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Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls


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  • Author: Recipes Tasteful
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

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

  1. Combine all cranberry filling ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.
  2. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently, until cranberries burst (3-5 minutes).
  3. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Set aside to cool.

Step 2: Make the Dough

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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

  1. In a small bowl, mix softened butter, sugar, and orange zest until well combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Rolls

  1. Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a large rectangle (about 12×18 inches).
  2. Spread the orange filling evenly over the dough. Spoon the cranberry filling on top, leaving space around the edges.
  3. Roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seam to seal.

Step 5: Cut and Rise

  1. Cut the log into 1 1/2-inch rolls (about 12 pieces).
  2. 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

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Bake the rolls for 20-30 minutes until golden brown on top and cooked through.

Step 7: Make the Glaze

  1. In a bowl, mix melted butter, milk, vanilla extract, powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest until smooth.

Step 8: Glaze and Serve

  1. Drizzle the glaze over the rolls while they are warm but not hot.
  2. 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