These Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls are a delicious twist on the classic cinnamon roll, featuring a sweet and tangy cranberry-orange jam filling that adds a pop of vibrant flavor.
The rolls are soft, fluffy, and packed with warm cinnamon and citrusy notes, complemented by a creamy white frosting for the perfect balance of sweetness. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls are sure to impress and become a seasonal favorite, especially during the holidays.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love these Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls for their unique flavor profile and festive appeal. The tangy cranberry-orange filling brings a bright, fruity contrast to the soft, buttery dough, while the classic cinnamon roll frosting adds a creamy sweetness.
They’re the perfect way to celebrate seasonal flavors and bring a touch of elegance to your breakfast or dessert table. Plus, they’re easier to make than they look, and the results are absolutely stunning.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use Fresh Cranberries: Fresh or frozen cranberries make the best jam for a bold, tangy flavor.
- Let the Dough Rise Fully: Ensure the dough rises until doubled in size for light and fluffy rolls.
- Spread the Filling Evenly: Cover the dough fully with the cranberry-orange jam for consistent flavor in every bite.
- Work Quickly: Roll the dough tightly but carefully to keep the filling in place while shaping the rolls.
- Add Zest to the Frosting: For extra citrus flavor, stir a little orange zest into the frosting.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Swap the Jam: Replace cranberry-orange jam with your favorite berry jam for a different twist.
- Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans over the filling for added texture and flavor.
- Glazed Alternative: Instead of frosting, drizzle the rolls with an orange glaze for a lighter finish.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve these Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls warm with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or cocoa for a cozy treat. They’re perfect for holiday breakfasts, brunches, or as a festive dessert. Pair them with a fruit salad or a citrusy mimosa for an elegant brunch spread.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Store rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the unbaked rolls after shaping, or freeze baked rolls without frosting. Thaw and frost before serving.
- Reheating: Warm the rolls in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to enjoy them soft and gooey.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use store-bought jam? Yes, store-bought cranberry-orange jam works well, but homemade jam will offer a fresher, more vibrant flavor.
Can I make these rolls ahead of time? Absolutely! Prepare the rolls up to the second rise, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature before baking.
What type of frosting works best? A classic white frosting made with powdered sugar, butter, and milk complements the tangy cranberry-orange filling beautifully.
Can I add spices to the filling? Yes, a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the cranberry-orange jam adds warmth and depth.
How do I keep the rolls from getting dry? Cover the baking dish with foil during the first half of baking to keep the rolls moist.
Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls
Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls are soft, fluffy rolls filled with a sweet-tangy cranberry-orange jam and topped with a classic white frosting. Perfect for holiday breakfasts, brunches, or any special occasion!
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Cranberry Orange Filling
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough. In a large bowl, whisk together the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Stir in the melted butter and egg until combined. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Make the Cranberry Orange Jam. In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, orange zest, and cinnamon. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens (about 10-15 minutes). Let cool completely.
- Roll and Fill the Dough. Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle (about 18×12 inches). Spread the cranberry-orange jam evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Shape the Rolls. Starting from a long edge, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Slice the log into 12 equal pieces. Arrange the rolls cut-side up in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30-45 minutes, or until puffed.
- Bake the Rolls. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. Let them cool slightly.
- Make the Frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Frost & Serve. Spread the frosting generously over the warm rolls. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 343Total Fat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 42mgSodium: 135mgCarbohydrates: 57gFiber: 2gSugar: 28gProtein: 6g
