Irresistible Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Imagine waking up to the sweet aroma of freshly baked Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting wafting through your home, curling around you like a warm hug. These delightful rolls boast a perfect marriage of flavors—zesty orange, tart cranberry, and fragrant cinnamon—each bite is a celebration of joy and comfort that makes breakfast feel like a special occasion.

Now, let’s be honest: who wouldn’t want to dive into a pillowy roll smothered in the creamiest frosting? Picture this: it’s a chilly Sunday morning, and you’ve just brewed a pot of coffee while these beauties bake away. Your family gathers in the kitchen, lured by the irresistible scent. Trust me; they’ll come running! Get ready for an explosion of flavor that’ll have everyone fighting for the last roll!

I remember the first time I made these rolls for my family; their faces lit up as they took their first bites, and I knew I had found a winner!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• All-Purpose Flour: Use high-quality flour for best results; it gives structure to your rolls.

• Active Dry Yeast: Ensure your yeast is fresh; it’s the secret to fluffy cinnamon rolls.

• Granulated Sugar: Sweeten the dough and filling; it helps activate the yeast too.

• Milk: Warm milk enhances the yeast activation; use whole milk for richer flavor.

• Butter: Softened butter adds richness; make sure it’s at room temperature!

• Cranberries: Choose fresh or dried cranberries for that perfect tartness in every bite.

• Orange Zest: Freshly grated zest brightens up the rolls with citrusy goodness.

• Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is essential for that warm spice flavor we all love in cinnamon rolls.

• Cream Cheese: For the frosting, use softened cream cheese for easy spreading and rich taste.

• Powdered Sugar: Contributes sweetness to the frosting; sift it for a smooth texture.

• Vanilla Extract: A splash elevates your cream cheese frosting to buttery perfection!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make It Together

Prepare Your Dough: In a small bowl, combine warm milk and sugar before sprinkling over active dry yeast. Let it sit until bubbly—this means your yeast is alive and kicking.

Knead It Up!: In large mixing bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Pour in melted butter and yeast mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead on floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth.

Let It Rise!: Place dough in greased bowl and cover with a kitchen towel. Allow it to rise in warm spot until doubled in size—about 1 hour of anticipation!

Create The Filling!: Mix softened butter with sugar, cinnamon, cranberries, and orange zest in a bowl. Spread this heavenly mixture evenly over rolled-out dough.

Roll It Up!: Starting from one end, carefully roll up the dough tightly into a log shape. Slice into equal pieces about 2 inches thick—like cutting doughy little pillows!

Bake Those Rolls!: Arrange cut rolls in greased baking pan and let them rise again for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) while you wait impatiently! Bake until golden brown—about 25-30 minutes.

Create The Frosting!: While rolls are baking, mix softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until creamy smooth. Set aside your masterpiece until those rolls cool slightly.

Once they’re out of the oven and cooled just enough not to burn your tongue (we’ve all been there), slather on that cream cheese frosting like you mean it!

These Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls will have everyone asking for seconds—and maybe even thirds! Enjoy them warm with friends or family, or savor them solo with an extra cup of coffee while basking in your baking glory!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preparing the dough and letting it rise while you mix the filling. Roll out the dough, spread the filling, and cut into rolls before allowing them to rise again for fluffy results.

this recipe

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap cranberries for blueberries or add nuts for extra crunch. A splash of vanilla or almond extract in the frosting can elevate flavors even more!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To reheat, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to regain softness.

One Christmas morning, my cousin made these cranberry orange cinnamon rolls, and we devoured them before noon. Now, they’re our family tradition; nothing beats that warm, gooey goodness!

FAQ

Can I use frozen cranberries in cranberry orange cinnamon rolls?

Yes, but thaw and drain them first for best results.

How do I make my cream cheese frosting less sweet?

Add a pinch of salt or more cream cheese to balance the sweetness.

Can I prepare these rolls the night before?

Absolutely! Prepare them up to the second rise and refrigerate overnight before baking.