanilla
Until smooth.
Drizzle generously over the warm rolls.
Why Sourdough Makes These Rolls Better
Natural fermentation adds:
- Complex flavor
- Improved texture
- Better keeping qualities
- Soft, fluffy crumb
The slight tang balances the sweetness perfectly.
Flavor Profile
Dough
- Buttery
- Soft
- Slightly tangy
Cream Cheese Filling
- Rich
- Smooth
- Cheesecake-like
Cherry Filling
- Sweet
- Fruity
- Slightly tart
Glaze
- Sweet
- Creamy
- Light
Serving Suggestions
These rolls pair beautifully with:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Hot chocolate
- Fresh fruit
Perfect for:
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Holiday mornings
- Dessert
Make-Ahead Instructions
Prepare the rolls through shaping.
Cover and refrigerate overnight.
The next morning:
- Let sit at room temperature for 1 hour.
- Bake as directed.
Ideal for special occasions.
Storage
Store covered at room temperature for:
2 days
Or refrigerate for:
Up to 5 days.
Freezing Instructions
Freeze baked rolls without glaze for up to:
3 months.
Thaw overnight and glaze before serving.
Delicious Variations
Chocolate Cherry Rolls
Add:
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
with the filling.
Almond Cherry Rolls
Add:
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
to the cream cheese mixture.
Mixed Berry Rolls
Replace cherries with:
- Blueberries
- Raspberries
- Strawberries
Lemon Cherry Rolls
Add:
- Zest of one lemon
for bright citrus flavor.
Cheesecake Cherry Danish Rolls
Top with extra cream cheese frosting after baking.
Tips for Success
Use Active Starter
A bubbly starter ensures fluffy rolls.
Cool the Cherry Filling
Warm filling can make the dough difficult to roll.
Don’t Overfill
Too much filling may leak out during baking.
Slice Carefully
Dental floss creates clean swirls.
Avoid Overbaking
Overbaked rolls lose their softness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Underproofing
Results in dense rolls.
Warm Filling
Can soften the dough too much.
Overworking the Dough
May create tough rolls.
Excess Filling
Can cause messy leaks.
Thick Glaze
Makes spreading difficult.
Nutritional Highlights
Cherries
Provide:
- Vitamin C
- Potassium
- Antioxidants
Cream Cheese
Adds:
- Calcium
- Rich flavor
Sourdough
Contributes:
- Complex flavor
- Natural fermentation benefits
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Sourdough Discard?
Yes, but active starter gives better rise.
Can I Use Canned Cherry Pie Filling?
Absolutely.
It saves time and works wonderfully.
Can I Freeze Unbaked Rolls?
Yes.
Freeze after shaping and thaw before baking.
Can I Use Other Fruits?
Yes.
Blueberries, raspberries, and peaches all work beautifully.
Can I Add Nuts?
Certainly.
Chopped pecans or almonds add crunch.
Perfect Occasions
These rolls are ideal for:
- Christmas morning
- Easter brunch
- Mother’s Day
- Weekend breakfasts
- Baby showers
- Bake sales
- Family gatherings
Final Thoughts
These Sourdough Cream Cheese and Cherry Filled Sweet Rolls are the perfect combination of soft sourdough dough, creamy cheesecake filling, and sweet cherry goodness. Every bite offers rich flavor, beautiful swirls, and a tender texture that rivals your favorite bakery pastries.
Whether served warm with coffee or enjoyed as a special dessert, these rolls are guaranteed to impress family and friends. Their sweet cherry filling, creamy center, and delicate vanilla glaze make them an unforgettable treat that’s worth every minute of preparation. Happy baking!
