Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls are the epitome of comfort food, combining the tartness of fresh cranberries with the zesty brightness of oranges in a soft, pillowy dough. These sweet rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful afternoon snack. The sweet, aromatic notes of orange zest and the slight tartness of the cranberries create a balanced flavor profile that is sure to please your palate. As the rolls bake, your kitchen will be filled with an enchanting aroma that beckons everyone to gather around the table. Topped with a luscious orange glaze, these sweet rolls not only taste incredible but also boast a visually appealing appearance with their swirls of bright red and vibrant orange. Whether you are serving them for a holiday gathering or simply enjoying them on a cozy weekend morning, Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls are bound to become a cherished favorite. With a blend of simple ingredients and straightforward techniques, you can create a batch of these sweet rolls that are guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

There are several reasons why Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls will capture your heart and taste buds. First, the delightful combination of flavors makes these rolls incredibly satisfying. The tartness of the cranberries contrasts beautifully with the sweet, citrusy notes of orange, resulting in a flavor explosion that is both refreshing and comforting. Second, the preparation of these rolls is surprisingly easy. The dough comes together quickly, and with just a few rising periods, you will have freshly baked rolls ready to serve. This recipe is perfect for both novice bakers and experienced home cooks alike. Third, the visual appeal of these sweet rolls is undeniable. With their vibrant colors and enticing swirls, they are sure to be the star of any brunch table. Lastly, the versatility of this recipe allows for adjustments based on personal taste preferences or seasonal ingredient availability. Whether you prefer a lighter glaze or a more decadent filling, you can easily make this recipe your own.

Ingredients:

To create the perfect Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls, you will need the following ingredients:

Flour (4 cups): All-purpose flour works best for achieving a soft and fluffy texture in your rolls. Make sure to measure it correctly for the best results.
Sugar (1/2 cup): Granulated sugar adds sweetness to the dough, balancing the tartness of the cranberries and enhancing the overall flavor.

Instant yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons): This key ingredient helps the dough rise quickly, leading to a light and airy texture in your sweet rolls.
Milk (1 cup): Warm milk provides moisture and helps activate the yeast, giving the rolls a rich, tender crumb.
Butter (1/4 cup): Unsalted butter, melted, adds richness and flavor to the dough. It also helps in achieving that desired softness.

Egg (1 large): An egg adds structure and moisture to the dough, contributing to a more tender roll.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Salt enhances the flavor of the rolls and controls yeast activity, ensuring a balanced rise.
Cranberries (1 cup): Fresh or frozen cranberries work well in this recipe, adding a burst of tartness that complements the sweet roll perfectly.

Orange zest (2 tablespoons): Freshly grated orange zest infuses the dough with a vibrant citrus flavor, creating a fragrant and flavorful experience.
Powdered sugar (1 cup): For the glaze, powdered sugar provides sweetness and a smooth texture that beautifully coats the rolls.
Orange juice (2 tablespoons): Freshly squeezed orange juice adds a tangy flavor to the glaze, enhancing the overall citrus experience.

Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): A dash of vanilla rounds out the flavors in the glaze, adding a touch of warmth.

How To Make Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls?

Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your own Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls:

Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of warm milk, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, and 2 1/4 teaspoons of instant yeast. Allow this mixture to sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is active.
Add the wet ingredients: Once the yeast mixture is ready, add in 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir until well combined.
Incorporate the flour: Gradually add 4 cups of all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. You may need to adjust the flour slightly depending on the humidity in your environment.

Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This step is essential for developing the gluten, which gives the rolls their structure.
First rise: Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
Prepare the filling: While the dough is rising, prepare the filling by mixing 1 cup of fresh or frozen cranberries and 2 tablespoons of freshly grated orange zest in a bowl. Set this mixture aside.

Shape the rolls: After the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick. Sprinkle the cranberry and orange zest mixture evenly over the dough.
Roll it up: Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Once rolled, pinch the seam to seal it and cut the log into 12 equal pieces.
Second rise: Place the cut rolls into a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll. Cover them with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

Bake the rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have risen, bake them in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until they are golden brown on top.
Prepare the glaze: While the rolls are baking, make the glaze by whisking together 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed orange juice, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth.
Glaze the rolls: Once the rolls are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for about 10 minutes. Drizzle the orange glaze over the warm rolls, allowing it to soak in and enhance their flavor.

Serve: Enjoy your freshly baked Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls warm or at room temperature. They are perfect for sharing with family and friends!

Tips For Variations:

While the classic Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls are already a treat, you can explore several variations to suit different taste preferences or occasions:

Nutty addition: Consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling for an extra crunch. The nuttiness pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the rolls.

Alternative fillings: For a twist, try incorporating other fruits such as dried cherries, blueberries, or even chocolate chips for a more indulgent treat.
Herbal notes: Add a hint of fresh rosemary or thyme to the dough or filling for an aromatic twist that elevates the flavor profile.
Different glazes: Instead of an orange glaze, try a cream cheese frosting or a simple lemon glaze for a zesty alternative that complements the rolls beautifully.

Gluten-free option: To make gluten-free rolls, substitute all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free blend, ensuring that it contains xanthan gum for proper texture.
Vegan version: To create a vegan version, replace the egg with a flax egg and use plant-based milk and butter alternatives.
Seasonal spices: Enhance the flavor by adding spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough or filling for a cozy, seasonal touch.

Serving Suggestions:

When it comes to serving your Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls, creativity can elevate the experience. Here are some suggestions to consider:

Brunch centerpiece: Serve these sweet rolls as the highlight of a brunch spread. Pair them with a fresh fruit salad, yogurt parfaits, and a selection of juices or coffee to create an inviting table.

Gift option: Wrap a batch of these rolls in a decorative box or tin, perfect for gifting to friends or neighbors during the holiday season or for special occasions.
Pair with beverages: These sweet rolls pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee. Consider offering a selection of flavored teas or gourmet coffee blends to complement the citrusy flavor.
Ice cream sandwich: For a fun dessert option, slice a roll in half and add a scoop of vanilla or orange-flavored ice cream for an indulgent treat.

Breakfast sandwiches: Transform the rolls into breakfast sandwiches by adding a slice of cheese and a veggie patty or egg for a satisfying meal on the go.
Share at gatherings: These sweet rolls make an excellent addition to potlucks or family gatherings. Cut them into smaller pieces for easy sharing and display them on a decorative platter.

FAQ:

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. After kneading, cover and refrigerate it overnight. Allow it to come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes, dried cranberries can be used, but they will provide a different texture and sweetness. Consider adjusting the sugar in the dough to balance the flavors.

How do I store leftover rolls?

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. You can also freeze them for longer storage and reheat them in the oven.

What can I use instead of orange zest?

If you don’t have orange zest, lemon zest can be a suitable substitute. It will provide a different citrus flavor that still complements the rolls nicely.

Can I make these rolls gluten-free?

Yes, by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum, you can create a gluten-free version of these sweet rolls.

Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls

Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls are the epitome of comfort food, combining the tartness of fresh cranberries with the zesty brightness of oranges in a soft, pillowy dough.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Breakfast, Brunch

Cuisine American

Servings 12 servings

Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

Mixing Bowl
Baking Dish

Rolling Pin

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

4 cups Flour All-purpose flour works best for achieving a soft and fluffy texture.
1/2 cup Sugar Granulated sugar adds sweetness to the dough.

2 1/4 teaspoons Instant yeast Helps the dough rise quickly.
1 teaspoon Salt Enhances flavor and controls yeast activity.

Wet Ingredients

1 cup Milk Warm milk provides moisture and helps activate the yeast.

1/4 cup Butter Unsalted butter, melted, adds richness.
1 large Egg Adds structure and moisture to the dough.

Filling

1 cup Cranberries Fresh or frozen cranberries add tartness.

2 tablespoons Orange zest Freshly grated for vibrant citrus flavor.

Glaze

1 cup Powdered sugar Provides sweetness and smooth texture for the glaze.
2 tablespoons Orange juice Freshly squeezed adds tangy flavor to the glaze.

1 teaspoon Vanilla extract Rounds out the flavors in the glaze.

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, granulated sugar, and instant yeast. Allow to sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
Add melted butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until well combined.

Gradually add flour to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm area for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Prepare the filling by mixing cranberries and orange zest in a bowl.
After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick. Sprinkle the cranberry mixture over the dough.
Roll the dough into a tight log and cut into 12 equal pieces.

Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise for another 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
Prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, orange juice, and vanilla extract until smooth.