If you are looking for a wonderfully festive and flavorful treat to brighten up your breakfast or brunch table, this Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. These rolls are soft, tender, and perfectly sweet, punctuated by the bright, zesty pop of fresh orange and the tart burst of cranberries. The combination is irresistible, with spices that add warmth and a luscious glaze that ties everything together beautifully. Sharing these rolls will fill your kitchen with an inviting aroma and your loved ones with smiles—truly a show-stopping recipe worth trying again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create layers of flavor and the perfect texture. Each ingredient plays a key role, whether it’s building the soft dough, brightening the filling, or adding that irresistible finishing glaze.
- Milk (1 cup): Used warm to activate the yeast and help develop a tender dough.
- Salted butter (4 tablespoons): Adds richness and moisture to the dough for softness.
- Rapid rise yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons): Ensures the dough rises quickly and beautifully.
- Flour (4 cups, divided): The foundation for the dough, providing structure and chew.
- White sugar (1/3 cup): Adds sweetness to the dough that balances tartness from the cranberries.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Orange zest (3 tablespoons total): Infuses citrus brightness through the dough, filling, and glaze.
- Large egg (1): Binds the dough and adds richness.
- Butter, room temperature (1/3 cup): Combined with sugar and zest to create a luscious filling.
- Granulated sugar (1/3 cup): Sweetens the filling for a perfectly balanced roll.
- Cranberries (2 cups): Fresh cranberries provide that signature tart burst and vivid color inside the rolls.
- Sugar (1/2 cup), cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon), clove (1/4 teaspoon), nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): The warm spice blend that brings cozy flavor to the cranberry filling.
- Orange (1, zested and juiced): Enhances the glaze with fresh brightness and sweetness.
- Powdered sugar (2 cups): The base of a smooth, creamy glaze that dresses the rolls perfectly.
- Pure vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Adds depth and warmth to the glaze.
- Butter, melted (3 tablespoons): Makes the glaze silky and rich.
- Milk (1 tablespoon), orange juice (2 tablespoons), orange zest (1/2 tablespoon): Combine for the finishing citrus glaze with balance and brilliance.
How to Make Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by warming the milk and melting the butter. Combine these with the sugar and yeast, letting the yeast activate for about 5 minutes until foamy and bubbly. This step is crucial because it kick-starts the dough’s rise and ensures a light, airy texture. Next, mix in the egg and the first portion of flour, along with salt and a tablespoon of orange zest for that immediate burst of citrus aroma. Knead the dough either by hand or in a mixer until smooth and elastic, then let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour, or until it doubles in size.
Step 2: Make the Filling
While the dough rises, prepare the mouthwatering filling. Combine room temperature butter with granulated sugar and two tablespoons of orange zest until creamy. Stir in the fresh cranberries and sprinkle in the warm spices—cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg. The spices amplify the cranberries’ tartness in the most comforting way, while the orange zest keeps everything lively and fresh. This sweet and tangy filling will be the heart and soul of the rolls.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
Once the dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about 12 by 18 inches. This ensures you have enough surface area to spread the delicious filling evenly, so every bite is packed with those bright cranberry and orange flavors. Remember to keep your rolling pin and surface lightly floured to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Spread the Filling and Roll Up
Evenly spread your cranberry orange filling all over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Starting from one of the long edges, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. This technique creates beautiful spirals that showcase every layer of sweetness and tartness in each slice. Seal the edge so it doesn’t unravel during baking.
Step 5: Slice and Arrange Rolls
Use a sharp knife to slice the rolled dough into 12 even pieces. Arrange these in a greased baking dish, leaving a little room between them to expand. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise again for about 30 minutes. This final rise is what gives the rolls their airy, fluffy character.
Step 6: Bake the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for about 25 to 30 minutes or until they are golden brown on top and cooked through. You’ll know they’re ready when the aroma fills your kitchen with a delightful citrus and spice scent that makes it impossible to wait to taste them.
Step 7: Prepare the Glaze
While the rolls bake, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, melted butter, milk, orange juice, and orange zest to make a luscious glaze. Its creamy texture and citrus notes bring everything together, balancing the tartness of the cranberries with just the right touch of sweetness and richness.
Step 8: Glaze and Serve
Once the rolls are out of the oven but still warm, drizzle the glaze generously over the top. The glaze will melt slightly into the spirals, creating a glossy, irresistible finish that makes this Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe an absolute standout. Serve warm for the best experience!
How to Serve Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of extra orange zest or a few whole fresh cranberries atop the glaze for a charming presentation. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also gives an extra burst of freshness that complements the sweet and spiced rolls.
Side Dishes
These sweet rolls pair beautifully with a simple cup of coffee or spiced chai for a cozy morning treat. For a brunch spread, consider serving alongside fresh fruit salad or a light scrambled egg dish to balance the sweetness.
Creamy Ways to Present
Try serving the rolls with a dollop of mascarpone or whipped cream flavored lightly with orange zest. This creamy addition adds elegance and indulgence while enhancing the citrus notes in the rolls.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool completely before storing leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keep them covered to maintain their soft texture and prevent drying out.
Freezing
Wrap the cooled rolls tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. They freeze well for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat rolls gently in a microwave for about 20 to 30 seconds or warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes. Reheating brings back their gooey, fresh-baked charm and soft texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just fine and can even be thawed and drained to reduce extra moisture in the filling, helping maintain that perfect roll texture.
Is there a substitute for rapid rise yeast?
You can use active dry yeast instead; just be sure to proof it in warm water for 5 to 10 minutes before adding to your mixture to activate it properly.
Can I make the rolls vegan?
Yes, by substituting dairy milk with plant-based milk, using vegan butter, and replacing the egg with a flaxseed or chia egg, you can make these rolls vegan-friendly while still enjoying their wonderful flavor.
How far ahead can I prepare the dough?
The dough can be prepared and left to rise overnight in the refrigerator, which actually enhances the flavor with slow fermentation. Just bring it to room temperature before rolling out and adding the filling.
Can I add nuts or other dried fruit to this recipe?
Definitely! Chopped pecans or walnuts add a lovely crunch while dried cherries or raisins complement the tart cranberries beautifully. Just sprinkle them into the filling before rolling.
Final Thoughts
Giving this Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe a try means treating yourself to a heavenly mix of zesty, tart, and sweet flavors wrapped up in soft, tender rolls. It’s the kind of recipe that fills your kitchen and your heart with warmth and joy. I can’t wait for you to experience how effortlessly delicious and special these sweet rolls are—once you make them, they might just become a tradition you look forward to every season.
Print
Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls recipe combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with the bright, zesty flavor of oranges in a soft, fluffy sweet roll dough. Perfect for a festive breakfast or holiday treat, these rolls are filled with a buttery cranberry-orange mixture and finished with a tangy orange glaze.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 cup milk
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 packet rapid rise (or instant) yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, divided
- 1/3 cup white sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 large egg
Filling
- 1/3 cup butter, room temperature
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons orange zest
- 2 cups cranberries
Syrup
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 orange, zested and juiced
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon clove
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1/2 tablespoon orange zest
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Warm the milk until lukewarm, then melt the butter. In a large bowl, combine the milk, melted butter, yeast, 2 cups of the flour, sugar, salt, orange zest, and egg. Mix until combined.
- Knead the Dough: Gradually add the remaining 2 cups of flour and knead the dough on a floured surface until it becomes smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, combine softened butter, granulated sugar, orange zest, and fresh cranberries. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the Rolls: Roll the dough into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the cranberry-orange filling evenly over the dough. Roll up the dough tightly from the long edge and cut into 12 equal rolls.
- Second Rise: Place the rolls in a greased baking pan and cover with a cloth. Let them rise for another 30 minutes until puffy.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown on top.
- Make the Glaze and Serve: While the rolls bake, prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar, vanilla, melted butter, milk, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over warm rolls before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh cranberries for the best texture and flavor.
- For a sweeter roll, increase the sugar in the filling slightly.
- Ensure milk is just warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
- You can freeze unbaked rolls after the second rise and bake them later.
- Adjust the glaze consistency with additional milk if it’s too thick.
