Soft, fluffy rolls filled with warm cinnamon and tart cranberries, topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. These cranberry cinnamon rolls are the perfect holiday-inspired treat, bringing together sweet and tangy flavors in a warm, comforting dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for the holidays – The combination of cinnamon and cranberries creates a festive treat.
• Soft and fluffy texture – A rich, buttery dough ensures light and airy rolls.
• Sweet and tangy filling – The tartness of cranberries balances the sweetness of cinnamon sugar.
• Creamy frosting – A luscious cream cheese glaze adds the perfect finishing touch.
• Make-ahead friendly – Prepare them in advance and bake fresh in the morning.

Ingredients

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

For the Dough:

• Warm milk
• Active dry yeast
• Granulated sugar
• Unsalted butter, softened
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon
• Egg
• All-purpose flour
• Dried cranberries

For the Filling:

• Unsalted butter, softened
• Brown sugar, packed
• Ground cinnamon
• Dried cranberries

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• Cream cheese, softened
• Unsalted butter, softened
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Milk

Directions

Prepare the Dough:

1. In a large bowl, mix warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. Add sugar, butter, salt, cinnamon, and egg. Stir to combine.
3. Gradually add flour, ½ cup at a time, until the dough forms.
4. Add dried cranberries and knead on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
5. Cover the dough with a towel and let it rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Prepare the Filling:

1. Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl until smooth.

Assemble the Rolls:

1. Punch down the risen dough and roll it into a 12x18-inch rectangle.
2. Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the dough and sprinkle cranberries on top.
3. Roll the dough tightly into a log and cut into 12 equal slices.
4. Place them in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.

Second Rise:

1. Cover the rolls with a towel and let rise for 30 minutes until puffed.

Bake the Rolls:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bake rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
3. Let them cool slightly before frosting.

Prepare the Frosting:

1. Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
2. Spread generously over the cooled rolls.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 12 rolls
• Calories per serving: 320 kcal

Variations

• Fresh cranberries – Swap dried cranberries for fresh or frozen ones for an extra burst of tartness.
• Nutty twist – Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for added crunch.
• Maple glaze – Replace the cream cheese frosting with a maple syrup glaze for a different flavor.
• Spiced upgrade – Add nutmeg or cloves to the filling for extra warmth.
• Orange zest – Mix some orange zest into the frosting for a citrusy note.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes.
• Freezing: Freeze unfrosted rolls for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before frosting.

FAQs

How do I know if my yeast is active?

If your yeast mixture doesn’t become frothy after 5-10 minutes, it may be expired or the milk might have been too hot or too cold.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, instant yeast can be used. Skip the proofing step and mix it directly into the flour.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the rolls, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature before baking.

Why are my cinnamon rolls dry?

Overbaking can dry them out. Check for doneness at 20 minutes and remove when they turn golden brown.

Can I use fresh cranberries?

Yes, but chop them finely and toss them in sugar to balance the tartness.

Can I make these rolls without eggs?

Yes, replace the egg with ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead?

You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, but the rolls may be denser.

How do I make these dairy-free?

Use plant-based butter, dairy-free milk, and a dairy-free cream cheese substitute.

How do I prevent the rolls from unrolling?

Roll the dough tightly and place them close together in the pan to help them hold their shape.

What’s the best way to cut cinnamon rolls?

Use unflavored dental floss to slice the rolls cleanly without squishing the dough.

Conclusion

Cranberry cinnamon rolls are the perfect blend of sweet, tart, and spiced flavors, making them a great treat for holiday mornings or cozy weekends. With their fluffy texture, rich filling, and creamy frosting, they are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or save some for later, these rolls bring warmth and joy to any occasion. Happy baking!

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Cranberry Cinnamon Rolls

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• Author: Emmily
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 rolls
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These cranberry cinnamon rolls are the perfect holiday treat, combining the warm, spiced flavors of cinnamon with the tartness of cranberries, all topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. These soft, fluffy rolls will be a hit at your next holiday gathering, bringing comfort and festive flavors to your table.

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Ingredients

Ingredients:

• For the Dough:
  • Warm milk
  • Active dry yeast
  • Granulated sugar
  • Unsalted butter, softened
  • Salt
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Egg
  • All-purpose flour
  • Dried cranberries
• For the Filling:
  • Unsalted butter, softened
  • Brown sugar, packed
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Dried cranberries
• For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
  • Cream cheese, softened
  • Unsalted butter, softened
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Milk

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Instructions

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

   • In a large bowl, mix warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
   • Add sugar, butter, salt, cinnamon, and egg. Stir to combine.
   • Gradually add flour, ½ cup at a time, until the dough forms.
   • Add dried cranberries and knead on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
   • Cover with a towel and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

2. Prepare the Filling:

   • Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl until smooth.

3. Assemble the Rolls:

   • Punch down the dough and roll it into a 12x18-inch rectangle.
   • Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the dough and sprinkle cranberries on top.
   • Roll the dough tightly into a log and cut into 12 equal slices.
   • Place them in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.

4. Second Rise:

   • Cover the rolls with a towel and let rise for 30 minutes until puffed.

5. Bake the Rolls:

   • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
   • Let them cool slightly before frosting.

6. Prepare the Frosting:

   • Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
   • Spread generously over the cooled rolls.

Notes

• Use fresh cranberries for a tangier taste.
• Add nuts like pecans or walnuts to the filling for an extra crunch.
• You can replace the cream cheese frosting with a maple glaze for a different flavor.
• These rolls can be made ahead of time by refrigerating them overnight.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American