Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls: A Delicious Holiday Treat Recipe

Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on the classic cinnamon roll, combining the tartness of cranberries with the zesty brightness of orange. These rolls are not just a treat for the taste buds; they also evoke a sense of warmth and nostalgia, making them a perfect addition to any holiday breakfast or brunch. The history of cinnamon rolls dates back to ancient times, but the incorporation of cranberries and orange adds a modern flair that many have come to adore.

People love cranberry orange cinnamon rolls for their irresistible combination of flavors and textures. The soft, pillowy dough is enveloped in a sweet, tangy filling, creating a delightful contrast that keeps everyone coming back for more. Additionally, these rolls are incredibly convenient to make, allowing you to impress your family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or as a delightful snack throughout the day, cranberry orange cinnamon rolls are sure to become a beloved staple in your recipe collection.

Ingredients:

• For the Dough:
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed to 110°F
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the Filling:
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries, chopped
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)

Preparing the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active.
2. Once the yeast is frothy, add the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to the mixture. Whisk until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring with a wooden spoon or spatula until a dough begins to form.
4. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour as needed.
5. Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Preparing the Filling

1. While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Mix until well combined and creamy.
2. Stir in the chopped cranberries and orange zest until evenly distributed throughout the filling mixture.

Assembling the Rolls

1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Transfer it back to a floured surface and roll it out into a rectangle approximately 16×12 inches in size.
2. Spread the filling mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
3. Starting from the long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Pinch the seam to seal it.
4. Using a sharp knife or dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal pieces. Place the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish or on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving some space between each roll.
5. Cover the rolls with a kitchen towel and let them rise again for about 30-45 minutes, or until they have puffed up.

Cooking Process

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Once the rolls have risen, bake them in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. If they start to brown too quickly, cover them loosely with aluminum foil.
3. While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
4. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. If the frosting is too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
   

   Conclusion:

   In summary, these Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful fusion of flavors that make them a must-try for any breakfast or brunch gathering. The tartness of the cranberries perfectly complements the sweetness of the orange zest, while the warm spices of cinnamon create a comforting aroma that will fill your kitchen with holiday cheer. Not only are they delicious, but they also offer a beautiful presentation that is sure to impress your family and friends. For serving suggestions, consider drizzling a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice over the rolls for an extra touch of sweetness. You can also pair them with a side of cream cheese frosting for those who enjoy a richer flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding nuts or chocolate chips to the filling for a unique twist, or substitute the cranberries with other fruits like blueberries or raspberries for a different seasonal variation. We encourage you to try this recipe for Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls and experience the joy of baking something truly special. Don’t forget to share your experience with us! Whether you enjoyed them fresh out of the oven or saved some for later, we’d love to hear how they turned out. Your feedback not only inspires us but also helps fellow bakers discover the magic of these rolls. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a delicious treat that will become a cherished favorite in your home!
   Print
   

   Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls: A Delicious Holiday Treat Recipe

   ---

   • Author: Dottie
   • Total Time: 120 minutes
   • Yield: 12 rolls 1x

   Print Recipe

   Pin Recipe

   Description

   Enjoy these soft and fluffy Cranberry Cinnamon Rolls filled with a sweet and tangy cranberry mixture, topped with creamy frosting. Perfect for breakfast or a delightful treat!

   ---

   Ingredients

   Scale 1x2x3x

   • 4 cups all-purpose flour
   • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
   • 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
   • 1 teaspoon salt
   • 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed to 110°F
   • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
   • 2 large eggs
   • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
   • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
   • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
   • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
   • 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries, chopped
   • 1 tablespoon orange zest
   • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
   • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
   • 2 cups powdered sugar
   • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
   • 1–2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)

   ---

   Instructions

   1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
   2. Once the yeast is frothy, add the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to the mixture. Whisk until well combined.
   3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring with a wooden spoon or spatula until a dough begins to form.
   4. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour as needed.
   5. Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
   6. While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Mix until well combined and creamy.
   7. Stir in the chopped cranberries and orange zest until evenly distributed throughout the filling mixture.
   8. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Transfer it back to a floured surface and roll it out into a rectangle approximately 16×12 inches in size.
   9. Spread the filling mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
   10. Starting from the long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Pinch the seam to seal it.
   11. Using a sharp knife or dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal pieces. Place the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish or on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving some space between each roll.
   12. Cover the rolls with a kitchen towel and let them rise again for about 30-45 minutes, or until they have puffed up.
   13. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   14. Once the rolls have risen, bake them in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. If they start to brown too quickly, cover them loosely with aluminum foil.
   15. While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
   16. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. If the frosting is too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

   Notes

   • For a more intense flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to the filling.
   • These rolls can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before baking. Just let them come to room temperature and rise before baking.

   • Prep Time: 30 minutes
   • Cook Time: 30 minutes