Cranberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

I absolutely love this Cranberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe because it brings together the best of cozy comfort food with a fruity, festive twist. When I first tried these, I was blown away by how the tangy cranberries and warm cinnamon spices marry perfectly in the soft, pillowy dough. Whether it’s a holiday brunch or a weekend treat, these rolls have become my go-to recipe for impressing friends and family without a ton of stress.

You’ll find that the slightly tart cranberry filling balances the sweetness just right, while the orange zest adds a subtle brightness that keeps each bite fresh and exciting. This Cranberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is worth trying if you want something a bit different from your usual cinnamon roll but just as indulgent and comforting. Trust me, once you make them, you’ll have a fabulous new favorite!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Cranberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe are a well-balanced mix of pantry staples and fresh items that work wonderfully to build flavor and texture. A quick tip: use fresh orange zest and real vanilla extract whenever you can to really brighten the taste and aroma.

• Whole milk: Helps create a tender dough with a slight richness.
• Dark brown sugar: Adds deep molasses flavor to both dough and filling.
• Active dry yeast: Key for that beautiful dough rise and fluffy texture.
• Bread flour: Provides strong gluten structure so the rolls hold their shape.
• Eggs: Enrich the dough and add moisture.
• Unsalted butter: Use high-quality butter for richness in dough, filling, and glaze.
• Orange zest: Brings a bright citrus note that pairs perfectly with cranberry.
• Kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Pure vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the dough and glaze.
• Cranberries: Fresh or frozen work — just make sure they’re thawed if frozen.
• Fresh orange juice: Used in the filling and glaze for tangy brightness.
• Ground cinnamon and cardamom: Aromatic spices that boost the filling’s warm flavor profile.
• Heavy cream: Adds richness when poured on top before baking and in the glaze.
• Large egg, beaten: For brushing the dough and sealing in moisture.
• Confectioners’ sugar: The base for a sweet, smooth glaze.

Variations

I love making this Cranberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe my own by tweaking the spices or the fruit mix now and then. Feel free to experiment—it’s all about making a version that feels just right for your taste buds and occasion.

• Spice Up or Down: Sometimes I add a pinch of nutmeg or swap cardamom for ginger for a different warm spice profile.
• Fruit Swaps: If cranberries aren’t your thing, try raspberries or chopped tart apples for a similar tangy sweetness.
• Gluten-Free Version: Using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend can work—just expect a slightly different texture but still delicious!
• Less Sweet Option: Cutting sauce and glaze sugars by a quarter helps if you prefer your rolls less sugary.

How to Make Cranberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Activate Your Yeast and Prep the Flour Mixture

Start by warming 1/3 cup of milk until it’s about 110°F, then stir in a tablespoon of brown sugar to feed the yeast. Sprinkle your active dry yeast over the warm milk, then let it sit until foamy—this usually takes 5 to 10 minutes and proves your yeast is alive and ready. While that’s happening, whisk your remaining milk with 1/4 cup of flour and microwave it until pudding-like; this step helps build that tender texture in the dough. I found this two-step heating keeps the dough from being too tough and adds depth to the crumb.

Step 2: Make the Dough and Let It Rise

Into your stand mixer bowl with the dough hook attached, add your yeast mixture and the warm flour mixture. Then, toss in the eggs, melted butter, orange zest, salt, vanilla, remaining flour, and brown sugar. Mix on medium-low speed for 10 to 12 minutes until the dough pulls away from the bowl sides but still feels slightly sticky—this means it’s just the right hydration for soft rolls. I used to rush this step, but letting the mixer do the work fully really gives you a perfect dough. Spray a large bowl, place your dough inside, cover it with plastic wrap, and set it in a warm spot to rise until doubled, about an hour.

Step 3: Prepare the Cranberry Filling

While the dough is rising, start your filling by simmering cranberries with orange juice and brown sugar until they burst and thicken into a jammy sauce, about 15 minutes. Let this cool while you mix softened butter with cinnamon, cardamom, and the remaining brown sugar for a creamy, spiced butter spread. This filling combo is what really sets this cranberry cinnamon roll apart—so don’t rush the simmering; it’s worth the patience.

Step 4: Roll, Spread, Chill, and Slice

Punch down your risen dough gently and roll it out on a floured parchment into an 18″x10″ rectangle. Spread the spiced butter first, then the cooled cranberry sauce over the dough evenly using a rubber spatula. Chill the rolled dough in the fridge for about 15 minutes—this step helps the rolls hold their shape during slicing and baking, a trick I picked up after some messy attempts. When chilled, roll the dough tightly along the long edge, seam side down, and cut into twelve 1 1/2-inch slices.

Step 5: Final Rise and Bake

Place the cinnamon rolls cut-side up in a 12-inch cast-iron skillet, cover with plastic wrap, and let them rise in a warm spot for about an hour until nearly doubled. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Once risen, remove the wrap, whisk an egg with a splash of water for an egg wash, pour cream over the dough, then brush the egg wash on top—these steps ensure a golden, tender crust. Bake for 28 to 32 minutes until the tops are golden and the cream absorbed. Let cool 10 minutes before glazing.

Step 6: Make and Drizzle the Glaze

Whisk together confectioners’ sugar, heavy cream, orange zest and juice, vanilla, and salt, adjusting thickness with more sugar if needed. Drizzle the glossy glaze over the warm rolls for that signature sweet finish. I always find it fun to watch the glaze pool into the swirls while the rolls are still warm—it’s the best part!

How to Serve Cranberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

I love to garnish these rolls with a few fresh cranberries and a light dusting of extra orange zest for a pop of color and zing. If you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans adds texture and a nutty surprise that pairs wonderfully with the cranberry and cinnamon flavors.

Side Dishes

They’re fantastic alongside a big mug of hot coffee or chai tea, and for brunch, I often serve them with scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad to balance the richness. My family goes crazy for a simple smoked turkey or breakfast sausage on the side—that way, the rolls feel like a complete meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays, I like arranging the rolls in a wreath shape on a large round pan and decorating with fresh rosemary sprigs and cranberries—this makes a stunning centerpiece for the table. You can also bake them in a muffin tin for individual-sized rolls perfect for gifting or a party platter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which might be rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The rolls stay soft, but if you want to keep them longer, refrigeration is your friend—just bring them back to room temp before serving.

Freezing

This Cranberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe freezes beautifully. Freeze unbaked rolls after slicing by wrapping the pan tightly or freezing slices flat on parchment before storing in a bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then let rise and bake as usual. I love having prepped dough ready to go for surprise guests or busy mornings!

Reheating

To reheat, warm leftover rolls gently in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes or microwave individually for 20 seconds—fresh butterscotch or vanilla cream on the side amps up the experience. Pour a little warm milk or cream on top before warming to keep them super moist.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s a beautiful blend of tradition and fresh, bright flavors that make mornings feel festive. I truly believe it’s approachable enough for anyone to try and will quickly become a crowd favorite. So next time you’re craving something warm, sweet, and a little different, I hope you give these rolls a shot—you won’t regret it!

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