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.
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 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Prepare Orange Filling: In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, sugar, and orange zest until combined.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
