Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls are the delicious and festive treat that will make your mornings sparkle with joy. Picture fluffy rolls bursting with sweet orange zest, swirls of cinnamon, and tart cranberries, all drizzled with a creamy glaze. Funfetti cinnamon roll variation It’s like having a warm hug from the inside out, perfect for cozy family breakfasts or holiday brunches with friends. puff pastry cinnamon twists festive cinnamon star cookies perfect fall breakfast pairing.
I still remember the first time I made these delightful rolls. The aroma wafted through my home, drawing everyone into the kitchen like bees to honey. My friends were completely smitten, claiming they could hardly wait until they cooled down before devouring them. Trust me, they’ll become a cherished tradition in your home too!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls are not only easy to prepare but also pack a flavor punch that delights every palate
- Their vibrant colors make them a stunning centerpiece for any table setting
- Perfect for breakfast or dessert, they can easily adapt to suit any occasion
- Plus, the warm spices and fruity notes create an irresistible aroma that fills your home with festive cheer
I’ll never forget the look on my friend Sarah’s face when she took her first bite—pure bliss!

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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All-Purpose Flour: Use unbleached all-purpose flour for an optimal texture and rise in your rolls.
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Granulated Sugar: A bit of sugar is essential for sweetness and helps activate the yeast.
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Active Dry Yeast: Fresh yeast gives your rolls their fluffy rise; check expiration dates for best results.
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Milk: Whole milk adds richness; warm it slightly to help activate the yeast.
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Butter: Use unsalted butter for flavor; melt it to incorporate smoothly into your dough.
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Cranberries: Dried cranberries are perfect for adding tartness; soak them in hot water briefly to plump them up.
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Orange Zest: Freshly grated orange zest gives these rolls a bright citrusy flavor that pairs wonderfully with cinnamon.
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Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon adds warmth and depth; use Ceylon cinnamon if you can find it for a unique twist.
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Powdered Sugar: For the glaze, powdered sugar creates a smooth texture that’s easy to drizzle over warm rolls.
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Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the sweetness of the glaze, making each bite more delightful.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit until frothy—about five minutes—creating an aromatic starter filled with possibilities.
Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add flour and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Stir until the dough begins to come together; it should feel soft but not sticky.
Knead Away: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Picture those muscles working while you create something spectacular.
Let It Rise: Place your dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled—approximately 1 hour—while you contemplate how amazing these rolls will be.
Create Your Filling: Mix together brown sugar, cinnamon, orange zest, and plumped cranberries in a bowl. The sweet-tart scent will have you dreaming of delicious bites ahead.
Roll It Up: Roll out your dough into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Spread softened butter over it evenly before sprinkling your filling mixture across the surface like confetti at a party!
Shape Your Rolls: Starting from one long edge, carefully roll up the dough into a log shape. Slice into equal pieces—get ready for some mouthwatering treats!
Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange rolls in a greased baking pan and let them rise again for about 30 minutes before baking until golden brown—around 25 minutes.
Add Glaze: While your rolls cool slightly, mix powdered sugar with vanilla extract and milk until smooth. Drizzle generously over warm rolls before devouring every last crumb!
Now you have an impressive batch of Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls that will wow everyone at your breakfast table—or at least keep them coming back for seconds! For more inspiration, check out this Thanksgiving cranberry apple dish recipe.
You Must Know
- These Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls are fluffy, tangy, and sweet
- The delightful aroma fills your kitchen, making you feel like a baking pro
- Pair them with coffee for an irresistible breakfast treat
- Trust me, they’ll disappear faster than you can say “yum!”
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the dough and letting it rise while you make the filling. Roll out the dough, spread the filling, and cut into rolls before the second rise for perfect fluffiness.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap cranberries for dried cherries or add nuts for crunch. A splash of vanilla extract in the glaze adds a lovely depth of flavor that elevates these rolls.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave for about 10 seconds to enjoy their fresh-baked taste.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve perfectly fluffy rolls, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting
- Don’t rush the rising process; it’s crucial for texture
- Use fresh cranberries for brighter flavor and avoid over-mixing your dough to keep it tender
I still remember when I first made these rolls for a family brunch; everyone devoured them in minutes! Their smiles made all those flour-covered counters worth it.

FAQ
Can I use frozen cranberries for my Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls?
Absolutely! Just thaw and drain them well before using to prevent excess moisture.
What can I substitute for yeast if I want quicker results?
You can use baking powder instead of yeast, but your rolls will be denser.
How can I make my icing thicker or thinner?
Add powdered sugar to thicken or milk to thin out your icing as needed.
Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls are a festive delight that will brighten your mornings with their fluffy texture and vibrant flavors. Imagine biting into warm, sweet rolls filled with tart cranberries and zesty orange, all drizzled with a creamy glaze. Perfect for family breakfasts or holiday brunches, these rolls are sure to become a cherished favorite in your home.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup dried cranberries, soaked and drained
- Zest of 1 orange
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast; let sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
- Gradually add flour and melted butter; mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled (about 1 hour).
- Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, orange zest, and cranberries for the filling.
- Roll out dough to ¼ inch thick; spread with softened butter and sprinkle the filling evenly.
- Roll into a log, slice into equal pieces, and arrange in a greased baking pan. Let rise again for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for approximately 25 minutes until golden brown.
- Mix powdered sugar with vanilla extract and milk for the glaze; drizzle over warm rolls.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll (77g)
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg




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