Soft, fluffy, and filled with sweet-tart cranberry flavor, these Cranberry Sticky Buns are the perfect holiday brunch treat with a bright orange glaze.
Soft, buttery, and bursting with tart cranberry flavor, these Cranberry Sticky Buns are a festive twist on classic cinnamon rolls. Made with a fluffy homemade dough, sweet cranberry filling, and a bright orange glaze, they’re the perfect addition to your holiday brunch or cozy weekend breakfast.
The combination of warm cinnamon, brown sugar, and Ocean Spray® Jellied Cranberry Sauce creates a rich, tangy filling that caramelizes beautifully as the rolls bake. Topped with a light orange glaze, every bite is sweet, spiced, and perfectly balanced.
Why You’ll Love These Cranberry Sticky Buns
- Festive and flavorful – The cranberry and orange combination makes these rolls perfect for the holidays.
- Soft, fluffy texture – The homemade yeast dough bakes up tender and pillowy.
- Simple ingredients – Pantry staples come together to create a bakery-worthy treat.
- Perfect for brunch or gifting – These sticky buns make any morning feel special.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- Dry yeast – Helps the dough rise and gives that soft, airy texture.
- Sugar – Feeds the yeast and adds light sweetness.
- Milk – Warmed to activate the yeast and enrich the dough.
- Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
- Cinnamon – Adds cozy warmth to every bite.
- Butter – Provides richness and softness.
- Egg – Helps bind the dough and adds tenderness.
- Flour – The base for your dough.
- Milk – Keeps the dough moist and soft.
For the Filling:
- Ocean Spray® Jellied Cranberry Sauce – Adds a festive tartness and gorgeous color.
- Brown sugar – Melts into the cranberry layer for a sticky, caramel-like sweetness.
For the Glaze:
- Powdered sugar – For a smooth, sweet drizzle.
- Orange juice – Adds brightness and ties the flavors together.
Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine yeast, sugar, and ¼ cup of warm milk. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy and bubbly.
2. Make the Dough
In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine 2½ cups flour, cinnamon, salt, egg, butter, yeast mixture, and milk. Mix on low speed, adding additional flour as needed until the dough pulls away from the bowl.
Knead for 5–10 minutes until smooth and elastic, or until the dough passes the windowpane test.
3. First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for about an hour, or until doubled in size.
4. Shape the Rolls
Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface into an 18-inch rectangle. Spread cranberry sauce evenly over the dough and sprinkle with brown sugar.
5. Slice and Second Rise
Roll the dough into a log and slice into 1½-inch pieces. Arrange the rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover lightly, and let rise for another hour.
6. Bake
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Remove the cloth and bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden and cooked through.
7. Glaze
While the rolls bake, whisk together powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth. Add more juice for a thinner consistency if needed. Once the rolls have cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze over top and serve warm.
Tips for Perfect Sticky Buns
- Check your yeast freshness. If your yeast doesn’t foam, it’s time to replace it.
- Don’t skip the second rise. This step gives the buns their soft, fluffy texture.
- Use room temperature ingredients. It helps the dough come together more evenly.
- Add nuts or zest. A sprinkle of pecans or orange zest takes these rolls to the next level.
How to Serve
These Cranberry Sticky Buns are best enjoyed warm, fresh from the oven. Pair them with a cup of coffee, a Cranberry Latte, or a glass of milk for the perfect breakfast or dessert. They also make a beautiful addition to a holiday brunch spread or a thoughtful homemade gift.
Storage
Store leftover sticky buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5. Warm briefly in the oven or microwave before serving.
A Sweet and Festive Holiday Treat
These Cranberry Sticky Buns combine the best parts of cinnamon rolls and classic cranberry sauce into one irresistible treat. They’re cozy, festive, and filled with holiday flavor — perfect for making your mornings just a little more special.
Cranberry Sticky Buns
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 1/4 tsp dry yeast
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1/4 cup milk warmed
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 5 tbsp butter
- 1 egg
- 3 cups flour
- 1 cups milk
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup Cranberry Sauce
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp orange juice
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine yeast, sugar, and 1/4 cup warm milk. Let sit for 5-10 minutes.
- In a large bowl (or your stand mixer) combine 2 ½ cups flour, cinnamon, salt, egg, butter, yeast mixture, and milk. Begin mixing adding in additional flour as needed. You want your dough to be able to pull away from the bowl.
- Knead the dough for 5-10 minutes, until the dough passes the windowpane test.
- Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for about an hour (or until doubled in size).
- Pour dough onto a lightly floured counter and roll into an 18″ long rectangle.
- Spread cranberry sauce and brown sugar over the dough.
- Roll the dough into a log and cut into 1.5″ slices, place onto a baking sheet.
- Cover the dough lightly with a clean cloth and let rise for an additional hour.
- Preheat oven to 350.
- Remove cloth and bake the cinnamon rolls for 20-25 minutes.
- While the rolls bake combine the glaze ingredients and mix until smooth. Adding additional orange juice to get the desired consistency. Once the rolls have cooled slightly drizzle the glaze over top.
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