There’s something magical about the aroma of cranberry orange cinnamon rolls wafting through your home. Imagine biting into a soft, fluffy roll, bursting with tart cranberries and zesty orange flavor, all wrapped in a warm embrace of cinnamon. pumpkin cinnamon rolls apple cranberry stuffing It’s like a cozy hug on a chilly morning, perfect for family gatherings or lazy weekends.
These delightful treats promise an explosion of flavors that will have you coming back for seconds (and maybe thirds). Just thinking about them makes my mouth water and my heart race with excitement! Whether it’s a holiday brunch or just a regular Sunday, these cranberry orange cinnamon rolls are destined to be the star of the show. heart shaped cinnamon rolls creamsicle orange cookies.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These cranberry orange cinnamon rolls are easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion
- The flavor profile combines sweet and tangy notes that delight the senses
- With their beautiful swirls and vibrant colors, they make an eye-catching centerpiece on your table
- They are versatile enough to be enjoyed warm from the oven or saved for later snacking
Nothing beats the time my friends devoured these rolls at our holiday brunch; I barely got to taste one myself!

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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All-Purpose Flour: A staple for texture; sift it for lighter rolls if you’re feeling fancy.
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Granulated Sugar: Sweeten the dough and filling; it helps activate the yeast too.
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Active Dry Yeast: Essential for those fluffy rolls; check expiration dates to ensure it’s active.
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Milk: Use whole milk for richness; warm it slightly before adding to help yeast rise.
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Butter: Melted butter adds moisture and flavor; don’t skimp on this one!
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Cranberries: Fresh or dried work well; use tart cranberries for contrast against the sweetness.
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Orange Zest: Freshly grated zest brightens up the flavor profile remarkably.
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Cinnamon: The star spice here creates that warm, comforting aroma everyone loves.
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Powdered Sugar: For drizzling over the top, adding sweetness without being overwhelming.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and yeast. Warm milk until it’s about 110°F (43°C), then add melted butter. Mix until combined.
Knead Away!: Transfer dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth. It should feel soft but not sticky—like a baby’s bottom!
Add Flavors!: Incorporate orange zest into your kneaded dough. This will infuse it with that refreshing citrus aroma.
Let It Rise!: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size—about 1 hour.
Roll Out & Fill!: Roll out the dough into a rectangle shape. Spread softened butter evenly across it, then sprinkle with sugar, cinnamon, and cranberries.
Form Rolls & Slice!: Roll tightly from one end to another and slice into equal pieces—aim for about 1-inch thick rolls.
Bake to Perfection!: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and utterly irresistible!
Enjoy these scrumptious cranberry orange cinnamon rolls fresh from the oven! You’ll find they disappear faster than you can say “seconds!” For more inspiration, check out this Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey recipe.
You Must Know
- These delightful cranberry orange cinnamon rolls bring a festive flair to any brunch
- The tangy cranberries and warm spices create a perfect balance, while their fluffy texture makes every bite memorable
- Ideal for sharing, these rolls will impress your family and friends alike!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Begin by preparing the dough and letting it rise while you make the filling. This sequence ensures your rolls turn out fluffy and flavorful without wasting time.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap cranberries for dried cherries or raisins, and add chopped nuts for extra crunch. A touch of vanilla in the glaze can elevate flavors even more.
Storing & Reheating
To store, keep the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to restore their softness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For best results, always measure flour accurately; too much leads to dense rolls
- Ensure your yeast is fresh for that perfect rise
- If using frozen cranberries, thaw them completely before mixing into the dough
I once made these cranberry orange cinnamon rolls for a holiday brunch, and they vanished within minutes. My cousin declared them “life-changing,” which left me floating on cloud nine!

FAQ
Can I make cranberry orange cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the dough and filling a day earlier; refrigerate overnight.
What if my dough doesn’t rise properly?
Check your yeast’s expiration date; old yeast might not activate well.
How can I make these rolls healthier?
Consider using whole wheat flour and reducing sugar for a lighter option.
Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful treat that combines tangy cranberries, zesty orange, and warm cinnamon in a soft, fluffy roll. Perfect for brunches or cozy family gatherings, these rolls promise to brighten up any occasion with their vibrant colors and irresistible aroma. Enjoy them warm from the oven or save them for later snacking – either way, they are sure to impress!
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries
- Zest of 1 orange
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, and yeast. Warm milk to about 110°F (43°C), then stir in melted butter. Combine everything until smooth.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it is soft but not sticky.
- Mix in orange zest and place the dough in a greased bowl. Cover and let rise until doubled in size (about 1 hour).
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle. Spread softened butter on top and sprinkle with sugar, cinnamon, and cranberries.
- Roll tightly and slice into 1-inch pieces. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 25mg





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