The Zesty Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe You’ll Love

Sweet, pillowy rolls infused with vibrant cranberry orange zest dance with warmth and comfort.

Soft dough swirls around tangy cranberry fillings that burst with bright citrus notes.

Winter mornings call for these delectable pastries that blend tart and sweet flavors seamlessly.

Fresh cranberries and fragrant orange zest create a symphony of taste in every tender bite.

Bakers love how simple ingredients combine into something extraordinary.

The kitchen fills with an irresistible aroma that beckons everyone to the table.

These rolls promise a delightful breakfast treat that elevates any morning gathering.

Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Rolls

• All-Purpose Flour: A key ingredient that provides structure and texture for the sweet rolls.
• Active Dry Yeast: Essential for helping the dough rise and creating a light, fluffy texture.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps activate the yeast for proper dough development.

• Eggs, Butter, Sugar: These ingredients contribute to the rich, sweet flavor and tender crumb of the rolls.

• Cranberries, Sugar, Butter, Vanilla: Create a vibrant and tangy filling that adds a burst of flavor to the sweet rolls.

• Orange Blossom Water, Powdered Sugar: Provides a delicate citrus finish and sweet coating to the warm rolls.

• Salt, Vanilla Extract: Enhance the overall flavor profile of the sweet rolls.

Baking Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls

Step 1: Create Cranberry Filling

Toss fresh cranberries into a saucepan with sugar.

Cook until berries burst and become soft and jammy.

• Softened butter
• Vanilla extract

Pulse until mixture becomes smooth and silky.

Set aside to cool completely.

Step 2: Activate Yeast Magic

• Active dry yeast
• Sugar

Let the mixture sit until it becomes foamy and fragrant, approximately 5 minutes.

Step 3: Craft Tender Dough

• Eggs
• Melted butter
• Remaining wet ingredients
• Half of the flour

Pour in the activated yeast mixture.

Gradually incorporate remaining flour and knead until dough becomes smooth and elastic.

Step 4: First Dough Rise

Transfer dough to a greased bowl.

Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, around 1 hour.

Step 5: Shape Delightful Rolls

Roll dough into a large rectangle.

Spread cooled cranberry filling evenly.

Fold dough in thirds, then cut into 12 equal strips.

Twist and tie each strip into a beautiful knot.

Step 6: Final Dough Rise

Place shaped rolls on a baking sheet.

Allow to rise again until they double in size, about 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Step 7: Bake and Glaze

Bake rolls until golden brown, approximately 15-20 minutes.

Drizzle with zesty orange blossom glaze while still warm for maximum flavor.

Tips for Tender, Zesty Sweet Rolls

• Let cranberry mixture chill in refrigerator to prevent soggy dough and ensure clean, crisp roll layers.
• Use warm (not hot) milk around 110°F to ensure yeast activates without killing microorganisms.
• Work dough until smooth and elastic, developing gluten for softer, more tender sweet rolls.
• Gently press dough with finger – if indentation remains, it's ready for next step; if it springs back, needs more time.
• Watch rolls closely during final 5 minutes of baking, covering with foil if browning too quickly to maintain moisture.

Sweet Roll Variations to Explore

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with a blend of almond flour and gluten-free all-purpose flour. Use xanthan gum to improve texture and binding.
• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute milk with almond milk, use coconut oil instead of butter, and replace eggs with flax eggs. Select dairy-free cream cheese for the glaze.
• Berry Alternative: Swap cranberries with fresh raspberries or chopped strawberries. Adjust sugar levels to match fruit's natural sweetness.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of regular sugar. Choose sugar-free orange marmalade for the filling and reduce overall sweetness in the recipe.

Serving Cranberry Orange Rolls for Brunch

• Festive Brunch Centerpiece: Arrange rolls on a rustic wooden board surrounded by fresh orange slices and cranberries for a stunning breakfast presentation.
• Holiday Gift Idea: Package cooled rolls in clear cellophane with a ribbon, creating a delightful homemade treat perfect for neighbors or breakfast guests.
• Flavor Pairing Perfection: Serve warm rolls alongside creamy vanilla yogurt or pair with a light citrus smoothie to complement the orange and cranberry notes.
• Cozy Morning Companion: Enjoy these rolls with a hot cup of spiced chai tea or fresh-pressed orange juice for a comforting weekend breakfast experience.

Best Storage for Sweet Rolls

• Store baked rolls in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cover with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
• Wrap cooled rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
• Separate rolls, wrap each separately in plastic wrap. Place in freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. Reheat directly from frozen state in microwave for 20-30 seconds.
• Keep rolls at room temperature for 1-2 days in sealed container. Best enjoyed within first 24 hours for optimal freshness and soft texture.

FAQs

• How do I know if my yeast is active?

Look for foamy bubbles on the surface of the milk mixture after 5 minutes. If no foam develops, your yeast might be expired or the liquid was too hot or cold.

• Can I use frozen cranberries?

Yes, thaw and drain frozen cranberries completely before cooking. Fresh or frozen both work well for the filling.

• What if my dough isn't rising?

Ensure your kitchen is warm (around 70-80°F) and draft-free. Also, check that your yeast is fresh and your liquid temperature is between 100-110°F.

• Why should I fold the dough in thirds before cutting?

Folding helps distribute the filling evenly and creates layers in the rolls, resulting in a more consistent texture and flavor throughout each piece.

Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls: Flavor Highlights

• Burst with Seasonal Flavor: Dive into a delightful twist on classic sweet rolls with vibrant cranberry and zesty orange that brings winter warmth to your kitchen.
• Impress with Bakery-Style Technique: Create stunning knotted rolls that look professionally crafted, making you feel like a skilled pastry chef without complicated skills.
• Crowd-Pleasing Breakfast Treat: Perfect for weekend brunches, holiday gatherings, or special morning surprises that will make everyone at the table smile and ask for seconds.
• Flexible Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare dough stages in advance, allowing you to manage prep time and have fresh, warm rolls ready when you want them most.

Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe

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4.7 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Festive cranberry orange sweet rolls bring winter holiday magic straight to your breakfast table. Warm, tangy pastries drizzled with citrus glaze offer comfort and joy for weekend morning gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Filling:

• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) pure vanilla extract

Dough Ingredients:

• 4 cups (500 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) warm milk (105°F-115°F or 40°C-46°C)
• 6 tablespoons (90 milliliters) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon (80 grams) granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons (7 grams) active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup (60 grams) plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) pure vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) orange blossom water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Zest of 1 orange

Glaze:

• 1 cup (120 grams) confectioners’ sugar, sifted
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) orange blossom water
• 2–3 tablespoons (30–45 milliliters) milk

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Instructions

1. Simmer cranberries with sugar until they burst and transform into a soft, jammy consistency, creating a vibrant filling. Blend with butter and vanilla until achieving a silky, smooth texture. Allow the mixture to cool completely.
2. Activate yeast by combining it with warm milk and a touch of sugar. Let the mixture rest for approximately 5 minutes until it becomes frothy and aromatic.
3. Create dough by incorporating wet ingredients and half the flour. Introduce the activated yeast mixture, then gradually fold in remaining flour. Knead thoroughly until the dough develops a smooth, elastic quality.
4. Transfer dough to a greased container, cover, and permit rising in a warm environment until volume doubles, typically requiring around 1 hour.
5. Gently roll dough into a rectangular shape. Spread cooled cranberry filling evenly across surface. Fold dough into thirds, then slice into 12 precise strips. Twist and knot each strip to form elegant rolls.
6. Allow rolls to rise again, approximately 30 minutes, until they increase in volume. Meanwhile, prepare oven by preheating to 350°F.
7. Bake rolls for 15-20 minutes, monitoring until they achieve a golden, appetizing appearance. While still hot, drizzle with fragrant orange blossom glaze for a delightful finish.

Notes

• Ensure cranberries are fully cooled before spreading to prevent dough from becoming soggy and maintain precise rolling texture.
• Use precisely warm milk (110-115°F) to activate yeast without killing it, creating perfect rising environment.
• Develop gluten by kneading dough until smooth and elastic, which helps rolls maintain soft, tender texture.
• Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum for similar structural integrity and rise.

• Prep Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg