As I turned the corner into my kitchen, a sweet and tangy aroma enveloped me, instantly lifting my spirits. I couldn’t wait to share these Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls, fragrant bundles of joy perfect for any festive brunch or holiday breakfast. They’re not just a treat for the taste buds; they’re also quick to prepare, with the dough rising to pillowy perfection in about two hours. Imagine presenting these fluffy rolls, swirled with vibrant cranberry and zesty orange, drizzled with a rich cream cheese glaze that beckons family and friends to gather ’round. Whether it’s a cozy weekend gathering or a celebratory feast, these rolls will definitely steal the spotlight. Are you ready to elevate your brunch game?
Why will you crave these cinnamon rolls?
Irresistible Aroma: The moment they come out of the oven, your kitchen will be filled with a delightful fragrance that announces something special is baking.
Vibrant Flavors: Each roll bursts with juicy cranberries and zesty orange, creating a celebration of taste that beats any ordinary brunch dish.
Quick Preparation: Ready in just two hours, these rolls fit perfectly into your busy schedule, allowing you to enjoy homemade goodness without the wait.
Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a simple weekend brunch, everyone will be reaching for seconds, leaving smiles all around.
Versatile Variations: Don’t forget, you can easily customize these rolls with dried fruits, nuts, or different citrus flavors to match your mood! Pair them with a cup of coffee or a refreshing Iced Cinnamon Whiskey for a delightful treat.
Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls Ingredients
For the Dough
• Flour – Provides structure and texture; use all-purpose flour for best results.
• Yeast – Leavens the dough for a soft, fluffy texture; ensure it is fresh for proper rising.
• Warm Milk – Activates yeast and adds moisture; ensure it’s warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
• Sugar – Sweetens the dough and filling; use granulated or adjust for desired sweetness.
• Melted Butter – Enriches flavor and keeps rolls moist; substitute with plant-based alternatives for a dairy-free option.
• Egg – Binds ingredients and adds richness; for a vegan option, a flax egg can be used.
For the Filling
• Cranberries – Provide a tart burst in the filling; frozen cranberries can be used without thawing to avoid excess moisture.
• Orange Zest – Offers a bright citrus flavor; use fresh for the best aroma.
• Cinnamon – Adds warmth and flavor to the rolls; adjust quantity for desired spice level.
For the Glaze
• Cream Cheese – Forms the glaze that adds creaminess; can be swapped with dairy-free cream cheese alternatives.
• Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the glaze; adjust according to taste.
• Orange Juice – Enhances the glaze’s flavor; can substitute with lemon juice for a different citrus profile.
These Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls are not just a joyful treat; they’re a fragrant centerpiece that will elevate any festive brunch.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together warm milk with yeast, allowing it to sit for about 5 minutes until frothy. Then mix in sugar, melted butter, and egg, followed by the flour. Stir until a sticky dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Shape the Rolls
After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release excess air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Evenly spread the filling mixture of cranberries, orange zest, sugar, and cinnamon over the dough, pressing it lightly. This is the moment to be generous with your filling! Roll the dough tightly from one end to the other to form a log shape.
Step 3: Cut the Rolls
Using a sharp knife or dental floss, cut the log into 8 equal pieces, creating beautiful swirls of filling in each roll. Place the slices in a greased baking pan, ensuring they are snug but not overcrowded. Cover the rolls lightly and allow them to rise for another 30 minutes as you preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Watch them puff up and come together!
Step 4: Bake the Rolls
Once the rolls have risen, place the baking pan in the preheated oven. Bake the Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls for about 20 minutes or until they are golden brown and puffed up. The edges should be lightly crisp while the centers remain soft and fluffy. As they bake, the aromatic scent of cranberries and orange will fill your kitchen, making it hard to wait!
Step 5: Prepare the Glaze
While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese glaze by beating together cream cheese, powdered sugar, and orange juice in a mixing bowl until smooth and creamy. Adjust the sweetness by adding more powdered sugar to taste. This luscious glaze will provide the perfect sweet ending to your rolls once they’re out of the oven.
Step 6: Drizzle and Serve
As soon as your Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls emerge from the oven, allow them to cool for a few minutes before drizzling the rich cream cheese glaze generously over the warm rolls. The glaze will melt slightly, creating a decadent finish. Serve them warm for a fabulous festive brunch that will surely delight everyone gathered around the table!
Make Ahead Options
These Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for those busy mornings or festive occasions! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by following steps 1 and 2. After shaping the rolls, cover them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove them from the fridge and allow them to rise at room temperature for about 30-60 minutes before baking. To maintain their fluffy texture, avoid keeping them in the fridge for longer than a day. Not only will this save you time, but it means you can have fresh, warm rolls on the table with minimal effort when you need them most!
Storage Tips for Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls
Room Temperature: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain softness and flavor.
Fridge: If you need to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to 3 days. Wrap tightly to prevent them from drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cinnamon rolls individually wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes until soft and cozy, ready to savor the delightful taste of these Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls.
What to Serve with Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls
Transform your festive brunch into a delightful feast with perfect pairings that highlight the lively flavors of these sweet rolls.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A bowl of vibrant fruits, like strawberries and blueberries, adds a refreshing complement to the warm, sweet rolls, balancing richness beautifully.
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Rich Coffee: A cup of freshly brewed coffee enhances the rolls’ flavors, creating a cozy atmosphere, perfect for long conversations around the table.
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Citrusy Tea: A bright, citrus-infused tea echoes the orange notes in the rolls, offering a delightful contrast and uplifting the entire brunch vibe.
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Savory Quiche: Pairing these rolls with a cheesy quiche introduces a savory element to your brunch, balancing indulgence with a satisfying dish full of protein.
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Creamy Yogurt Parfait: Layered with granola and fresh fruit, a yogurt parfait adds crunch and creaminess, making for a well-rounded meal that satisfies different textures.
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Maple Syrup Drizzle: Although the rolls are already sweetened, a light drizzle of maple syrup enriches their flavor, creating a delightful sweetness reminiscent of cozy mornings.
Inviting these pairings to your table will surely elevate your brunch game, making the star of the show—the Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls—even more enchanting!
Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls Variations
Feel free to put your own spin on these cinnamon rolls for an even more delightful experience!
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Dried Fruit: Swap cranberries for raisins, chopped dried cherries, or apricots for a unique flavor twist. Each fruit brings its own sweetness, enhancing the overall taste profile.
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Citrus Swap: Substitute orange zest and juice with lemon for a refreshing twist that adds a sunny zing to your rolls. The bright flavors will still keep your brunch festive!
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Nutty Addition: For a nutty flavor, add chopped toasted walnuts or pecans into the filling or sprinkle them on top for extra crunch and depth. The added texture pairs perfectly with the softness of the rolls.
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Spice it Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon filling for a warm spice kick that complements the cranberry and orange. Feel free to experiment with different spice combinations!
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Cream Cheese Alternative: If you’re keeping things dairy-free, substitute regular cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative in the glaze without losing creaminess. It makes for a wonderful, inclusive treat for all!
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Flavor Layers: Include a layer of sweet orange marmalade spread over the dough before rolling for an added layer of fruity goodness. The marmalade brings a citrusy sweetness that can’t be beat.
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Top it Off: Drizzle your rolls with a little warm maple syrup on top of the glaze for an irresistibly decadent finish. This might just become your new favorite brunch topping!
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Heated Up: Add a touch of cayenne pepper to the cinnamon filling for a surprising warmth. This spicy twist adds a unique depth that adventurous eaters will love.
Need even more inspiration? Check out these Sausage Rolls Hot for a savory pairing or try a refreshing beverage like Iced Cinnamon Whiskey to complement your festive feast!
Expert Tips for Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls
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Perfectly Warm: Always ensure your dough rises in a warm place, ideally around 80°F (27°C), for the best fluffiness and texture.
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Use Fresh Cranberries: If using frozen cranberries, keep them frozen until ready to use. Thawing can introduce excess moisture, making the filling soggy.
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Make Ahead: Prepare the rolls a day in advance and refrigerate them unbaked. Let them come to room temperature and rise before baking for a stress-free morning.
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Flavor Boost: For an extra citrus kick, incorporate additional orange zest into the glaze. It brings a refreshing brightness to your Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls.
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Cutting Technique: Use unflavored dental floss to cut the dough log into rolls. It creates cleaner cuts without squishing the dough, ensuring each swirl stays beautiful.
Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls Recipe FAQs
What should I look for when selecting cranberries?
Absolutely! When it comes to cranberries, look for firm, plump ones with a deep red color. Avoid those with dark spots or wrinkling, as they may be overripe. If you’re using frozen cranberries, you can just toss them in without thawing to keep your filling from becoming overly moist.
How should I store leftover cinnamon rolls?
You can keep your leftover Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days. If you want them to last longer, pop them in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. Just make sure to keep them tightly wrapped to lock in their deliciousness!
Can I freeze Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. They can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge, and then reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
What should I do if my dough doesn’t rise?
Very! If your dough fails to rise, it might be due to inactive yeast. Always check the expiration date on your yeast package. If your warm milk was too hot, it may have killed the yeast. For the next batch, let the milk cool to about 110°F (43°C) before mixing. If the dough still doesn’t rise, try placing it in a warmer spot in your kitchen or covering it with a damp cloth to create a cozy environment.
Can I make these cinnamon rolls vegan?
Yes, indeed! You can swap the egg for a flax egg, which is made by mixing 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes gel-like. Additionally, use plant-based butter and dairy-free cream cheese for the glaze to make these rolls completely vegan.
How do I avoid soggy filling?
To prevent sogginess in your cranberry filling, I recommend keeping frozen cranberries frozen until you’re ready to use them. This keeps moisture to a minimum. If you’re using fresh cranberries, make sure they are firm and not overripe. Mixing the filling ingredients just before spreading onto the dough can also help maintain the right consistency.
Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls for a Festive Brunch Magic
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together warm milk with yeast, allowing it to sit for about 5 minutes until frothy. Then mix in sugar, melted butter, and egg, followed by the flour. Stir until a sticky dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release excess air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Evenly spread the filling mixture of cranberries, orange zest, sugar, and cinnamon over the dough, pressing it lightly. This is the moment to be generous with your filling! Roll the dough tightly from one end to the other to form a log shape.
- Using a sharp knife or dental floss, cut the log into 8 equal pieces, creating beautiful swirls of filling in each roll. Place the slices in a greased baking pan, ensuring they are snug but not overcrowded. Cover the rolls lightly and allow them to rise for another 30 minutes as you preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Watch them puff up and come together!
- Once the rolls have risen, place the baking pan in the preheated oven. Bake the Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls for about 20 minutes or until they are golden brown and puffed up. The edges should be lightly crisp while the centers remain soft and fluffy. As they bake, the aromatic scent of cranberries and orange will fill your kitchen, making it hard to wait!
- While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese glaze by beating together cream cheese, powdered sugar, and orange juice in a mixing bowl until smooth and creamy. Adjust the sweetness by adding more powdered sugar to taste. This luscious glaze will provide the perfect sweet ending to your rolls once they’re out of the oven.
- As soon as your Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls emerge from the oven, allow them to cool for a few minutes before drizzling the rich cream cheese glaze generously over the warm rolls. The glaze will melt slightly, creating a decadent finish. Serve them warm for a fabulous festive brunch that will surely delight everyone gathered around the table!
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