Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting offer a perfect balance of tart cranberries, zesty orange, and sweet cinnamon, all wrapped in a soft, fluffy dough. The cream cheese frosting adds a creamy, tangy finish, making these rolls a delightful treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. The combination of bright citrus and tangy cranberries makes them an irresistible twist on a classic cinnamon roll.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the dough: all-purpose floursugarinstant yeastmilk (lukewarm)unsalted butter (melted)eggssaltorange zest

For the filling: brown sugargranulated sugarground cinnamonunsalted butter (softened)fresh cranberries (chopped or whole)

For the cream cheese frosting: cream cheese (softened)unsalted butterpowdered sugarvanilla extractorange juice

directions

Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting 10 Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting offer a perfect balance of tart cranberries, zesty orange, and sweet cinnamon, all wrapped in a soft, fluffy dough. The cream cheese frosting adds a creamy, tangy finish, making these rolls a delightful treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. The combination of bright citrus and tangy cranberries makes them an irresistible twist on a classic cinnamon roll.

For the dough:

In a large bowl, combine the lukewarm milk, sugar, and instant yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.

Add the melted butter, eggs, salt, and orange zest to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine.

Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a dough forms. Once the dough begins to come together, knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise for 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.

For the filling:

In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon.

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a rectangle, about 12×18 inches, on a floured surface.

Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly on top.

Sprinkle the chopped cranberries over the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

Starting from the long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Cut the log into 12 equal slices.

Place the rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, making sure they are touching. Cover with a damp cloth and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until doubled in size.

Baking the rolls:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Once the rolls have risen, bake them for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and cooked through.

Allow the rolls to cool slightly before frosting.

For the cream cheese frosting:

While the rolls are baking, prepare the frosting by beating the cream cheese and unsalted butter together until smooth and creamy.

Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and orange juice, and continue to beat until fluffy.

To serve:

Once the rolls have cooled slightly, spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top of each roll. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 12 rolls.Preparation time: 15 minutesRising time: 1.5 hoursBaking time: 25-30 minutesFrosting preparation: 10 minutesTotal time: 2.5-3 hours

Variations

Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling for added texture and flavor.

For a spicier twist, add a pinch of ground nutmeg or allspice to the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

Substitute dried cranberries for fresh ones if fresh cranberries are out of season.

For a more citrusy flavor, add extra orange zest to the frosting or the dough.

storage/reheating

Store leftover cranberry orange cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to regain their softness.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature before rolling and baking.

Can I freeze these cinnamon rolls?

Yes, you can freeze unbaked rolls after they’ve been sliced and placed in the baking dish. Cover them tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to bake, let them thaw and rise before baking.

Can I use a different fruit?

Yes, you can substitute the cranberries with other fruits like raspberries or blueberries for a different flavor.

Can I make this recipe without yeast?

Yeast is essential for the dough to rise and create that fluffy texture, so it’s best to use it for this recipe.

Can I use a different type of frosting?

Yes, you can use a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice if you prefer a lighter frosting.

Conclusion

Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delicious and festive twist on the classic cinnamon roll. The combination of sweet, spicy cinnamon, tart cranberries, and zesty orange creates a unique and flavorful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Topped with a creamy, tangy frosting, these rolls are sure to become a favorite in your breakfast or dessert rotation!