Go Back
To make these tasty rolls, you need a few key items: - 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour - ¼ cup granulated sugar - 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) instant yeast - ½ teaspoon salt - ½ cup milk, warmed (about 110°F) - 1 large egg - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted - 1 tablespoon orange zest - ½ cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped - 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon - ¼ cup brown sugar - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (for filling) - 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing) - 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice (for icing) Each of these ingredients plays a role. The flour gives structure, the sugar adds sweetness, and the yeast helps the rolls rise. The cranberries and orange zest bring a burst of flavor. Want to switch it up? Here are some fun options: - Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch - Cream cheese for a rich filling - Different dried fruits like cherries or raisins - Spices like nutmeg or ginger for extra warmth These additions can make your rolls unique and tasty. You will need some tools to help you bake: - Mixing bowls for combining ingredients - A whisk for blending dry items - A rolling pin for rolling out dough - A baking dish for the rolls - Parchment paper for easy cleanup - A thermometer to check milk temperature Having the right tools makes the process smoother and more enjoyable. For the full recipe, check out the recipe section above. Start by mixing 1 cup of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a large bowl. This forms the dry base of the dough. In a separate bowl, blend warm milk, egg, melted butter, and orange zest. Make sure the milk is about 110°F; this helps the yeast grow. Gradually add the wet mix to the dry mix. Stir it until combined, then add more flour slowly until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes on a floured surface. You want it to be smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to remove air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle, about 12x18 inches. Next, spread softened butter over the dough. Sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon evenly on top. The sweet aroma will fill your kitchen. Then, scatter chopped cranberries over the mixture. Starting at one long end, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces. Place these rolls in a greased baking dish. Cover them again and let them rise for another 30 minutes until they look puffy. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes or until they turn golden brown. While they cool slightly, prepare the icing. Mix powdered sugar with fresh orange juice until it’s smooth. Drizzle the icing over the warm rolls just before serving. This adds a sweet touch that complements the cranberry and orange flavors perfectly. Enjoy your Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls as a delightful homemade treat! For the complete instructions, check the Full Recipe. For the best dough rise, find a warm spot in your home. A sunny window works well. You can also use an oven with the light on. The heat helps the dough grow. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth to keep it moist. Let the dough rise until it doubles. This can take about one hour. To make soft rolls, use warm milk. Milk around 110°F (43°C) is perfect. This helps activate the yeast. Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic. Don’t rush this step. Allowing the dough to rise well is key. When rolling out the dough, don’t press too hard. Gentle handling keeps the rolls fluffy. One mistake is using cold milk. This can slow down yeast growth. Another error is not letting the dough rise enough. If you skip this, your rolls may be dense. Also, cut the rolls evenly for even baking. If they are not the same size, some will bake faster than others. Finally, don’t forget to check your oven temperature with a thermometer. An oven that is too hot can burn the rolls. For a complete guide, refer to the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can make simple swaps for a healthier twist. Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. This adds fiber and nutrients. Replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index. You can even use unsweetened applesauce for a portion of the butter. This keeps the rolls moist while cutting fat. Get creative with flavors! Try adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the filling. They add crunch and richness. You can also mix in some vanilla extract for a deeper taste. If you want a tart kick, add fresh orange slices or zest. This brightens the flavor and adds freshness. These rolls fit many occasions. For breakfast, serve them warm with fresh fruit. For brunch, pair them with coffee or tea. They also shine at holiday gatherings. You can even turn them into a dessert by adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. Enjoy these rolls at any time with friends and family! To keep your leftover rolls fresh, place them in an airtight container. This will help prevent them from drying out. You can also wrap them in plastic wrap. Store them at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. To reheat your rolls, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the rolls on a baking sheet. Cover them with foil to keep them moist. Heat for about 10 to 15 minutes. You can also microwave them for 15 to 20 seconds. This works well if you only have one or two rolls. If you want to freeze your rolls, let them cool completely. Then, wrap each roll in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. They will stay fresh for up to three months. To enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as needed. You can find the Full Recipe for these delightful rolls above. You can tell the rolls are done when they turn golden brown. A nice, warm smell fills the kitchen too. If you tap the bottom, it should sound hollow. The rolls should also spring back when you gently press them. Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time! Simply prepare it and let it rise. After the first rise, cover it tightly and store it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 24 hours. When you are ready, take it out and let it come to room temperature before rolling it out. Serve these rolls warm for the best flavor. Place them on a pretty platter. Drizzle with icing for a sweet touch. You can add extra orange zest and a few whole cranberries for a nice look. These rolls make a great treat for breakfast or brunch! For the complete process, check the Full Recipe. You now know how to make delicious Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls. We covered key ingredients, tools, and tips to ensure success. You learned about variations and how to store leftovers for later enjoyment. Use these steps to delight friends and family with warm, sweet rolls. Baking can be simple and rewarding. Enjoy your kitchen adventure and the tasty rewards that follow. Happy baking!

- Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls! These soft, gooey rolls are bursting with the tang of cranberries and the warmth of cinnamon, making them the perfect treat for any occasion. Follow our easy step-by-step recipe to create these delicious rolls that are sure to impress your friends and family. Click through to discover the full recipe and bring a taste of joy to your kitchen!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

¼ cup granulated sugar

1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) instant yeast

½ teaspoon salt

½ cup milk, warmed (about 110°F)

1 large egg

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

1 tablespoon orange zest

½ cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

¼ cup brown sugar

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (for filling)

1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)

1 tablespoon fresh orange juice (for icing)

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Whisk together until well blended.

    In a separate bowl, mix the warm milk, egg, melted butter, and orange zest. Stir to combine.

      Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing until combined.

        Add the remaining flour a little at a time until a soft dough forms. Knead for about 5 minutes on a floured surface until smooth and elastic.

          Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size (approximately 1 hour).

            Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle (about 12x18 inches).

              Spread the softened butter evenly on the dough, then sprinkle the brown sugar and ground cinnamon on top.

                Evenly distribute the chopped cranberries over the cinnamon mixture.

                  Starting from one long end, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces.

                    Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise for another 30 minutes until puffy.

                      Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

                        While the rolls cool slightly, prepare the icing by mixing powdered sugar with fresh orange juice until smooth.

                          Drizzle the icing over the warm rolls before serving.

                            Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours | Servings: 12 rolls

                              - Presentation Tips: Serve the rolls warm on a decorative platter, garnished with extra orange zest and a few fresh cranberries for a festive touch.