Sweet bread rolls filled with cherries, chocolate and plenty of cinnamon sugar and topped with a crunchy streusel. You can’t go wrong with these Chocolate Cherry Streusel Rolls for a Memorial Day party treat or just because!
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Indulge in Homemade Chocolate Cherry Streusel Rolls: The Perfect Holiday Breakfast
Imagine the aroma of freshly baked bread mingling with hints of cinnamon, sweet cherries, and rich chocolate wafting through your home. These aren’t just any sweet rolls; they are our incredible Chocolate Cherry Streusel Rolls, a delightful treat that promises to elevate any morning into a special occasion. With their tender, fluffy interior, a luscious fruit and chocolate filling, and a crowning layer of crunchy streusel, these rolls are simply irresistible. Whether you’re planning a memorable Memorial Day brunch, a festive holiday breakfast, or simply seeking a comforting bake for a relaxed weekend, these rolls are a guaranteed showstopper that will gather everyone around the table.
The beauty of these rolls lies in their perfect balance of flavors and textures. The slight tartness of the dried cherries cuts through the sweetness, while the chocolate adds a decadent richness that melts beautifully into the dough. The cinnamon provides a warm, inviting spice, all harmonized within a soft, yeast-leavened bread. But what truly sets them apart is the streusel – a sweet, buttery crumb topping that adds a delightful crunch with every bite, making each roll an exquisite culinary experience. Get ready to bake a batch that will be remembered long after the last crumb is gone!
A Time for Reflection and Celebration: Embracing Memorial Day
Memorial Day holds a dual significance for many. Officially, it’s a solemn day dedicated to honoring the courageous men and women who gave their lives in service to our nation. It’s a time for quiet reflection, gratitude, and remembrance of the profound sacrifices made for our freedoms. This important aspect encourages us to pause, acknowledge, and pay tribute to those heroes and their families.
Beyond its somber roots, Memorial Day weekend also traditionally marks the unofficial start of summer. For families, it often signifies the end of the school year, a time to shed demanding schedules, homework, and routines in favor of longer days, sunshine, and joyful gatherings. It’s a weekend when communities come alive with barbecues, picnics, and outdoor activities, and food plays a central role in these celebrations. While grilling might be a dinnertime staple, starting your holiday with a special breakfast sets a festive and memorable tone. Our Chocolate Cherry Streusel Rolls are the perfect way to infuse your Memorial Day morning with a touch of sweetness and homemade warmth, celebrating both the spirit of remembrance and the joyful anticipation of summer.
Crafting Your Signature Sweet Rolls: The Recipe Journey
The creation of these delightful rolls is a testament to the magic of yeast baking. Starting with a robust and active yeast is key to achieving that wonderfully light and airy texture that makes sweet rolls so appealing. Our recipe is an exciting adaptation, inspired by the classic comfort of blueberry streusel cinnamon rolls found on the Fleishmann’s® Yeast website. We took that comforting base and introduced a vibrant twist, swapping the blueberries for the rich, chewy goodness of dried cherries. This simple change opens up a world of flavor, providing a delightful tartness that pairs exceptionally well with chocolate.
The Heart of the Roll: Cherries, Chocolate, and Cinnamon
Once your dough has completed its initial rise and developed its characteristic elasticity, it’s gently rolled out into a generous rectangle. This provides the perfect canvas for our irresistible filling. Softened butter is spread evenly across the dough, creating a sticky base that helps hold the filling in place and contributes to the roll’s tender texture. Then comes the star combination: a generous sprinkling of rich brown sugar, fragrant Spice Islands® Ground Saigon Cinnamon (known for its deep, intense flavor), plump dried cherries, and an abundance of mini chocolate chips. As the rolls bake, these elements meld together, creating pockets of gooey chocolate, bursts of sweet-tart cherry, and a comforting spice that permeates every layer. The result is a roll that is not only visually appealing but also a feast for the senses, offering layers of flavor that will keep you coming back for more.
The Crowning Glory: Crunchy Streusel Topping
No discussion of these rolls would be complete without highlighting their magnificent streusel topping. For many bakers, streusel is more than just a garnish; it’s an integral part of the experience. Our simple yet effective streusel, crafted from a blend of flour, sugar, and cold butter, is crumbled generously over the top of each roll before baking. As the rolls bake to a golden perfection, the streusel transforms into a crunchy, sweet, and buttery layer that contrasts beautifully with the soft, pillowy dough beneath. It provides that essential textural intrigue, turning an already delicious sweet roll into an unforgettable dessert or breakfast pastry. The delightful crumble adds a rustic charm and an extra burst of flavor that truly completes the Chocolate Cherry Streusel Rolls.
Effortless Baking with Quality Ingredients
Even if you’re new to baking with yeast, don’t be intimidated! These Chocolate Cherry Streusel Rolls are surprisingly easy to make. The key to successful yeast baking lies in using fresh, active yeast. We confidently recommend Fleischmann’s® Yeast, a trusted brand that consistently delivers reliable results, ensuring your dough rises beautifully and produces exceptionally soft rolls every time. Following our step-by-step instructions will make the process smooth and enjoyable, even for novice bakers. From activating the yeast to kneading the dough until it’s smooth and elastic, each stage is designed to be approachable and rewarding.
Make-Ahead Magic: Perfect for Busy Mornings
One of the most appealing features of this recipe, especially for busy mornings or holiday celebrations, is the fantastic make-ahead option. After you’ve shaped the rolls and topped them with the streusel, instead of letting them rise immediately at room temperature, you can simply cover them and pop them into the refrigerator overnight. This slow, cold rise allows the flavors to develop even further and means that on the morning of your event, all you have to do is take them out, let them warm up slightly, and then bake. Imagine waking up to the aroma of freshly baked Chocolate Cherry Streusel Rolls without having to get up hours before everyone else! It’s the ultimate convenience for a truly special breakfast, ensuring a stress-free start to your holiday.
More Than Just a Recipe: Sharing and Connecting
Baking is often an expression of love and generosity, and these Chocolate Cherry Streusel Rolls are perfectly suited for sharing. In the spirit of Memorial Day, consider baking an extra batch to offer to a neighbor, a friend, or perhaps a local veteran in your community. A heartfelt, homemade treat is a beautiful way to show appreciation and gratitude for their service, turning a simple recipe into a meaningful act of kindness and connection. Food has a unique ability to bring people together, fostering warmth and goodwill, and these delicious rolls are an excellent vehicle for spreading joy.
As you gather with loved ones and reflect on the significance of the day, these delightful sweet rolls can serve as a comforting centerpiece for your breakfast or brunch. They’re versatile enough to complement any holiday spread and are sure to be a conversation starter. We hope these rolls become a cherished part of your holiday traditions for years to come.
What culinary delights are on your Memorial Day menu this year? We’d love to hear your traditions and favorite dishes!
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Chocolate Cherry Streusel Rolls
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Ingredients
Rolls:
- 3 tablespoons warm water 100º to 110ºF
- 1 envelope Fleischmann’s® Active Dry Yeast
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- 2-1/2 to 3 cups all-purpose flour
Filling:
- 2 tablespoons butter softened
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons Spice Islands® Ground Saigon Cinnamon
- 1 cup dried cherries
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
Streusel Topping:
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Combine the water and the yeast in a small bowl; set aside and let it rest for 5 minutes. Heat the milk and the butter until warm. (Butter does not need to completely melt.)
- Combine the warm milk mixture, sugar and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Add in the egg, yeast mixture and 1 cup of the flour. Beat on medium speed for 3 minutes. Gradually add more flour until you have a soft dough. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until it is smooth and elastic, 6-8 minutes. Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning once, then cover and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area until doubled, about 1 hour.
- Punch the dough down and let it rest for 10 minutes. Roll the dough into a 12×15-inch rectangle. Spread the butter on top of the dough. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, cherries and chocolate chips. Sprinkle the filling evenly over the dough. Roll up jellyroll style. Spray a 12-cup muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray. Cut the dough into 12 equal pieces and place them in the muffin tin.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, sugar and butter. Use 2 forks or a pastry cutter to cut the butter in, forming coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the streusel mixture over the rolls. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Heat the oven to 350ºF. Bake the rolls for 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Let them cool for 2 minutes before removing from the pan to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Recipe Notes:
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I am a Bake a Little Extra Blog Ambassador and this Chocolate Cherry Streusel Rolls post is sponsored by Fleishmann’s® Yeast. I’m so glad to be able to work with companies and organizations that I truly believe in. Thank you for supporting them, too.