Irresistible Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

There’s something magical about waking up to the warm, inviting aroma of freshly baked Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting wafting through the house. Picture this: you’re still half-asleep, hair resembling a tornado aftermath, and then—bam!—the smell hits you like a fluffy cloud of orange zest and cinnamon goodness. You might even find yourself doing a little dance in your pajamas because who can resist that sweet temptation?

These rolls are not just breakfast; they’re an experience. I remember the first time I made them for my family during the holidays. The kitchen was a flurry of flour and giggles, and when those rolls came out of the oven, it felt like winning the lottery. It was pure bliss as we all gathered around to indulge in these fluffy delights, topped with a creamy frosting that could make anyone weak at the knees. So let’s dive into this culinary adventure and get ready to impress everyone at your next brunch or cozy winter gathering!

I’ll never forget how my friends’ eyes lit up when they took their first bite of these rolls. It was a scene straight out of a food commercial.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• All-Purpose Flour: Use high-quality flour for the best texture; it provides the foundation for those fluffy rolls.

• Active Dry Yeast: Make sure it’s fresh for proper rising; nothing beats that airy texture in every bite.

• Granulated Sugar: A bit of sweetness helps activate the yeast and balances flavors throughout.

• Whole Milk: Warm it slightly before using; it promotes yeast activity while ensuring rich flavor.

• Unsalted Butter: Softened butter adds richness; don’t skimp here—you’re making cinnamon roll magic!

• Eggs: They help bind everything together, creating that soft, pillowy texture we all crave.

• Cranberries (fresh or dried): Tartness is key here; if using dried cranberries, soak them beforehand for extra juiciness.

• Orange Zest: Freshly grated zest enhances flavor; it brings brightness to every single roll.

• Cinnamon: Use ground cinnamon liberally; it’s essential for that warming spice we adore in cinnamon rolls.

• Cream Cheese: For frosting, use full-fat cream cheese for ultimate creaminess and flavor depth.

• Powdered Sugar: This sweetens the frosting perfectly; sift it to avoid lumps for smooth application.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prepare yourself for an aromatic journey as we transform these common ingredients into delightful rolls fit for any occasion.

Activate Your Yeast: Begin by warming whole milk until it reaches about 110°F (43°C). Stir in sugar and sprinkle yeast over top. Let it sit until foamy, about 5-10 minutes.

Create Your Dough Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Once your yeast mixture is foamy, add softened butter and eggs before pouring into the dry ingredients.

Knead Until Smooth: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it until smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes. You want that dough to feel like a soft pillow!

Let It Rise!: Place your dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover with a damp cloth. Leave it in a warm spot until doubled in size—about 1-2 hours—while you dream about those heavenly rolls.

Add Your Fillings!: Roll out your dough on a floured surface into a rectangle. Spread softened butter generously over the surface before sprinkling on sugar, cinnamon, orange zest, and cranberries evenly.

Roll & Cut**: Starting from one edge, tightly roll your dough into a log shape. Slice into equal pieces (about 12) using dental floss or a sharp knife before placing them into greased baking pans.

Bake & Frost**: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake rolls until golden brown—around 25-30 minutes. While they cool slightly, whip up your cream cheese frosting by mixing cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth.

Now that you’ve created these beautiful Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting, enjoy every gooey bite! These delightful treats are perfect for holiday brunches or simply pampering yourself on lazy weekends. Feel free to share them with friends or keep them all to yourself—the choice is yours!

You Must Know

• These delightful cranberry orange cinnamon rolls are a festive treat perfect for gatherings
• The sweet and tangy flavors create a holiday aroma that fills your kitchen, making it a cozy spot for friends and family
• These rolls are not just tasty, they’re also fun to make!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by mixing the dough, letting it rise while you prepare the filling. Roll out the dough, spread the filling, and cut into rolls. Bake until golden brown for perfect results.



Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap cranberries with raisins or nuts. Adding orange zest to the cream cheese frosting can elevate the flavor even more. Customize these rolls to suit your taste!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Reheat them in a microwave or oven until warm for a fresh taste.

Chef's Helpful Tips

• Use fresh cranberries for a burst of flavor; dried ones can be too sweet
• Allow the dough to rise properly for fluffy rolls
• Don’t skimp on frosting; it’s what makes these rolls truly special!

I once made these cranberry orange cinnamon rolls for brunch, and my friends devoured them within minutes. It was heartwarming to see everyone enjoying something I had created from scratch.



FAQ

How long does it take to make cranberry orange cinnamon rolls?

Making these delicious rolls takes about 2 hours from start to finish, including rising time.

Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight before baking.

What’s the best way to store leftover cinnamon rolls?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

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Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
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• Author: Barbara
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: Makes approximately 12 servings 1x
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Description
Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting are the ultimate treat for any occasion. The delightful combination of tart cranberries and zesty orange, wrapped in fluffy cinnamon rolls, creates a cozy aroma that fills your kitchen. Topped with a creamy frosting, these rolls are perfect for holiday brunches or special gatherings. This simple yet impressive recipe will have your friends and family asking for seconds!
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Ingredients
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• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
• 1 cup whole milk (warm)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup cranberries (fresh or dried)
• Zest of 1 orange
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 8 oz cream cheese (full-fat)
• 2 cups powdered sugar
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Instructions
1. Activate the yeast: In a bowl, combine warm milk and sugar; sprinkle yeast on top and let sit until foamy (5-10 minutes).
2. Make the dough: In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Add yeast mixture, butter, and eggs. Knead until smooth (8-10 minutes).
3. Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled (1-2 hours).
4. Prepare filling: Roll out dough into a rectangle; spread softened butter over it, then sprinkle with sugar, cinnamon, orange zest, and cranberries.
5. Roll & cut: Roll tightly from one edge; slice into approximately 12 pieces and place in greased pans.
6. Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
7. Frost: Mix cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth; apply frosting to warm rolls before serving.
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
Nutrition
• Serving Size: 1 roll (100g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 290mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 50mg