Cherry Sourdough Sweet Rolls

If you loved my Blueberry Lemon Sourdough Brioche Rolls, you’re going to fall head over heels for these Cherry Sourdough Sweet Rolls. Made with the same soft, enriched dough, these rolls are swirled with a rich cherry filling and topped with a dreamy cream cheese glaze.

They’re the perfect balance of sweet, fruity, and fluffy with that signature sourdough depth that makes every bite irresistible. Whether you’re baking for brunch, a special occasion, or just because, these cherry rolls are a show-stopping twist on a reader favorite.

Why I love this recipe

• 100% Sourdough – Naturally leavened with no commercial yeast, making it easier to digest and full of flavor.

• Incredibly Soft & Fluffy – The Tangzhong method locks in moisture, creating an unbelievably tender texture.

• Stays Soft for Days – Thanks to the Tangzhong technique, these rolls remain fresh and pillowy longer than typical sourdough bakes.

• Stiff starter- cherry sourdough sweet rolls are made with a sweet stiff starter, making the texture so soft and pillowy. Additionally, the dough is long-fermented with no sour flavor.

What is the tangzhong method?

The Tangzhong method is a simple technique that involves cooking a small portion of flour and liquid (usually water or milk) into a roux before adding it to the dough. This process pre-gelatinizes the starches in the flour, allowing them to absorb more moisture and retain it throughout baking.

The result? A dough that’s softer, more elastic, and stays fresh longer. It’s a game-changer for creating light, fluffy bread—perfect for these cherry sourdough sweet rolls.

What is a sweet stiff starter?

A sweet stiff sourdough starter is a type of sourdough starter that is characterized by its low hydration and sweetness. Stiff starters typically have around 50-60% hydration or less, which makes them thicker and more dough-like in texture. The sweetness comes from the sugar and the natural fermentation process of the starter, which produces sugars that give the dough a sweet flavor. This ultimately mutes that notable sourdough tang that isn’t always desired in sweet recipes.

How to make Sweet Cherry Sourdough Rolls: step-by-step

Baker’s schedule option 1:

• Make the sweet stiff starter the morning of, and mix the dough in the evening (around 7 pm) to bake for the following morning.

Baker’s schedule option 2:

• Make the sweet stiff starter the evening before you mix the dough. Mix the dough in the morning, shape and refrigerate overnight, and bake the following morning.

Cherry Sourdough Sweet Rolls freeze well. They can be shaped and placed in the baking pan, covered with plastic wrap, and frozen for up to 3 months.

To bake frozen brioche rolls, remove from the freezer, remove the plastic wrap and replace it with fresh plastic wrap, and let them rest for 8-10 hours. Bake as instructed.

Equipment needed

• Mixing bowl
• Bench scraper
• Dough scraper
• Round or square 8-10-inch baking pan (spring form pan is my favorite!)
• Parchment paper
• Rolling pin
• Food scale

Ingredients

For the sweet stiff starter:

• 15 grams active sourdough starter (recently fed)
• 15 grams sugar
• 30 grams water
• 60 grams all-purpose flour

Tip: there will be about 5-10 grams of leftover sweet starter. This is to account for any sticking to the sides of the jar. It is better to have more than less.

Tangzhong:

• 15 grams all-purpose flour
• 80 grams milk

Dough:

• 100 grams of sweet stiff starter from above
• all of the tangzhong (from above)
• 65 grams sugar
• 80 grams milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 310 grams all-purpose flour
• 5 grams salt
• 57 grams unsalted butter (softened)

Cherry compote filling:

• 250 grams fresh cherries (pitted and halved)
• 50 grams sugar
• zest of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon almond extract (or vanilla extract)
• 2 tablespoons (15 g) cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon (15 g) water
• 5 tablespoons (70 g) softened unsalted butter (for spreading onto the dough)

Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1-2 cups powdered sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon almond or vanilla extract
• 1-2 teaspoons milk for desired consistency

Make the sweet stiff starter

• To a clean jar add 15 grams of active sourdough starter (it is recommended the starter has been fed within the past 12-24 hours).

• Next, add the sugar and water and stir until it becomes milky.

• Lastly, add the flour and mix until a dough-like ball is formed. You can knead it on a clean surface to ensure all of the flour has been absorbed.

• Cover the jar loosely and allow it to rest for 10-12 hours or until doubled in size.

Make the Tangzhong

The following morning:

Note: Ensure your sweet stiff starter has doubled in size before mixing the dough.

• In a small saucepan, whisk together 15g all-purpose flour and 80g milk until smooth.

• Heat until the mixture thickens to a pudding-like consistency, around 149–158°F (65–70°C). Do not overheat, or it will become too thick.

• Transfer to a bowl and let it cool to at least 95–110°F (35–43°C) before adding to your dough.

Mix the dough

The dough can be mixed by hand or by a stand mixer.

• Warm the remaining milk in the microwave for 20-3o seconds and allow to cool for a few minutes.

• In a bowl, combine the stiff starter, sugar, milk, and cooled Tangzhong. Whisk until fully incorporated and smooth. Then, whisk in the egg & vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

*It is okay if the stiff starter does not fully dissolve, it will break down during kneading.

• Next, add the flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms. The dough will be quite stiff, but if the Tangzhong was overcooked and became too thick, add 15-20 grams of milk to help adjust the consistency.

• The butter is intentionally being left out here as it will be easier to knead in after the dough has rested.

• Cover the dough and let it rest for 30-45 minutes.

Knead the dough & add the butter

• If using a stand mixer, simply add the softened butter and mix on a medium speed until it comes together, adding small amounts of flour as needed.

• Ensure the butter is softened enough, spread it around the dough, and dimple it in.

• Then, fold the dough into itself a few times in the bowl and transfer it to a clean work surface that is lightly floured.

• Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes or until it comes together. The dough will become stickier as you knead it. The butter will also stick to your work surface while kneading. Use a dough scraper to clean it up and work it back into the dough. **Try not to exceed using more than a few tablespoons of flour during the kneading process.

• If the dough starts to tear or you simply feel frustrated while kneading it, let the dough rest for 5-10 minutes and then come back to it.

• The dough has been properly kneaded once it comes together, is smooth, elastic, and not as sticky. It will be a bit tacky & this is normal.

• Once complete, place the dough in a buttered bowl and cover it for 45 minutes.

• Allow it to rest in a warm place. Turn your oven on and then off and place the dough inside.

• Perform 1 stretch and fold 45 minutes to an hour into the bulk fermentation to ensure optimal gluten development.

• After the stretch and fold, allow the dough to rest for the remainder of the bulk fermentation until about doubled in size (8-12 hours).

How to make the cherry compote

I like to make the compote ahead of the time and it can chill in the fridge until needed.

• In a small saucepan, combine the pitted and halved cherries, sugar, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.

• Cook over medium heat until the berries burst and release their juices.

• To a seperate bowl mix the water and cornstarch to create a slurry and pour it in the the compote. Stir in the slurry and simmer 1-2 more minutes until thick and jammy.

• Remove from heat and allow the compote to cool to room temperature or place it in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

Shape the cherry sourdough sweet rolls

• After the dough has finished its bulk fermentation it can be placed in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours if desired.

• Line your baking pan with parchment paper.

• When the dough has doubled in size, lightly flour your work surface and turn the dough out.

• Flour both the surface of the dough and your rolling pin to avoid sticking. Roll the dough out into a 16×12 inch rectangle.

• Spread the 5 tablespoons of softened butter evenly over the dough followed by the cherry compote leaving a 1/2 to 1-inch border around the edges.

• Starting from the long side (16 inches) begin to roll the dough tightly, pressing down lightly at each roll. TIP: If you find the dough is too sticky lightly flour your hands to help.

• Once fully rolled, make sure the roll is seam side down and begin to lightly mark with your bench scraper 2-inch cuts (totaling 8 rolls).

• After the marks are made, begin to cut each roll and place them in your baking pan lined with parchment paper. I use unflavored dental floss for clean cuts, but a sharp knife or bench scraper will do!

• Cover the pan with oiled plastic wrap and allow the rolls to sit for 2-4 more hours in the pan or until they have puffed up. Tip: turn your oven on and then off to create a warm environment for the rolls to rise.

Do not let the cherry sourdough sweet rolls rest anywhere above 78 degrees during their second rise or the filling will melt out of the dough.

• The shaped brioche rolls can be placed in the refrigerator overnight after their rise and baked the following morning if desired. Allow for them to come to room temperature before baking.

Bake the cherry sourdough sweet rolls

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and bake the cherry sourdough sweet rolls on the middle rack for 30-35 minutes. They should be lightly golden brown and fully cooked through the center.

The internal temperature of brioche rolls should be around 190-200°F (88-93°C) when they are fully cooked. You can use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature in the center of one of the rolls.

• Once the rolls are done baking, allow them to cool for 15 minutes in the pan before transferring them to a wire rack to add the icing. Important: allowing the brioche rolls to rest will ensure all the dough has absorbed the butter.

How to make the cream cheese frosting

• In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.

• Add the powdered sugar & almond or vanilla extract, and mix until fully combined and fluffy. If you’d like a thinner texture add a few teaspoons of milk.

• Spread over cooled rolls or pipe for a decorative finish.

• These are best enjoyed the day of, but you can store them on your countertop in an airtight container for 2 days or up to a week in your refrigerator.

More sourdough brioche recipes

• Blueberry Lemon Sourdough Brioche Rolls
• Orange Vanilla Sourdough Brioche Rolls
• Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls (soft & not too sweet!)
• Sourdough Brioche by Hand