Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: Evelyn
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
  • Yield: 12 rolls
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls combine the tartness of fresh cranberries with bright orange flavors inside a tender, sweet yeast dough. Topped with a luscious orange glaze, they are a perfect holiday brunch treat that balances sweet, tangy, and warm spice notes. This delightful recipe features a rich orange filling layered beneath a spiced cranberry compote, rolled into fluffy rolls and baked to golden perfection.

Ingredients

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

  1. Prepare Cranberry Filling: Add all cranberry filling ingredients to a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and burning. Once boiling, continue for 3-5 minutes until most cranberries have burst.
  2. Simmer Cranberry Filling: Reduce heat to medium and maintain a gentle boil or simmer for 10-15 minutes until the mixture thickens into a jam-like consistency. Stir occasionally.
  3. Prepare Dough Mixture: Melt butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Add milk and warm for 15-30 seconds until lukewarm. Stir in yeast packet and let it sit for 1-2 minutes to activate.
  4. Mix Dry Ingredients: Place 3 cups of flour, sugar, and salt into a mixer bowl. Pour in milk, butter, yeast mixture, and add the egg. Beat with paddle attachment on medium-high for 1-2 minutes until combined. Add orange zest and mix well.
  5. Knead Dough: Switch to dough hook attachment and gradually add remaining 1 cup flour. Mix until flour is incorporated, then continue kneading for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  6. Make Orange Filling: In a small bowl, combine room temperature butter, granulated sugar, and orange zest. Mix with a spoon until blended evenly.
  7. Roll Out Dough: On a floured surface, roll dough into a long rectangle, approximately 12×20 inches. Evenly spread the prepared orange filling over the dough surface.
  8. Add Cranberry Filling: Spoon the thickened cranberry filling over the orange filling, leaving about 1 inch of space along edges for sealing. Use only enough cranberry filling to cover evenly without overfilling.
  9. Roll and Seal: Carefully roll the dough into a tight log starting from a long edge, tucking and pinching the seam to seal. Use a paper towel to clean any filling that spills out during rolling.
  10. Slice Rolls: Cut the log into 1 1/2 inch thick rolls. Arrange the rolls cut side up in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish with some space between each roll.
  11. Let Rolls Rise: Cover the dish with a clean towel and place in a warm spot (like near a preheating oven) to rise for 1 hour until the rolls puff up noticeably.
  12. Bake Rolls: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-30 minutes until tops are golden brown and the centers are fully cooked. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly.
  13. Prepare Orange Glaze: In a mixing bowl, combine powdered sugar, melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract. Beat on high with a mixer until smooth. Add orange juice and zest, and mix just until incorporated to maintain a light texture.
  14. Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the fresh orange glaze over warm rolls. Serve the rolls warm, at room temperature, or cold as desired. Enjoy this flavorful, festive treat!

Notes

  • Adapted from Our Best Bites recipe.
  • Make Ahead Instructions: The rolls can be prepared and refrigerated overnight either baked (then reheated before serving) or unbaked before the rise. If unbaked, allow them to rise longer (2-3 hours) at room temperature before baking.
  • Freezing Instructions: Rolls can be frozen either unbaked or baked. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge before use. Unbaked rolls require a longer rise time (3-4 hours) before baking after thawing. Baked rolls only need reheating.

Find it online: https://evelynscooking.com/cranberry-orange-sweet-rolls-recipe/