Decadent Black Forest Cinnamon Rolls – 12 Bakery-Style Chocolate Cherry Rolls

Thank you for stopping by today, sweet friend. If you’re anything like me, the combination of chocolate and cherries is impossible to resist. These Black Forest Cinnamon Rolls bring together everything we love about classic Black Forest Cake—rich chocolate, juicy cherries, and luscious frosting—wrapped inside pillowy-soft homemade cinnamon rolls.

The first time I baked these, the aroma alone had everyone wandering into the kitchen asking what was in the oven. The chocolate filling melts into the dough, the cherries become jammy and sweet-tart as they bake, and the vanilla mascarpone frosting creates the perfect creamy finish. Every bite feels like a cross between a bakery cinnamon roll and an elegant Black Forest dessert.

If you love impressive homemade bakes that are surprisingly simple to make, don’t forget to subscribe for more recipes delivered straight to your inbox.

Overview of Recipe Content

These Black Forest Cinnamon Rolls feature soft enriched dough, a rich chocolate filling, sweet cherries, and a fluffy vanilla mascarpone frosting.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft bakery-style texture
• Rich chocolate filling
• Sweet-tart cherry flavor
• Beautiful presentation
• Perfect for holidays and brunches
• Make-ahead friendly
• Family favorite dessert

What They Taste Like

Imagine a warm cinnamon roll and a slice of Black Forest cake combined into one unforgettable dessert.

The chocolate is rich and indulgent, while the cherries provide bright fruity flavor that balances every bite perfectly.

Perfect For

• Holiday brunches
• Valentine’s Day
• Weekend baking
• Special celebrations
• Dessert tables
• Family gatherings

Ingredients

PIN IT

For the Dough

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup warm milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg

For the Chocolate Cherry Filling

• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 cup chopped cherries (fresh or frozen)
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

For the Vanilla Mascarpone Frosting

• 8 ounces mascarpone cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream

Garnish

• Chocolate shavings
• Fresh cherries
• Cocoa powder dusting

Tools Needed

• Stand mixer or large bowl
• Rolling pin
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Offset spatula

Suggested Substitutions and Additions

Chocolate Lovers

Add:

• Dark chocolate chunks
• Chocolate ganache drizzle
• Extra cocoa powder

Cherry Options

Use:

• Frozen cherries
• Cherry pie filling
• Dried cherries

Extra Flavor

Try:

• Almond extract
• Kirsch flavoring
• Espresso powder

For more indulgent dessert recipes, enjoy:

• Chocolate Banana Soft Morning Loaf
• Chocolate Almond Yogurt Cake No Flour
• Moist Coffee Cake
• Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
• Caramel Pecan Date Cake

Save this recipe for later on Pinterest.

How to Make Black Forest Cinnamon Rolls

PIN IT

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl combine:

• Flour
• Yeast
• Sugar
• Salt

Add:

• Warm milk
• Melted butter
• Egg

Mix until a soft dough forms.

Step 2: Knead

Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for about 1 hour.

Step 3: Make the Filling

Mix together:

• Softened butter
• Brown sugar
• Cocoa powder
• Cinnamon

Step 4: Roll the Dough

Roll dough into a rectangle approximately 12×18 inches.

Spread chocolate filling evenly over the surface.

Step 5: Add Cherries and Chocolate

Sprinkle with:

• Chopped cherries
• Chocolate chips

Step 6: Roll and Slice

Roll tightly from the long side.

Slice into 12 equal rolls.

Step 7: Second Rise

Place rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Cover and rise for 30–45 minutes.

Step 8: Bake

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes.

The tops should be lightly golden.

Step 9: Make the Frosting

Beat together:

• Mascarpone
• Butter
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla
• Cream

Until fluffy and smooth.

Step 10: Frost and Serve

Spread frosting over slightly warm rolls.

Garnish with chocolate shavings and fresh cherries.

What to Serve with Black Forest Cinnamon Rolls

These rolls pair beautifully with:

• Fresh coffee
• Espresso
• Cappuccino
• Hot chocolate
• Cherry compote
• Vanilla ice cream

Tips for Making Them Perfect

Drain Cherries Well

Excess moisture can affect the dough.

Use Room Temperature Mascarpone

This ensures smooth frosting.

Don’t Overfill

Too much filling can make rolling difficult.

Let Dough Rise Properly

A full rise creates soft, fluffy rolls.

Frost While Warm

The frosting melts slightly into the rolls.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator

Store covered for up to 5 days.

Freezer

Freeze unfrosted rolls for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Warm individual rolls for 15–20 seconds.

General Information

Black Forest Cake originated in Germany and is traditionally made with chocolate cake, cherries, and cream. These cinnamon rolls take those beloved flavors and transform them into a soft, swirled pastry that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

The combination of chocolate and cherries remains one of the most iconic flavor pairings in baking because it offers the perfect balance of richness and brightness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen cherries?

Yes. Thaw and drain them well first.

Can I make these overnight?

Absolutely. Refrigerate after shaping and bake the next morning.

What can replace mascarpone?

Cream cheese works beautifully.

Can I use cherry pie filling?

Yes, but reduce the quantity slightly.

Can I freeze them?

Yes. Freeze before frosting.

Why are my rolls dry?

They may have been overbaked.

Conclusion

These Black Forest Cinnamon Rolls combine the best parts of two beloved desserts into one unforgettable bake. Rich chocolate, juicy cherries, soft dough, and fluffy mascarpone frosting create a bakery-worthy treat that feels both comforting and elegant.

Whether you’re baking for a holiday brunch, special occasion, or simply because you love chocolate and cherries, these rolls are guaranteed to impress.

Interactive Elements

Have you made these Black Forest Cinnamon Rolls?

• Leave a review and comment below.
• Share your photos on Pinterest.
• Tag your creations on social media so I can see them!

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Per Roll
Calories	385
Carbohydrates	49g
Protein	7g
Fat	18g
Saturated Fat	10g
Cholesterol	55mg
Sodium	190mg
Sugar	24g
Fiber	2g

Print