Name: Cranberry Rolls with Orange Cream Cheese Glaze
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 3 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Dough:; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 2¼ teaspoon active dry yeast (1 packet); ¼ cup granulated sugar; ½ teaspoon fine sea salt; ¾ cup whole milk, warmed; ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 large egg, room temperature; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Cranberry Orange Filling:; 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries; ½ cup granulated sugar; Zest of 1 orange; 2 tablespoon orange juice; Pinch of salt; Orange Cream Cheese Glaze:; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 2 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened; ¾ cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoon orange juice; Zest of ½ orange

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Cranberry Rolls with Orange Cream Cheese Glaze are soft, fluffy buns filled with a tangy cranberry-orange compote and topped with a sweet citrus-infused cream cheese glaze. Perfect for holiday mornings, festive brunches, or any cozy weekend breakfast, these rolls bring together tart fruit, aromatic orange zest, and a creamy finish for a bright and indulgent treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cranberry rolls offer the ultimate balance of flavors: tart cranberries, sweet citrus, and rich cream cheese glaze. The dough is soft and tender, rising beautifully for a pillowy bite every time. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or simply treating yourself, this recipe is sure to impress with both its flavor and presentation. Plus, the fresh cranberry-orange filling adds a festive touch that feels perfect for fall and winter celebrations.

Cranberry Rolls with Orange Cream Cheese Glaze

Ingredients

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

For the Dough:

3 cups all-purpose flour
2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ teaspoon fine sea salt
¾ cup whole milk, warmed
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cranberry Orange Filling:

2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
½ cup granulated sugar
Zest of 1 orange
2 tablespoons orange juice
Pinch of salt

For the Orange Cream Cheese Glaze:

4 oz cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons orange juice
Zest of ½ orange

Directions

Proof the Yeast:

Warm the milk to 100–110°F. Stir in 1 tablespoon of the sugar and the yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

Make the Dough:
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, remaining sugar, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, melted butter, and vanilla.
4. Add the foamy yeast mixture and the egg mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
5. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes (or in a stand mixer for 5–6 minutes) until smooth and elastic.

First Rise:
6. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1½ hours, until doubled in size.

Make the Filling:
7. In a saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, orange zest, orange juice, and a pinch of salt.
8. Simmer over medium heat for 10–15 minutes until cranberries burst and the mixture thickens.
9. Allow the filling to cool completely.

Assemble the Rolls:
10. Roll the dough into a 12×16-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
11. Spread the cranberry filling evenly, leaving a ½-inch border.
12. Roll tightly from the long edge and cut into 12 equal pieces using unflavored dental floss or a sharp knife.
13. Place the rolls in a greased or parchment-lined 9×13-inch pan.

Second Rise:
14. Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes, until puffy.

Bake:
15. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
16. Bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown on top.
17. Cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before glazing.

Make the Glaze:
18. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, orange juice, orange zest, and a pinch of salt. Beat until fluffy and spreadable. Adjust consistency with more juice or sugar if needed.

Glaze and Serve:
19. Spread glaze over warm rolls and garnish with extra orange zest if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Servings and timing

Servings: 12 buns
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Rising Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 3 hours

Variations

Nutty Twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cranberry filling for added texture.
Spiced Rolls: Stir in a bit of cinnamon or allspice into the filling for a warm, cozy flavor.
Mini Rolls: Make smaller rolls by slicing the log into 18 pieces instead of 12, and bake in a muffin tin.
Maple Glaze: Swap the orange juice in the glaze for maple syrup for a deeper sweetness.
Berry Blend: Use a mix of cranberries and raspberries or blueberries for a different berry profile.
Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the rolls up to the second rise, then refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh in the morning.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave individual rolls for about 15–20 seconds or warm them in a 300°F oven for 8–10 minutes. Avoid freezing glazed rolls, but you can freeze the unglazed baked rolls for up to 2 months and glaze them after reheating.

FAQs

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh or frozen?

Fresh or frozen cranberries are ideal for the compote texture, but you can use dried cranberries rehydrated in orange juice for a softer filling.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, after the first rise, the dough can be refrigerated overnight and rolled out the next day.

Do I need to use a stand mixer?

No, the dough can be kneaded by hand, though it will take a bit more time and effort.

Can I use store-bought cranberry sauce?

Homemade compote is best for flavor and texture, but you can use a thick, whole-berry cranberry sauce in a pinch.

What if I don’t have orange zest?

You can omit it, though the zest adds a bright citrus note. A small amount of orange extract can be a substitute.

How do I keep the rolls soft after baking?

Store them in an airtight container once fully cooled to retain moisture and softness.

Can I freeze these rolls?

Yes, freeze baked, unglazed rolls for up to 2 months. Thaw and glaze before serving.

Is it okay to use low-fat cream cheese for the glaze?

Yes, but it may slightly alter the texture and richness of the glaze.

What other glazes could I use?

A simple vanilla glaze or a lemon glaze would also complement the cranberry filling nicely.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, substitute plant-based butter, non-dairy milk, egg replacer, and vegan cream cheese for a fully vegan version.

Conclusion

These Cranberry Rolls with Orange Cream Cheese Glaze are a festive, flavorful treat that’s perfect for holidays or special weekend breakfasts. With their tangy-sweet cranberry filling, soft dough, and zesty glaze, each bite is a burst of seasonal comfort. Whether you serve them warm out of the oven or prep them ahead for a stress-free morning, they’re sure to become a new favorite.