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Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 77 reviews

These Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls are a delightful twist on classic sweet rolls, featuring a tangy cranberry filling combined with bright orange zest and a luscious orange glaze. Soft, fluffy dough envelops a sweet and citrusy blend, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. The rolls are baked to golden perfection and topped with a creamy glaze that enhances their fruity flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

  • 1 cup milk
  • 4 tablespoons salted butter
  • 1 packet rapid rise (or instant) yeast
  • 4 cups flour
  • 1/3 cup white sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 1 large egg

Orange Filling

  • 1/3 cup butter, room temperature
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons orange zest

Cranberry Filling

  • 2 cups cranberries
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 orange, zested and juiced
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon clove
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Orange Glaze

  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon milk
  • 2 tablespoons orange juice
  • 1/2 tablespoon orange zest

Instructions

  1. Prepare Cranberry Filling: In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine cranberries, sugar, orange zest and juice, cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg. Bring to a boil while stirring frequently. Boil for 3-5 minutes until cranberries burst, then reduce heat to medium and simmer for 10-15 minutes until thickened.
  2. Make Dough Base: Melt butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Add milk and heat for 15-30 seconds until warm but not hot. Stir in yeast packet and let sit for 1-2 minutes to activate.
  3. Mix Dough Ingredients: In a mixer bowl, add 3 cups of flour, sugar, and salt. Pour in the warm milk, butter, and yeast mixture, add the egg, then beat on medium-high with a paddle attachment for 1-2 minutes until combined. Mix in orange zest.
  4. Knead Dough: Switch to the dough hook attachment and gradually add the remaining 1 cup flour. Knead well on medium speed until incorporated, then continue kneading for an additional 5 minutes to develop gluten and a smooth dough.
  5. Prepare Orange Filling: In a small bowl, combine room temperature butter, granulated sugar, and orange zest. Mix well until uniform.
  6. Shape Rolls: Lightly flour a surface and roll out dough into a rectangular shape. Spread the orange filling evenly over the dough. Spoon cranberry filling on top, leaving edges clear for sealing. Use only as much cranberry filling as desired.
  7. Roll and Cut: Carefully roll the dough lengthwise into a tight log, pinching the edge to seal. Use a paper towel to wipe any excess filling if needed. Slice into 1 1/2 inch thick rolls.
  8. Proof Rolls: Place rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm spot (such as beside a preheating oven) for 1 hour until puffy.
  9. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-30 minutes until tops are golden brown and the centers are fully cooked.
  10. Prepare Glaze: Melt butter and combine with milk and vanilla extract. Beat together with powdered sugar using a stand or hand mixer on high speed until smooth. Add orange juice and mix well, then stir in orange zest until just incorporated.
  11. Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the orange glaze over warm rolls. Serve warm, at room temperature, or cold as preferred. Enjoy the sweet, citrusy flavors of these delightful rolls!

Notes

  • The cranberry filling may be slightly messy when rolling, so keep paper towels handy to wipe hands and surfaces.
  • Do not use all cranberry filling if you prefer a milder fruit flavor or to prevent overfilling.
  • Ensure milk is warm and not hot when activating yeast to achieve proper rising.
  • Letting the dough rise near a warm oven helps speed up the proofing process.
  • These rolls taste great warm or at room temperature; glaze is best applied when rolls are warm to absorb nicely.

Keywords: cranberry orange sweet rolls, sweet rolls recipe, cranberry rolls, orange zest rolls, holiday breakfast rolls, homemade sweet rolls

Find it online: https://platedbyemma.com/cranberry-orange-sweet-rolls-recipe/