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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Prepare Orange Filling: In a small bowl, mix together softened butter, sugar, and orange zest until creamy.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Proof Rolls: Cover the dish with a towel and place in a warm spot for 1 hour to rise until nearly doubled in size.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
