Cranberry Orange Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

These Cranberry Orange Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls are the epitome of holiday cheer. Sweet, tangy cranberries meet zesty orange in a soft, gooey roll that’s enriched with the natural tang of sourdough. Topped with a luscious orange glaze, they’re one of the most decadent and delicious breakfasts you could serve on Christmas morning. Imagine waking up to the warm aroma of spiced rolls baking in the oven—it’s the perfect start to a day filled with love and laughter.

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How to Prepare These Rolls Ahead and Freeze Them

For a stress-free Christmas morning, these rolls can be prepped in advance and frozen. Follow the recipe through the shaping and second rise, stopping just before the rolls are fully proofed. Cover tightly with foil, and pop them in the freezer.

When you’re ready to bake, transfer the rolls straight from the freezer to the oven. The initial baking process will encourage them to rise beautifully while cooking evenly. You may want to leave the cover over them for the first 10-15 minutes of the bake to ensure they cook all the way through without burning.

This method saves time and ensures a fresh, warm batch of rolls on Christmas morning without any hassle.

The Best Way to Roll Cinnamon Rolls

Achieving perfectly uniform cinnamon rolls is all about technique. Use a pastry wheel cutter to slice the dough into even strips after spreading the filling. Then, roll each strip individually to create rolls that are the same size and shape. This method ensures they bake evenly and look professional, with a satisfying spiral of filling in every bite.

The Magic of Sourdough in These Cinnamon Rolls

This recipe shines by relying entirely on sourdough starter for the rise, eliminating the need for commercial yeast. The natural fermentation process of sourdough provides a gentle, steady lift to the dough, resulting in cinnamon rolls that are incredibly soft, pillowy, and flavorful. The tangy depth of sourdough enhances the sweet and spiced cranberry-orange filling, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.

Not only does sourdough contribute to taste, but it also improves the texture of the rolls. The extended fermentation process helps develop a tender crumb that’s easy to pull apart, while the dough retains enough structure to hold all the gooey filling in place. Using sourdough instead of yeast also gives these rolls a rustic, homemade charm—perfect for a festive holiday breakfast.

The best part? These rolls are healthier, as the natural fermentation process makes them easier to digest and reduces the glycemic impact compared to yeast-based doughs. It’s a win-win for both flavor and wellness!

Check out these delicious Classic Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

4 Tips and Tricks for Perfect Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

1. Active Sourdough Starter Magic:
   • Begin with a vibrant and active sourdough starter. A bubbly and well-fed starter ensures a robust fermentation process, contributing to the overall flavor and rise of the cinnamon rolls. If your starter has been dormant, consider refreshing it a few hours before incorporating it into the dough for optimal performance.
2. Gentle Kneading for Light and Airy Texture:
   • Treat the dough with a delicate touch during the kneading process. Sourdough cinnamon rolls benefit from a lighter hand, as over-kneading can lead to a denser texture. Aim for a smooth and elastic dough without pushing it too far. This gentleness preserves the airy quality that makes these rolls irresistibly soft.
3. Perfect Swirl Technique:
   • Achieving the ideal cinnamon swirl is an art. After rolling out the dough to a consistent thickness, spread a generous layer of softened butter, leaving a narrow margin at the edges. Combine brown sugar and cinnamon for the filling, then evenly sprinkle it over the buttered surface. You could roll the dough tightly into one giant log, as pictured above, and then cut with a sharp blade or unscented dental floss. However, I’ve found that using a pastry wheel and slicing before rolling tightly is the easiest way to get perfect rolls.
4. Mindful Proofing for Optimal Rise:
   • Pay close attention to the proofing process to ensure a generous rise in your cinnamon rolls. Allow the rolled dough to proof in a warm, draft-free environment until it has doubled in size. This step is crucial for achieving the characteristic lightness and fluffiness of sourdough cinnamon rolls. Be patient and let the natural fermentation process work its magic.

Cranberry Orange Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

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Cranberry Orange Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

Servings: 8 Rolls

Ingredients

For The Dough

• 1 cup bubbly sourdough starter active and fed
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup softened coconut oil or melted butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• Extra flour as needed about 1 cup

For the Filling

• 2 ½ cups finely chopped fresh cranberries
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 4 tablespoons orange juice
• 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare the Dough Mixture

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the sourdough starter, flour, and milk. Cover the bowl and allow the mixture to rest at room temperature for 10-12 hours or overnight. This extended fermentation process enhances the flavor and texture of the dough.1 cup bubbly sourdough starter,2 cups all-purpose flour,1 cup milk

Incorporate Remaining Dough Ingredients

• After the initial fermentation, add the sugar, egg, coconut oil, salt, baking soda, and baking powder to the dough mixture. Use a stand mixer with a dough hook or mix by hand until all ingredients are fully combined and the dough begins to come together.2 tablespoons sugar,1 egg,¼ cup softened coconut oil,,1 teaspoon salt,½ teaspoon baking soda,1 teaspoon baking powder

Knead the Dough to the Right Consistency

• Transfer the dough onto a floured work surface. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and no longer sticky. Add additional flour in small amounts (up to 1 cup) as needed during this step. The dough should be soft, elastic, and easy to work with.Extra flour as needed

Roll Out the Dough

• Shape the dough into a large rectangle, approximately ¼-inch thick. Ensure the edges are even to create uniform rolls later.
  

Prepare the Filling

• In a separate bowl, combine the chopped cranberries, brown sugar, orange juice, orange zest, cornstarch, vanilla extract, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are evenly distributed.2 ½ cups finely chopped fresh cranberries,1 cup packed brown sugar,4 tablespoons orange juice,1 tablespoon grated orange zest,1 tablespoon cornstarch,1 teaspoon vanilla extract,1 tablespoon cinnamon,¼ teaspoon ground cloves,¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg,¼ teaspoon salt,

Assemble the Rolls

• Evenly distribute the cranberry filling over the buttered surface.
  
• Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log.
• Use a pastry wheel or a sharp knife to cut the log into evenly sized rolls. For the most uniform shape, roll each strip individually after slicing.
  

Arrange and Let Rise

• Place the rolls into a greased baking dish, leaving a small gap between them. Cover the dish and allow the rolls to rise until puffy. (Alternatively, freeze at this stage for baking later.)
  
• Cover the dish and allow the rolls to rise until puffy. (Alternatively, freeze at this stage for baking later.)
  

Bake and Glaze

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.
  
• While the rolls bake, whisk together powdered sugar, orange juice, and vanilla extract to create the glaze.1 cup powdered sugar,2 tablespoons fresh orange juice,½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  
• Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls immediately after baking.

Creative Additions for Christmas Morning Cinnamon Rolls

While these cranberry orange rolls are a standout on their own, you can also explore other festive additions to elevate your holiday breakfast spread:

• Traditional Cinnamon Rolls: A classic option with a buttery cinnamon-sugar filling.
• Pecan and Caramel Rolls: Add toasted pecans and drizzle with caramel for a nutty, rich twist.
• White Chocolate and Peppermint Rolls: Incorporate white chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies for a wintry vibe.
• Apple Pie Rolls: Fill with spiced apple chunks for a cozy, fruit-forward variation.