“`html

If you’re on the lookout for a festive, heartwarming breakfast or brunch treat, the Cranberry Cinnamon Rolls with Orange Glaze Recipe is destined to become your new favorite. Imagine soft, pillowy cinnamon rolls swirled with a bright and tangy cranberry filling, all crowned with a luscious, creamy orange glaze that adds just the right amount of citrus sparkle. This recipe isn’t just about satisfying your sweet tooth—it’s about bringing warmth and joy to your kitchen, perfect for holidays, special mornings, or whenever you crave a delicious twist on a classic comfort food.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Twelve raw cinnamon rolls with red fruit filling are neatly arranged in three rows on white baking paper. Each roll shows clear spiral layers with pale yellow dough and a bright red filling that looks smooth and slightly glossy. The dough looks soft and thick, with the swirls evenly spaced and contained within each roll. The white marbled surface beneath gives a clean look, and there's no other object or hand visible in the frame. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Cranberry Cinnamon Rolls with Orange Glaze Recipe plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the creamy butter enhancing the dough’s softness to the fresh cranberries adding a tart pop, you’ll see how these simple essentials come together to deliver a memorable experience.

Dry yeast (1/2 package ~1 tbsp): This magical ingredient gets the dough to rise beautifully and become fluffy.
2% milk (1/2 cup, warmed to 110°-115°F): Provides moisture and helps activate the yeast with just the right warmth.
Cane sugar (1/4 cup): Sweetens the dough gently, balancing the tartness inside.
Butter (3 tbsp, room temperature): Adds richness and a tender crumb.
Egg (1): Binds everything together while enriching the dough.
Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the sweet notes.
All-purpose or bread flour (2-2½ cups): Forms the structure of your dough with the perfect softness and chew.
Orange zest (zest of 1 orange): Brightens every bite with subtle citrus aroma.
Fresh cranberries (about 4 cups): The tart star of the filling, bursting with flavor and color.
Orange juice (juice of 1 orange): Infuses the filling with refreshing citrus notes.
Orange extract (1/2 tsp for filling, 1/4 tsp for glaze): Intensifies the orange flavor in both filling and glaze for harmony.
Sugar (2/3 to 3/4 cup): Sweetens the cranberry filling to balance the natural tartness.
Powdered sugar (2 cups, sifted if clumpy): Creates a smooth, luscious base for the glaze.
Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): Gives the orange glaze its creamy, dreamy texture.

How to Make Cranberry Cinnamon Rolls with Orange Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast and Prepare the Dough

The first step is all about setting the foundation for those soft rolls. Warm your milk gently to 110°-115°F—that sweet spot that wakes up your dry yeast without killing it. Stir the yeast into the milk and watch it dissolve as the magic begins. Then, combine this with softened butter and sugar in your stand mixer. When your mixture is no longer warm to the touch, add the egg and the fragrant orange zest. Switch to the dough hook and gradually add in your flour and salt until a sticky dough forms. Don’t worry about stickiness; it means you’re on the right track!

Step 2: Knead and Let the Dough Rise

Give your dough some love by kneading it on a floured surface for about 6 to 8 minutes until it’s elastic and smooth. Pop it into a greased bowl, cover with a towel or plastic wrap, and find a cozy warm spot for it to rise for 1 to 2 hours until it balloons up to three or four times its original size. This rising is where the softness and fluffiness develop, so patience here makes all the difference.

Step 3: Prepare the Cranberry Filling

While the dough is working its magic, bring a medium saucepan to medium heat and combine fresh cranberries, orange juice, orange extract, and sugar. Stir frequently as the berries pop and release juice, turning the mixture into a thick jam-like filling that’s perfectly tart and sweet. This vibrant filling will give your rolls a festive twist like no other.

Step 4: Roll Out and Spread the Filling

Once your dough has risen, punch it down gently and roll it out on a lightly floured surface until about ¼ inch thick—just thick enough to hold the filling without tearing. Spread the cranberry filling evenly, leaving about ½ inch of border to prevent spillage. This careful step keeps your rolls neat yet packed with cranberry goodness in every bite.

Step 5: Shape and Slice the Rolls

Starting at one edge, roll the dough up tightly into a log, savoring the anticipation of what’s to come. Use a serrated knife or unflavored floss to slice your roll into 12 perfect cinnamon rolls. Each slice reveals the beautiful swirl of bright cranberry filling inside—a feast for the eyes before they even hit the oven.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13 pan with parchment paper and a light spray of cooking oil. Arrange your rolls packed side by side in the pan and bake for 22-26 minutes until the edges turn golden brown and the kitchen smells heavenly. The anticipation is real at this point, and you’re almost there!

Step 7: Prepare the Orange Glaze

While the rolls bake, whip up the glaze by combining powdered sugar, orange zest, cream cheese, and a splash of orange extract until it’s smooth and creamy. This glaze is the final touch—the perfect sweet and tangy blanket that complements every cinnamon roll bite.

Step 8: Glaze and Enjoy

As soon as you take your Cranberry Cinnamon Rolls out of the oven, generously spread the orange glaze over the warm rolls. The glaze melts slightly into the spirals, enhancing each bite with creamy citrus sweetness. Serve immediately and bask in the compliments!

How to Serve Cranberry Cinnamon Rolls with Orange Glaze Recipe

A single cinnamon roll is placed in the center of a white plate with a light brown rim. The roll has a spiral shape with a visible layer of cinnamon filling between the soft dough layers. The top is covered with a smooth, thick white icing that spreads unevenly and drips slightly down the sides, sprinkled with small, bright orange zests. The plate sits on a light pink surface with scattered orange zest pieces around it and next to a white bowl filled with red cherries. A gray and white striped fabric is partially visible on the right side of the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your presentation and add a little festive flair, sprinkle some extra orange zest or finely chopped candied orange peel over the glazed rolls. Fresh mint leaves also add a pop of color and subtle freshness that pairs beautifully with the warm flavors.

Side Dishes

These rolls are a star on their own but pairing them with a simple side like a crisp green salad or a fruit platter balances the richness and adds a refreshing contrast. A hot cup of cinnamon-spiced tea or freshly brewed coffee rounds out your brunch for a cozy yet energizing meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not make your breakfast extra special? Present the rolls on a rustic wooden board for a charming farmhouse vibe or pop them into individual ramekins for an elegant single-serve surprise. Layer them in a pretty glass cake stand to show off the gorgeous swirls and bright glaze—it’s almost too pretty to eat, but you’ll want to anyway!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Cranberry Cinnamon Rolls with Orange Glaze Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Be sure to keep the glaze separate if possible to maintain its creamy texture when reheated.

Freezing

These rolls freeze wonderfully and make a convenient treat whenever the mood strikes. Freeze unbaked rolls individually on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag, or freeze fully baked rolls wrapped tightly. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and glazing for a fresh-from-the-oven experience anytime.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat your cinnamon rolls in a 350°F oven or toaster oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that tender, flaky texture. Add the orange glaze after reheating to enjoy the full creamy citrus burst.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just fine—just thaw them beforehand and drain any excess liquid to avoid making the filling too watery.

What if I don’t have orange extract? Can I substitute it?

If orange extract isn’t on hand, vanilla extract is a mild substitute, but you’ll miss some of that zesty orange brightness. Fresh orange zest and juice will help retain much of the citrus flavor, though.

Is it necessary to use cream cheese in the glaze?

Cream cheese adds delicious richness and a smooth texture to the glaze, but if you prefer, a simple powdered sugar and orange juice glaze will still taste lovely—just less creamy.

Can I make the dough by hand without a stand mixer?

Definitely! The dough can be mixed and kneaded by hand; just allow a few extra minutes to thoroughly combine and knead to the right elasticity.

How do I know when the rolls are done baking?

The rolls should be golden brown around the edges and spring back lightly when touched. A toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Cinnamon Rolls with Orange Glaze Recipe is more than just a treat—it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that bring warmth and joy to your table. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just to brighten an ordinary morning, these rolls promise to delight with every bite. Give this recipe a try and watch how it becomes a new favorite in your household, one sweet swirl at a time.

“`