Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting bring a festive twist to classic cinnamon rolls. The tartness of cranberries pairs beautifully with the bright citrusy flavor of orange, all wrapped in a soft, pillowy dough swirled with warm cinnamon sugar. Topped with a rich, tangy cream cheese frosting, these rolls are perfect for holiday mornings, special brunches, or cozy weekends at home.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

flour
active dry yeast
milk
unsalted butter
granulated sugar
eggs
salt
fresh or dried cranberries
orange zest
orange juice
brown sugar
ground cinnamon
cream cheese
powdered sugar
vanilla extract

directions

Warm the milk until lukewarm, then dissolve the yeast in it and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the yeast mixture with melted butter, sugar, eggs, and salt. Gradually add flour and knead until a smooth dough forms.

Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Meanwhile, prepare the filling by mixing softened butter with brown sugar, cinnamon, orange zest, and chopped cranberries.

Roll out the risen dough into a rectangle and spread the filling evenly across the surface.

Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice into even rolls.

Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise again for about 30-45 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.

While the rolls bake, prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating together cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a splash of orange juice until smooth.

Spread the frosting over the warm rolls before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 12 rolls.
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: about 2 hours 40 minutes

Variations

Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for a crunchy texture.
Use orange marmalade instead of zest for a more intense orange flavor.
Swap cranberries for dried cherries or raisins if desired.
Drizzle with a simple orange glaze in place of cream cheese frosting.

storage/reheating

Store rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
To reheat, warm in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a low oven until soft and gooey.
Freeze baked rolls (unfrosted) for up to 2 months. Thaw and frost when ready to serve.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry?

Yes, instant yeast can be added directly to the flour—no need to activate it in milk.

Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes, prepare and arrange in the baking dish, then refrigerate overnight. Let come to room temperature before baking.

Can I use dried cranberries?

Absolutely. Rehydrate them in warm water or orange juice if you prefer them softer.

What if I don’t have fresh oranges?

You can substitute bottled orange juice and a bit of orange extract or dried zest.

Can I skip the frosting?

Sure! You can leave them plain or dust with powdered sugar instead.

How do I know the dough is kneaded enough?

It should be smooth, elastic, and not sticky—about 8-10 minutes by hand or 5-7 minutes with a mixer.

Are these rolls overly sweet?

They’re balanced with tart cranberries and citrus—sweet, but not cloying.

Can I add spices like nutmeg or cardamom?

Yes, a pinch of either can enhance the warm flavor profile beautifully.

Are these rolls good for kids?

Yes, the mild sweetness and fun swirls make them a hit with little ones too.

Can I use gluten-free flour?

You can try a gluten-free baking blend, but results may vary in texture and rise.

Conclusion

Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting are the perfect cozy upgrade to a classic breakfast treat. With their tangy-sweet filling, citrusy aroma, and creamy topping, they’re sure to become a seasonal favorite or an anytime indulgence. Whether you serve them on a holiday morning or a relaxing Sunday, these rolls are guaranteed to brighten your day.