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Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

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  • Author: Molly Yeh
  • Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours
  • Yield: 12 rolls 1x
  • Category: Breakfast, Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Soft and fluffy cinnamon rolls filled with a festive cranberry-orange mixture and topped with rich cream cheese frosting. Perfect for holiday mornings or a cozy brunch.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
  • 3/4 cup warm milk
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
  • 1 tbsp orange zest
  • 1/4 cup orange juice
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 2 tbsp butter, softened (for filling)
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tbsp butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1–2 tbsp milk (to adjust frosting consistency)

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk and let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
  2. Add sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt. Mix well.
  3. Add flour gradually and knead until a soft dough forms. Cover and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  4. Meanwhile, prepare the filling by mixing chopped cranberries, orange zest, orange juice, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Set aside.
  5. Roll the dough into a rectangle on a floured surface. Spread softened butter over the surface and then evenly spread the cranberry-orange filling.
  6. Roll up the dough tightly from the long edge and slice into 12 rolls.
  7. Place rolls in a greased baking dish. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
  8. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
  9. While rolls bake, prepare frosting by mixing cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
  10. Spread frosting over warm rolls before serving.

Notes

  • You can use dried cranberries if fresh are unavailable—just soak them in warm water for 10 minutes first.
  • Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra texture.
  • Store leftover rolls in an airtight container and reheat slightly before serving.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 roll
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg

Find it online: https://healthyhomeeats.com/cranberry-orange-cinnamon-rolls-with-cream-cheese-frosting/