Slow Cooker Cranberry Cinnamon Rolls recipe

Celebrate the holidays with these festive Slow Cooker Cranberry Cinnamon Rolls. Soft, fluffy dough swirled with sweet cinnamon sugar and tart bursts of fresh cranberries creates a perfect balance of flavors.

Finished with a sweet vanilla glaze, these rolls cook gently in the slow cooker, filling your home with warm, inviting holiday aromas.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Slow Cooker Cranberry Cinnamon Rolls combine the classic comfort of cinnamon rolls with bright, tangy cranberries for a festive twist. The slow cooker method ensures incredibly soft and moist rolls without drying out, while cranberries add beautiful color and flavor balance.

They’re perfect for holiday breakfasts, brunch gatherings, or cozy winter mornings. Beginner-friendly and low-stress, they deliver bakery-quality results that will impress family and guests alike.

Yield: 12 rolls

Slow Cooker Cranberry Cinnamon Rolls recipe

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Festive slow cooker cranberry cinnamon rolls with tart berries and sweet glaze – holiday breakfast perfection!

Prep Time 30 minutes

Cook Time 2 hours

Additional Time 15 minutes

Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes

Ingredients

For the Dough:

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• 3¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2¼ teaspoons) instant yeast
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup warm milk
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Filling:

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• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, coarsely chopped

For the Glaze:

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• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy and lively.
2. Build the Dough: Add melted butter, egg, vanilla, salt, and 2 cups of flour. Mix until smooth, then gradually add remaining flour.
3. Knead with Care: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until soft, smooth, and elastic.
4. First Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour until doubled.
5. Prepare Filling: Mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Keep softened butter and chopped cranberries ready.
6. Roll and Fill: Roll risen dough into a 14x10-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly, sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar, then scatter cranberries over the top.
7. Shape Beautifully: Roll tightly from the long side into a log. Pinch the seam, then slice into 12 equal pieces.
8. Arrange in Cooker: Line a 6-quart slow cooker with parchment paper. Place rolls cut-side up with a little space between them.
9. Cook Gently: Cover and cook on LOW for 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours, until the rolls are puffed and cooked through.
10. Glaze and Serve: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla into a smooth glaze. Drizzle generously over the warm rolls. Serve and watch everyone smile!

Notes

Check at 1 hour 45 minutes as slow cookers vary. Fresh cranberries release juice while cooking, creating lovely pockets of flavor. The rolls stay soft and moist. For extra zest, add orange zest to the filling.

Nutrition Information

Yield

12

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 499Total Fat 10gSaturated Fat 6gUnsaturated Fat 4gCholesterol 39mgSodium 114mgCarbohydrates 94gFiber 4gSugar 37gProtein 9g

The recipes and nutritional information on Crock Pot Meal are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

• Use fresh or frozen cranberries — no need to thaw if frozen.
• Line the slow cooker with parchment paper for easy removal.
• Space the rolls slightly apart to allow room for rising.
• Cook on low to keep them tender and prevent over-browning.
• Glaze while still warm so it melts into the rolls.
• Add orange zest to brighten the cranberry flavor.

Ingredients Notes

All-purpose flour forms the soft base of the dough, while instant yeast ensures a good rise. Warm milk and butter create richness and tenderness. Fresh cranberries bring tartness and juicy pops of flavor that complement the sweet cinnamon filling.

Brown sugar and cinnamon deliver warm spice, and powdered sugar makes the simple glaze. These ingredients work together to create a beautiful sweet-tart holiday treat.

Variations and Substitutions

Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch. Use dried cranberries soaked in orange juice instead of fresh for a sweeter version. Make it orange cranberry by adding orange zest to the dough and glaze.

For a cream cheese twist, mix softened cream cheese into the glaze. Substitute with apple-cranberry for a fruitier filling or add white chocolate chips. Dairy-free version works with plant-based milk and butter.

Storage Options

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Reheat in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. Freeze unglazed rolls for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm before adding glaze.

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Until you can read, Slow Cooker Coconut Pudding recipe