Description
These Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls combine the tangy sweetness of fresh cranberries with the bright citrus flavor of oranges. Topped with a luscious orange glaze, they’re perfect for holiday brunches, breakfast, or any festive gathering!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough:
- 1 cup milk
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 packet rapid rise (or instant) yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 4 cups 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, room temperature
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons orange zest
For the 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
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
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cranberry Filling
- Combine all cranberry filling ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Bring to a boil, stirring frequently, until cranberries burst (3-5 minutes).
- Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Set aside to cool.
Step 2: Make the Dough
- Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Add the milk and heat for 15-30 seconds until warm but not hot. Stir in the yeast and let it sit for 1-2 minutes.
- In a mixer bowl, combine 3 cups of flour, sugar, and salt. Pour in the milk mixture and add the egg. Beat with the paddle attachment until combined. Add orange zest and mix.
- Switch to the dough hook and add the remaining 1 cup of flour gradually. Knead for 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Prepare the Orange Filling
- In a small bowl, mix softened butter, sugar, and orange zest until well combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Rolls
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a large rectangle (about 12×18 inches).
- Spread the orange filling evenly over the dough. Spoon the cranberry filling on top, leaving space around the edges.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log. 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 baking dish. Cover with a towel and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
Step 6: Bake
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the rolls for 20-30 minutes until golden brown on top and cooked through.
Step 7: Make the Glaze
- In a bowl, mix melted butter, milk, vanilla extract, powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest until smooth.
Step 8: Glaze and Serve
- Drizzle the glaze over the rolls while they are warm but not hot.
- Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!
Notes
- If you prefer, you can substitute the fresh cranberries with dried cranberries, but fresh cranberries give a brighter and more tart flavor.
- For a richer glaze, add a little extra butter or a splash of cream.
- These rolls can be assembled the night before, then covered and refrigerated overnight. In the morning, let them rise for about 30 minutes before baking.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg