Introduction

Tangy Cranberry Cream Cheese Rolls are a delightful treat that combines the sweet and tart flavor of cranberries with the creamy richness of cream cheese, all wrapped in soft, fluffy rolls. Imagine biting into a warm roll, the sweetness of the filling melting in your mouth. These rolls are perfect for holiday gatherings, brunches, or even as a comforting snack during a cozy evening at home. With the holiday season fast approaching, there’s no better time to whip up a batch of these delicious rolls. In this post, I’ll walk you through the process of making Tangy Cranberry Cream Cheese Rolls step by step, making it easy for you to impress your friends and family with your baking skills.

Ingredients List

To make these scrumptious Tangy Cranberry Cream Cheese Rolls, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Dough:

– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
– 1 cup milk, warmed
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon salt

Filling:

– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Zest of 1 orange (optional)

Topping:

– 1/4 cup powdered sugar
– 1-2 tablespoons milk (for drizzling)
– Additional orange zest (optional)

Timing

This recipe requires some time, so be sure to plan accordingly. Here’s a rough breakdown of the timing:

– Preparation Time: 30 minutes
– Rising Time: 1 hour (plus 30 minutes for the second rise)
– Baking Time: 25-30 minutes

In total, expect to spend around 2 to 2.5 hours from start to finish, including the rising time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating the perfect Tangy Cranberry Cream Cheese Rolls can be simple if you follow these steps:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Allow it to sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

2. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of flour with the salt. Create a well in the center, pour in the frothy yeast mixture, melted butter, and eggs. Mix until it forms a dough. Gradually add the remaining flour until the dough is easily handled.

3. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should spring back when poked.

4. First Rise: Place the dough in a buttered bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

5. Make the Filling: While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and optional orange zest. Mix until smooth and creamy. Fold in the chopped cranberries.

6. Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle, approximately 1/4 inch thick.

7. Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the cranberry cream cheese filling over the rolled-out dough.

8. Form Rolls: Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly away from you, forming a log. Pinch the edges to seal.

9. Cut the Rolls: Slice the log into 12 equal pieces. Place each piece in a greased baking dish, cut side up.

10. Second Rise: Cover the dish with a cloth and allow the rolls to rise for another 30 minutes.

11. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

12. Bake the Rolls: Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. They should be cooked through and have a lovely aroma.

13. Make the Drizzle: While they’re baking, prepare the drizzle by mixing powdered sugar with milk until reach desired consistency.

14. Cool and Drizzle: Once out of the oven, let the rolls cool for a few minutes, then drizzle the glaze over them, and add optional orange zest for garnish.

Nutritional Information

Understanding the nutrition behind Tangy Cranberry Cream Cheese Rolls can help you feel good about enjoying this treat. Here’s an approximate breakdown per roll, assuming you make 12 rolls:

– Calories: 260
– Total Fat: 10g
– Saturated Fat: 5g
– Cholesterol: 50mg
– Sodium: 150mg
– Total Carbohydrates: 38g
– Dietary Fiber: 1g
– Sugars: 8g
– Protein: 4g

Keep in mind that these numbers can vary based on ingredient brands and adjustments to the recipe.

Tips

To ensure your Tangy Cranberry Cream Cheese Rolls are a hit, consider these helpful tips:

– Temperature of Ingredients: Make sure your milk is warm but not hot to the touch; this helps to activate the yeast without killing it.
– Dough Consistency: If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour as you knead. It should be soft but manageable.
– Filling Variations: Feel free to personalize the filling by adding nuts or different fruits like apricots or raisins for a new twist.
– Serving Suggestions: Pair the rolls with a cup of coffee or a warm tea for a delightful experience.

Alternative Methods

If you’re looking for alternative methods to enjoy Tangy Cranberry Cream Cheese Rolls, here are some ideas:

– Overnight Method: Prepare the dough the night before, place it in the fridge, and bake fresh rolls in the morning for breakfast.
– Cinnamon Roll Variation: Add cinnamon to the filling for a spiced twist on the recipe.
– Miniature Portions: Make bite-sized versions by slicing the dough log into smaller pieces for fun pop-in-your-mouth rolls.
– Make Ahead and Freeze: Bake a batch and freeze them, then reheat in the microwave or oven for super easy treats later.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even enthusiastic bakers can face challenges. Here are common mistakes to avoid when making Tangy Cranberry Cream Cheese Rolls:

– Not Planning Time: Don’t rush through the rising times. They are crucial for fluffy rolls.
– Yeast Temperature: Always check the temperature of the milk; it needs to be warm enough to awaken the yeast but not so hot that it diminishes the yeast’s effectiveness.
– Rolling Too Thin: Ensure that the dough is rolled thick enough to hold the filling without bursting.
– Underbaking: Keep an eye on the baking time; underbaked rolls will be doughy while overbaked rolls will be dry.

Conclusion

Tangy Cranberry Cream Cheese Rolls offer the perfect balance of flavor and texture, making them an irresistible addition to any table. They bring comfort and warmth with their sweet and creamy filling combined with the freshness of cranberries. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, at a festive gathering, or just as a delightful snack, these rolls will surely impress. With the step-by-step instructions provided, along with helpful tips and alternatives, you are on your way to achieving the perfect roll. Embrace the joy of cooking and let these Tangy Cranberry Cream Cheese Rolls become a cherished part of your recipe repertoire. Visit my website to discover more delicious recipes and elevate your cooking game even further!

FAQs

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh? Yes, dried cranberries can be used; however, be sure to soak them in warm water for about 10-15 minutes to soften before mixing them into the filling.

Can I make these rolls gluten-free? Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend that contains xanthan gum to help with the elasticity.

How should I store leftovers? Keep any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them.

Can I add spices to the filling? Certainly! A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg can add a lovely warmth to the filling, making it even more comforting.

By experimenting with various flavors and techniques, you can create your unique twist on these delicious Tangy Cranberry Cream Cheese Rolls. Happy baking!