Introduction

Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on a classic breakfast treat. Bursting with tangy cranberries, zesty orange, and warm cinnamon spices, these rolls make any morning feel special and cozy.

The image shows a close-up of soft, golden-brown cinnamon rolls with thick white icing drizzled on top. Each roll has visible swirls of cinnamon filling inside and is sprinkled with bright red dried cranberries that add a pop of color and texture. The cinnamon rolls are placed close together, showing the fluffy interior crumb contrasted with the shiny, smooth icing and dried fruit on the surface. The background features a white marbled texture, creating a clean and bright look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

300 g all-purpose flour
2½ tsp yeast
200 ml warm milk
50 g sugar
50 g melted butter
1 egg

Filling:

50 g cranberries
Zest of 1 orange
2 Tbsp sugar
1 Tbsp cinnamon

Icing:

100 g cream cheese
50 g powdered sugar
Juice of ½ orange

Instructions

Step 1: Whisk the yeast into warm milk until dissolved. Add sugar, melted butter, egg, and flour. Knead until you form a smooth dough. Cover and allow to rise for 1 hour in a warm place.
Step 2: Roll the dough into a rectangular shape. Mix cranberries, orange zest, sugar, and cinnamon, then spread this filling evenly over the dough. Roll tightly into a log shape.
Step 3: Cut the rolled log into 8 equal pieces. Place them into a greased baking pan with some space between each roll.
Step 4: Let the rolls rise again for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Bake the rolls for about 20 minutes or until golden brown on top.
Step 5: While the rolls bake, beat cream cheese with powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth. Drizzle over the warm or cooled cinnamon rolls just before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, toast the cranberries lightly before mixing them into the filling.
Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier texture.
Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the filling for added crunch.
If fresh cranberries are unavailable, dried cranberries soaked briefly in warm water can be used.

Storage

Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to enjoy them warm. You can also freeze baked rolls wrapped tightly for up to 3 months; thaw and warm before serving.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of several cinnamon rolls with a golden-brown baked dough base, each roll featuring two visible layers: the inner layer is a soft, light beige dough spiral with a cinnamon filling giving a slightly darker brown texture, and the outer layer is the shiny crust. On top of each roll, a layer of creamy white icing is spread unevenly, with small pools and drips along the edges. Scattered across the icing are bright red dried cranberries adding a pop of color and a chewy texture contrast. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise slowly in the refrigerator. Bring it back to room temperature before shaping and filling the rolls.

What can I use instead of cream cheese for the icing?

If you prefer, use a simple glaze made from powdered sugar mixed with orange juice or milk for a lighter icing option.

Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 111 reviews

These Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on a classic breakfast treat, featuring a soft, fluffy dough filled with tart cranberries, fragrant orange zest, and warm cinnamon spice. Topped with a creamy orange-infused cream cheese icing, these rolls are perfect for a cozy morning or special occasion brunch.

Author: Lena
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 65 minutes
Yield: 8 cinnamon rolls 1x
Category: Bakery
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

300 g all-purpose flour
2½ tsp yeast
200 ml warm milk
50 g sugar
50 g melted butter
1 egg

Filling

50 g cranberries
Zest of 1 orange
2 Tbsp sugar
1 Tbsp cinnamon

Icing

100 g cream cheese
50 g powdered sugar
Juice of ½ orange

Instructions

Prepare the dough: Whisk the yeast into the warm milk until dissolved. In a mixing bowl, combine the yeast mixture with sugar, melted butter, and the egg. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and knead until you achieve a smooth and elastic dough. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Shape the rolls: Roll the risen dough out into a rectangular shape on a lightly floured surface. Evenly spread the filling mixture made of cranberries, orange zest, sugar, and cinnamon over the dough. Carefully roll the dough tightly into a log starting from one edge to the other.
Cut and arrange rolls: Using a sharp knife, cut the rolled log into 8 equal slices. Place the slices cut side up in a greased baking pan, giving them some space to expand.
Second rise and bake: Allow the rolls to rise again for 30 minutes until puffy. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the cinnamon rolls for about 20 minutes or until they turn golden brown on top.
Prepare and drizzle icing: While the rolls bake or cool slightly, beat the cream cheese with powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth and creamy. Drizzle this icing over the warm or cooled rolls before serving to add a tangy sweetness.

Notes

Ensure the milk is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
You can substitute fresh cranberries with dried ones if desired; soak them briefly to soften.
For a more intense orange flavor, add a little extra orange zest to the icing.
The rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated gently for later consumption.
To make the recipe dairy-free, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free cream cheese.

Keywords: cinnamon rolls, cranberry rolls, orange zest, breakfast, brunch, sweet rolls, cream cheese icing, baked goods