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Deliciously Seasoned

December 1, 2022

Cranberry Cinnamon Rolls

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These cranberry cinnamon rolls are so easy to make and take store-bought cinnamon rolls to a whole new level. A fresh cranberry orange mixture and a brown sugar pecan crust is added to the top of these Pillsbury cinnamon rolls, then they are baked until golden and drizzled with icing. So delicious and an easy way to dress up plain cinnamon rolls.

A white square plate with a cranberry cinnamon roll on it.

If you’re looking for a new holiday recipe to try this year, then you’ve come to the right place. If you’re simply looking for a way to make plain cinnamon rolls even more delicious, you’ve still come to the right place. These delicious cinnamon rolls take the classic sweet treat and dresses them up with a delicious cranberry orange sauce and a brown sugar pecan crust. I just started making this recipe a little while ago, and it instantly became a holiday favorite. The thing is that they’re so good, I just can’t wait until the holidays. So I routinely make them throughout the year, as well. Shhhh. Don’t tell my family!

Cranberry Cinnamon Rolls

These delicious holiday cinnamon rolls start with Pillsbury refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing. Then, I dress them up with a sweet and tangy cranberry orange sauce and top them with a sweet and crunchy brown sugar pecan crust. What I end up with are cinnamon rolls that are absolutely overflowing with festive holiday flavor. They’re perfect for a special holiday breakfast, a sweet addition to your family’s holiday meal, or to bring to any holiday potluck.

A close up of a cinnamon roll topped with a cranberry orange topping and a brown sugar pecan crust.

Why You’ll Love These Cranberry Cinnamon Rolls

  • They take plain, store-bought cinnamon rolls to a whole different level.
  • They’re absolutely delicious and so easy to make.
  • They’re so festive, and they make a great dessert during the holidays or a sweet Christmas morning breakfast.

Tips

  • Bring the cranberry mixture to a boil over medium heat and no higher. You don’t want to scorch it.
  • Be sure you let your cinnamon rolls cool for at least 15 to 20 minutes before adding the icing so it sets on top of the cinnamon rolls rather than sliding off.

Variations

  • You can use any variety of cinnamon rolls you like for this recipe.
  • I love pecans, but you can use any of your favorite nuts.
  • If you don’t have fresh cranberries, you can use frozen.

What to Serve with Cranberry Cinnamon Rolls

These are perfect when served alongside other sweet treats at your holiday gathering. They also make a sweet addition to any special holiday breakfast. Some great ideas include:

  • Berries
  • Pears
  • Apples
  • Grapes
  • Your favorite holiday desserts
  • Sausage
  • Bacon
  • Pancakes
  • Waffles
  • Eggs
Three cranberry cinnamon rolls on an oblong white plate.

Recipe FAQ

How do you elevate Pillsbury cinnamon rolls?

There are a few things you can do to dress them up..

  • Add an extra brown sugar topping
  • Add homemade icing
  • Top them with cream cheese frosting
  • Top with berries and other fruits
  • Add nuts
  • Brulee the tops

Can you eat fresh cranberries without cooking them?

Yes. Fresh raw cranberries are safe and healthy, although their sharp taste isn’t for everyone.

Can I make these ahead of time?

These reheat fairly well, so you can make them the day before you plan to serve them. However, they are best when made the same day.

How long do cinnamon rolls last?

They’ll last for about 2 days at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator.

Can you freeze baked cinnamon rolls?

Absolutely. They freeze well for up to 2 months.

A close up of a cinnamon roll with a bite taken out of it.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover

Store them covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate them for up to a week in an airtight container. For longer storage, open-air freeze them, then place them in an airtight, freezer-safe container or wrap individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.

To reheat, place them in a baking dish, cover them with foil, and bake for 10 to 15 minutes at 350 degrees until heated through.

Cranberry Cinnamon Rolls Ingredients

You’ll only need some simple ingredients to make everything in this recipe. You’ll find them all readily available at your local grocery store.

  • Pillsbury cinnamon rolls with icing
  • Heavy cream
  • Light brown sugar
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Fresh cranberries
  • Sugar
  • Orange zest
  • Orange juice
  • Cornstarch
  • All-purpose flour
  • Chopped pecans
  • Butter
A close up of a bite of cinnamon roll on a fork.

How to Make Cranberry Cinnamon Rolls

Making these cinnamon rolls couldn’t be easier. It only takes a few simple steps, and you’ll be in and out of the kitchen in no time.

Step 1: Prep

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and spray a 7×11 baking dish with nonstick spray. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cranberry Filling

In a medium saucepan, heat cranberries, sugar, brown sugar, orange zest, orange juice, and cornstarch over medium heat. Bring to a boil and cook until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens. Remove from the heat and let it cool a bit.

Step 3: Make the Brown Sugar Pecan Crust

Stir the brown sugar, flour, pecans, and melted butter together until combined in a small bowl.

Step 4: Make the Brown Sugar Cinnamon Mixture

In a small bowl, combine the heavy cream, brown sugar, and cinnamon.

Step 5: Bake

Place the cinnamon rolls in the baking dish. Then, pour the brown sugar cinnamon mixture around them. Top the cinnamon rolls with the cranberry orange sauce then the brown sugar pecan crust and bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until golden.

Step 6: Top with Icing

Let the cinnamon rolls cool for 15 to 20 minutes, then top with the icing that came with the cinnamon rolls. Enjoy!

A double collage photo of cranberry cinnamon roll on a white square plalte.

Try This Delicious Cranberry Cinnamon Roll Recipe Today

These cranberry rolls are a festive, delicious addition to your holiday gatherings. They’re also easy to make which doesn’t hurt! Give these a try, and you’ll soon find that they’re the hit of any party you attend. And don’t forget that your family will love them as an extra special holiday breakfast or brunch, too!

A three collage photo of cranberry cinnamon rolls on a white plate.

More Delicious Recipes You’ll Enjoy

Maple Cinnamon Rolls – These are made completely from scratch, with a hint of maple flavors, and topped with an absolutely delicious glaze.

Pear Cobbler – This pear cobbler has a sweet cream cheese layer, fresh pears, and a delicious cobbler topping, all made with a delicious cinnamon roll crust.

Honey Buns – A different variation of a cinnamon roll, but just as delicious. It’s a sweet breakfast recipe that is topped with a homemade icing.

And, try these Crescent Roll Cinnamon Rolls from Great Grub, Delicious Treats. They’re and easy breakfast recipe made with Pillsbury crescent rolls and topped with a gooey, sweet mixture of chopped apples and pecans.

Cranberry Cinnamon Rolls

This delicious recipe takes store-bought refrigerated cinnamon rolls to a whole new level with the addition of a few simple ingredients and a cranberry orange topping along with a brown sugar pecan crust topping. Baked until golden and then topped with icing.
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Cinnamon Rolls, Cranberry Cinnamon Rolls, Easy Cinnamon Roll Recipe
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8 Cinnamon Rolls
Author: Deliciously Seasoned

Ingredients

  • 8 count Pillsbury cinnamon rolls with icing
  • ⅓ cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Cranberry Orange Sauce

  • 12 ounce fresh cranberries
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • Zest from 2 oranges
  • ¼ cup orange juice
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch

Brown Sugar Pecan Crust

  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup all purpose flour
  • ¾ cup chopped pecans
  • ¼ cup butter melted

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375° and spray a 7 x 11 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.

Cranberry Orange Sauce

  • In a medium sauce pan, over medium heat, add cranberries, sugar, brown sugar, orange zest, orange juice and cornstarch. Stir. Bring to a boil and cook until cranberries burst and thicken up. Remove from heat and let cool a bit.

Brown Sugar Pecan Crust

  • In a small bowl, stir brown sugar, flour, pecans and melted butter together until combined.
  • Place cinnamon rolls into baking dish.
  • In a small bowl, add heavy cream, brown sugar and cinnamon. Stir, and pour into baking dish around the cinnamon rolls.
  • Top each cinnamon roll with cranberry mixture followed by brown sugar pecan crust topping.
  • Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes or until cinnamon rolls are golden.
  • Remove from oven and let cool for 15-20 minutes then add icing.

Here are a few pics that are perfect to save to your favorite Pinterest boards on Pinterest. Also, you can follow us on Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram. Remember to “like” or “follow” us on all social media.

A close up of a cinnamon roll with cranberries and a brown sugar pecan crust with icing over it.
A close up of a cinnamon roll with a bite taken out of it.

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Hi and welcome to Deliciously Seasoned! We are Halie and Nikki, the faces behind Deliciously Seasoned, along with our mom, Terri, owner of Great Grub, Delicious Treats. We have been working full time with our mom and wanted to start another food blog. We are so happy you have stopped by and hope you enjoy all of our recipes.

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Hi and welcome to Deliciously Seasoned! We are Halie and Nikki, the faces behind Deliciously Seasoned, along with our mom, Terri, owner of Great Grub, Delicious Treats. We have been working full time with our mom and wanted to start another food blog. We are so happy you have stopped by and hope you enjoy all of our recipes.

More about us →

  • Instagram
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Join Deliciously Seasoned and get great recipes in your inbox!

Latest

  • Cheesy Onion Rings
  • Air Fryer Cajun Shrimp
  • Crescent Roll Breakfast with Bacon, Egg and Cheese
  • A title over a bowl of pasta with a bite being held up.
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