Go Back
Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls

Irresistibly Fluffy Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls for Brunch

Delight in these Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls, combining tart cranberries and zesty orange for a perfect holiday treat.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 25 minutes
Rising Time 45 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

Dough Ingredients
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour or whole wheat flour
  • 1/2 cup sugar brown sugar optional
  • 1 packet active dry yeast ensure freshness
  • 1 cup milk or almond milk for dairy-free
  • 1/4 cup butter or vegan butter
  • 1 large egg or flax egg for vegan
Filling Ingredients
  • 2 cups cranberries fresh or frozen
  • 1/2 cup orange juice or lemon juice for glaze
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon nutmeg adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon clove adjust to taste
Glaze Ingredients
  • 1 cup powdered sugar no direct substitutes
  • 2 tablespoons butter or vegan butter
  • 2-3 tablespoons orange juice fresh squeezed preferred
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract optional, but recommended

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • Medium saucepan
  • Baking Dish
  • whisk
  • roll pin

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 1 packet of active dry yeast. Gradually add 1 cup of warmed milk, 1/4 cup of melted butter, and 1 beaten egg. Mix until it forms a rough dough, then knead on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  2. Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, covering it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm area for approximately 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
  3. In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups of cranberries, 1/2 cup of orange juice, 1 tablespoon of orange zest, 1/4 cup of sugar, and 1 teaspoon each of cinnamon and nutmeg. Cook over medium heat for about 5-10 minutes until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens.
  4. After the first rise, gently punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. Spread 1/4 cup of softened orange butter evenly on it, then spoon the cooled cranberry filling across the surface.
  5. Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the edges to seal and slice the log into 12 equal pieces. Arrange them in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
  6. Cover the baking dish loosely with a towel and let the rolls rise again for about 30-45 minutes, or until they are puffed up.
  7. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
  8. While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of softened butter, and enough orange juice to achieve a smooth consistency.
  9. Once done baking, let the rolls cool for about 10 minutes. Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm rolls.

Notes

For best results, ensure cranberry filling is cooled before spreading. Don't overfill to prevent overflow during baking.