After a long week, nothing beats the simple pleasure of pulling a batch of fresh, warm cranberry orange cinnamon rolls from the oven. The aroma of sweet cranberries mingling with zesty orange and warm cinnamon fills the kitchen, wrapping you in a comforting embrace. I remember the first time I tried combining these flavors—my taste buds danced with delight, and I knew I had stumbled upon something special.
These rolls are the perfect antidote to a monotonous breakfast routine or those nights when you just crave a little indulgence. Each bite is a delightful blend of sweetness and warmth, and the airy dough offers a pillowy texture that makes them utterly irresistible. Plus, they’re easier to make than you’d expect, striking the perfect balance between homemade comfort and gourmet flair.
Whether you’re looking to impress friends at brunch or simply treating yourself to a cozy morning at home, these Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls are sure to create smiles and satisfy those cravings for something deliciously different. Let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into this delightful recipe!
Why You’ll Love Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls
Heavenly aroma: The moment these rolls begin to bake, your kitchen will fill with an irresistible fragrance of warm cinnamon and citrus.
Bursting with flavor: Sweet, tart cranberries paired with fresh orange zest create a flavor explosion that’s both comforting and refreshing.
Easy to master: Perfect for novice bakers, this recipe guides you through each step, ensuring success every time.
Perfect for any occasion: Elevate breakfast, brunch, or even dessert with these rolls that are sure to impress.
Make-ahead option: Prepare the dough the night before, pop them in the oven in the morning, and enjoy fresh rolls with minimal effort.
Every bite of these Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls promises a cozy embrace, making them a delightful addition to your recipe repertoire!
Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls Ingredients
For the Dough
• Whole milk – 170 g (¾ cup), warmed to 110 degrees F to activate the yeast.
• Granulated sugar – 30 g (2 ½ tablespoon), adding sweetness and helping with browning.
• Instant or active dry yeast – 11 g (3 ¼ teaspoon), essential for fluffy rolls.
• Eggs – 3, room temperature for a richer texture.
• Vanilla paste or extract – 1 teaspoon, enhancing the overall sweetness.
• All-purpose flour – 450 g (3 ¾ cups), the foundation for our soft dough.
• Orange zest – zest of one orange, adding a bright, citrusy flavor.
• Kosher salt – ½ teaspoon, balancing the sweetness of the rolls.
• Unsalted butter – 127 g (½ cup + 1 tbsp), softened for a rich and tender dough.
For the Jam Filling
• Fresh or frozen cranberries – 12 oz, providing a sweet and tart contrast.
• Granulated sugar – 50 g (¼ cup), sweetening the tartness of the cranberries.
• Orange zest – zest of one orange, infusing more citrus flavor into the filling.
• Fresh orange juice – 15 g (1 tablespoon), adding moisture and brightness.
• Cinnamon – 1 teaspoon, for that warm spiced essence.
• Kosher salt – ¼ teaspoon, enhancing the filling’s taste.
For the Icing
• Cream cheese – 56 g (2 oz), room temperature for a smooth and creamy texture.
• Unsalted butter – 56 g (4 tablespoon), melted to blend easily into the icing.
• Powdered sugar – 113 g (1 cup), for that sweet, icing finish.
• Orange zest – for topping, adding a vibrant, zesty finish.
These Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls will surely brighten your mornings with their delightful flavors!
How to Make Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls
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Warm the Milk: Heat the milk to 110 degrees F and stir in the yeast and sugar. If using active dry yeast, let it sit for 15 minutes until bubbly.
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Mix Eggs and Vanilla: Blend the eggs and vanilla into the milk-yeast mixture, creating a cohesive blend of flavors.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, mix together the flour and salt until evenly distributed.
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Mix Wet and Dry: Pour the milk mixture into the flour mix and mix on low-medium speed for 3 minutes, until a ball forms around the hook.
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Incorporate Butter: Gradually add the butter, one piece at a time, letting each piece fully blend into the dough before adding the next.
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Knead the Dough: Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and knead the dough for 8-12 minutes. Check its readiness by tearing off a small piece; it should stretch without tearing.
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Let It Rise: Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it proof overnight in the fridge or rise for about 1 hour until doubled in size in a warm spot.
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Prepare the Jam Filling: In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, orange zest, orange juice, cinnamon, and salt.
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Cook Cranberries: Heat the mixture over medium heat for 10-12 minutes, stirring often, until cranberries begin to break down.
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Thicken the Jam: Lower the heat and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently until thickened. Blend until smooth and chill in the fridge.
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Roll Out Dough: On a floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick, ready for spreading the filling.
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Spread Jam: Evenly spread about 225g (about 1 cup) of the chilled jam over the dough.
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Roll Up the Dough: Starting from the long end, roll the dough tightly and seal the edge. Trim the ends for a neat finish.
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Slice the Rolls: Score lines on the log to evenly measure out 9 rolls, each about 1 ½ inches thick.
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Cut the Rolls: Use unflavored dental floss to cut each roll by placing the floss under the dough, wrapping, and pulling through.
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Let Rolls Rise: Place the rolls in a baking dish, cover, and let rise at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
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Preheat the Oven: As the rolls rise, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F, so it’s ready for baking.
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Bake the Rolls: Bake for 22-25 minutes until the rolls are just barely golden and look irresistible.
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Prepare the Icing: In a medium bowl, whisk together cream cheese, melted butter, and sifted powdered sugar until smooth, creating a luscious icing.
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Finish with Icing: Spread the icing generously over warm rolls and sprinkle with orange zest for that final touch of brightness.
Optional: Serve these rolls warm for an unbeatable flavor experience!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls
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Proofing Matters: Allow the dough to rise until doubled for the best texture. If you rush this step, the rolls may turn out dense.
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Don’t Skip the Jam: The cranberry orange jam adds a distinctive flavor. Make sure it’s chilled before spreading for easier rolling!
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Use Dental Floss: To cut the rolls neatly, unflavored dental floss works wonders—no squishing! Just pull it tight around the dough.
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Watch the Oven: Keep an eye on your rolls while baking. Overbaking can dry them out; you’re aiming for a barely golden finish.
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Flavor Boost: For even more citrus flavor, consider adding an extra splash of orange juice to the icing. It complements the cranberry orange cinnamon rolls perfectly!
Variations & Substitutions for Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls
Feel free to get creative with these rolls! Each twist promises a delightful experience that will tickle your taste buds.
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Dairy-Free: Substitute whole milk with almond milk and use vegan butter for a delightful, creamy texture without the dairy.
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Nutty Delight: Add ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for a nutty crunch that complements the soft rolls beautifully.
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Spiced Twist: Enhance the flavor by adding ½ teaspoon of nutmeg or ginger to the cinnamon filling for an extra layer of warmth and spice.
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Different Fruit: Swap cranberries for blueberries or cherries to discover a new fruity twist that can brighten up your morning.
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Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version that’s still tender and delicious, suitable for all diets.
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Maple Icing: Replace powdered sugar with maple syrup in the icing for a unique, earthy sweetness that pairs wonderfully with these rolls.
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Cinnamon Sugar: Before rolling up the dough, sprinkle a mixture of ¼ cup brown sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon for a sweeter filling experience.
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Zesty Lemon: Incorporate lemon zest into the filling for an invigorating citrus brightness that beautifully complements the cranberries.
Experimenting with these variations will keep your baking adventures exciting, allowing you to create the perfect batch of Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls tailored just for you!
What to Serve with Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls?
Transform a delicious batch of rolls into a memorable meal by pairing them with the right sides and drinks.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of berries, oranges, and melons brightens your brunch and balances the sweet rolls with tangy citrus notes.
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Savory Quiche: A slice of creamy, cheesy quiche provides a satisfying contrast to the sweet cinnamon rolls, making for a well-rounded breakfast spread.
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Crispy Bacon: The crispy, salty goodness of bacon complements the sweetness of the rolls perfectly, adding a delightful savory touch to your table.
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Maple Syrup Drizzle: Elevate your cinnamon rolls with a drizzle of warm maple syrup, enhancing their sweetness and adding a rich, cozy flavor.
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Herbal Tea: A calming cup of chamomile or mint tea pairs beautifully with the fruity notes of the rolls, perfect for a relaxing breakfast moment.
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Coffee or Espresso: The robust flavors of coffee can enhance the sweetness of the rolls while creating a comforting breakfast experience.
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Yogurt Parfait: Layer creamy yogurt with granola and fresh fruit for a light and healthy side, balancing the richness of your cinnamon rolls.
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Cream Cheese Spread: Serve a dollop of flavored cream cheese on the side, adding a creamy burst of flavor that complements every bite of warm rolls.
Make Ahead Options
These Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls are a fantastic choice for meal prep, saving you precious time on busy mornings! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by letting it rise overnight in the fridge. Additionally, the cranberry jam filling can be made 3 days ahead; simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, remove the dough from the fridge, allow it to come to room temperature, and let it rise for about 30 minutes before slicing and baking. To maintain that delightful freshness, avoid overbaking, as they will still taste just as incredible fresh out of the oven! Enjoy warm rolls with minimal effort!
How to Store and Freeze Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls
Room Temperature: Store unfrosted cranberry orange cinnamon rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
Fridge: If you frost the rolls, keep them in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a warm treat.
Freezer: You can freeze unfrosted rolls for up to 3 months. Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: For best results, reheat rolls in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes or until warm and gooey, ensuring your cranberry orange cinnamon rolls taste just as delightful as when they were first baked.
Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls Recipe FAQs
What’s the best way to select ripe cranberries?
Absolutely! Choose cranberries that are bright in color with a firm texture. Avoid any that are soft or have dark spots, as these may be overripe or moldy. Fresh cranberries tend to be in season from late fall to early winter, so this is the best time to grab them!
How should I store leftover cranberry orange cinnamon rolls?
If you’ve got some rolls left over, that’s fantastic! Unfrosted rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If they’ve been frosted, keep them in the fridge where they will last up to 5 days. Just reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to enjoy them warm again!
Can I freeze the cranberry orange cinnamon rolls?
Certainly! You can freeze the unfrosted cranberry orange cinnamon rolls for up to 3 months. Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. To enjoy, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge, then reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until warm.
What if my dough doesn’t rise?
Very! If your dough hasn’t risen, it might be due to the yeast being inactive. Ensure you’re using warm milk (110 degrees F) to activate the yeast properly. If using active dry yeast, always allow it to bloom in the milk with sugar for 15 minutes before mixing. If your dough feels dense, make sure you knead it long enough for proper gluten development.
Are these rolls suitable for someone with nut allergies?
You’ll be glad to know that this cranberry orange cinnamon rolls recipe is nut-free! Always double-check your ingredient labels for processed items, as cross-contamination can occur. If anyone in your family has specific dietary needs, feel free to ask!
Can I substitute the cream cheese icing with something else?
Absolutely! If you’d like to keep it dairy-free, consider using a dairy-free cream cheese alternative or simply dust the rolls with powdered sugar instead. A simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of orange juice would add a lovely sweetness, too!
Delightful Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls for Cozy Mornings
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Warm the milk to 110 degrees F and stir in the yeast and sugar.
- Blend eggs and vanilla into the milk-yeast mixture.
- In a stand mixer bowl, mix together flour and salt.
- Pour the milk mixture into the flour mix and mix on low-medium speed for 3 minutes.
- Gradually add the butter until fully blended.
- Knead the dough for 8-12 minutes until stretchy.
- Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise overnight or for 1 hour.
- Prepare the jam filling in a medium saucepan.
- Cook the mixture over medium heat for 10-12 minutes.
- Thicken the jam for an additional 8-10 minutes.
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle.
- Spread 1 cup of chilled jam over the dough.
- Roll the dough tightly and seal edges.
- Slice into 9 rolls, each about 1 ½ inches thick.
- Cut rolls using unflavored dental floss.
- Place rolls in a baking dish, cover, and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
- Bake for 22-25 minutes until lightly golden.
- Prepare the icing by whisking cream cheese, melted butter, and powdered sugar.
- Spread icing over warm rolls and sprinkle with orange zest.