Cranberry Orange Rolls

There is something magical about the smell of freshly baked rolls mingling with the bright, zesty aroma of orange and the tart sweetness of cranberries. These Cranberry Orange Rolls are soft, fluffy, and tender with a buttery dough that melts in your mouth. The cranberry orange filling adds a beautiful balance of sweet and tart flavors, and the orange cream cheese glaze on top makes each bite feel like a cozy celebration. Trust me, these rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent snack, and once you try them, they’re going to become a family favorite.

Recipe Origin:
These rolls are inspired by classic sweet rolls, but with a seasonal twist. Cranberries bring a festive touch while orange zest brightens up the flavor, creating a treat that feels special yet approachable.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need:
Large mixing bowl
Whisk for dry ingredients
Small saucepan for warming milk
Rolling pin
Baking dish or sheet pan
Small bowl for glaze
Spatula for spreading filling
Pastry brush for glazing

Why You’ll Love Cranberry Orange Rolls
This recipe is all about comfort, flavor, and creating moments. Whether you are making a special breakfast for the family, hosting friends for brunch, or just indulging in a sweet treat, these rolls hit all the right notes:

Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a special treat with coffee or tea. These rolls are impressive yet easy to serve.

Budget-Friendly: Made with basic pantry ingredients and fresh cranberries or frozen, they are both delicious and cost-effective.

Quick and Easy: While they require some rising time, the steps are straightforward, and the results feel like bakery-quality rolls.

Customizable: Swap the filling or add nuts for texture. You can also use different citrus like tangerine or lemon for a flavor twist.

Crowd-Pleasing: Soft, fluffy dough combined with sweet-tart filling and creamy glaze is always a hit with kids and adults alike.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results:
Make sure your milk is warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast. Don’t overmix the dough, or it could become dense. Allow enough rising time to get soft and airy rolls. For extra flavor, toast the cranberries slightly before adding them to the filling.

Ingredients in Cranberry Orange Rolls
Here’s what makes these rolls irresistible and how each ingredient contributes:

All-Purpose Flour: Forms the soft, tender structure of the dough.

Active Dry Yeast: The leavening agent that gives the rolls their light and airy texture.

Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps feed the yeast for a better rise.

Sea Salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness in the dough.

Whole Milk: Adds moisture and richness, helping the dough stay tender.

Unsalted Butter: Gives a subtle richness and keeps the rolls soft and flavorful.

Egg: Adds structure, richness, and a golden color to the dough.

Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.

Cranberries: Fresh or frozen, these add tartness that balances the sweetness of the roll and glaze.

Orange Zest and Juice: Bright, citrusy flavor that complements the cranberries and adds a fragrant aroma.

Powdered Sugar: Forms the sweet base of the glaze.

Cream Cheese: Adds creamy tanginess to the glaze that pairs perfectly with the citrus and cranberry flavors.

Butter: Adds richness and smoothness to the glaze.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions
Let’s make these vibrant and festive rolls:

Preheat Your Oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and prepare a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly greased.

Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Warm the milk and add melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix wet and dry ingredients until a soft dough forms. Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.

Prepare the Filling: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine cranberries, sugar, orange zest, orange juice, and a pinch of salt. Cook until cranberries start to soften and burst, stirring occasionally. Allow filling to cool slightly.

Shape the Rolls: Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle. Spread the cranberry orange filling evenly over the dough. Roll the dough into a log and cut into equal pieces. Place rolls in the prepared baking dish, leaving a little space between each one. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.

Bake: Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.

Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, mix cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth. Adjust consistency with more orange juice if needed.

Glaze the Rolls: Once the rolls are baked and slightly cooled, drizzle or spread the orange cream cheese glaze over the top. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12
Calories per serving: Approximately 250

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Rolls
These rolls are delightful on their own, or you can serve them with:
A cup of coffee or tea for breakfast or brunch
Fresh fruit or a simple yogurt parfait for a balanced meal
A dusting of extra powdered sugar for presentation

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. You can also freeze the baked rolls for up to a month. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.

Variations to Try:
Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the filling for extra texture
Mix in chocolate chips for a sweeter treat
Swap cranberries with raspberries or cherries for a different tartness

Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: Mix and knead the dough the night before, refrigerate, and shape rolls in the morning
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for warmth
Dietary Adjustments: Use plant-based milk and butter for a vegan version
Double the Batch: These rolls freeze beautifully, so consider making extra for a crowd or future breakfasts

FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use frozen cranberries?
A1: Yes, just thaw slightly and drain excess juice before using.

Q2: Can I make the dough in a stand mixer?
A2: Absolutely, use the dough hook and mix until smooth and elastic.

Q3: Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
A3: Yes, prepare and shape the rolls, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake in the morning.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or freeze for up to a month.

Q5: Can I use another citrus instead of orange?
A5: Yes, lemon or tangerine can be substituted for a different flavor profile.

Q6: How do I prevent the glaze from being too runny?
A6: Use softened cream cheese and butter, and gradually add orange juice until the desired consistency is reached.

Q7: Can I make mini rolls?
A7: Yes, reduce baking time to 15-20 minutes and watch for golden brown tops.

Q8: Can I add spices to the dough?
A8: Yes, a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice enhances the flavor of the rolls.

Q9: How do I roll the dough evenly?
A9: Roll gently from the center outward and keep the thickness consistent for uniform baking.

Q10: Can I make these rolls dairy-free?
A10: Yes, substitute plant-based milk, butter, and cream cheese for a fully dairy-free version.

Conclusion
These Cranberry Orange Rolls are the perfect blend of tart, sweet, and citrusy flavors with soft, fluffy dough. They are festive, comforting, and impressive while still being easy to make. Whether for a holiday breakfast, brunch, or just a cozy treat, these rolls are guaranteed to become a favorite in your kitchen. The combination of cranberries, orange, and cream cheese glaze is irresistible, and each bite will leave you reaching for another.

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