Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect treat to bring some warmth, joy, and a splash of color to your breakfast table. Imagine waking up to the irresistible smell of soft, fluffy brioche dough swirled with a cinnamon, orange, and cranberry jam. These rolls are not just any cinnamon rolls – they’re an elevated version that combines the tangy sweetness of fresh cranberries with the zesty brightness of orange, creating a delightful twist on the traditional cinnamon roll.
Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls: A Perfect Blend of Warmth and Flavor for Beginner Bakers
Nothing beats the aroma of freshly baked goods, and these cranberry orange cinnamon rolls are a perfect treat for any occasion. Soft, fluffy brioche dough, tangy cranberry-orange filling, and sweet cream cheese icing come together to create a deliciously unique twist on the classic cinnamon roll. Simple to make, even for beginners, this recipe brings a burst of flavor that will have everyone coming back for more. Let’s get baking and enjoy this mouthwatering treat!
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 22 minutes
- Yield: 9 cinnamon rolls 1x
- Category: Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Brioche Dough:
Brioche is a rich and soft dough that is perfect for cinnamon rolls. It’s slightly sweet, buttery, and tender, which makes it the ideal base for these flavorful rolls. While brioche might sound fancy, it’s surprisingly simple to make, especially when you follow this step-by-step guide.
Here’s what you’ll need for the dough:
- 170 g (¾ cup) whole milk, warmed to 110°F
- 30 g (2 ½ tablespoons) granulated sugar
- 11 g (3 ¼ teaspoons) instant or active dry yeast
- 3 eggs (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla paste or extract
- 450 g (3 ¾ cups) all-purpose flour
- Zest of 1 orange (adds a refreshing citrus fragrance)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 127 g (½ cup + 1 tablespoon) unsalted butter (room temperature)
For the Cinnamon Orange Cranberry Jam:
The cranberry orange cinnamon rolls wouldn’t be complete without the unique jam filling. This mixture of cranberries, orange zest, and cinnamon creates the perfect balance of tart and sweet flavors. The jam is thick, spreadable, and packs a punch of flavor that will make each roll a standout.
Here’s what you’ll need for the jam:
- 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries (if using frozen, no need to thaw them)
- 50 g (¼ cup) granulated sugar (you can adjust the sugar based on your preference for sweetness)
- Zest of 1 orange (for that bright, citrusy flavor)
- 15 g (1 tablespoon) fresh orange juice (freshly squeezed is best)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (this adds the warm, cozy spice)
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt (to balance the sweetness)
For the Cream Cheese Icing:
The final touch to these cranberry orange cinnamon rolls is the cream cheese icing. This icing is smooth, sweet, and tangy, which complements the cinnamon rolls perfectly. It’s not too heavy but adds just the right amount of sweetness.
Here’s what you’ll need for the icing:
- 56 g (2 oz) cream cheese (room temperature for easy mixing)
- 56 g (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter (melted)
- 113 g (1 cup) powdered sugar (sifted to avoid lumps)
- Zest of 1 orange (for that fresh citrus zing on top)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Brioche Dough
Start by warming the milk to about 110°F – this is the perfect temperature to activate the yeast. If you’re unsure about the temperature, just test it with your finger. It should feel warm but not hot. Stir in the sugar and yeast, and if you’re using active dry yeast, let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is a key step because the yeast needs to activate and start working its magic in the dough.
If you’re using instant yeast, you can skip this waiting time and move on to the next step because instant yeast doesn’t require activation.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and vanilla extract, then add them to the milk mixture. The vanilla adds a subtle sweetness that enhances the overall flavor of the dough.
Now, in the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour and kosher salt. Add the wet ingredients and mix everything together on low-medium speed for about 3 minutes, or until the dough starts to form around the hook. If you don’t have a stand mixer, you can use a hand mixer with dough hooks or mix the dough by hand using a wooden spoon.
Step 2: Incorporate the Butter
Once the dough begins to come together, it’s time to add the butter. Slowly add the butter to the dough, one piece at a time. Allow each piece to fully incorporate before adding the next. This process helps create a rich, soft dough that will bake up into the tender, buttery cinnamon rolls you’re after.
After all the butter is incorporated, increase the mixer speed to medium-high and mix for another 8-12 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky. To check if the dough is ready, tear off a small piece and gently stretch it. You should be able to see light through it without it tearing. If it tears, continue mixing for another minute and check again.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Once your dough is ready, transfer it to a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it proof overnight in the fridge. If you’re in a hurry, let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it’s doubled in size. The cold fermentation overnight will develop the flavor of the dough and make the rolls extra fluffy, but the warm rise will work just fine if you’re short on time.
Step 4: Make the Cranberry Orange Jam
While the dough is rising, make the jam. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, orange zest, orange juice, cinnamon, and salt. Cook over medium heat for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the cranberries start to break down. You’ll know it’s ready when the cranberries soften and burst open, releasing their juice.
Once the cranberries have broken down, reduce the heat to low and continue cooking for another 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the jam thickens. The mixture should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Once the jam has thickened, remove from heat and blend it until smooth using an immersion blender or a regular blender. Let the jam cool completely, then transfer it to a glass jar and chill in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the rolls.
Step 5: Assemble the Rolls
Once the dough has risen, flour your surface and roll the dough into a rough rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Be careful not to roll it too thin; you want the dough to be sturdy enough to hold the jam filling.
Spread 225g (about 1 cup) of the cranberry orange jam evenly over the dough, leaving about a half-inch border around the edges. You can use a spatula to spread the jam evenly and smoothly.
Now, carefully roll the dough from the long edge, sealing the edge at the end. Once you have your roll, trim off the ends of the dough to make the edges neat. Then, cut the roll into 9 even pieces, each about 1 ½ inches wide. The easiest way to do this is by scoring the dough with a knife and then using dental floss to cut through the dough. This will give you clean, even slices every time.
Step 6: Let the Rolls Rise
Place the rolls in a baking dish (about 10.5″x7.5″), leaving a little space between them so they can expand as they rise. Cover the dish with a towel and let the rolls rise at room temperature for about 30 minutes. While they’re rising, preheat your oven to 350°F.
Step 7: Bake the Rolls
Once the rolls have risen, bake them for 22-25 minutes, or until they’re just barely golden on top. Be careful not to overbake them, as you want them soft and pillowy, with just a hint of golden brown on the edges.
Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Icing
While the rolls are baking, make the icing. In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, melted butter, and sifted powdered sugar. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Add the orange zest to give the icing that lovely citrus note that ties everything together. If the icing is too thick, you can add a teaspoon of milk to loosen it up.
Step 9: Drizzle and Serve
Once the rolls are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Drizzle the cream cheese icing generously over the top of the warm rolls. The icing will melt slightly, creating a delicious glaze that coats each roll.
These cranberry orange cinnamon rolls are best enjoyed warm, with a cup of coffee or tea. The combination of soft, fluffy dough, tangy-sweet cranberry jam, and creamy icing is a flavor explosion in every bite.
Notes
- Make Ahead: If you’re short on time in the morning, you can prepare the dough the night before, let it rise in the fridge overnight, and bake the rolls the next day. The dough will be ready to roll and fill with cranberry orange jam the next morning.
- Substitutions: If you’re not a fan of cranberries, you can easily substitute with other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or even dried fruits like raisins or apricots. Experiment with different jams and fillings to find your favorite combination!
- Frosting Variations: If you want a different twist, try a maple glaze or a lemon cream cheese icing to complement the flavors of the rolls.
- Adding Nuts: For an added crunch, sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans inside the roll before rolling it up with the jam.
- Freezing: If you have leftovers or want to make these rolls ahead of time, you can freeze them before baking. Just pop them in the freezer after cutting and place them in a sealed container. When you’re ready to bake, let them thaw and rise before baking as usual.
I still remember the first time I tried this recipe – it was a chilly weekend morning, and I was looking for something special to bake for a family brunch. I stumbled upon this recipe, and the combination of cranberries and orange immediately caught my eye. As the rolls baked, the sweet aroma filled the house, and when they were finally ready to eat, they were every bit as delicious as they smelled. Soft, pillowy, and packed with vibrant flavors, these cranberry orange cinnamon rolls quickly became a household favorite.
For beginner cooks, this recipe is perfect because it uses simple ingredients and techniques while yielding impressive results. With just a few key steps and a little patience, you’ll have a batch of mouth-watering cinnamon rolls that are sure to impress family and friends. The best part? The recipe is versatile and forgiving, so even if you’re a novice baker, you can still achieve fantastic results.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, there’s always something magical about making cinnamon rolls from scratch. The process of combining ingredients, kneading dough, letting it rise, and baking it to perfection is a delightful experience. The warm, comforting aroma that fills your kitchen is enough to make anyone’s day a little brighter. This recipe takes that magic to the next level by incorporating fresh, zesty flavors that will surely excite your taste buds.
In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through every step of making these cranberry orange cinnamon rolls – from preparing the soft, buttery brioche dough to creating the flavorful cinnamon orange cranberry jam and finishing with the smooth, creamy icing that makes every bite irresistible. Let’s get started!
Ingredients and Preparation
Let’s start by gathering the ingredients for both the brioche dough, the cinnamon orange cranberry jam, and the cream cheese icing. You’ll need a few basic pantry staples, plus some fresh ingredients for that extra burst of flavor.
For the Brioche Dough:
Brioche is a rich and soft dough that is perfect for cinnamon rolls. It’s slightly sweet, buttery, and tender, which makes it the ideal base for these flavorful rolls. While brioche might sound fancy, it’s surprisingly simple to make, especially when you follow this step-by-step guide.
Here’s what you’ll need for the dough:
- 170 g (¾ cup) whole milk, warmed to 110°F
- 30 g (2 ½ tablespoons) granulated sugar
- 11 g (3 ¼ teaspoons) instant or active dry yeast
- 3 eggs (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla paste or extract
- 450 g (3 ¾ cups) all-purpose flour
- Zest of 1 orange (adds a refreshing citrus fragrance)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 127 g (½ cup + 1 tablespoon) unsalted butter (room temperature)
For the Cinnamon Orange Cranberry Jam:
The cranberry orange cinnamon rolls wouldn’t be complete without the unique jam filling. This mixture of cranberries, orange zest, and cinnamon creates the perfect balance of tart and sweet flavors. The jam is thick, spreadable, and packs a punch of flavor that will make each roll a standout.
Here’s what you’ll need for the jam:
- 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries (if using frozen, no need to thaw them)
- 50 g (¼ cup) granulated sugar (you can adjust the sugar based on your preference for sweetness)
- Zest of 1 orange (for that bright, citrusy flavor)
- 15 g (1 tablespoon) fresh orange juice (freshly squeezed is best)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (this adds the warm, cozy spice)
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt (to balance the sweetness)
For the Cream Cheese Icing:
The final touch to these cranberry orange cinnamon rolls is the cream cheese icing. This icing is smooth, sweet, and tangy, which complements the cinnamon rolls perfectly. It’s not too heavy but adds just the right amount of sweetness.
Here’s what you’ll need for the icing:
- 56 g (2 oz) cream cheese (room temperature for easy mixing)
- 56 g (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter (melted)
- 113 g (1 cup) powdered sugar (sifted to avoid lumps)
- Zest of 1 orange (for that fresh citrus zing on top)
These ingredients are quite simple and easy to find at any grocery store. You can even adjust them to suit your preferences – for instance, if you’re not a fan of cranberries, you could substitute them with other berries like raspberries or blueberries, or even dried fruits like raisins or apricots. Feel free to get creative!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that we have all the ingredients, let’s walk through the process of making these cranberry orange cinnamon rolls step by step. Don’t worry – each step is manageable, and I’ll guide you through it with ease!
Step 1: Prepare the Brioche Dough
Start by warming the milk to about 110°F – this is the perfect temperature to activate the yeast. If you’re unsure about the temperature, just test it with your finger. It should feel warm but not hot. Stir in the sugar and yeast, and if you’re using active dry yeast, let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is a key step because the yeast needs to activate and start working its magic in the dough.
If you’re using instant yeast, you can skip this waiting time and move on to the next step because instant yeast doesn’t require activation.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and vanilla extract, then add them to the milk mixture. The vanilla adds a subtle sweetness that enhances the overall flavor of the dough.
Now, in the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour and kosher salt. Add the wet ingredients and mix everything together on low-medium speed for about 3 minutes, or until the dough starts to form around the hook. If you don’t have a stand mixer, you can use a hand mixer with dough hooks or mix the dough by hand using a wooden spoon.
Step 2: Incorporate the Butter
Once the dough begins to come together, it’s time to add the butter. Slowly add the butter to the dough, one piece at a time. Allow each piece to fully incorporate before adding the next. This process helps create a rich, soft dough that will bake up into the tender, buttery cinnamon rolls you’re after.
After all the butter is incorporated, increase the mixer speed to medium-high and mix for another 8-12 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky. To check if the dough is ready, tear off a small piece and gently stretch it. You should be able to see light through it without it tearing. If it tears, continue mixing for another minute and check again.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Once your dough is ready, transfer it to a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it proof overnight in the fridge. If you’re in a hurry, let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it’s doubled in size. The cold fermentation overnight will develop the flavor of the dough and make the rolls extra fluffy, but the warm rise will work just fine if you’re short on time.
Step 4: Make the Cranberry Orange Jam
While the dough is rising, make the jam. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, orange zest, orange juice, cinnamon, and salt. Cook over medium heat for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the cranberries start to break down. You’ll know it’s ready when the cranberries soften and burst open, releasing their juice.
Once the cranberries have broken down, reduce the heat to low and continue cooking for another 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the jam thickens. The mixture should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Once the jam has thickened, remove from heat and blend it until smooth using an immersion blender or a regular blender. Let the jam cool completely, then transfer it to a glass jar and chill in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the rolls.
Step 5: Assemble the Rolls
Once the dough has risen, flour your surface and roll the dough into a rough rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Be careful not to roll it too thin; you want the dough to be sturdy enough to hold the jam filling.
Spread 225g (about 1 cup) of the cranberry orange jam evenly over the dough, leaving about a half-inch border around the edges. You can use a spatula to spread the jam evenly and smoothly.
Now, carefully roll the dough from the long edge, sealing the edge at the end. Once you have your roll, trim off the ends of the dough to make the edges neat. Then, cut the roll into 9 even pieces, each about 1 ½ inches wide. The easiest way to do this is by scoring the dough with a knife and then using dental floss to cut through the dough. This will give you clean, even slices every time.
Step 6: Let the Rolls Rise
Place the rolls in a baking dish (about 10.5″x7.5″), leaving a little space between them so they can expand as they rise. Cover the dish with a towel and let the rolls rise at room temperature for about 30 minutes. While they’re rising, preheat your oven to 350°F.
Step 7: Bake the Rolls
Once the rolls have risen, bake them for 22-25 minutes, or until they’re just barely golden on top. Be careful not to overbake them, as you want them soft and pillowy, with just a hint of golden brown on the edges.
Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Icing
While the rolls are baking, make the icing. In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, melted butter, and sifted powdered sugar. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Add the orange zest to give the icing that lovely citrus note that ties everything together. If the icing is too thick, you can add a teaspoon of milk to loosen it up.
Step 9: Drizzle and Serve
Once the rolls are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Drizzle the cream cheese icing generously over the top of the warm rolls. The icing will melt slightly, creating a delicious glaze that coats each roll.
These cranberry orange cinnamon rolls are best enjoyed warm, with a cup of coffee or tea. The combination of soft, fluffy dough, tangy-sweet cranberry jam, and creamy icing is a flavor explosion in every bite.
Tips for Success and Variations
- Make Ahead: If you’re short on time in the morning, you can prepare the dough the night before, let it rise in the fridge overnight, and bake the rolls the next day. The dough will be ready to roll and fill with cranberry orange jam the next morning.
- Substitutions: If you’re not a fan of cranberries, you can easily substitute with other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or even dried fruits like raisins or apricots. Experiment with different jams and fillings to find your favorite combination!
- Frosting Variations: If you want a different twist, try a maple glaze or a lemon cream cheese icing to complement the flavors of the rolls.
- Adding Nuts: For an added crunch, sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans inside the roll before rolling it up with the jam.
- Freezing: If you have leftovers or want to make these rolls ahead of time, you can freeze them before baking. Just pop them in the freezer after cutting and place them in a sealed container. When you’re ready to bake, let them thaw and rise before baking as usual.
Conclusion
These cranberry orange cinnamon rolls are a truly special treat that will delight your senses and elevate any breakfast or brunch occasion. The soft, buttery brioche dough, the zesty cranberry orange jam filling, and the smooth cream cheese icing come together to create a masterpiece that’s both comforting and exciting to eat. Not only do they make a wonderful homemade gift, but they’re also a fantastic way to impress family and friends with your baking skills.
With the detailed steps and tips provided, you’ll have no trouble creating these delicious rolls, no matter your level of baking experience. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or as a make-ahead treat, these cranberry orange cinnamon rolls are sure to become a beloved recipe in your collection. Happy baking!
