Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on the classic cinnamon roll, bringing a burst of citrusy brightness and tart cranberry flavor to your breakfast or brunch table. These rolls are filled with a sweet cinnamon sugar mixture, complemented by dried cranberries and orange zest. After baking to golden perfection, they are topped with a luscious orange glaze that adds the perfect finishing touch. These rolls are soft, gooey, and bursting with festive flavors, making them perfect for holiday mornings or any special occasion.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- Zest of 1 orange
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- Zest of 1 orange
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange (optional for extra flavor)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Mix in warm milk, melted butter, egg, and orange zest. Knead until smooth, then let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1-2 hours.
- Prepare the Filling:
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle. Spread softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle with brown sugar, cinnamon, cranberries, and orange zest.
- Roll and Slice:
- Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice into 12 pieces. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Glaze and Serve:
- Whisk together powdered sugar and orange juice to make the glaze. Drizzle over the warm rolls before serving.
Enjoy these Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls as a sweet, citrusy treat that’s perfect for any occasion!
