Cherry Cream Cheese Swirls

Ingredients:

For the dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs

For the filling:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup cherry pie filling (homemade or store-bought)

For the glaze (optional):

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk or cream
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour and yeast. In a separate bowl, mix together the warm milk, melted butter, sugar, salt, and eggs. Add this wet mixture to the flour-yeast mixture and stir until well combined.
2. Gradually add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
4. While the dough is rising, prepare the filling by mixing softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
5. Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and roll it out into a rectangle, about 16×12 inches.
6. Spread the prepared cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough. Spoon the cherry pie filling over the cream cheese layer.
7. Starting from one long edge, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Slice the log into 12 equal-sized rolls.
8. Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, cover them loosely with a kitchen towel, and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, until they double in size.
9. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
10. Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
11. If desired, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls.

These cherry cream cheese swirls are a delightful combination of sweet cherry filling and creamy cheese filling swirled in a soft dough. Enjoy them as a delicious breakfast or a delightful dessert!