Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting are a festive twist on the classic cinnamon roll, combining the tartness of cranberries with the bright citrus flavor of orange. The sweet, spiced filling and tangy cream cheese frosting make these rolls perfect for holiday mornings, brunches, or cozy weekends. They’re soft, fluffy, and bursting with flavor in every bite.

ingredients

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

all-purpose flourgranulated sugardry active yeastwhole milkunsalted buttereggsaltfresh or frozen cranberriesorange zestorange juicebrown sugarground cinnamoncream cheesepowdered sugarmilkvanilla extract

directions

Warm the milk until it’s lukewarm (not hot) and dissolve the yeast in it. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.

In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and orange zest.

Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and eggs to the dry ingredients. Mix and knead until a soft dough forms.

Cover and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Meanwhile, prepare the filling by combining brown sugar, cinnamon, chopped cranberries, and orange zest.

Roll out the dough into a rectangle, spread softened butter over it, and sprinkle the cranberry-orange cinnamon mixture evenly.

Roll up the dough tightly and cut into even rolls. Place them in a greased baking dish.

Cover and let rise for another 30-45 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

While baking, make the frosting by beating together cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Once the rolls are slightly cooled, generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the top.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 12 rolls.Preparation time: 30 minutesFirst rise: 1 hourSecond rise: 45 minutesBaking time: 25-30 minutesTotal time: 2 hours 45 minutes

Variations

Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the filling for added crunch.

Swap cranberries for dried cranberries or even raspberries for a different twist.

Use orange glaze instead of cream cheese frosting for a lighter topping.

Add a dash of cardamom or nutmeg to the filling for deeper spice flavor.

storage/reheating

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.To reheat, microwave individual rolls for 15-20 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes.Frosted rolls can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight and warm before serving.

FAQs

Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the rolls and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature and rise before baking.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, just mix it directly with the dry ingredients and skip the proofing step.

Can I use dried cranberries?

Yes, but soak them in orange juice or warm water to plump them up before using.

Can I use store-bought dough?

Yes, if you’re short on time, use pre-made dough and focus on the filling and frosting.

How do I keep the rolls soft?

Don’t overbake them and make sure they’re covered well when storing to retain moisture.

What if I don’t have orange zest?

You can substitute with a bit more orange juice or orange extract.

Is it okay to skip the frosting?

Yes, but the cream cheese frosting adds a rich, tangy balance to the sweet rolls.

Can I add more spices?

Absolutely, cloves, ginger, or even pumpkin spice would complement the flavors well.

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

Use dental floss or a very sharp knife to avoid squishing the dough.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use two baking dishes and watch the bake time closely.

Conclusion

Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting bring a bright, fruity flair to a beloved classic. Whether you’re preparing them for a holiday breakfast or simply to enjoy with coffee, their warm spices, tart cranberries, and luscious frosting make them an irresistible treat worth savoring.