Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe

Introduction

These Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls combine bright citrus flavors with tart cranberries for a delightful breakfast or dessert treat. Soft, fluffy dough is filled with a zesty orange spread and a spiced cranberry filling, then topped with a luscious orange glaze. They’re perfect for a cozy weekend bake or holiday indulgence.

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: Add all cranberry filling ingredients to a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently, then boil until cranberries burst (3–5 minutes). Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 10–15 minutes until thickened.
2. Step 2: 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 sit for 1–2 minutes.
3. Step 3: In a mixer, combine dry ingredients (use only 3 cups flour). Pour in milk, butter, and yeast mixture, then add egg. Beat on medium-high with paddle attachment until incorporated. Mix in orange zest.
4. Step 4: Switch to dough hook and slowly add remaining 1 cup flour. Beat until fully combined, then continue mixing for 5 minutes.
5. Step 5: Mix orange filling ingredients together in a small bowl.
6. Step 6: Roll dough into a long rectangle on a floured surface. Spread orange filling evenly, then spoon cranberry filling over it, leaving space at edges. You don’t need to use all cranberry filling.
7. Step 7: Carefully roll dough into a tight log, wiping excess filling as needed. Pinch edges to seal.
8. Step 8: Cut log into 1 1/2-inch rolls. Place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover with a towel and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour.
9. Step 9: Bake rolls at 350°F (175°C) for 20–30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
10. Step 10: For the glaze, combine melted butter, milk, and vanilla with powdered sugar. Beat on high until smooth. Add orange juice and zest, mixing until just combined.
11. Step 11: Drizzle glaze over warm rolls. Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh or frozen cranberries for the filling; just thaw frozen before cooking.
• For a dairy-free option, substitute milk and butter with plant-based alternatives.
• Add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the filling for extra texture.
• If you prefer a less sweet roll, reduce sugar slightly in the dough or glaze.

Storage

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving. These rolls can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and warm before eating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular active dry yeast instead of rapid rise yeast?

Yes, you can use active dry yeast, but you’ll need to proof it in warm milk for 5–10 minutes until foamy before adding it to the dough.

How do I know when the rolls are fully baked?

The rolls should be golden brown on top and feel firm to the touch. You can check by inserting a toothpick into the center of a roll; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 81 reviews

These Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls are a delightful twist on classic sweet rolls, combining the tartness of fresh cranberries with the bright zest of orange. The soft, buttery dough is filled with a luscious orange butter spread and a spiced cranberry filling, then baked to golden perfection. Finished with a creamy orange glaze, these rolls make a perfect festive breakfast or a cozy treat any time of year.

• Author: zara
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours
• Yield: 12 rolls 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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 the cranberry filling: Add all cranberry filling ingredients into a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil while stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
2. Simmer cranberry filling: Once cranberries burst (about 3-5 minutes), reduce heat to medium and simmer gently for 10-15 minutes until the mixture thickens to a jam-like consistency.
3. Heat milk and butter: Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Add milk and heat for an additional 15-30 seconds until warm but not hot. Stir in the yeast and let it sit for 1-2 minutes to activate.
4. Mix dough dry ingredients: In a mixer bowl, combine 3 cups of flour, sugar, salt, and orange zest.
5. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Pour the warm milk, butter, and yeast mixture into the dry ingredients. Add the egg and beat on medium-high speed with the paddle attachment for 1-2 minutes until combined. Mix in the orange zest.
6. Incorporate remaining flour: Switch to the dough hook and gradually add the remaining 1 cup of flour. Knead on medium speed for about 5 minutes until a smooth, elastic dough forms.
7. Prepare orange filling: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, granulated sugar, and orange zest for the filling until smooth and combined.
8. Roll out dough: On a floured surface, roll the dough into a long rectangle shape suitable for spreading the fillings.
9. Add fillings: Spread the orange butter filling evenly over the dough. Spoon the cranberry filling on top, leaving edges clear to prevent overflow when rolling. Use as much cranberry filling as desired, but not all is necessary.
10. Roll dough: Carefully roll the dough into a tight log shape, tucking as you go. Use a paper towel to wipe any excess filling that may spill out. Pinch the edges to seal the roll.
11. Cut rolls: Slice the log into 1 1/2 inch thick rolls and place them into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
12. Let rolls rise: Cover the dish with a towel and place in a warm spot to rise for 1 hour, until doubled in size. Placing near a warming oven works well.
13. Bake rolls: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 20-30 minutes until tops are golden brown and centers are cooked through.
14. Make glaze: Combine powdered sugar, melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract in a mixer and beat on high speed. Add orange juice and zest, mixing until smooth and just incorporated.
15. Glaze rolls: Drizzle the orange glaze over the warm rolls before serving. Allow glaze to set slightly.
16. Serve and enjoy: These rolls are delicious warm, room temperature, or cold. Serve as a special breakfast treat or dessert.

Notes

• You do not need to use all the cranberry filling; adjust amount based on your preference.
• Use a paper towel to keep your hands clean when rolling due to sticky cranberry filling.
• Letting the dough rise next to a warming oven helps speed up the proofing process.
• The orange glaze should be drizzled while the rolls are warm but not hot for best absorption.
• These rolls can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for longer freshness.

Keywords: cranberry orange sweet rolls, orange sweet rolls, cranberry rolls, holiday breakfast rolls, sweet rolls with glaze