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Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe

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★★★★★

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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