Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls

Introduction

There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through your home. These Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls elevate the classic recipe with a delightful twist—juicy cranberries and the bright zest of oranges pair beautifully with warm cinnamon and sugary goodness. Perfect for brunch, special occasions, or a cozy weekend treat, these rolls are sure to become a favorite in your household.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients for a batch of these irresistible rolls:

  • For the dough:
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons instant yeast
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • For the filling:
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries, chopped
  • 1/2 cup orange zest
  • For the glaze:
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tablespoons orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 rolls

Directions and Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and salt.
  2. In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the milk and butter until the butter is melted. Remove from heat and stir in the eggs and vanilla extract.
  3. Pour the warm milk mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
  4. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
  5. Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, approximately 1 hour.
  6. Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
  7. Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface of the dough.
  8. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon together, then sprinkle this heavenly mixture over the buttered dough.
  9. Sprinkle the chopped cranberries and orange zest evenly over the cinnamon-sugar filling.
  10. Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log and slice it into 12 equal pieces.
  11. Place the rolls into a greased baking pan, cover them, and let them rise for another 30-40 minutes.
  12. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the rolls are rising.
  13. Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and fragrant.
  14. While the rolls are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and vanilla extract to create a thick glaze.
  15. As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, drizzle the glaze generously over the warm rolls, allowing it to seep into every delightful crevice.

Notes or Tips

For the best results, make sure your ingredients are at room temperature, especially the eggs and butter, as this helps the dough rise properly. If you’re using dried cranberries, consider soaking them in warm water for a few minutes to plump them up and enhance their flavor. Enjoy these rolls fresh out of the oven for the ultimate treat!

Cooking Techniques

This recipe highlights a few essential baking techniques. Kneading the dough develops gluten, which is crucial for creating a fluffy texture. Allowing the dough to rise is equally important; it gives the rolls their light and airy quality. Rolling and slicing the dough carefully ensures each roll is bursting with flavor, and drizzling the glaze right after baking adds a touch of sweetness that will melt in your mouth.

FAQ

Can I make these rolls ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the rolls up to the point of baking, cover them tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, simply let them come to room temperature and rise for about 30 minutes before baking.

Can I freeze the rolls? Yes, you can freeze the unbaked rolls. Just place them in a freezer-safe container before the second rise. When you’re ready to bake, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight and follow the rising instructions.

Conclusion

These Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and zest, guaranteed to impress anyone who takes a bite. Whether enjoyed on a quiet morning or shared with loved ones during a festive gathering, each roll offers a warm hug of flavors that is simply irresistible. Happy baking!

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