Cranberry Orange Rolls: A Burst of Holiday Cheer in Every Bite!

Cranberry orange is a classic flavor combination, especially during the holiday season. The tartness of the cranberries perfectly complements the bright, citrusy notes of the orange, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. These Cranberry Orange Rolls take that beloved pairing and transform it into a warm, fluffy, and utterly irresistible treat. Forget store-bought cinnamon rolls; these homemade delights are guaranteed to impress your family and friends and become a new holiday tradition.

This recipe is broken down into manageable steps, from making the enriched dough to crafting the vibrant filling and decadent glaze. Even if you’re new to baking with yeast, don’t be intimidated! We’ll guide you through each stage with clear instructions and helpful tips, ensuring your rolls turn out perfectly golden brown and utterly delicious.

## Why You’ll Love These Cranberry Orange Rolls

* **Incredible Flavor:** The combination of tart cranberries and zesty orange is simply divine. The sweetness of the dough and glaze balances the tartness perfectly, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
* **Soft and Fluffy Texture:** The enriched dough, made with milk and butter, yields rolls that are incredibly soft, tender, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
* **Perfect for Any Occasion:** These rolls are ideal for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or even as a special treat alongside your holiday dinner. They’re perfect for sharing with loved ones and spreading holiday cheer.
* **Impressive but Doable:** While the recipe may seem intimidating, it’s actually quite straightforward. We’ve broken it down into easy-to-follow steps, making it accessible to bakers of all skill levels.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** You can prepare the dough and filling ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy fresh, warm rolls whenever you’re ready. This is especially helpful during busy holiday seasons.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start, gather all your ingredients. Having everything measured and ready to go will make the baking process smoother and more efficient.

**For the Dough:**

* 1 cup (240ml) milk, warmed to 110-115°F (43-46°C) – This temperature is crucial for activating the yeast.
* 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast – Make sure your yeast is fresh for the best results.
* ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar – Provides food for the yeast and adds sweetness to the dough.
* 1 large egg, lightly beaten – Adds richness and structure to the dough.
* ¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter, melted – Adds flavor and tenderness to the dough.
* 1 teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and controls yeast activity.
* 3 ¼ – 3 ¾ cups (390-450g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting – The amount of flour may vary depending on humidity.

**For the Cranberry Orange Filling:**

* ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened – Should be soft enough to spread easily.
* ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar – Adds sweetness to the filling.
* ¼ cup (50g) packed light brown sugar – Adds a hint of molasses flavor and moisture.
* 1 tablespoon orange zest – Adds a vibrant citrus flavor.
* 1 ½ cups (150g) fresh or frozen cranberries, coarsely chopped – Fresh cranberries are preferred, but frozen work well too.

**For the Orange Cream Cheese Glaze:**

* 4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, softened – Make sure it’s at room temperature to avoid lumps.
* ¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter, softened – Adds richness and flavor to the glaze.
* 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar – Provides sweetness and structure to the glaze.
* 2-3 tablespoons orange juice – Adds citrus flavor and thins the glaze to the desired consistency.
* ½ teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the other flavors in the glaze.
* Pinch of salt – Balances the sweetness of the glaze.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* Large mixing bowl or stand mixer
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Baking sheet
* 9×13 inch baking pan
* Rolling pin
* Small saucepan (for melting butter, if needed)
* Whisk or electric mixer (for the glaze)
* Plastic wrap
* Clean kitchen towel

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get baking! Follow these detailed instructions to create your own batch of delicious Cranberry Orange Rolls.

**Part 1: Making the Dough**

1. **Activate the Yeast:** In a large mixing bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer), combine the warm milk, yeast, and granulated sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the yeast is foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to use. If the yeast doesn’t foam, it may be old or inactive, and you’ll need to start with fresh yeast.

2. **Add Wet Ingredients:** Once the yeast is foamy, add the beaten egg and melted butter to the bowl. Stir well to combine the wet ingredients.

3. **Add Dry Ingredients:** Add the salt and gradually add the flour, starting with 3 ¼ cups (390g). Mix on low speed (or by hand) until the dough starts to come together. If the dough is too sticky, add the remaining flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it forms a soft, slightly sticky dough. Be careful not to add too much flour, as this can make the rolls tough.

4. **Knead the Dough:** Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can knead the dough in a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5-7 minutes on medium-low speed. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour, a teaspoon at a time.

5. **First Rise:** Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. The rising time may vary depending on the temperature of your environment. A warm, draft-free spot is ideal.

**Part 2: Making the Cranberry Orange Filling**

1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Cream together until light and fluffy.

2. **Add Orange Zest and Cranberries:** Stir in the orange zest and chopped cranberries until evenly distributed throughout the butter mixture.

**Part 3: Assembling the Rolls**

1. **Roll Out the Dough:** Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down gently to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, approximately 12×18 inches.

2. **Spread the Filling:** Spread the cranberry orange filling evenly over the entire surface of the dough, leaving a small border along one of the long edges. This will help seal the rolls.

3. **Roll Up the Dough:** Starting from the long edge opposite the border, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it closed.

4. **Cut the Rolls:** Using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal slices. A serrated knife works best for this task. You can also use dental floss by sliding it under the log, crossing the ends over each other, and pulling tightly to slice the roll. This prevents the rolls from getting squished.

5. **Second Rise:** Place the rolls, cut-side up, in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Cover the pan with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let them rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, or until they have puffed up slightly.

**Part 4: Baking the Rolls**

1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. **Bake the Rolls:** Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and cooked through. If the tops start to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover the pan with aluminum foil.

3. **Cool Slightly:** Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before frosting.

**Part 5: Making the Orange Cream Cheese Glaze**

1. **Cream Cheese and Butter:** In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.

2. **Add Powdered Sugar:** Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth. Start with a low speed to prevent the powdered sugar from flying everywhere.

3. **Add Orange Juice, Vanilla, and Salt:** Add the orange juice, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat until the glaze is smooth and creamy. Add more orange juice, a tablespoon at a time, until the glaze reaches your desired consistency.

**Part 6: Frosting and Serving**

1. **Frost the Rolls:** Spread the orange cream cheese glaze evenly over the warm rolls.

2. **Serve and Enjoy:** Serve the Cranberry Orange Rolls warm and enjoy! They are best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

## Tips for Success

* **Use Fresh Yeast:** Fresh yeast is essential for the dough to rise properly. Check the expiration date on your yeast packet before using it.
* **Don’t Overheat the Milk:** Make sure the milk is warm to the touch (110-115°F or 43-46°C), but not too hot. Hot milk can kill the yeast.
* **Don’t Overknead the Dough:** Overkneading the dough can result in tough rolls. Knead just until the dough is smooth and elastic.
* **Let the Dough Rise in a Warm Place:** A warm, draft-free spot is ideal for the dough to rise properly. You can place the bowl in a slightly warmed oven (turned off!) or in a warm corner of your kitchen.
* **Don’t Overbake the Rolls:** Overbaking the rolls can make them dry. Bake until they are golden brown on top and cooked through.
* **Use Softened Butter and Cream Cheese:** Softened butter and cream cheese are essential for a smooth and creamy glaze. Make sure they are at room temperature before you start.
* **Adjust the Glaze Consistency:** Add more orange juice, a tablespoon at a time, until the glaze reaches your desired consistency. You can also add a little milk if you don’t have orange juice on hand.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Nuts:** Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for a nutty crunch.
* **Dried Cranberries:** If you don’t have fresh or frozen cranberries, you can use dried cranberries. Rehydrate them in warm water for a few minutes before adding them to the filling.
* **Orange Extract:** Add a few drops of orange extract to the glaze for a more intense orange flavor.
* **Lemon Zest:** Substitute lemon zest for orange zest for a different citrusy flavor.
* **Maple Syrup:** Drizzle the rolls with maple syrup instead of frosting them for a more natural sweetness.
* **Vegan Option:** Use plant-based milk, butter, and cream cheese to make these rolls vegan.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

These Cranberry Orange Rolls are perfect for making ahead of time, especially during the busy holiday season. Here are a few options:

* **Make the Dough Ahead:** You can prepare the dough the day before you plan to bake the rolls. After the first rise, punch down the dough and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate the dough overnight. The next day, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling it out and assembling the rolls.
* **Assemble the Rolls Ahead:** You can assemble the rolls the day before you plan to bake them. After cutting the rolls, place them in a greased baking pan, cover them tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate them overnight. The next day, let the rolls sit at room temperature for about 30-45 minutes before baking them.
* **Freeze the Rolls:** You can freeze the baked rolls, unfrosted, for up to 2 months. Let them cool completely before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to eat them, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and then warm them in the oven before frosting.

## Serving Suggestions

These Cranberry Orange Rolls are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of other dishes. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **Breakfast or Brunch:** Serve them alongside eggs, bacon, sausage, or a fruit salad for a complete breakfast or brunch spread.
* **Holiday Dinner:** Serve them as a side dish with your holiday dinner. They pair especially well with turkey, ham, or roast beef.
* **Dessert:** Serve them as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
* **Coffee or Tea:** Enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat.

## Storage Instructions

* **Room Temperature:** Store leftover Cranberry Orange Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They are best enjoyed fresh, but will still be delicious the next day.
* **Refrigerator:** Store leftover Cranberry Orange Rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
* **Freezer:** Freeze baked rolls, unfrosted, for up to 2 months. Let them cool completely before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to eat them, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and then warm them in the oven before frosting.

## Cranberry Orange Rolls Recipe Card

**Yields:** 12 rolls
**Prep time:** 45 minutes
**Rise time:** 2 hours
**Cook time:** 25-30 minutes

**Ingredients:**

**For the Dough:**

* 1 cup (240ml) milk, warmed to 110-115°F (43-46°C)
* 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
* ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
* 1 large egg, lightly beaten
* ¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter, melted
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 3 ¼ – 3 ¾ cups (390-450g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting

**For the Cranberry Orange Filling:**

* ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
* ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
* ¼ cup (50g) packed light brown sugar
* 1 tablespoon orange zest
* 1 ½ cups (150g) fresh or frozen cranberries, coarsely chopped

**For the Orange Cream Cheese Glaze:**

* 4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, softened
* ¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter, softened
* 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
* 2-3 tablespoons orange juice
* ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
* Pinch of salt

**Instructions:**

**Make the Dough:**

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and granulated sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy.
2. Add the beaten egg and melted butter. Stir well.
3. Add the salt and gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled.

**Make the Filling:**

1. In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Cream until light and fluffy.
2. Stir in the orange zest and chopped cranberries.

**Assemble the Rolls:**

1. Punch down the dough and roll it into a 12×18 inch rectangle.
2. Spread the cranberry orange filling evenly over the dough.
3. Roll the dough tightly into a log, pinching the seam to seal.
4. Cut the log into 12 equal slices.
5. Place the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Cover and let rise for 30-45 minutes, or until puffed up.

**Bake the Rolls:**

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
3. Cool slightly before frosting.

**Make the Glaze:**

1. Beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth.
3. Add the orange juice, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat until smooth and creamy.

**Frost and Serve:**

1. Spread the orange cream cheese glaze evenly over the warm rolls.
2. Serve and enjoy!

## Enjoy Your Homemade Cranberry Orange Rolls!

These Cranberry Orange Rolls are a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, they’re sure to bring a smile to your face. So gather your ingredients, follow our recipe, and get ready to indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of cranberry and orange! Happy Baking!