Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls are like a warm hug from an old friend on a chilly morning. Picture this: fluffy dough spiraled with sweet cinnamon, tart cranberries, and the uplifting zing of fresh orange zest wafting through your kitchen. The aroma alone could make even the grouchiest of morning people crack a smile.
Now, let me take you back to that one holiday season when I decided to impress my family with breakfast. Spoiler alert: it involved flour explosions and a very confused cat. But those rolls? They were a hit! Perfect for festive brunches, lazy Sundays, or when you simply need more joy in your life. Trust me, if you can dream it, these rolls can deliver the flavor experience of your dreams.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls are easy to whip up, making them perfect for any skill level
- The delightful flavor combination is a crowd-pleaser that brightens up any occasion
- Their visual appeal will make your breakfast table look Instagram-ready in no time!
- Plus, they’re versatile enough for brunch or dessert—who says you can’t have sweet rolls for dinner?
Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
All-Purpose Flour: Essential for creating the dough’s structure; make sure it’s unbleached for the best results.
Granulated Sugar: This sweetens both the dough and filling; feel free to substitute with brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
Instant Yeast: No need to proof this yeast; it works its magic directly in the dough.
Milk: Warm milk activates the yeast and adds moisture; use whole milk for richness or almond milk for a dairy-free option.
Butter: Melted butter adds richness and flavor; always use unsalted for better control over saltiness.
Cranberries: Fresh or dried work well; they provide that delightful tartness that balances the sweetness perfectly.
Orange Zest: Grated zest enhances the citrusy note; don’t skip it unless you’re feeling rebellious!
For the Filling:
Cinnamon: The classic spice that makes these rolls so comforting; always use ground cinnamon for convenience.
Brown Sugar: This adds depth and moisture to the filling; light brown sugar gives a milder flavor while dark brown offers more richness.
For the Glaze:
Powdered Sugar: This sweetens and thickens your glaze into perfection; sift it before mixing for smooth results.
Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed juice takes this glaze from ordinary to extraordinary; it’s worth it!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and instant yeast. Let it sit for about five minutes until it’s frothy—this means your yeast is alive and ready to party! Add melted butter and flour gradually while stirring until a sticky dough forms.
Step 2: Knead Like You Mean It
Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about eight minutes until smooth and elastic—like you’re giving it a mini workout! Place it in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size (about an hour).
Step 3: Roll It Out
Once risen, punch down the dough (it’s therapeutic!) and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about half an inch thick. Spread melted butter evenly over the surface before sprinkling with cinnamon, brown sugar, cranberries, and orange zest like it’s confetti.
Step 4: Time to Roll
Starting from one long edge of your rectangle, carefully roll up the dough tightly into a log shape. Pinch seam closed as you go—get aggressive! Slice into twelve equal pieces using dental floss (a nifty trick) or a sharp knife.
Step 5: Bake ‘Em Up
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place rolls in greased baking dish with some space between them (they’ll expand). Cover again and let rise while your oven heats up (another half hour). Then bake for about twenty-five minutes or until golden brown.
Step 6: Drizzle With Glaze
While they’re cooling slightly, mix powdered sugar with orange juice until smooth. Drizzle generously over warm rolls. Serve them up hot and watch everyone swoon!
Enjoy these Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls fresh out of the oven with coffee or tea. They’re perfect any time but especially during those cozy mornings when you just want something scrumptious—and maybe some extra hugs too!
You Must Know
- These cranberry orange cinnamon rolls are a delightful twist on the classic treat
- The bright citrus notes combined with sweet cranberries and warm cinnamon create a flavor explosion that will have your taste buds dancing with joy
- Perfect for breakfast or brunch, these rolls are sure to impress
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To make the best cranberry orange cinnamon rolls, start by preparing the dough and letting it rise while you mix the filling. Once the dough is ready, roll it out, spread the filling, and cut into rolls. Bake until golden brown.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize these rolls by adding nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch. You can swap dried cranberries for fresh berries or raisins if you prefer. A dash of nutmeg in the filling can also enhance the flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover cranberry orange cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warm.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve perfect cranberry orange cinnamon rolls, always measure your flour accurately to avoid dense dough
- Allow ample rising time for fluffy results
- Don’t skip the icing; it adds sweetness and moisture that takes these rolls over the top
Sometimes I think my family loves these cinnamon rolls more than they love me! One holiday morning, they disappeared faster than I could say “cranberry orange.” The laughter and compliments made all my efforts worth it.
FAQs:
What are Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls?
Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on the traditional cinnamon roll. These sweet rolls combine the tartness of cranberries with the citrusy flavor of orange, creating a unique and delicious breakfast or dessert option. The dough is typically flavored with cinnamon and filled with a mixture of cranberries, orange zest, and brown sugar. Once baked, they are often topped with a creamy orange glaze, enhancing their flavor and presentation.
How do I make the dough for Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls?
To make the dough for Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls, start by combining warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Once the yeast activates, mix in melted butter, eggs, and flour until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. Let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size. This process helps achieve light and fluffy rolls that are perfect for enjoying fresh out of the oven.
Can I prepare Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time! After rolling them up and cutting them into individual pieces, place them in a greased baking pan. Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them rise at room temperature before baking. This makes it convenient to enjoy freshly baked rolls with minimal effort on busy mornings.
What variations can I try with Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls?
There are many fun variations to explore with Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls! You can swap out cranberries for other fruits like blueberries or cherries for different flavors. Adding nuts like pecans or walnuts can give your rolls an added crunch. For extra decadence, consider incorporating chocolate chips into the filling or using cream cheese frosting instead of orange glaze for a richer taste.
Conclusion for Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls:
Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls offer an irresistible combination of flavors that elevate your breakfast or dessert experience. With their soft texture and delightful filling of tart cranberries and zesty orange, these rolls are sure to impress family and friends alike. Whether you choose to make them fresh or prepare them ahead of time, they promise to deliver warmth and joy in every bite. Enjoy this easy-to-follow recipe to create your own batch of these scrumptious treats today!
Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 rolls 1x
Description
Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful fusion of sweet and tart flavors, perfect for brightening your morning. These fluffy, gooey rolls combine the warm essence of cinnamon with the vibrant zest of orange and the tangy burst of cranberries. Ideal for brunch or anytime you crave a cozy treat, these rolls are topped with a luscious orange glaze that takes them to the next level. Your kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma, making them a favorite for family gatherings and festive occasions.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup cranberries (fresh or dried)
- Zest of 1 orange
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3 tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix warm milk, granulated sugar, and instant yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- Gradually add melted butter and flour until a sticky dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1 hour).
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle, spread with melted butter, then sprinkle with cinnamon, brown sugar, cranberries, and orange zest.
- Roll tightly into a log shape and slice into twelve pieces. Place in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 25 minutes until golden brown.
- Mix powdered sugar with orange juice to create the glaze; drizzle over warm rolls before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast/Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
