These Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for Christmas morning – full of bright colors and flavors and sure to please a crowd!
I was never really a fan of cinnamon rolls growing up. Just wasn’t my thing. Not sure if it was too sweet, too doughy, or what, but I would have much rather had tacos for breakfast. Recently, however, I’ve become quite fond of fruity versions of cinnamon or sweet rolls, like my Blackberry Lemon Sweet Rolls or Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls. And now these Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls. Which I can say without hesistation are my favorite so far.
It’s not really a secret that I love the cranberry orange combination. I’ve made cupcakes, cookies, sweet bread, and now cinnamon rolls all with the combination. And I love every single one of them. And there might be two more recipes coming before the holidays. Just sayin’. It’s a great combo!
These rolls though, are something quite amazing. They are sweet, but not too sweet and the tangy zing from the orange and cranberries makes my tastebuds siiiiinngg!! To be honest, I was surprised how good they were. I mean, I knew they’d be good, but had no clue they’d make my mouth water from the first bite. Nat loved them too, though I’m sure the cream cheese frosting had a bit to do with that.
Christmas will be here before we know it, and these would be an amazing breakfast to start the day off with! I know I would be happy to wake up to a pan of them!
What does it take to make Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls?
Milk
Instant yeast
Granulated sugar
All-purpose flour
Salt
Orange zest
Orange juice
Unsalted butter
Eggs
Fresh cranberries
Water
Light brown sugar
Ground cinnamon
Cream cheese
Vanilla extract
Powdered sugar
How to make Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls
Full printable recipe below!
Step 1
In a glass bowl or measuring cup, heat milk to 115°F. Sprinkle the yeast and sugar on top of the warm milk and let sit until the top is foamy looking, about 5 minutes.
Step 2
Meanwhile, add the flour, salt, sugar and zest to the bowl of a stand mixer. Using the dough hook attachment, mix on low, then slowly add in yeast mixture, followed by orange juice and butter. Finally, add one egg at a time, mixing to just incorporate before adding the next. Continue mixing, at medium speed now, until dough pulls together into a smooth-looking ball around the dough hook. Knead by hand if necessary.
Step 3
Lightly oil a large glass bowl and place the dough in it. Cover with plastic wrap and allow to rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 4
In a small saucepan, combine the cranberries, water, sugar, and orange zest over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until sugar is dissolved, cranberries are soft an starting to pop, and liquid is mostly absorbed. Set aside to cool.
Step 5
While the dough is rising, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon for the filling in a small bowl and set aside.
Step 6
When the dough is ready, prepare a large non-stick work surface to roll the dough out on.
Step 7
Roll the dough out to a 10×20-inch rectangle. Brush entire surface with the melted butter, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Spread sugar mixture over dough, then top with orange zest and the cranberry mixture, gently spreading them to cover the dough evenly.
Step 8
Prepare 2 round pans or a 9×13 baking pan by spraying with cooking spray or lining with parchment or foil, with some hanging over the sides for easy removal after baking, leaving enough overhang to grab later. Lightly spray the bottom and sides with cooking spray.
Step 9
Starting at one of the shorter (10-inch) ends, tightly roll the dough, pinching ends and edges together well as you go. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice rolled dough into 12 equal pieces. Place in prepared pan, cover, and allow to rise for an hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 10
Preheat oven to 350°F and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until centers reach 200°F.
Step 11
Place the cream cheese, butter, vanilla, salt, orange juice and a tablespoon of milk in a bowl and mix until smooth. Once smooth add the powdered sugar and mix until fully incorporated. You can mix in an additional tablespoon or two of milk if you want a thinner frosting.
Step 12
Drizzle glaze on top of the rolls and enjoy! These are great warm or at room temp!
They take a little while to make, but good things come to those who wait!
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I’ve joined up with some of my blogger friends to bring you a ton of great Cranberry recipes this week. Make sure you check out the other recipes below!
Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
For the dough
- 3/4 cup milk
- 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 tsp orange juice, freshly squeezed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 eggs
For the filling
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 2 Tbsp water
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese room temp
- 2 tbsp butter room temp
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 tsp orange juice
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 Tbsp milk, plus more to reach desired consistency (I did not add more)
Instructions
- In a glass bowl or measuring cup, heat milk to 115°F. Sprinkle the yeast and sugar on top of the warm milk and let sit until the top is foamy looking, about 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, add the flour, salt, sugar and zest to the bowl of a stand mixer. Using the dough hook attachment, mix on low, then slowly add in yeast mixture, followed by orange juice and butter. Finally, add one egg at a time, mixing to just incorporate before adding the next. Continue mixing, at medium speed now, until dough pulls together into a smooth-looking ball around the dough hook. Knead by hand if necessary.
- Lightly oil a large glass bowl and place the dough in it. Cover with plastic wrap and allow to rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- In a small saucepan, combine the cranberries, water and sugar over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until sugar is dissolved, cranberries are soft an starting to pop, and liquid is mostly absorbed. Set aside to cool.
- While the dough is rising, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon for the filling in a small bowl and set aside.
- When the dough is ready, prepare a large non-stick work surface to roll the dough out on.
- Roll the dough out to a 10×20-inch rectangle. Brush entire surface with the melted butter, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Spread sugar mixture over dough, then top with orange zest and the cranberry mixture, gently spreading it to cover the dough evenly.
- Prepare 2 round pans or a 9×13 baking pan by spraying with cooking spray or lining with parchment or foil, with some hanging over the sides for easy removal after baking, leaving enough overhang to grab later. Lightly spray the bottom and sides with cooking spray.
- Starting at one of the shorter (10-inch) ends, tightly roll the dough, pinching ends and edges together well as you go. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice rolled dough into 12 equal pieces. Place in prepared pan, cover, and allow to rise for an hour, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat oven to 350°F and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until centers reach 200°F.
- Place the cream cheese, butter, vanilla, salt, orange juice and a tablespoon of milk in a bowl and mix until smooth. Once smooth add the powdered sugar and mix until fully incorporated. You can mix in an additional tablespoon or two of milk if you want a thinner frosting.
- Drizzle glaze on top of the rolls and enjoy! These are great warm or at room temp!
Nutrition
Wednesday Cranberry Recipes
Cranberry and Prosciutto Pizza by A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
Cranberry Apple Crisp by Karen’s Kitchen Stories
Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake by Palatable Pastime
Cranberry Chicken Meatballs by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies by Kathryn’s Kitchen Blog
Cranberry Old Fashion by Cheese Curd In Paradise
Cranberry Onion Relish/Thokku by Magical Ingredients
Cranberry Orange Bread by House of Nash Eats
Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls by Sweet Beginnings
Cranberry Praline Fudge by The Freshman Cook
Cranberry Rice Pilaf by A Day in the Life on the Farm
Cranberry Sauce Muffins by Making Miracles
Fresh Cranberry Breakfast Cake by Shockingly Delicious
Glazed Cranberry Gingerbread Muffins by Savory Moments
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