Get ready for a little burst of joy in every bite! These Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls are soft, fluffy, and packed with bright, zesty orange flavor, perfectly balanced with tart, juicy cranberries. The tangy sweetness of the cranberry filling paired with a hint of orange zest is nothing short of magical. Top it off with a sweet glaze, and you’ve got yourself a treat that’s both comforting and refreshing—like a hug in pastry form.
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Whether you’re looking to impress at brunch, bring something special to a holiday gathering, or just indulge yourself in something sweet, these rolls will definitely be the highlight. And let me tell you—your house will smell like heaven while they’re baking. Ready to make your kitchen smell amazing? Let’s get rolling!
Why You’ll Love Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls
Versatile
These sweet rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a sweet snack in the afternoon. They’re great for a special occasion or just a cozy day at home.
Flavor Explosion
The tartness of the cranberries combined with the citrusy orange zest is a match made in flavor heaven. The sweetness from the glaze ties it all together, making each bite irresistible.
Make Ahead Option
These rolls are fantastic for meal prepping. You can assemble them the night before and pop them in the oven the next morning for a fresh, warm treat without all the effort in the morning.
Crowd-Pleasing
Everyone loves a good sweet roll, especially when it has such a delightful twist. These rolls are guaranteed to disappear quickly—so make sure to save one for yourself!
Ingredients in Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls
These sweet rolls are made with simple ingredients that come together for a show-stopping breakfast or dessert. Here’s what you’ll need:
Dough:
A soft, pillowy dough forms the base of these sweet rolls. Flour, sugar, yeast, and a touch of salt come together to create the perfect texture for rolling.
Butter:
Butter adds richness to the dough and the filling, giving these rolls their melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Milk:
Milk makes the dough soft and tender. You’ll also use a little for the glaze, making it silky and smooth.
Eggs:
Eggs help bind the dough and give it a light, fluffy texture.
Cranberries:
Fresh or frozen cranberries provide that tart burst of flavor that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the glaze.
Orange Zest:
Orange zest gives the rolls a fresh, citrusy kick that pairs perfectly with the cranberries.
Sugar:
Sugar sweetens both the dough and the cranberry filling, making each bite a little bit sweeter.
Vanilla Extract:
A dash of vanilla adds depth to the overall flavor of the rolls and balances out the tart cranberries.
Powdered Sugar:
For the glaze, powdered sugar dissolves easily, making the perfect smooth finish on top of these rolls.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into making these deliciously sweet and tangy rolls:
Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast activates and becomes frothy. Add in eggs, melted butter, and flour, and mix until you form a soft dough. Knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let the dough rise for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
Make the Cranberry Filling:
While the dough is rising, mix the cranberries, sugar, and orange zest in a small bowl. If you’re using fresh cranberries, feel free to lightly mash them so the filling becomes a bit more jam-like.
Roll Out the Dough:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Spread a generous amount of softened butter across the dough, leaving a small border. Sprinkle the cranberry mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
Roll and Slice:
Carefully roll the dough into a log, making sure it’s tight so the rolls hold their shape. Slice the log into individual rolls—about 1-inch thick—and place them in a greased baking dish.
Second Rise:
Cover the rolls with a clean towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes, allowing them to puff up and fill your kitchen with the smell of sweet anticipation.
Bake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed up. You’ll know they’re ready when they look beautifully golden and your house smells amazing!
Glaze and Serve:
While the rolls are cooling, make the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls and serve.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 280
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (includes rising time)
How to Serve Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls
These rolls are perfect on their own, but here are a few ways to elevate your serving game:
With a Hot Beverage:
Pair these rolls with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a warm latte for the ultimate cozy breakfast or brunch experience.
As a Dessert:
Serve these rolls at the end of a festive meal. The tangy cranberry and sweet orange flavors make for a light and refreshing dessert.
For a Special Brunch:
Serve them alongside other brunch staples like scrambled eggs, bacon, or fruit salad for a complete meal.
Additional Tips
Make Them Ahead of Time:
You can prepare the dough and filling the night before. Simply roll and slice the rolls, then cover and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them rise for about 30 minutes before baking.
Frozen Cranberries:
Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh! If using frozen, don’t thaw them first—just mix them into the filling straight from the freezer.
Experiment with Flavors:
For an added twist, try adding a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for a warm, spicy note.
Storage Tips:
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the rolls for up to a month. Reheat them gently in the oven for that fresh-from-the-oven feel!
Glaze Variation:
Feel free to experiment with your glaze! Add a bit of orange juice for extra citrus flavor or a splash of vanilla extract for a richer taste.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
A1: Yes! Dried cranberries will work, but they’ll be sweeter and less tart. You may want to reduce the sugar in the filling a bit to balance the sweetness.
Q2: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
A2: Yes, you can swap the butter for dairy-free margarine and use a non-dairy milk (like almond or oat milk) in the dough and glaze.
Q3: Can I freeze these rolls?
A3: Absolutely! Freeze the unbaked rolls after slicing them and before the second rise. When you’re ready to bake, let them thaw in the fridge overnight and then allow them to rise before baking.
Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy.
Q5: Can I make these rolls smaller?
A5: Sure! Just slice the dough into smaller pieces before baking, and adjust the cooking time if necessary.
Q6: How can I make these rolls sweeter?
A6: Add extra sugar to the cranberry filling or drizzle a little extra glaze on top for a sweeter treat.
Q7: Can I use orange juice instead of orange zest?
A7: While orange zest gives a stronger, more fragrant citrus flavor, you can use a little orange juice in place of the zest if that’s what you have on hand.
Q8: Can I skip the glaze?
A8: You absolutely can! The rolls are still delicious without the glaze, but it does add a sweet finishing touch.
Q9: Can I use a different fruit instead of cranberries?
A9: Yes! Blueberries, raspberries, or even chopped apples would work beautifully in this recipe.
Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes, you can easily double this recipe to make a larger batch. Just be sure to use a larger baking dish to accommodate the extra rolls.
Conclusion
There you have it—Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls that are as delightful as they are delicious! Perfect for any occasion, these sweet rolls bring together the best of seasonal flavors in a cozy, indulgent package. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing them with loved ones, you’re sure to fall in love with every bite. Enjoy!
Print
Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: undefined
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls are fluffy, buttery rolls filled with tangy cranberry-orange goodness and finished with a sweet orange glaze. This festive treat is the perfect combination of tart and sweet, perfect for the holidays or any occasion.
Ingredients
- Dough:
- 2/3 cup (163 g) whole milk, warmed in the microwave for about 30 seconds
- 5 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 envelope) active dry yeast
- 2 large eggs, room temperature, beaten
- 1/2 cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (127 g) bread flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Cranberry Orange Filling:
- 1 cup (277 g) whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- Cream Cheese Orange Glaze:
- 3 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick / 57 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (125 g) confectioners’ sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Dough: To the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, add warm milk, 1 tablespoon sugar, and yeast. Mix together. Let sit until yeast is foamy, about 5 minutes.
- Add eggs, butter, the remaining 4 tablespoons of sugar, all-purpose flour, bread flour, and salt. Switch to the dough hook attachment. Mix on low speed to combine.
- Continue kneading on medium speed until the dough is smooth, about 5 minutes.
- Spray a medium bowl with nonstick cooking spray. Place the dough into the bowl, rotating it to grease all sides. Cover with a towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm area until doubled in size, 1-2 hours.
- Once the dough has doubled in size, place it onto a floured counter or work surface. Roll the dough into a 10×15-inch rectangle. It should be about ¼-inch thick.
- Filling: In a medium bowl, combine cranberry sauce and orange zest. Evenly spread the cranberry mixture over the dough, making sure it covers the entire surface.
- Assembly: Spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Starting on the long edge of the dough, tightly roll it up (like a log or cylinder). Using a very sharp knife, evenly cut the log into 9 rolls. Place them into the prepared baking dish, filling side up. Cover with plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm place until doubled, about an hour.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 325°F. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until lightly golden on the edges and done in the middle. Let rolls cool slightly.
- Topping: While the rolls are cooling, make the frosting. To the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, add cream cheese, butter, confectioners’ sugar, orange juice, and vanilla extract. Mix on low just to combine.
- Once the ingredients are all incorporated and smooth, change to the whisk attachment. Mix on high and leave it for 4-5 minutes. The frosting should be light and fluffy.
- While the rolls are still warm, frost generously.
Notes
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Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg