Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls: A Festive Holiday Recipe

Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls: Prepare to be transported to a realm of pure breakfast bliss! Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of warm spices, tangy citrus, and sweet cranberries swirling through your kitchen. These aren’t your average cinnamon rolls; they’re a festive explosion of flavor that will elevate any brunch or holiday gathering.

Cinnamon rolls themselves have a rich history, evolving from simple sweet breads into the decadent treats we know and love today. Adding cranberry and orange, however, brings a modern twist, perfect for celebrating the fall and winter seasons. The combination is reminiscent of classic holiday flavors, evoking feelings of warmth and nostalgia.

What makes these Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls so incredibly appealing? It’s the perfect balance of textures and tastes. The soft, pillowy dough gives way to a gooey, cinnamon-spiced filling, punctuated by the tartness of cranberries and the bright zest of orange. The creamy, tangy glaze drizzled on top adds the final touch of perfection. They are also surprisingly easy to make, especially if you use store-bought dough, making them a convenient option for busy mornings or impromptu get-togethers. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll never look at cinnamon rolls the same way again!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Dough:
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk, warmed to 110-115°F
• ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• For the Cranberry Orange Filling:
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, coarsely chopped
• Zest of 1 large orange
• For the Orange Cream Cheese Frosting:
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons orange juice, freshly squeezed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of ½ large orange

Preparing the Dough:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 3 cups of the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. I like to use a whisk to make sure everything is evenly distributed. This helps the yeast activate properly.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the warmed milk, melted butter, and beaten eggs. Make sure your milk isn’t too hot, or it will kill the yeast! It should feel warm to the touch, but not scalding.
3. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5-7 minutes, adding the remaining ½ cup of flour gradually, until the dough is smooth and elastic. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
5. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. I often put mine in a slightly warmed oven (turned off, of course!) to create a cozy environment.

Making the Cranberry Orange Filling:

1. Soften the Butter: Make sure your butter is nice and soft. You don’t want it melted, just easily spreadable. I usually leave mine out on the counter for about an hour before I start.
2. Combine Sugars and Spices: In a medium bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix well to ensure even distribution of the spices.
3. Prepare the Cranberries and Orange Zest: Coarsely chop the cranberries. If using frozen cranberries, no need to thaw them. Zest one large orange. I like to use a microplane for zesting, as it creates a very fine zest that releases a lot of flavor.

Assembling the Cinnamon Rolls:

1. Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down gently to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches.
2. Spread the Butter: Spread the softened butter evenly over the entire surface of the dough. Make sure to get all the way to the edges!
3. Sprinkle with Sugar and Spices: Sprinkle the sugar and spice mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
4. Add Cranberries and Orange Zest: Sprinkle the chopped cranberries and orange zest evenly over the sugar and spice mixture.
5. Roll Up the Dough: Starting from one of the long edges, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Try to keep the roll as tight as possible to create nice, even spirals.
6. Slice the Rolls: Using a sharp serrated knife or unflavored dental floss, slice the log into 12 equal pieces. I find that dental floss works really well for this, as it doesn’t squish the rolls. To use dental floss, slide a piece of floss under the log, cross the ends over the top, and pull to slice.
7. Second Rise: Place the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, or until puffy.

Baking the Cinnamon Rolls:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake the Rolls: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. The center rolls should be set and not doughy. If the tops are browning too quickly, you can tent them with foil.
3. Cool Slightly: Let the rolls cool in the baking dish for about 10-15 minutes before frosting. This allows them to set up a bit and prevents the frosting from melting completely.

Making the Orange Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. Cream Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Make sure both are at room temperature to avoid lumps.
2. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low speed until combined. Be careful not to add it all at once, or you’ll end up with a cloud of powdered sugar!
3. Add Orange Juice, Vanilla, and Zest: Add the orange juice, vanilla extract, and orange zest. Beat until smooth and creamy. Add more orange juice, 1 tablespoon at a time, if needed to reach your desired consistency.

Frosting and Serving:

1. Frost the Rolls: Spread the frosting evenly over the warm cinnamon rolls.
2. Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy! These are best enjoyed warm, but they’re also delicious at room temperature. You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Conclusion:

Okay, friends, let’s be honest – you’ve read this far, and that means you’re seriously considering making these Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls. And trust me, you absolutely should! They’re not just cinnamon rolls; they’re a warm, comforting hug in pastry form, bursting with the bright tang of cranberries, the zesty aroma of orange, and the classic, comforting spice of cinnamon. This recipe is a must-try because it elevates the humble cinnamon roll to a whole new level of deliciousness, perfect for a special breakfast, a festive brunch, or even a cozy dessert.

But why are these rolls so special? It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The dough is soft and pillowy, the filling is gooey and flavorful, and the glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness. Plus, the cranberries and orange zest add a vibrant pop of color and a refreshing twist that will wake up your taste buds. Forget those store-bought cinnamon rolls – once you’ve tasted these homemade delights, you’ll never go back!

And the best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make! I’ve broken down the steps into manageable chunks, so even if you’re a beginner baker, you can confidently tackle this recipe. The aroma that will fill your kitchen as these bake is worth the effort alone. Imagine the smiles on the faces of your loved ones when you present them with a plate of these warm, fragrant rolls.

Now, let’s talk serving suggestions and variations. These Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls are fantastic on their own, but you can also dress them up to suit your taste. For a truly decadent experience, try serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts adds a delightful crunch.

Feeling adventurous? Here are a few variations to try:

* Cream Cheese Glaze: Swap out the powdered sugar glaze for a tangy cream cheese glaze. Simply combine cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and a touch of vanilla extract for a rich and creamy topping.
* Lemon Zest: If you’re not a fan of orange, try using lemon zest instead. It will add a bright and citrusy flavor that complements the cranberries beautifully.
* Chocolate Chips: Add a handful of chocolate chips to the filling for a chocolatey twist.
* Maple Syrup: Drizzle a little maple syrup over the rolls after baking for an extra touch of sweetness and warmth.
* Overnight Rise: For an even more flavorful dough, let the dough rise in the refrigerator overnight. This slow fermentation process will enhance the flavor and texture of the rolls.

I truly believe that this recipe for Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls is a winner. It’s a crowd-pleaser, a flavor explosion, and a guaranteed way to brighten anyone’s day. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these irresistible treats.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you’ve made them, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. I’d love to hear what you think, what variations you tried, and how much everyone enjoyed them. Happy baking!