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Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe

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4.2 from 28 reviews

These Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls combine the tangy freshness of cranberries with bright orange zest to create a delightful breakfast treat or dessert. Soft, fluffy dough is filled with a buttery orange sugar mixture and a spiced cranberry compote, then baked to golden perfection and topped with a luscious orange glaze. Perfect for holiday mornings or any special occasion, these rolls offer a vibrant twist on classic cinnamon rolls.

Ingredients

Dough

  • 1 cup milk
  • 4 tablespoons salted butter
  • 1 packet rapid rise (or instant) yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
  • 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 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 Dough: Warm the milk until it is lukewarm (about 110°F). In a large mixing bowl, combine the milk with the salted butter so it melts slightly. Sprinkle the instant yeast over the liquid and let it proof for 5 minutes until bubbly. Add the sugar, salt, orange zest, egg, and about half of the flour. Mix until combined, then gradually add the remaining flour, kneading until you have a smooth, elastic dough. This should take about 8-10 minutes by hand or 5-7 minutes with a stand mixer. Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
  2. Prepare the Cranberry Filling: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the cranberries, sugar, orange zest, orange juice, cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens slightly, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
  3. Prepare the Orange Filling: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, granulated sugar, and 2 tablespoons of orange zest until creamy and well combined.
  4. Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has doubled, punch it down and transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a large rectangle, approximately 16×12 inches.
  5. Assemble the Rolls: Spread the orange filling evenly over the rolled dough. Then spoon the cooled cranberry filling over the orange layer, spreading it gently. Starting from the longer side, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Pinch the seam to seal.
  6. Cut and Proof the Rolls: Cut the log into 12 equal pieces, about 1.5 inches thick. Place the rolls cut side up in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, leaving a little space for expansion. Cover with a clean towel and let them rise again for about 30-45 minutes, or until puffy.
  7. Bake the Rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the oven and cool for 10 minutes.
  8. Make the Orange Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, softened butter, milk, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth and glossy.
  9. Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the orange glaze generously over the warm rolls. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients for best dough rise and texture.
  • If fresh cranberries are unavailable, frozen cranberries can be used; thaw and drain excess liquid before cooking.
  • The orange glaze can be adjusted in thickness by adding more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze or more orange juice for a thinner drizzle.
  • Rolls can be kept covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 4 days; reheat gently before serving.
  • For added texture, consider sprinkling chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) over the cranberry filling before rolling.

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