Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls

Introduction

I first tried these Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls during a holiday brunch with my family, and let me tell you, they were an instant hit! The combination of tangy cranberries and zesty oranges filled the air with such a wonderful aroma while they were baking. When we finally got to taste them, the balance of flavors was perfect. The sweet, tart cranberries paired with the citrusy kick from the orange filling was a refreshing change from traditional cinnamon rolls. And the orange glaze? Absolutely divine! It added a luscious sweetness that tied everything together. It’s no wonder these rolls became a staple at our family’s festive gatherings. They’re not only delicious but also visually stunning, making them perfect for impressing guests at any occasion.

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Why You’ll Love These Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls

There’s so much to love about these Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls! Whether you’re looking for a holiday brunch treat or something to brighten up your regular morning routine, these sweet rolls deliver on every front. The tart cranberries and the citrusy orange filling blend together beautifully, while the sweet, sticky orange glaze takes these rolls to a whole new level of indulgence. The combination of textures—soft, fluffy dough with bursts of fruit—makes each bite a delightful experience. These rolls are also incredibly versatile and can be made ahead of time, so you can enjoy the festive spirit without all the last-minute work.

Here’s a quick rundown of why this recipe is so special:

• Bright and refreshing flavors: The cranberry and orange pairing is a perfect balance of sweet and tart, refreshing your palate with each bite.
• Fluffy, soft texture: The dough is light and airy, making these rolls perfect for a holiday morning or brunch.
• Easy to customize: Want a little more cinnamon or extra orange zest? It’s simple to adjust to your taste.
• Perfect for sharing: These rolls are great for parties, family gatherings, or giving as a sweet gift to a loved one.

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Ingredients

For the Dough:

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

For the Orange Filling:

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

For the Cranberry Filling:

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

For the Orange Glaze:

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

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cranberry Filling

Start by making the cranberry filling. Combine cranberries, sugar, orange zest, orange juice, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir frequently until the cranberries begin to burst, about 3-5 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mixture thickens. Set aside to cool.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and add the milk. Heat the mixture for 15-30 seconds until it’s warm, but not hot, to the touch. Stir in the yeast and let it sit for 1-2 minutes to activate. In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of flour, sugar, and salt. Pour in the milk and yeast mixture, add the egg, and beat with a paddle attachment until the dough comes together. Stir in the orange zest.

Switch to a dough hook and gradually add the remaining cup of flour. Knead for about 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Cover the dough and let it rest for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Orange Filling

In a small bowl, combine softened butter, sugar, and orange zest. Mix until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Rolls

On a floured surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle (about 12×18 inches). Spread the orange filling evenly over the dough. Spoon the cranberry filling on top of the orange filling, leaving space around the edges. Starting at one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log and pinch the seam to seal.

Step 5: Cut and Rise

Cut the log into 1 1/2-inch rolls (about 12 pieces). Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover with a kitchen towel and let them rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until the rolls have doubled in size.

Step 6: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and cooked through.

Step 7: Make the Glaze

While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, milk, vanilla extract, powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth.

Step 8: Glaze and Serve

Once the rolls have finished baking, drizzle the orange glaze over the warm rolls. Serve them warm or at room temperature.

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Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12 rolls
Calories per serving: 330 kcal

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Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Rising Time: 2 hours
• Total Time: 3 hours

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How to Serve

These Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls can be enjoyed in many ways:

• As a holiday breakfast or brunch: Serve these rolls fresh from the oven with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
• For family gatherings: Place them on a festive platter for a centerpiece that will wow your guests.
• For dessert: Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a sweet, indulgent treat.
• On-the-go snack: Wrap them in foil for a delicious, portable snack.

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Additional Tips

1. Make-ahead option: Prepare the rolls up to the point of cutting and rising, then refrigerate overnight. The next morning, let them rise at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
2. Add more citrus: Enhance the orange flavor by adding more orange zest to the dough and glaze.
3. Frozen cranberries: If fresh cranberries are unavailable, frozen cranberries work just as well in the filling.
4. Use whole milk: For a richer, more flavorful dough, opt for whole milk rather than low-fat or skim milk.
5. Brush with butter: Before serving, brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter for extra shine and flavor.

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FAQ Section

1. Can I make these rolls without yeast?
No, yeast is necessary to create the fluffy texture. However, you can try using a quick-rise dough or an alternative like baking powder rolls.

2. Can I substitute the cranberries with another fruit?
Yes! You can use raspberries, blueberries, or even apples if you prefer.

3. How do I store leftover rolls?
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week.

4. Can I freeze the rolls?
Yes, you can freeze the baked rolls for up to 3 months. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Reheat in the oven before serving.

5. Can I use a stand mixer for the dough?
Yes, a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment works perfectly for kneading the dough.

6. Can I make these rolls gluten-free?
You can try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture may vary.

7. Can I make these rolls dairy-free?
Yes! You can use non-dairy butter and milk substitutes like almond milk to make the rolls dairy-free.

8. How can I make the glaze thicker?
If the glaze is too thin, add more powdered sugar until it reaches your desired consistency.

9. What can I serve these rolls with?
These rolls go well with a variety of dishes, including scrambled eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit salads for brunch.

10. Can I make these rolls with less sugar?
Yes, you can reduce the sugar in both the dough and the glaze, but it may affect the sweetness and texture slightly.

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Conclusion

These Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls are a perfect addition to any festive gathering or holiday brunch. With their beautiful layers of orange zest, tangy cranberries, and a luscious orange glaze, they’re a delicious treat that’s sure to impress your guests. Whether you make them for a special occasion or just to brighten your morning, these rolls are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Their combination of flavors and textures makes them unique, and the recipe is surprisingly easy to follow. Enjoy baking and indulging in these soft, sweet rolls that will make your home smell like the holidays all year long!

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