Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls are a delightful and festive treat that combines the tartness of cranberries with the bright flavor of orange. Soft, fluffy rolls are filled with a sweet cranberry mixture and topped with a creamy orange glaze, making them perfect for holiday breakfasts or brunches. These rolls are sure to impress your family and friends!

Ingredients List

For the Sweet Roll Dough

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup whole milk (warm)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cranberry Filling

• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (chopped)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water

For the Orange Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Timing

Preparing Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls takes about 20 minutes for prep, 1 hour for rising, and 25 minutes for baking, totaling approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dough

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, instant yeast, salt, and cinnamon.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the warm milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
3. Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 2: First Rise

1. Let Dough Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Prepare the Cranberry Filling

1. Cook Cranberries: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the chopped cranberries, sugar, orange zest, cornstarch, and water. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool.

Step 4: Assemble the Rolls

1. Roll Out Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
2. Spread Filling: Spread the cooled cranberry filling evenly over the dough.
3. Roll Up: Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seams to seal.
4. Cut Rolls: Cut the rolled dough into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.

Step 5: Second Rise

1. Let Rolls Rise: Cover the rolls with a towel or plastic wrap and let them rise for another 30 minutes until puffy.

Step 6: Bake the Rolls

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake: Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. If they brown too quickly, cover them loosely with foil.

Step 7: Make the Orange Glaze

1. Combine Glaze Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more orange juice or powdered sugar as needed.

Step 8: Serve

1. Glaze Rolls: Once the rolls are baked and slightly cooled, drizzle the orange glaze over the top.
2. Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy the sweet and tangy flavors of these delightful rolls!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick glance at the nutritional profile of Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls (per roll, assuming 12 rolls):

Nutrient	Amount per Roll
Calories	220
Protein	3g
Fat	7g
Carbohydrates	36g
Fiber	1g

Tips for Customization

• Add Nuts: Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling for added crunch.
• Use Dried Cranberries: If fresh cranberries are unavailable, dried cranberries can be used; just soak them in water for a bit to soften.
• Spice Variations: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the dough for extra warmth.

Serving Suggestions

Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls pair well with:

• A hot cup of coffee or tea.
• Fresh fruit or yogurt for a balanced breakfast.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not Letting Dough Rise Enough: Make sure the dough doubles in size for fluffy rolls.
2. Overbaking: Keep an eye on the rolls to prevent them from becoming too dry.
3. Skipping the Glaze: The orange glaze adds a delicious finishing touch, so don’t skip it!

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

Conclusion

In just under two hours, you can create Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls, a festive and delicious treat that will brighten up any breakfast or brunch table. With their soft texture and vibrant flavors, these rolls are sure to become a holiday favorite!

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough the night before, let it rise, then punch it down and refrigerate it overnight. Bring it to room temperature before rolling out.

Can I freeze the rolls?

Absolutely! Freeze the unbaked rolls in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

What can I substitute for cranberries?

You can use other fruits like blueberries or cherries for a different flavor profile.

Can I make the glaze in advance?

Yes! The orange glaze can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.