When the first hints of autumn breeze in, my heart longs for warm, spiced treats that remind me of cozy evenings and family gatherings. That’s when I discovered these delightful Spiced Cranberry Rolls—an unexpected surprise from what I thought would be a simple afternoon in the kitchen. Imagine the scent of cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice wafting through your home as these golden rolls rise, promising a sweetly satisfying moment for yourself and loved ones.
The beauty of these rolls lies not just in their exquisite flavor profile but also in their versatility. Whether you’re planning a Sunday brunch or need a show-stopping dessert for that potluck you forgot about, these rolls fit the bill perfectly. Plus, with each bite, the tartness of the dried cranberries harmonizes beautifully with the sweet, spiced filling—creating an enchanting treat that’s bound to lift your spirits and banish any lingering fast-food fatigue.
Join me as we whip up this heavenly batch of Spiced Cranberry Rolls that are as pleasing to the eyes as they are to the palate. Your kitchen is about to become your favorite place!
Why love Spiced Cranberry Rolls?
Irresistible Aroma: As these rolls bake, the delightful scent of cinnamon and pumpkin spice fills your kitchen, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The tartness of dried cranberries mixed with sweet, spiced filling strikes a harmonious chord, making them a hit for all taste buds.
Versatile Treat: Ideal for brunch, dessert, or a cozy snack, these rolls fit seamlessly into any occasion.
Time-Saving Delight: With minimal hands-on time, you can enjoy freshly baked rolls without sacrificing your afternoon!
Crowd-Pleasing: These luscious rolls are guaranteed to impress family, friends, and even that unexpected guest. You might also enjoy exploring other engaging baking recipes to expand your culinary skills!
Spiced Cranberry Rolls Ingredients
Here’s what you need to create these utterly delightful Spiced Cranberry Rolls that will elevate your baking game!
For the Dough
• Warm water – ½ cup helps to activate the yeast, ensuring a fluffy roll.
• Active dry yeast – 2 ¼ teaspoons is essential for rising; fresh yeast is key!
• Granulated sugar – 3 tablespoons sweetens the dough and fuels the yeast.
• Warm milk – ½ cup adds richness to the dough for a tender texture.
• Large egg – 1 gives the rolls structure and a lovely color.
• All-purpose flour – 4 cups provides the base for your rolls; make sure to measure correctly!
• Kosher salt – 1 teaspoon balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
• Unsalted butter – 6 tablespoons add creaminess and flavor to the dough.
For the Filling
• Unsalted butter – ⅓ cup, softened, creates a smooth filling with great flavor.
• Granulated sugar – ¼ cup adds sweetness to the spiced filling.
• Light brown sugar – ¼ cup provides a hint of caramel flavor that complements the cranberries.
• Pumpkin pie spice mix – 1 teaspoon brings that warm, cozy taste of autumn.
• Ground cinnamon – 1 teaspoon enhances the spicy aroma that fills your kitchen.
• Finely grated orange zest – 1 teaspoon adds a refreshing citrus note to the filling.
• Kosher salt – ¼ teaspoon brightens up the flavors in the filling.
• Chopped Ocean Spray® Craisins® Dried Cranberries – ¼ cup for a delightful tart burst in each roll.
For the Frosting
• Full-fat block cream cheese – 4 oz provides the creamy base for the luscious frosting.
• Unsalted butter – ¼ cup, softened, for a rich and smooth texture in your frosting.
• Confectioners’ sugar – 1 ½ cups sweetens the frosting to perfection.
• Pumpkin pie spice mix – ½ teaspoon for an extra hint of seasonal flavor.
• Pinch of kosher salt – balances the sweetness in the frosting.
• Ocean Spray® Craisins® Dried Cranberries – sprinkle on top to garnish and add a pop of color.
Get ready to enjoy a delightful baking adventure with these Spiced Cranberry Rolls that will surely become a family favorite!
How to Make Spiced Cranberry Rolls
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Activate Yeast: In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together warm water, yeast, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes until bubbly and fragrant, then whisk in the remaining sugar, warm milk, and egg for a smooth mixture.
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Combine Ingredients: Attach the dough hook to the stand mixer. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Add half of the flour mixture to the mixing bowl and mix on low speed until dough starts to come together. Gradually add softened butter, one tablespoon at a time, followed by the remaining flour mixture.
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Knead the Dough: Increase to medium speed and knead the dough for 3-5 minutes until it’s smooth. Add the dried cranberries and knead until evenly distributed. The dough should be smooth and pull away from the sides of the bowl.
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Let It Rise: Transfer the dough to a greased bowl and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Allow it to rest for about an hour, or until doubled in volume, creating a soft and pillowy texture.
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Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine softened butter, sugar, brown sugar, spice mix, cinnamon, orange zest, and salt to form the filling. Mix until smooth, then fold in the chopped dried cranberries. Set the filling aside for later.
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Shape the Dough: Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Roll it out into an 18×14-inch rectangle, then spread the filling mixture evenly over the dough.
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Roll and Slice: Starting from the longer edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Slice the log into 12 equal pieces and place them in a lightly greased 9×12-inch baking pan. Cover with plastic wrap and let the rolls rise for an additional 30-45 minutes until they’ve puffed up to the pan’s edge.
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Bake the Rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Remove the plastic wrap and bake the rolls for 30-33 minutes or until golden brown on top. Rotate the pan midway for even baking, then let cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before frosting.
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Make the Frosting: Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until it’s smooth. Mix in the powdered sugar, spice mix, orange zest, and salt, creating a velvety frosting. Spread generously over the warm rolls and garnish with dried cranberries.
Optional: Drizzle extra frosting over the rolls for a delightful touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Spiced Cranberry Rolls?
These delightful rolls bring warmth and comfort to any meal, creating the perfect opportunity to elevate your dining experience.
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Savory Breakfast Casserole: This dish pairs beautifully, offering rich, savory flavors that balance the sweetness of the rolls and create a satisfying brunch spread.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing touch, enhancing the tartness of cranberries and complementing the rich flavors of the rolls.
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Maple Glazed Bacon: The smoky sweetness of bacon offsets the sweetness of the rolls wonderfully, making for a well-rounded breakfast or brunch option.
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Homemade Cinnamon Butter: Spread this fluffy delight on warm rolls for an extra layer of flavor, turning every bite into a heavenly experience.
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Spiced Chai Latte: A warm, spiced drink that enhances the flavors of the rolls while providing a cozy atmosphere perfect for chilly mornings or afternoons.
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Chocolate Chip Cookies: For dessert, these classic cookies create a delightful contrast with your rolls—a sweet finish for any gathering.
Combine several of these options to build a whimsical feast that will leave everyone at the table smiling!
Variations & Substitutions for Spiced Cranberry Rolls
Feel free to make these fabulous rolls your own—discover delightful twists that enhance both flavor and texture!
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Whole Wheat: Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier roll. It adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber.
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Nutty Crunch: Stir in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the dough for a delightful crunch that complements the soft rolls perfectly.
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Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free all-purpose blend to cater to gluten sensitivities. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum for optimal rise!
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or finely chopped jalapeño in the filling for a surprising spicy twist. It’s a bold move that your adventurous eaters will love!
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Fruity Delight: Use dried cherries or blueberries instead of cranberries for a different fruity flavor profile. Each bite will offer a unique and exciting experience!
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Maple Frosting: Replace confectioners’ sugar with maple syrup in the frosting for a rich, deep flavor that pairs beautifully with the rolls.
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Lemon Zest Twist: Incorporate zest from one lemon into the dough for a brighter, more citrusy roll. It brightens the overall flavor and adds a fresh twist!
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Overnight Option: Prepare the dough and filling the night before, refrigerating them separately. In the morning, let the dough come to room temperature before rolling out—perfect for busy mornings!
Expert Tips for Spiced Cranberry Rolls
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Measure Accurately: Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups to ensure your flour and liquids are precisely measured, leading to perfectly fluffy rolls.
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Activate Yeast Properly: Ensure your water is warm, but not hot—about 110°F. Too hot can kill the yeast, preventing your spiced cranberry rolls from rising.
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Don’t Rush Rising: Allow the dough to double in size naturally. Rushing this step can result in dense rolls that lack that soft, airy texture we love.
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Use Softened Butter: When making the filling and frosting, make sure your butter is soft for easy blending; cold butter can lead to a lumpy texture.
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Rotate for Even Baking: When baking, rotate your pan halfway through to ensure all rolls bake evenly, achieving that golden-brown hue on top.
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Garnish for Appeal: Don’t skimp on the dried cranberries when garnishing—this adds a lovely visual and a flavorful burst to your spiced cranberry rolls!
How to Store and Freeze Spiced Cranberry Rolls
Room Temperature: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and softness.
Fridge: For extended freshness, refrigerate the rolls in an airtight container for up to a week. This helps prevent staleness and retains flavor.
Freezer: Freeze spiced cranberry rolls after baking and cooling completely. Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy, thaw rolls in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
Make Ahead Options
These Spiced Cranberry Rolls are a fantastic option for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dough and filling up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow the recipe through step 4, then refrigerate the dough instead of letting it rise at room temperature. When you’re ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling it out (this helps the dough relax). The filling can also be made ahead and stored in the fridge. This way, when the craving strikes, you can enjoy these delightful rolls with minimal effort, serving up something just as delicious and fresh as if you made them that same day!
Spiced Cranberry Rolls Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best cranberries for my rolls?
Absolutely! When selecting dried cranberries, look for ones that are plump and shiny without any dark spots or excessive sugar coating. Brands like Ocean Spray® often have vibrant, flavorful options that will enhance your rolls’ taste.
How should I store leftover spiced cranberry rolls?
To keep your spiced cranberry rolls fresh, place them in an airtight container and store them at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy them longer, refrigerate for up to a week to help prevent staleness.
Can I freeze spiced cranberry rolls?
Yes, you can! Once your rolls have cooled completely, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap. Then, place them inside a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay delicious in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat.
What do I do if my dough doesn’t rise?
Oh no! If your dough isn’t rising, it could be due to expired yeast or the water being too hot or too cold. Make sure your water is around 110°F for optimal yeast activation. If the yeast is good, try letting the dough sit in a warm place, such as on top of an oven that’s preheating, for a better chance of rising.
Are spiced cranberry rolls safe for pets?
Very! The ingredients in these rolls, while delicious for humans, are not suitable for pets—particularly due to the sugar and potential dairy in the frosting. Keep them as a treat for your family and share some love in a pet-friendly way instead.
What can I use instead of cream cheese in the frosting?
If you’re looking for an alternative to cream cheese, try using mascarpone cheese or a dairy-free cream cheese substitute. Just make sure to adjust the amount of sugar to achieve your preferred sweetness, as some alternatives can be less sweet.
Delicious Spiced Cranberry Rolls That Bring Joy to Your Kitchen
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together warm water, yeast, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes until bubbly and fragrant, then whisk in the remaining sugar, warm milk, and egg for a smooth mixture.
- Attach the dough hook to the stand mixer. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Add half of the flour mixture to the mixing bowl and mix on low speed until dough starts to come together. Gradually add softened butter, one tablespoon at a time, followed by the remaining flour mixture.
- Increase to medium speed and knead the dough for 3-5 minutes until it's smooth. Add the dried cranberries and knead until evenly distributed.
- Transfer the dough to a greased bowl and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Allow it to rest for about an hour, or until doubled in volume.
- In a medium bowl, combine softened butter, sugar, brown sugar, spice mix, cinnamon, orange zest, and salt to form the filling. Mix until smooth, then fold in the chopped dried cranberries.
- Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Roll it out into an 18x14-inch rectangle, then spread the filling mixture evenly over the dough.
- Starting from the longer edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Slice the log into 12 equal pieces and place them in a lightly greased 9x12-inch baking pan. Cover with plastic wrap and let the rolls rise for an additional 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Remove the plastic wrap and bake the rolls for 30-33 minutes or until golden brown on top. Let cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before frosting.
- Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until it's smooth. Mix in the powdered sugar, spice mix, orange zest, and salt, creating a velvety frosting. Spread generously over the warm rolls and garnish with dried cranberries.