Irresistible Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls: A Zesty Holiday Baking Tradition
As the festive season draws near, there’s a certain magic that fills the air, often accompanied by the comforting aroma of freshly baked goods. While classic cinnamon rolls have long held a cherished spot in our hearts, these Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls offer a truly delightful seasonal spin. They infuse the beloved traditional treat with the vibrant tartness of fresh cranberries and the bright, aromatic zest of oranges. This unique combination elevates a simple breakfast pastry into an irresistible holiday experience, perfect for cozy mornings or festive gatherings with loved ones.
The Perfect Blend of Holiday Flavors
The inspiration for these extraordinary rolls truly blossomed during a particularly wonderful Thanksgiving weekend. Beyond the much-anticipated feast of savory turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, and rich stuffing, all generously smothered with gravy, the long weekend was a cherished time spent with family and quiet moments with my husband. As is our cherished tradition, we also embraced the spirit of the season by selecting our Christmas tree and lovingly adorning our home with festive decorations, setting the perfect backdrop for culinary creativity.
Our days were deliciously fueled by a parade of treats that I found myself enthusiastically baking, one after another. From flaky, fruit-filled pies and sweet, buttery cookies to various types of rolls and even homemade English toffee, the kitchen was a hub of sweet creation. While my sweet tooth reveled in every single morsel, it was these Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls that truly captured my heart and palate, quickly becoming the undeniable favorite of the entire holiday spread. Their unique flavor profile and comforting texture made them stand out from the rest.
From Dislike to Delight: A Cinnamon Roll Revelation
It might seem baffling now, given my current adoration, but there was a time in my childhood when I actively disliked cinnamon rolls, along with other sweet breakfast breads like pancakes, waffles, and doughnuts. I often look back with a touch of regret, lamenting the countless years I ‘wasted’ not indulging in the sheer bliss of cinnamon, rich butter, and sweet sugar expertly rolled into warm, fluffy baked bread. That feeling of missing out on such simple, comforting goodness has only intensified my passion for these delightful pastries today.
Now, I’m wholeheartedly making up for all that lost time. My baking endeavors often lead me to explore new twists on classic recipes, and these Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls are a testament to that journey. They represent everything I now cherish about a perfect sweet breakfast item, but with an exciting, fresh, and seasonally appropriate twist that makes them utterly unforgettable. It’s a joy to create something so delicious that it can transform a simple morning into a festive occasion.
The Ultimate Make-Ahead Christmas Morning Treat
These specific rolls are not just any cinnamon rolls; they are a glorious holiday interpretation of the timeless classic, thanks to the thoughtful incorporation of tart cranberries and the bright, aromatic essence of orange. While they are undoubtedly delicious any time of year, their festive flavors make them absolutely perfect for a special Christmas morning breakfast, a cozy winter brunch, or a festive gathering with friends and family. The vibrant red of the cranberries and the zesty aroma of orange instantly evoke the spirit of the holidays, making them a truly special offering.
The best part about this recipe? Its incredible make-ahead convenience! You can prepare the rolls the day before, cover them snugly with plastic wrap, and let them chill in the fridge overnight. This means that on the big day, whether it’s Christmas or another celebratory morning, all you have to do is pop them in the oven and drizzle them with their luscious orange-infused icing. This simple step frees up precious morning time, allowing you to relax and enjoy the festivities without the stress of a complicated breakfast preparation. Imagine waking up to a warm, homemade treat without having to knead dough at dawn!
Imagine waking up to the most enchanting aroma wafting through your home. Not only will your family shower you with love and gratitude for creating these delectable cinnamon rolls, but your entire house will be transformed by an intoxicating scent. The combined fragrance of cranberries, bright orange zest, rich brown sugar, and melting butter, all baking together with soft, yeasted bread, is truly magical. It’s an almost torturous anticipation as you wait for them to emerge golden and perfect from the oven, knowing that a moment of pure bliss is just around the corner. The warmth and sweetness will draw everyone to the kitchen, eager for the first bite. And trust me, once they’re ready, pounce and devour, you will. These extraordinary breakfast rolls are guaranteed to disappear in record time, leaving only crumbs and contented smiles in their wake.
Tips for Baking Perfect Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls
Achieving perfectly soft, flavorful cranberry orange cinnamon rolls is simpler than you might think. Start with fresh ingredients, especially for the cranberries and orange zest, as their vibrant flavors are key to this recipe’s success. When preparing the dough, ensure your milk mixture is warm but not hot, to properly activate the yeast without killing it. Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place to achieve maximum fluffiness. When rolling out the dough, aim for a consistent thickness to ensure even baking and beautiful spirals.
For the filling, don’t skimp on the melted butter, brown sugar, or the generous amount of orange zest and cinnamon – these are what make the rolls so rich and aromatic. When rolling the dough, keep it tight to prevent gaps, and use a sharp knife or even unflavored dental floss for clean cuts, showcasing those gorgeous layers. The second rise is crucial for light, airy rolls, so be patient. Bake until they are lightly golden brown, and resist the urge to overbake, which can lead to dry rolls. Finally, the orange icing provides the perfect sweet and tangy finish. Drizzle it generously over the warm rolls for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
These cinnamon rolls are truly best served warm, ideally with a fresh cup of coffee or a glass of milk. If you happen to have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), they will keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. For an even more delightful experience, rewarm them gently in their baking dish at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes before serving. This will bring back their fresh-baked aroma and soft texture, making them feel like they just came out of the oven. These rolls are more than just a recipe; they’re an invitation to create lasting holiday memories, one delicious bite at a time. Enjoy the process and the incredible results!
Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls
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Ingredients
For the dough:
- 2 cup milk (16 fluid ounces)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (113 grams)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (123 grams)
- 5 ½ cups all-purpose flour (655 grams)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons dry-active yeast (5 grams)
- ½ teaspoons baking powder (2 grams)
- ½ teaspoon baking soda (2 grams)
- ½ tablespoon salt (5 grams)
For the filling:
- 1 cup cranberries , roughly chopped (100 grams)
- 1 cup packed light or dark brown sugar (197 grams)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter , melted (57 grams)
- Zest of one orange
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon (8 grams)
For the icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar (106 grams)
- 2-3 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
Instructions
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To make the dough, combine the milk, butter, and sugar in a medium saucepan and set over medium heat. Stir occasionally. When the mixture begins to steam and bubbles appear around the edges (do not boil), remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. Sprinkle the yeast over the cooled mixture and let sit for 5 minutes.
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In a large bowl, combine 5 cups of the flour with the milk and yeast mixture and stir until the dough comes together. Cover with a towel, set in a warm place, and let rise for one hour. Punch down the dough and add the remaining ½ cup flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Stir, adding an additional ½ cup of flour if needed to work the dough into a ball. Knead a few times on a lightly floured surface until dough is smooth.
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Roll the dough into a large rectangle about 25 inches long and 12 inches wide. Brush with the melted butter, and sprinkle with the chopped cranberries, brown sugar, orange zest, and cinnamon. Starting on the long side of the dough rectangle, gently roll the dough towards you, being sure to keep the dough tight. Pinch the edges together with the roll. Use a sharp knife (I actually like to use unflavored dental floss, wrapping it around the dough and pulling it tight) to cut the dough into 1 ½ inch sectioned rolls.
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Place the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Let rise for an additional 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 375°F. Bake the rolls for 15-20 minutes, until the rolls are lightly brown.
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To make the icing, combine the powdered sugar and orange juice and stir until smooth. Pour over the cinnamon rolls and serve immediately.
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The cinnamon rolls will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. If desired, rewarm the rolls in their baking dish at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.