Welcome to a Delicious Experience

Imagine stepping into a cozy kitchen filled with the warm, inviting aroma of freshly baked sweet rolls. Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls bring that exact comfort to your home, making them the perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Inspired by the delightful combination of sweet and tart, these rolls weave together a symphony of flavors that only get better with each bite. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want something to brighten your day, these rolls are your answer.

Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

What makes Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls truly special? It’s about the blend of bright citrus and tartness from fresh cranberries that elevate ordinary rolls into something extraordinary. Here are some convincing reasons to whip up a batch:

Festive Flavor: The vibrant zest of orange and the sweet tang of cranberries create a flavor profile that celebrates any holiday or special gathering.
Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of the ingredients on hand, making this a budget-friendly option for home bakers.
Kid-Approved: The soft, fluffy rolls, combined with a sweet glaze, are sure to be a hit with children and adults alike.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family brunch, a cozy afternoon snack, or a festive dessert, these rolls fit the bill every time.
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"These are the best sweet rolls I’ve ever made! The combination of sweet and tart is just perfect. My family devoured them!" – A happy baker

Preparing Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls

Creating these delightful rolls is less complicated than you might think. With straightforward steps, you’ll have your oven working in no time. Here’s a brief overview:

First, prepare your delightful cranberry filling.
Then, mix your dough and let it rise perfectly.
After shaping your rolls, they get a second chance to rise before baking to golden perfection.
Finally, drizzle with a luscious orange glaze for a finishing touch.

What You’ll Need

To bring these Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls to life, gather the following ingredients:

For the 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
For the Filling:
- 1/3 cup butter, room temperature
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons orange zest
- 2 cups cranberries
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 orange, zested and juiced
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon clove
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
For the 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

Feel free to substitute different types of fruit or even a different zest if you’re feeling adventurous!

Step-by-Step Directions

Prepare the Cranberry Filling: In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, add all the filling ingredients. Bring to a boil while stirring frequently. Let it boil until the cranberries burst (about 3-5 minutes), then reduce the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes until thickened.
Make the Dough: Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Stir in milk and heat until warm (not hot). Add the yeast and let it sit. In a mixer, combine 3 cups of flour, then add the milk mixture and the egg. Mix on medium-high until combined, then add orange zest.
Knead the Dough: Switch to a dough hook and gradually add the remaining flour. Beat for 5 minutes until smooth.
Prepare the Orange Filling: In a small bowl, mix all the orange filling ingredients together.
Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll the dough into a long rectangle. Spread the orange filling evenly across the dough, then add the cranberry filling, keeping some space at the edges.
Form the Rolls: Roll the dough tightly into a log and pinch the edges to seal. Cut into 1 1/2-inch rolls and place in a greased 9×13 dish.
Let Them Rise: Cover with a towel and let rise in a warm area for about an hour.
Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F and bake for 20-30 minutes, until golden brown.
Make the Glaze: Combine melted butter, milk, and vanilla with powdered sugar. Add orange juice and zest, mixing until smooth.
Serve: Drizzle the glaze over warm rolls. Enjoy them warm, at room temperature, or cold—your choice!

Tips for Serving

These sweet rolls are delightful on their own but can be paired with additional treats for a special breakfast spread. Consider serving them with freshly brewed coffee or a glass of citrusy mimosa for a festive brunch setup. You could also complement them with a light fruit salad or yogurt for a balance of flavors.

Best Way to Store Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls

To keep your leftover rolls fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to prolong their life, consider freezing the rolls. Just make sure they’re completely cooled, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil. They can be frozen for up to a month.

For reheating, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.

Pro Chef Tips

Add a Tangy Twist: Consider mixing in a bit of lemon zest with the orange for an unexpected depth of flavor.
Keep it Soft: If your rolls start to harden, a little steam will revive them; just cover them in foil while reheating.
Mix and Match Fillings: Try adding nuts or using different berries or jams in the filling for a unique spin on the original recipe.

Creative Twists

While the classic cranberry-orange combination is beloved, feel free to get creative! Consider swapping cranberries for blueberries or adding a swirl of chocolate for a decadent dessert. You could even make these rolls vegan by replacing the butter and egg with plant-based substitutes.

Your Questions Answered

How long does it take to prepare?

From start to finish, including rising time, you can expect about 3 hours to prepare these rolls.

Can I make these rolls in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and the filling a day ahead. Just keep them covered in the fridge, and when you’re ready, roll them out, rise, and bake.

Are there alternatives for the flour?

If you’re looking for gluten-free options, substitute with a gluten-free flour blend that works for baking. Just ensure it contains a binding agent, as some blends do not perform well without one.

How can I ensure my rolls are fluffy?

Be gentle when kneading and rising. Overworking the dough can lead to dense rolls. Also, ensure that your yeast is fresh and active for optimal rise.

Dive into the world of home baking with these Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls and share the joy of fresh-baked goodness with your loved ones! Enjoy every delectable bite!

Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls

Total Time: 75 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Delightful rolls combining sweet and tart flavors, perfect for breakfast or dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

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
1/3 cup butter, room temperature
1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons orange zest
2 cups cranberries
1/2 cup sugar
1 orange, zested and juiced
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon clove
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
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

Prepare the Cranberry Filling: In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine all filling ingredients, bring to a boil, and simmer until thickened.
Make the Dough: Melt butter, stir in warm milk, add yeast, and let it sit. Mix in flour and egg, then add orange zest.
Knead the Dough: Gradually add remaining flour and knead with a dough hook for 5 minutes.
Prepare the Orange Filling: Mix orange filling ingredients in a small bowl.
Roll Out the Dough: Roll dough into a rectangle, spread orange filling, then cranberry filling.
Form the Rolls: Roll tightly into a log, cut into slices, and place in a greased dish.
Let Them Rise: Cover and let rise in a warm area for about 60 minutes.
Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F and bake for 20-30 minutes until golden brown.
Make the Glaze: Combine melted butter, milk, vanilla, and powdered sugar; add orange juice and zest until smooth.
Serve: Drizzle glaze over warm rolls and enjoy!

Notes

These rolls can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to a month.

Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 roll
Calories: 250
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 300mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: sweet rolls, cranberry, orange, brunch, dessert, breakfast