Name: Soft Cranberry Cinnamon Rolls: 10 Steps to Blissful Baking
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup milk; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/4 cup butter, melted; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons active dry yeast; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1 cup dried cranberries; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze); 2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)

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Oh my goodness, have I got a treat for you! These Soft Cranberry Cinnamon Rolls are like a warm hug on a chilly morning. I’m telling you, there’s nothing quite like pulling these fluffy rolls out of the oven, the sweet aroma of cinnamon and cranberries wafting through the air. And just wait until you drizzle that creamy glaze on top—it’s pure bliss! Trust me, your family will gather around as soon as they catch a whiff. Whether it’s a cozy weekend breakfast or a festive brunch, these rolls are sure to steal the show. Plus, they’re so easy to make, you’ll feel like a baking rockstar! Get ready to indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience that’s downright delicious!

Ingredients List

4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup milk, warmed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup dried cranberries
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup powdered sugar (for the glaze)
2 tablespoons milk (for the glaze)

How to Prepare Soft Cranberry Cinnamon Rolls

Alright, let’s dive into the deliciousness! Making these Soft Cranberry Cinnamon Rolls is easier than you might think, and I promise you’ll be so proud of yourself when they’re done. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have the most heavenly rolls to enjoy!

Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Mixture

First things first! You’ll want to warm up that milk until it’s just about lukewarm—think like a cozy bath, not boiling hot! Usually, about 30 seconds in the microwave does the trick. Then, sprinkle the yeast into the warm milk and give it a gentle stir. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it’s all frothy and bubbly. This means your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic!

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Just whisk those dry ingredients together until they’re well blended. The smell of cinnamon will start to fill the air, and trust me, it’s just the beginning of the goodness!

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

Now it’s time to add the fun stuff! Pour in the melted butter, crack in the eggs, and then add that frothy yeast mixture. Use a spatula or a wooden spoon to mix it all together until it forms a shaggy dough. Don’t worry if it looks a bit messy at this point; it’s all part of the process!

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and let’s get kneading! You’ll want to knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. It should feel soft and a little springy under your hands. This is the workout for your arms that comes with a tasty reward!

Step 5: First Rise

Pop the dough into a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Now, let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size—about 1 hour. You can preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C) and turn it off, then place the dough inside. It’ll feel so cozy in there!

Step 6: Roll Out the Dough

Once it’s all puffed up, punch it down gently (yes, that’s therapeutic!). Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a rectangle. Spread that melted butter all over, then sprinkle with sugar and cranberries. The colors are so pretty, you’ll want to take a picture!

Step 7: Shape the Rolls

Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect—just do your best! Once rolled, use a sharp knife to slice it into 12 equal pieces. Each piece is a little bundle of joy waiting to rise and bake!

Step 8: Second Rise

Place those rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving a little space in between them. Cover them again with that towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes. They’ll get all puffy and beautiful—just wait!

Step 9: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while those rolls are rising. Once they’ve puffed up, throw them in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes until they’re golden brown. The smell will be absolutely irresistible!

Step 10: Prepare the Glaze

While the rolls are baking, let’s whip up that glaze! In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar with the 2 tablespoons of milk until it’s smooth and drizzle-able. When the rolls come out of the oven, drizzle that sweet glaze all over while they’re still warm. It’s the perfect finishing touch!

Tips for Success

To ensure your Soft Cranberry Cinnamon Rolls turn out perfectly every time, here are a few tips from my kitchen to yours! First, make sure your milk is just warm enough to activate the yeast—too hot will kill it, and too cold won’t wake it up! Also, don’t rush the rising process; giving the dough ample time to double in size is key to achieving that fluffy texture. If you live in a cooler climate, try placing the dough in a slightly warm oven. Lastly, be generous with that glaze—it’s what brings everything together and makes these rolls utterly irresistible!

Nutritional Information

These Soft Cranberry Cinnamon Rolls are not just delicious; they’re also a treat in terms of nutrition! Each roll has approximately 250 calories, with 8g of fat, 4g of protein, and 40g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used. Enjoy every bite guilt-free!

FAQ Section

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Absolutely, you can use fresh cranberries! Just keep in mind that fresh cranberries are more tart than dried, so you might want to add a little extra sugar to balance the flavors. I usually recommend chopping them coarsely to help distribute the tartness evenly throughout the rolls. Just know that the texture might be a bit different, but they’ll still be delicious!

How can I store leftovers?

Storing leftovers is super easy! Just place your Soft Cranberry Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container and keep them at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, pop them in the fridge for up to a week. Just make sure to let them come to room temperature before enjoying them again—nothing beats that fresh-baked taste!

Can I freeze Soft Cranberry Cinnamon Rolls?

You can definitely freeze these rolls! If you want to freeze them before baking, just shape them and place them in a greased dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and freeze. When you’re ready to bake, let them thaw in the fridge overnight and then let them rise before baking as usual. If you want to freeze them after baking, simply let them cool completely, then wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature and drizzle with glaze before serving!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

They’re incredibly soft and fluffy, making every bite a delight!
Perfectly sweetened with cranberries and a creamy glaze that’s simply irresistible.
Easy enough for beginners, yet impressive enough to wow your family and friends.
Great for breakfast, brunch, or even a cozy afternoon snack!
Make-ahead friendly—freeze them for later and bake fresh whenever you crave them.
Versatile enough to customize with your favorite add-ins or spices!
The delightful aroma while baking will have everyone rushing to the kitchen!

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your breakfast experience with Soft Cranberry Cinnamon Rolls, serve them alongside a warm cup of freshly brewed coffee or a cozy chai latte. You can also add a side of seasonal fruit, like sliced oranges or berries, for a refreshing contrast to the sweetness. And if you’re feeling a bit indulgent, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side can take these rolls to a whole new level of deliciousness. Enjoy every bite!

Soft Cranberry Cinnamon Rolls: 10 Steps to Blissful Baking