Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe

Introduction

Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls combine the bright flavors of citrus with the tartness of cranberries in a soft, fluffy dough. These rolls are perfect for a festive breakfast or an indulgent brunch treat. The sweet orange glaze adds a delightful finishing touch.

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. Step 1: Make the cranberry filling by combining cranberries, sugar, orange zest and juice, cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently.
2. Step 2: Boil until cranberries burst, about 3-5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Set aside to cool.
3. Step 3: Prepare the dough by melting butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Add milk and heat until warm but not hot. Stir in yeast and let it sit for 1-2 minutes.
4. Step 4: In a mixer bowl, combine 3 cups of flour, sugar, salt. Pour in the milk, butter, and yeast mixture along with the egg. Beat with paddle attachment on medium-high until combined. Mix in orange zest.
5. Step 5: Switch to the dough hook and gradually add the remaining 1 cup flour. Knead with the mixer for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
6. Step 6: Mix the orange filling ingredients in a small bowl until well combined.
7. Step 7: Roll the dough into a long rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the orange filling evenly over the dough, then spoon cranberry filling on top, leaving edges free.
8. Step 8: Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, pinching the edges to seal. It might be messy; keep a paper towel handy.
9. Step 9: Cut into 1 1/2 inch rolls and place them evenly in a greased 9×13 baking dish. Cover with a towel and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, until doubled in size.
10. Step 10: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 20-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
11. Step 11: While rolls bake, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar, melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract. Beat on high, then add orange juice and zest, mixing until just incorporated.
12. Step 12: Drizzle the glaze over warm rolls before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh orange zest for the best citrus flavor; dried zest will be less vibrant.
• If you prefer less tartness, reduce the cranberry filling sugar slightly.
• For a nutty twist, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the filling before rolling.
• These rolls freeze well; wrap them tightly and thaw before reheating.

Storage

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm in a low oven before serving. These rolls also freeze well; wrap individually or in a batch and thaw at room temperature before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight after the first rise. Bring it back to room temperature before rolling and filling.

Can I substitute frozen cranberries for fresh?

Yes, frozen cranberries work fine. Thaw them slightly and drain any excess liquid before cooking the filling to avoid watery rolls.

Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 304 reviews

These Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls are a delightful combination of tangy cranberries and bright orange zest swirled inside a soft, tender dough. Topped with a luscious orange glaze, they make for a perfect breakfast treat or dessert. The rolls feature a sweet orange butter filling layered with a homemade cranberry compote, creating a balance of sweet and tart flavors. Baked until golden and topped with a citrusy glaze, these rolls are irresistibly fluffy and flavorful.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 rolls 1x
• Category: Breakfast, Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough

• 1 cup milk
• 4 tablespoons salted butter
• 1 packet rapid rise (or instant) yeast
• 4 cups all-purpose 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 fresh 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: In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine all cranberry filling ingredients. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Continue boiling until cranberries burst, about 3-5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for another 10-15 minutes until thickened.
2. Make Dough Base: Melt butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Add milk and heat for 15-30 seconds until warm but not hot. Stir in yeast and let it activate for 1-2 minutes.
3. Mix Dough: In a mixer bowl, combine 3 cups flour, sugar, and salt. Pour in milk, butter, yeast mixture, and add the egg. Beat on medium-high with paddle attachment for 1-2 minutes until ingredients are incorporated. Stir in orange zest.
4. Knead Dough: Switch to dough hook attachment and gradually add remaining 1 cup flour. Beat until fully incorporated, then continue kneading for 5 minutes to develop gluten.
5. Prepare Orange Filling: In a small bowl, mix softened butter, granulated sugar, and orange zest until well combined.
6. Roll Out Dough: On a floured surface, roll dough into a long rectangle. Spread orange filling evenly over dough surface.
7. Add Cranberry Filling: Spoon cranberry filling evenly on top of the orange butter layer, leaving room at edges to allow for rolling. Note that not all cranberry filling needs to be used.
8. Form Rolls: Carefully roll the dough up into a tight log, being cautious with the cranberry filling which can be messy. Pinch the edge to seal the roll.
9. Cut Rolls: Slice the rolled dough into 1 1/2 inch thick rolls and arrange in a greased 9×13 baking dish.
10. Let Rise: Cover the dish with a towel and place in a warm spot to rise for 1 hour, such as near a preheating oven.
11. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 20-30 minutes or until tops are golden brown and centers are cooked through.
12. Make Glaze: Melt butter and combine it with milk and vanilla extract. Add to powdered sugar and mix on high speed until smooth. Gradually add orange juice and continue mixing. Stir in orange zest until just combined.
13. Glaze and Serve: Drizzle warm rolls with orange glaze while still warm but not hot. Serve rolls warm or at room temperature as preferred. Enjoy!

Notes

• Use fresh cranberries for the best texture and flavor in the filling.
• Be careful not to overheat the milk when activating yeast to avoid killing yeast cells.
• You don’t have to use all the cranberry filling on the rolls; some leftover filling can be saved for other uses or desserts.
• For easier rolling, keep a paper towel nearby to wipe any cranberry filling that spills out.
• Allow rolls to rise in a warm area to ensure proper yeast fermentation and light texture.
• Orange zest adds bright citrus flavor – make sure to use unwaxed organic oranges if possible.
• The glaze is best drizzled when the rolls are warm to absorb well but not too hot or it will melt excessively.

Keywords: cranberry orange sweet rolls, sweet rolls, breakfast rolls, cranberry filling, orange zest rolls, homemade rolls, holiday breakfast