Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe

Introduction

Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls combine the bright citrus flavor of orange with the tartness of fresh cranberries in a soft, fluffy dough. These sweet rolls are perfect for a festive breakfast or a special treat any time of year.

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 orange filling)
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar (for orange filling)
• 2 tablespoons orange zest (for orange filling)
• 2 cups cranberries (for cranberry filling)
• 1/2 cup sugar (for cranberry filling)
• 1 orange, zested and juiced (for cranberry filling)
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (for cranberry filling)
• 1/4 teaspoon clove (for cranberry filling)
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (for cranberry filling)
• 2 cups powdered sugar (for orange glaze)
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for orange glaze)
• 3 tablespoons butter (for orange glaze)
• 1 tablespoon milk (for orange glaze)
• 2 tablespoons orange juice (for orange glaze)
• 1/2 tablespoon orange zest (for orange glaze)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Add all cranberry filling ingredients to a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently until the cranberries have burst (3–5 minutes).
2. Step 2: Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 10–15 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Step 3: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the 4 tablespoons of butter. Add milk and heat an additional 15–30 seconds until warm but not hot. Stir in the yeast and let sit for 1–2 minutes.
4. Step 4: In a mixer bowl, combine 3 cups of flour, sugar, salt, and orange zest. Pour in the milk, butter, and yeast mixture, then add the egg. Beat on medium-high with a paddle attachment until combined.
5. Step 5: Switch to the dough hook attachment and gradually add the remaining 1 cup of flour. Knead by beating for 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
6. Step 6: Mix the orange filling ingredients together in a small bowl until well combined.
7. Step 7: Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a long rectangle. Spread the orange filling evenly over the dough, then spoon the cranberry filling on top, leaving a small border around the edges.
8. Step 8: Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, sealing the edge by pinching. Use a paper towel nearby to clean any cranberry filling that escapes while rolling.
9. Step 9: Cut the log into 1½-inch thick rolls and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover with a towel and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour.
10. Step 10: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20–30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
11. Step 11: For the glaze, combine melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract with powdered sugar in a mixer. Beat on high, then add orange juice and zest, mixing until just incorporated.
12. Step 12: Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls. Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For a nutty crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the filling before rolling the dough.
• Use fresh or frozen cranberries for the filling; if frozen, thaw and drain before cooking.
• Make the cranberry filling a day ahead to deepen the flavors and save time on baking day.
• Substitute orange zest and juice with lemon for a citrus twist.

Storage

Store leftover cranberry orange sweet rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving to restore softness. The glaze may be a little less glossy after refrigeration but still delicious.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough by hand instead of a mixer?

Yes, you can mix and knead the dough by hand. Combine the ingredients and knead on a floured surface for about 8–10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.

How can I tell when the rolls are fully baked?

The rolls should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped. You can also insert a toothpick into the center of a roll; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, they are done.

Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 93 reviews

• Author: Hugo
• Total Time: 2 hours
• Yield: 12 rolls 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls combine a soft, buttery dough infused with fresh orange zest and a bright, tangy cranberry filling, topped with a luscious orange glaze. Perfect for a festive breakfast or holiday treat, these rolls offer the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors with a hint of warm spices.

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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 Cranberry Filling: Add all of the cranberry filling ingredients to a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. 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 the mixture thickens.
2. Make Dough Base: Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Add milk and heat for 15-30 seconds until warm. Stir in the yeast and let sit for 1-2 minutes to activate.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a mixer bowl, add 3 cups of flour, sugar, and salt. Pour in the warm milk, butter, and yeast mixture, then add the egg. Beat on medium-high with paddle attachment until incorporated.
4. Add Orange Zest and Remaining Flour: Stir in the orange zest, then switch to the dough hook attachment. Gradually add the remaining 1 cup flour and beat until fully incorporated. Continue beating dough for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Prepare Orange Filling: In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, sugar, and orange zest until combined.
6. Roll Out Dough and Add Fillings: On a floured surface, roll dough into a long rectangle. Evenly spread the orange filling over the dough, then spoon cranberry filling on top, leaving edges clear to allow for sealing.
7. Form Rolls: Carefully roll the dough tightly into a log, using a paper towel to wipe off any excess filling if needed. Pinch the edge to seal the log.
8. Cut and Rise: Cut the log into 1 1/2 inch slices and place rolls in a greased 9×13 baking dish. Cover with a towel and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour until puffy.
9. Bake Rolls: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-30 minutes, or until golden brown on top and cooked through in the center.
10. Make Orange Glaze: Melt butter and mix with milk and vanilla extract. Gradually beat in powdered sugar until smooth. Add orange juice and zest and mix until just combined.
11. Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the glaze over warm rolls. Serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor. Enjoy!

Notes

• Use rapid rise or instant yeast to shorten rising time.
• If dough is too sticky, add small amounts of flour gradually while kneading.
• Allow rolls to cool slightly before glazing to prevent glaze from melting off.
• Extra cranberry filling can be refrigerated for use as a spread or topping later.
• Rolling can be messy due to wet cranberry filling; keep paper towels handy.
• These rolls freeze well before glazing; thaw and warm before serving.

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

Keywords: cranberry sweet rolls, orange cranberry rolls, sweet breakfast rolls, holiday breakfast, citrus rolls