Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls

Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful treat that perfectly combines sweet and tart flavors. These rolls are ideal for breakfast, brunch, or any festive occasion. Their fluffy texture, enhanced by the zesty orange and tart cranberries, makes them a standout choice that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Delicious Flavor Combination: The pairing of cranberries and orange creates a refreshing taste that brightens your morning.
Fluffy and Tender Texture: The dough is soft and pillowy, making each bite melt in your mouth.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a cozy weekend brunch, these rolls fit right in.
Customizable Filling: You can adjust the sweetness or add nuts for an extra crunch according to your preference.
Impressive Presentation: With their beautiful swirl and creamy icing, they make a stunning centerpiece on any table.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the delicious world of Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls, gather essential tools to make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Stand mixer with dough hook
Medium saucepan
Immersion blender (or regular blender)
Rolling pin
Baking dish (at least 10.5×7.5)
Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

Stand mixer with dough hook: This tool takes the hard work out of kneading dough, ensuring a perfect texture without tiring your arms.
Medium saucepan: Ideal for cooking down the cranberries, allowing you to control the consistency of your filling easily.
Baking dish: A sturdy baking dish helps maintain even cooking temperatures for perfectly baked rolls.

Ingredients

For the Dough

170 g whole milk, warmed to 110 degrees F
30 g granulated sugar
11 g instant or active dry yeast
3 eggs (room temp)
1 tsp vanilla paste or extract
450 g all-purpose flour
zest of one orange
1/2 tsp kosher salt
127 g unsalted butter (room temp)

For the Filling

12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries
50 g granulated sugar
zest of one orange
15 g fresh orange juice
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp kosher salt

For the Icing

56 g cream cheese (room temp)
56 g unsalted butter (melted)
113 g powdered sugar (sifted)
orange zest (for topping)

How to Make Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Heat the milk to 110 degrees F and stir in yeast and sugar. If using active dry yeast, let it sit for 15 minutes; if using instant yeast, proceed immediately.
Mix in eggs and vanilla into the milk mixture.
In a stand mixer bowl fitted with a dough hook, combine flour and salt.
Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix on low-medium speed for about 3 minutes until it forms a ball around the hook.
Add butter in pieces, allowing each piece to fully incorporate before adding the next.
Increase speed to medium-high and mix for 8-12 minutes until smooth. Check readiness by stretching a small piece of dough; it should be translucent without tearing.
Transfer dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover, and proof overnight in the fridge or let rise in a warm area for about an hour until doubled.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, orange zest, orange juice, cinnamon, and salt.
Cook over medium heat for 10-12 minutes until cranberries begin breaking down.
Reduce heat to low and cook another 8-10 minutes until thickened while stirring frequently.
Remove from heat; blend until smooth with an immersion blender or regular blender. Pour into a glass jar to cool completely before chilling in the fridge.

Step 3: Shape the Rolls

On a floured surface, roll out the brioche dough into a rectangle about ¼” thick.
Spread approximately 225g (about 1 cup) of cranberry filling evenly over the dough.
Roll up from one long edge tightly and seal the seam; trim edges if necessary.
Cut into nine 1½-inch rolls using dental floss for clean cuts.
Place rolls in a baking dish, cover them with plastic wrap, and let rise at room temperature for 30 minutes while preheating oven to 350 degrees F.

Step 4: Bake & Ice

Bake cranberry orange cinnamon rolls for 22-25 minutes until barely golden on top.
While baking, prepare icing by whisking cream cheese, melted butter, and sifted powdered sugar until smooth.
Once baked, spread icing over warm rolls and top with orange zest before serving! Enjoy these delightful treats!

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls

Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls pair beautifully with different accompaniments.

With a Hot Beverage

Coffee: The rich flavors of coffee complement the sweetness of the rolls perfectly.
Herbal Tea: A light herbal tea can provide a refreshing contrast to the rolls’ sweetness.
Hot Chocolate: Indulge in a cozy pairing with creamy hot chocolate for a comforting treat.

As a Dessert

Fresh Fruit: Serve alongside fresh berries or citrus slices for a vibrant touch.
Ice Cream: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an indulgent twist.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream enhances the creamy texture and flavor.

For Brunch Gatherings

Fruit Salad: A colorful fruit salad adds freshness and balances the richness of the rolls.
Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a healthy side option.
Savory Quiche: Pairing with quiche can offer a delightful balance between sweet and savory.

How to Perfect Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls

Making perfect Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls is all about technique and attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your baking game.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh cranberries and quality butter for the best flavor.
Check Dough Temperature: Ensure your dough rises at the right temperature; too hot or too cold can affect its growth.
Knead Thoroughly: Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, which will make the rolls fluffy.
Chill Overnight: Allowing the dough to chill overnight enhances flavor and makes it easier to handle.
Measure Ingredients Accurately: Use kitchen scales for precise measurements, especially with flour and sugar.
Don’t Rush Rising Time: Patience is key; allow enough time for dough to rise properly before baking.

Best Side Dishes for Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls

Pairing side dishes with your Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls can enhance your meal experience. Here are some delicious options to consider.

Greek Yogurt: Creamy yogurt adds protein and balances out sweetness; consider adding honey or granola.
Smoked Salmon Toasts: The savory taste of smoked salmon contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the rolls.
Savory Scones: Cheddar or herb scones provide a lovely savory option alongside your sweet rolls.
Avocado Toast: The creamy texture of avocado toast creates a satisfying combination with cinnamon rolls.
Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted seasonal vegetables adds a hearty touch that complements sweetness well.
Mimosas: Although not food, serving mimosas can elevate any brunch setting when enjoying these rolls together.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can affect the final result. Here are a few to watch out for:

Skipping the yeast activation – If using active dry yeast, be sure to let it sit in warm milk until frothy. This ensures the yeast is alive and will help your rolls rise properly.
Not measuring flour correctly – Using too much flour can lead to dense rolls. Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off without packing it down.
Ignoring dough texture – Don’t skip the step of checking if your dough is ready by stretching a small piece. It should be elastic and thin enough to let light through without tearing.
Overbaking the rolls – Keep an eye on your rolls while they bake. They should be barely golden; overbaking can lead to dry, tough cinnamon rolls.
Forgetting the icing – The icing adds flavor and moisture. Be sure to whisk it until smooth, then generously spread it over warm rolls for best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover cranberry orange cinnamon rolls in an airtight container.
They will keep well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls

Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container; they can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls

Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place rolls on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave – Heat individual rolls on a microwave-safe plate for about 20-30 seconds. Check for warmth; avoid overheating to prevent dryness.
Stovetop – For a quick reheat, place rolls in a non-stick skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls:

Can I use frozen cranberries?

Yes! Fresh or frozen cranberries work perfectly in this recipe. Just ensure to adjust cooking time slightly if using frozen ones.

How do I customize my Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls?

Feel free to add nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch, or experiment with different spices like nutmeg or ginger for added flavor.

Can I make these cinnamon rolls vegan?

To make vegan cranberry orange cinnamon rolls, substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives such as almond milk and vegan butter.

What if my dough doesn’t rise?

If your dough doesn’t rise, check that your yeast is fresh and active. Ensure the environment is warm enough for proper proofing – you can place it in an oven turned off but preheated briefly.

Final Thoughts

Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls are not only delightful but also versatile. You can enjoy them as a breakfast treat or dessert! With endless possibilities for customization, you’re encouraged to try this recipe and make it your own. The combination of tart cranberries and sweet orange zest creates an irresistible flavor that will impress everyone at your table.