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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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