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.
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.
- Once the rolls are baked, let cool for 10 minutes and drizzle with the orange glaze.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Consider adding nuts or alternative fillings for variations. These rolls are perfect for brunch or as a gift.