Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe

Introduction

These Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls combine bright citrus flavors with tart cranberries for a delightful breakfast or brunch treat. Soft, fluffy dough swirled with orange filling and a luscious cranberry compote makes each bite irresistibly delicious.

Ingredients

• 1 cup milk
• 4 tablespoons salted butter
• 1 packet rapid rise (or instant) yeast
• 4 cups flour
• 1/3 cup white sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1 large egg
• 1/3 cup butter, room temperature (for filling)
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
• 2 tablespoons orange zest (for filling)
• 2 cups cranberries
• 1/2 cup sugar (for cranberry filling)
• 1 orange, zested and juiced (for cranberry filling)
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon clove
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 2 cups powdered sugar (for glaze)
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for glaze)
• 3 tablespoons butter (for glaze)
• 1 tablespoon milk (for glaze)
• 2 tablespoons orange juice (for glaze)
• 1/2 tablespoon orange zest (for glaze)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine cranberries, 1/2 cup sugar, orange zest and juice, cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently until the cranberries burst (about 3-5 minutes). Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 10-15 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Step 2: Melt 4 tablespoons butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Add milk and heat for 15-30 seconds until warm but not hot. Stir in yeast and let sit for 1-2 minutes until activated.
3. Step 3: In a mixer bowl, combine 3 cups flour, 1/3 cup sugar, salt, and 1 tablespoon orange zest. Pour in the milk, butter, and yeast mixture along with the egg. Beat on medium-high with a paddle attachment until incorporated, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in the orange zest.
4. Step 4: Switch to the dough hook and gradually add the remaining 1 cup flour. Knead until fully incorporated and smooth, about 5 minutes.
5. Step 5: In a small bowl, mix together 1/3 cup room temperature butter, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, and 2 tablespoons orange zest to create the orange filling.
6. Step 6: On a floured surface, roll dough into a long rectangle. Spread the orange filling evenly over the dough, then spoon cranberry filling on top, leaving some space at the edges to allow for rolling.
7. Step 7: Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, pinching the edges to seal. Use a paper towel as needed to manage any filling that escapes during rolling.
8. Step 8: Slice the roll into 1.5-inch thick rolls and place them into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover with a towel and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour until puffy.
9. Step 9: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
10. Step 10: To make the glaze, combine melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract with powdered sugar using a mixer. Add orange juice and mix well, then fold in orange zest until just combined.
11. Step 11: Drizzle glaze over warm rolls. Serve warm or room temperature for best flavor. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh or frozen cranberries for the filling depending on season and availability.
• For a zestier twist, add a teaspoon of orange extract to the glaze.
• Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.
• If you prefer less tartness, reduce the cranberry filling sugar to 1/3 cup.

Storage

Store leftover sweet rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat gently in a microwave or oven before serving. Glaze may be refreshed with an extra drizzle after warming.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the rolls and refrigerate them after the first rise, covered, overnight. Let them come to room temperature and rise again before baking.

Can I freeze these sweet rolls?

Absolutely. Wrap the baked and cooled rolls tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm before serving.

Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 69 reviews

• Author: Aiden
• Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 sweet rolls 1x

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Description

Delight in these Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls, a perfect blend of tangy cranberries and zesty orange layered within soft, buttery dough. This recipe features a luscious orange filling and a sweet cranberry topping, all finished with a fragrant orange glaze for a delectable breakfast or dessert treat.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough

• 1 cup milk
• 4 tablespoons salted butter
• 1 packet rapid rise (or instant) yeast
• 4 cups flour
• 1/3 cup white sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1 large egg

Orange Filling

• 1/3 cup butter, room temperature
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons orange zest

Cranberry Filling

• 2 cups cranberries
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 orange, zested and juiced
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon clove
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Orange Glaze

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 1/2 tablespoon orange zest

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Cranberry Filling: Add all cranberry filling ingredients to a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
2. Simmer Cranberry Filling: Continue boiling until cranberries burst (3-5 minutes), then reduce heat to medium and simmer for another 10-15 minutes until the mixture thickens.
3. Warm Milk and Butter: Melt butter in a microwave-safe bowl, add milk, and heat for 15-30 seconds until warm but not hot. Stir in yeast and let sit for 1-2 minutes to activate.
4. Mix Dough Dry Ingredients: In a mixer bowl, combine 3 cups of flour, sugar, and salt. Pour in warmed milk-butter-yeast mixture and add the egg. Beat on medium-high speed with paddle attachment for 1-2 minutes until well blended. Stir in orange zest.
5. Knead Dough: Switch to the dough hook attachment and gradually add the remaining 1 cup flour. Knead for about 5 minutes until dough is smooth and elastic.
6. Prepare Orange Filling: In a small bowl, mix together softened butter, sugar, and orange zest until creamy.
7. Roll Out Dough: On a floured surface, roll dough into a long rectangle. Spread orange filling evenly over the dough, then spoon cranberry filling on top, leaving edges clear to allow sealing.
8. Form Rolls: Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, wiping away any excess filling as needed. Pinch the edges to seal the seam tightly.
9. Cut and Arrange Rolls: Slice the rolled dough into 1 1/2 inch thick rolls. Arrange them evenly in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
10. Proof Rolls: Cover the dish with a towel and place in a warm spot for 1 hour to rise until nearly doubled in size.
11. Bake Rolls: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 20-30 minutes until tops are golden brown and centers are cooked through.
12. Make Orange Glaze: Melt butter, then combine with milk and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl. Gradually whisk in powdered sugar on high speed. Add orange juice and zest, mixing until just incorporated.
13. Glaze and Serve: Drizzle warm glaze over rolls while still warm (not hot). Serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor. Enjoy!

Notes

• You may not need to use all the cranberry filling; adjust to taste.
• Keep the sides of the dough clear before rolling to seal properly and prevent filling leakage.
• Use a warm spot next to the oven to help dough rise faster.
• Store any leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
• These rolls can be reheated gently before serving for that fresh-baked taste.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast & Brunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: cranberry orange sweet rolls, cinnamon rolls, holiday breakfast, sweet rolls, orange zest, cranberry filling, homemade rolls