Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these cranberry cinnamon rolls! They’re like a warm hug on a chilly morning—soft, fluffy, and bursting with that delightful tartness from fresh cranberries paired with the cozy warmth of cinnamon. I remember the first time I made these; the smell was so intoxicating that it drew my family into the kitchen like moths to a flame! What I love most is how they strike that perfect balance between sweet and tart, making them ideal for any occasion, from holiday brunches to lazy Sunday mornings. Trust me, once you sink your teeth into one of these rolls, you’ll be hooked! They’re not just a treat; they’re an experience, and I can’t wait for you to try them!
Ingredients for Cranberry Cinnamon Rolls
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these scrumptious cranberry cinnamon rolls! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk, warmed (not too hot, just warm enough to activate the yeast!)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries, chopped if using dried
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
Make sure your butter is melted but not boiling, or it could kill the yeast! And don’t skip on the cranberries; they add that fabulous tart punch that makes these rolls unforgettable. Happy baking!
How to Prepare Cranberry Cinnamon Rolls
Alright, let’s dive into making these heavenly cranberry cinnamon rolls! The process is easier than you might think, and I promise the results will be so worth it. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be on your way to cinnamon roll bliss!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, in a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, yeast, and salt. Give it a good stir to mix everything together.
- Next, in a small saucepan, gently heat the milk and butter over low heat until warm—this should take just a few minutes. Don’t let it boil! Once it’s warm, pour this mixture into your dry ingredients.
- Add in the egg and mix until everything forms a dough. It should be slightly sticky, but you can sprinkle a little more flour if it’s too wet.
- Now, it’s time to knead! Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes. You’ll want that dough to be smooth and elastic.
- Place your kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Once risen, roll the dough out into a rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. Spread the cranberries, cinnamon, and brown sugar evenly over the surface.
- Carefully roll the dough tightly from one end to the other, then slice it into rolls about 1 inch thick. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish and let them rise again for about 30 minutes.
- Finally, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), bake those beauties for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown on top. Serve warm and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cranberry cinnamon rolls are bound to steal your heart for so many reasons! Here’s why you’ll want to whip them up again and again:
- They bring together the perfect blend of sweet and tart flavors that’ll have your taste buds dancing.
- Soft, fluffy texture that melts in your mouth—seriously, you won’t be able to stop at just one!
- Simple ingredients make this recipe approachable for bakers of all skill levels.
- The aroma wafting through your kitchen as they bake is pure heaven and will draw everyone in.
- They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful afternoon snack—whatever suits your fancy!
- These rolls are fantastic for sharing with family and friends, making every gathering feel a little extra special.
Trust me, once you try them, you’ll understand why they’re a beloved favorite in my home!
Tips for Success with Cranberry Cinnamon Rolls
To ensure your cranberry cinnamon rolls turn out perfectly every time, here are some of my tried-and-true tips! First, make sure your yeast is fresh—old yeast can lead to flat rolls that don’t rise well. A little trick I love is blooming the yeast in warm milk to see if it foams; if it does, you’re good to go!
When kneading the dough, don’t rush it! Knead until it’s smooth and elastic—that’s what gives you that delightful fluffy texture. If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle in a bit more flour, but be careful not to overdo it. And remember, patience is key during the rising times; the dough needs to double in size for the best results.
Lastly, bake until golden brown but keep an eye on them! Ovens can vary, so check a couple of minutes early to avoid overbaking. You want those rolls soft and pillowy, ready to be devoured!
Serving Suggestions for Cranberry Cinnamon Rolls
These cranberry cinnamon rolls are delightful on their own, but they can be even more special when paired with a few simple accompaniments! For a cozy breakfast or brunch, serve them warm alongside a pot of rich coffee or a creamy chai latte—trust me, the flavors complement each other beautifully. You could also whip up a quick cream cheese glaze to drizzle on top for that extra touch of sweetness!
If you’re feeling a bit more indulgent, why not add some fresh fruit? Slices of orange or a handful of berries can brighten up your plate and add a refreshing contrast to the rolls’ warm, cinnamon goodness. For a lovely afternoon treat, pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream; the combo is simply heavenly! The best part? They’re versatile enough to fit any occasion. Enjoy every bite!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover cranberry cinnamon rolls is super easy! Just let them cool completely after baking, then place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for about 3 days at room temperature, or you can pop them in the fridge if you want them to last a little longer. If you’ve got a bunch and want to save some for later, you can freeze them! Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil or a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just thaw in the fridge overnight or leave them at room temperature for a few hours. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds for that warm, gooey goodness. You can also reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for around 10 minutes to get that lovely fresh-baked texture back. Enjoy your rolls warm and melty!
Nutritional Information for Cranberry Cinnamon Rolls
While I can give you a general idea of the nutrition for these delicious cranberry cinnamon rolls, keep in mind that the exact values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. On average, each roll has about 210 calories, with 10g of sugar and 4g of protein. But remember, these numbers are just a guideline! For the most accurate information, always check the labels of your ingredients. Enjoy these rolls as part of a balanced diet and savor every bite!
FAQ About Cranberry Cinnamon Rolls
If you’ve got questions about these delightful cranberry cinnamon rolls, you’re not alone! Here are some common queries and my answers to help you out:
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just fine. Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess moisture before adding them to your dough.
What if my dough doesn’t rise?
Don’t worry! This can happen if your yeast is old or if the environment is too cold. Make sure to proof your yeast in warm milk first to ensure it’s active, and try to find a warm spot for the dough to rise.
How can I make them ahead of time?
You can prepare the dough and form the rolls, then refrigerate them overnight. Just let them come to room temperature and rise for about 30 minutes before baking. It’s a great time-saver!
Can I add nuts or other fillings?
Of course! Adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can add a nice crunch. You can also mix in a bit of chocolate or even cream cheese for a different twist!
How do I achieve a gooey center?
To get that perfect gooey center, make sure not to overbake your rolls. Keep an eye on them and pull them out when they’re golden brown, not too hard. Enjoy your baking adventure!
Cranberry Cinnamon Rolls: 7 Irresistible Secrets Revealed
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- 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.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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