Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting are a festive and flavorful spin on the traditional cinnamon roll. Bursting with tart cranberries, bright citrus, warm cinnamon, and topped with a smooth, tangy cream cheese frosting, these rolls are perfect for holiday mornings, winter brunches, or anytime you want to impress with something cozy and unique.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bright and Tangy Flavor: The combo of sweet oranges and tart cranberries adds a refreshing twist.
• Soft and Buttery Dough: Classic cinnamon roll dough that bakes up pillowy and tender.
• Perfect for Holidays: A beautiful and seasonal treat for Christmas breakfast or Thanksgiving brunch.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the night before and bake in the morning.
• Visually Stunning: The red-and-orange filling makes for a colorful, festive presentation.

Ingredients

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

For the Dough:

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Active dry yeast
• Salt
• Whole milk
• Unsalted butter
• Large eggs

For the Cranberry Orange Filling:

• Fresh or frozen cranberries
• Orange juice
• Orange zest
• Granulated sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• Cream cheese
• Unsalted butter
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Milk or orange juice (for thinning)

Directions

1. Make the Dough: Warm the milk and combine it with sugar and yeast. Let sit until foamy. Add in eggs and melted butter, then gradually mix in flour and salt to form a soft dough. Knead until smooth and let rise until doubled in size (about 1 hour).
2. Prepare the Filling: In a saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, sugar, zest, and cinnamon. Simmer over medium heat until cranberries burst and mixture thickens. Use a little cornstarch if it’s too runny. Let cool completely.
3. Assemble the Rolls: Roll dough out into a rectangle. Spread the cranberry-orange mixture evenly across the surface, leaving a border. Roll up tightly and cut into 12 even pieces.
4. Second Rise: Arrange rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise again until puffy (30–45 minutes).
5. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 25–30 minutes until golden and cooked through.
6. Make the Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and a splash of milk or orange juice to reach desired consistency.
7. Frost and Serve: Spread the frosting over warm rolls and enjoy.

Servings and Timing

• Yield: 12 rolls
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Rising Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
• Total Time: 2.5 to 3 hours

Variations

• Nutty Addition: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the filling.
• Cranberry Sauce Shortcut: Use leftover cranberry sauce as the filling base.
• Glaze Option: Swap cream cheese frosting for an orange glaze made with powdered sugar and orange juice.
• Mini Rolls: Make bite-size versions for parties by slicing the log thinner and reducing bake time.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Reheating: Microwave individual rolls for 15–20 seconds, or reheat in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes.
• Freezing: Freeze unfrosted rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking or reheating and frosting.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought cranberry jam?

Yes, you can use cranberry-orange jam as a shortcut if you’re short on time.

Can I make these the night before?

Absolutely. Assemble the rolls, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Let them sit at room temp while the oven preheats.

Can I use frozen cranberries?

Yes, just thaw and drain them before cooking the filling to avoid excess moisture.

Can I use a bread machine for the dough?

Yes, you can use a bread machine on the dough setting to mix and proof the dough.

What’s the best way to cut the rolls cleanly?

Use unflavored dental floss to slice through the log without squishing it.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that’s meant for yeast baking.

Can I skip the cream cheese frosting?

Yes, but it balances the tart cranberry flavor. You can use a powdered sugar glaze instead.

Do I have to use fresh orange juice?

Fresh is best for flavor, but bottled juice works in a pinch.

How do I keep the filling from leaking out?

Don’t overfill and leave a small border. Roll the dough tightly and pinch the edge to seal.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but be sure to use two pans or a larger baking dish so they have room to rise.

Conclusion

Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting offer a festive flavor upgrade to traditional rolls. With sweet-tart cranberry filling, bright citrus notes, and rich frosting, they’re ideal for any special morning or holiday breakfast. Once you try this seasonal twist, it might just become your new favorite roll recipe.

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