Imagine biting into a warm, gooey sweet roll that perfectly balances tangy cranberries, rich cream cheese, and sweet cinnamon - a breakfast treat that transforms an ordinary morning into an extraordinary culinary experience. These Cranberry Cream Cheese Sweet Rolls are not just a recipe; they're a delightful journey of flavors that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Whether you're looking to impress weekend guests or treat yourself to a luxurious breakfast, these rolls promise to elevate your morning with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 rolls
Ingredients
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries
- 1 package (16 oz) refrigerated cinnamon roll dough
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 2 tbsp milk (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking pan by lightly greasing it with butter or cooking spray.
- In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Use an electric mixer on medium speed for best results.
- Carefully unroll the refrigerated cinnamon roll dough on a clean, lightly floured surface. Gently stretch the dough to create a uniform rectangle.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly across the entire surface of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Sprinkle the fresh or dried cranberries evenly over the cream cheese layer, ensuring they are distributed throughout the dough.
- Starting from the long side, carefully roll the dough into a tight log, making sure the filling stays inside.
- Using a sharp knife or dental floss, cut the roll into 12 equal-sized pieces. Place the rolls cut-side up in the prepared baking pan, leaving a small space between each roll.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the centers are cooked through.
- While the rolls are cooling, prepare the frosting by whisking together powdered sugar and milk until smooth and drizzling consistency is achieved.
- Once the rolls have cooled for 5-10 minutes, drizzle the frosting over the top, allowing it to cascade down the sides of the rolls.
- Serve warm and enjoy the delightful combination of cream cheese, cranberries, and sweet cinnamon roll dough.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Ensure cream cheese is fully softened at room temperature for a smooth, lump-free filling.
- Rolling Technique: Use dental floss or a very sharp knife when cutting rolls to maintain clean, even slices without squishing the dough.
- Cranberry Options: Feel free to use fresh or dried cranberries. If using fresh, pat them dry to prevent excess moisture in the rolls.
- Frosting Consistency: Add milk to powdered sugar gradually to control the drizzle thickness - you want a smooth, pourable consistency.
- Serving Suggestion: These rolls are best served warm, so time your baking to coincide with breakfast or brunch.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare rolls the night before, refrigerate, and bake fresh in the morning for a stress-free breakfast.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 35mg
