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Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls

Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls to Brighten Your Holiday Mornings

Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls are fluffy rolls blending cranberries and orange zest, perfect for festive brunches.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Rising Time 2 hours
Total Time 3 hours
Servings: 12 rolls
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 4 cups All-Purpose Flour A gluten-free blend works in a pinch.
  • 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar Consider brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons Instant Yeast Fresh yeast can be a great substitute.
  • 1 cup Milk Try almond or oat milk for a dairy-free alternative.
  • 1/2 cup Butter Vegan butter is a perfect swap for dairy-free.
  • 1 large Egg Substitute with a flax egg for vegan-friendly rolls.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
For the Filling
  • 2 cups Cranberries (fresh or frozen) Dried cranberries can substitute with adjustments for moisture.
  • 1/2 cup Orange Juice Provides tanginess and aroma.
  • 1 tablespoon Orange Zest Lemon zest can be used instead if needed.
  • 1 teaspoon Cinnamon Adjust spices to your taste preferences.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon Clove
For the Glaze
  • 2 cups Powdered Sugar Adjust the amount for sweetness level.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Almond extract can serve as an alternative.

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Rolling Pin
  • Measuring cups
  • measuring spoons
  • baking dish
  • saucepan
  • whisk
  • sharp knife

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and instant yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Transfer the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise until doubled in size, about 1 to 2 hours.
  5. In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and zest. Cook for 5-7 minutes until cranberries burst and mixture thickens.
  6. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it into a rectangle approximately 12x18 inches, about ½ inch thick.
  7. Spread the cooled cranberry filling evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border. Tightly roll the dough into a log and cut into 1-inch slices, yielding about 12 rolls.
  8. Arrange the sliced rolls in a greased baking dish and let them rise again in a warm place until puffy, about 30-60 minutes.
  9. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
  10. Prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, melted butter, milk, and remaining orange juice until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls after baking.

Nutrition

Serving: 1rollCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 3gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 180mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Allow the cranberry filling to cool completely before spreading to maintain dough texture. Adjust for moisture if using frozen cranberries. Check dough temperature for rising success.

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