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!