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Quick Summary

Soft, golden rolls filled with cinnamon, brown sugar, and cherries — these Cherry Juice Cinnamon Rolls are a festive morning favorite. A splash of Traverse Bay Farms Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate adds a bright, tangy twist to the glaze that makes every bite sparkle with flavor.

Published: March 2011 | Updated: October 2025

Chef’s Note 

This recipe was recently make in our Traverse Bay Farms holiday tastings, where customers asked for something they could serve warm on Christmas morning. After a few tries, we found the magic — buttery crescent dough rolled with cherries, cinnamon, and a hint of Traverse Bay Farms Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate in the glaze. When these came out of the oven, the aroma filled the kitchen, and everyone gathered around. They’re the perfect mix of cozy and cheerful — easy enough for brunch, special enough for the holidays.

Prep & Yield

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Bake Time: 12–15 minutes

• Yield: 8 rolls

Ingredients

Rolls

• 1 (10-ounce) jar red or green maraschino cherries, chopped and drained

• ¼ cup firmly packed brown sugar

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1 (8-ounce) package refrigerated crescent rolls

• 2 tbsp butter, melted

Glaze

• 1 tbsp Traverse Bay Farms Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate

• ½ cup powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a baking sheet.

2. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon.

3. Unroll crescent rolls and separate into 8 triangles. Brush with melted butter.

4. Sprinkle each triangle with 1½ tsp of the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

5. Add 1 tbsp chopped cherries to each triangle, then roll toward the pointed end.

6. Place on prepared sheet; brush with butter and sprinkle with remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture.

7. Bake 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown.

8. While baking, whisk powdered sugar and Traverse Bay Farms Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate to create a rosy glaze.

9. Drizzle glaze over warm rolls and serve immediately.

Chef’s Tips & Variations

• Filling upgrade: Add a sprinkle of chopped Traverse Bay Farms Dried Cherries for extra texture.

• Make ahead: Assemble the rolls the night before, refrigerate, and bake in the morning.

• Serving idea: Pair with hot cider or tart cherry tea for a perfect breakfast.

Nutritional Highlight

Tart cherries add natural anthocyanins and antioxidants — giving these indulgent rolls a surprisingly wholesome twist beneath their sweet, festive flavor.

Behind the Recipe

We wanted something quick and festive that still felt homemade — this recipe became one of our Traverse Bay Farms bakery test kitchen favorites. It brings together the best of the season: tart cherries, cinnamon spice, and cozy holiday mornings.

People Also Ask

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino?
Yes — pit, chop, and pat them dry first.

Can I make these without a glaze?
Yes, but the Traverse Bay Farms Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate glaze adds both color and flavor.

Can I bake them in a muffin tin?
Absolutely! It helps keep the cherry filling contained for neat presentation.

Do they freeze well?
Yes — bake, cool, and freeze up to 3 months. Warm gently before glazing.

Bake, Share, and Enjoy

Add Traverse Bay Farms Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate to your baking this season — for color, flavor, and real Michigan-grown cherry goodness. Trusted nationwide and guaranteed sediment-free, it’s the perfect finishing touch for holiday treats.