Oh my goodness, you guys, let me tell you about these cranberry cinnamon rolls! They are like a warm hug on a chilly morning, bursting with the perfect blend of tart cranberries and sweet, spicy cinnamon. I remember the first time I made them; the aroma filled my kitchen and practically pulled my family in from outside! There’s just something so special about biting into a soft, fluffy roll and getting that delightful pop of cranberry mixed with the comforting warmth of cinnamon. It’s a flavor combo you don’t want to miss. Trust me, these rolls are not just a treat; they’re a delightful way to start your day or to impress friends at brunch. You’ll be hooked after just one bite!
Ingredients for Cranberry Cinnamon Rolls
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 egg
- 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
How to Prepare Cranberry Cinnamon Rolls
Preparing the Dough
Let’s get that dough going! First, in a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Give it a quick stir to mix everything together. Now, in a small saucepan, gently heat the milk and butter until it’s warm but not boiling—just enough to melt the butter! Pour this warm mixture into your dry ingredients, and then crack in the egg. Mix it all up until you form a sticky dough. Here comes the fun part: knead the dough for about 5 minutes on a floured surface until it’s smooth and elastic. Now, place it in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour or until it doubles in size. Patience is key here!
Rolling and Filling the Dough
Once your dough has risen beautifully, it’s time to roll it out! Flour your surface again and gently punch down the dough to release some air. Roll it out into a rectangle, about ¼ inch thick. Now, here’s where the magic happens: sprinkle the cranberries, cinnamon, and brown sugar evenly over the dough. You want every bite to be packed with flavor! Starting from one end, roll the dough tightly into a log shape. Once rolled, use a sharp knife or dental floss (yes, I said dental floss—it works like a charm!) to cut the log into 12 even slices. Place these beauties in a greased baking dish, and let them rise for another 30 minutes. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Baking the Rolls
Now for the final step! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while your rolls are rising. Once they’ve puffed up nicely, pop them into the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes until they’re golden brown and your kitchen smells heavenly. Keep an eye on them, as ovens can vary. You’ll know they’re done when they’re lightly golden and sound hollow when tapped. Once out of the oven, let them cool for just a few minutes before diving in. Serve warm and watch everyone’s faces light up!
Tips for Success with Cranberry Cinnamon Rolls
Okay, friends, let’s make these cranberry cinnamon rolls even better with a few trusty tips! First up, if you want to amp up the flavor, try adding a splash of vanilla extract to the dough—trust me, it makes a world of difference! And if you can’t find fresh cranberries, dried ones work beautifully, too; just soak them in warm water for a few minutes to plump them up before using. Also, when you’re kneading your dough, don’t rush it; the more you knead, the fluffier your rolls will be! Oh, and here’s a little secret: if your kitchen is chilly, turn on your oven for a minute or two, then turn it off and place the dough inside to rise. It’ll thank you for the warmth! Enjoy your baking adventure!
Nutritional Information
Before we dig in, it’s good to know that the nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. So, while I can provide some typical values, just remember that your rolls might look a bit different. For one delicious cranberry cinnamon roll, you can expect about 210 calories, 5 grams of fat, 4 grams of protein, and 38 grams of carbohydrates. It also contains around 10 grams of sugar and 150 milligrams of sodium. Keep these numbers in mind as you enjoy your sweet, tart creations! Happy baking and munching!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- They’re a delightful mix of tart and sweet, thanks to the cranberries and cinnamon.
- Perfect for breakfast or brunch, making every occasion feel special.
- Quick to whip up—about an hour from start to finish!
- Each roll is soft, fluffy, and bursting with flavor in every bite.
- They can be made ahead of time and simply warmed up for serving.
- Great for sharing; they’re sure to impress family and friends.
- Customizable! You can add nuts or a drizzle of icing for extra flair.
FAQ About Cranberry Cinnamon Rolls
Got questions about these delicious cranberry cinnamon rolls? I’ve got answers! First off, you might wonder, “Can I use frozen cranberries?” Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain them before using to avoid excess moisture in your rolls. Another common query is, “How do I store leftovers?” Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or pop them in the fridge for a bit longer. If you want to reheat them, just warm them in the oven for a few minutes until they’re nice and cozy again. And what if I want to make these ahead of time? You can prepare the rolls up to the baking step, cover them, and refrigerate overnight. Just let them rise for about 30 minutes before baking. Now you’re ready to impress everyone with your baking skills!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve got some leftover cranberry cinnamon rolls? Lucky you! To keep them fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want them to last longer, you can pop them in the fridge for about a week. For the best reheating method, I recommend using the oven. Just preheat it to 350°F (175°C), wrap the rolls in aluminum foil to keep them soft, and warm them for about 10 minutes. You’ll be amazed at how delicious they taste, just like when they were fresh out of the oven!
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your cranberry cinnamon rolls experience, I love pairing them with a warm cup of coffee or a creamy chai latte. The flavors just dance together! You could also serve them alongside a light fruit salad for a refreshing contrast to the warm, gooey rolls. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of vanilla glaze on top takes these rolls to a whole new level of indulgence. And don’t forget about a sprinkle of chopped nuts for a bit of crunch! Trust me, these combos will make your brunch unforgettable!
For more delicious recipes, check out our recipe collection!
For tips on baking techniques, visit King Arthur Baking for expert advice!
Print
Cranberry Cinnamon Rolls: 7 Irresistible Flavors Await
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious cranberry cinnamon rolls filled with tart cranberries and warm cinnamon flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 egg
- 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- In a saucepan, heat milk and butter until warm. Add to dry ingredients.
- Add egg and mix to form dough. Knead for 5 minutes.
- Let dough rise for 1 hour.
- Roll out dough into a rectangle.
- Spread cranberries, cinnamon, and brown sugar on top.
- Roll the dough tightly and cut into slices.
- Place rolls in a greased baking dish and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Use fresh cranberries for a tart flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Cranberry cinnamon rolls