If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines the sweet tang of cranberries with the bright, sunny flavor of orange, this Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe is pure magic. Soft, fluffy, and irresistibly aromatic, these rolls bring warmth and a burst of refreshing fruitiness to your breakfast or brunch table. Every bite offers a perfect balance of tender dough, zesty citrus, and jewel-like cranberries, making this a favorite to share with family and friends on cozy mornings or special occasions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting these rolls just right is all about choosing simple, quality ingredients that come together beautifully to deliver taste, texture, and color in every bite.
- 4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for soft, pillowy dough that rises perfectly.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds subtle sweetness to balance the tart cranberries.
- 1 packet instant yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons): This magical ingredient makes the dough rise and become wonderfully airy.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without being overpowering.
- 1/2 cup milk, warmed: Adds richness and helps activate the yeast.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Keeps the rolls tender and adds depth of flavor.
- 2 large eggs: Give the dough structure and a beautiful golden color.
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped: Bursts of tartness and vibrant red color throughout the rolls.
- 1 tablespoon orange zest: Adds fresh citrus aroma and extra zing.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for icing): Sweet finish that melts on top.
- 2 tablespoons orange juice (for icing): Delivers a bright, tangy glaze to complement the rolls.
How to Make Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients
Start by combining the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a large mixing bowl. This ensures that the yeast is evenly distributed and the salt doesn’t inhibit the yeast’s activity when mixed later.
Step 2: Prepare Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, and eggs. The warmth of the milk is key to waking up the yeast and creating a tender crumb in your rolls.
Step 3: Combine and Knead
Pour the wet mixture gradually into the dry ingredients and stir until a shaggy dough forms. Turn it out onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic—about 8 to 10 minutes. This kneading is where the gluten develops, giving you those soft yet sturdy rolls we all love.
Step 4: First Rise
Place your dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a warm towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a cozy spot for about an hour. The dough should double in size, becoming light and bouncy.
Step 5: Roll Out and Add Filling
Once risen, punch down the dough gently and roll it out into a large rectangle. Spread the chopped cranberries evenly over the surface, then sprinkle the orange zest on top. This layering guarantees that every bite bursts with vibrant flavors.
Step 6: Shape the Rolls
Roll the dough tightly lengthwise to form a log, then slice it into 12 equal rolls. This shaping step is crucial for the iconic swirl and ensures that the fruit and zest are beautifully distributed inside.
Step 7: Second Rise
Arrange the rolls cut side up in a greased baking dish, cover again, and let them rise for 30 more minutes. This second rise boosts fluffiness and readies your rolls for baking.
Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the rolls at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes until they’re golden brown with a tantalizing aroma filling your kitchen. The timing is perfect for a tender, fully cooked interior.
Step 9: Prepare and Drizzle Icing
While rolls are baking, mix the powdered sugar with orange juice to make a smooth glaze. Drizzle generously over the warm rolls so the icing melts slightly and seeps into every swirl.
How to Serve Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra-special touch, sprinkle some fresh orange zest or whole cranberries on top of the icing just before serving. It makes the presentation pop and adds delightful bursts of fresh flavor with each bite.
Side Dishes
Pair these sweet rolls with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a creamy latte for the perfect morning combo. They also go wonderfully alongside a fresh fruit salad or a creamy yogurt parfait to balance sweetness with refreshing lightness.
Creamy Ways to Present
Try serving the rolls warm with softened cream cheese or mascarpone on the side. The creamy tang pairs beautifully with the citrus and cranberry flavors, making every bite feel indulgent and special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers from your Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and fresh, perfect for a quick breakfast or snack.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked rolls after shaping by wrapping the pan tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze up to one month, then thaw overnight in the fridge before allowing the second rise and baking. This is a fantastic way to enjoy fresh rolls on demand.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the rolls in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes or microwave individual rolls for 20-30 seconds. This restores their softness and brings back that freshly-baked feeling.
FAQs
Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Dried cranberries will add sweetness and chewiness but won’t have the same tart burst as fresh. If using dried, consider soaking them briefly in orange juice to plump them up.
What if I don’t have instant yeast?
You can substitute active dry yeast but remember to proof it by dissolving in the warm milk with a pinch of sugar for about 5-10 minutes until bubbly before mixing with the dry ingredients.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Replace milk with a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, swap butter for vegan margarine, and use a flax or chia egg substitute to keep the dough tender and delicious.
Is it okay to add nuts to the filling?
Definitely! Chopped pecans or walnuts make a fantastic crunchy contrast to the soft rolls and tart cranberries, especially if toasted first.
How long do the rolls stay fresh?
When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, the rolls remain fresh and tasty for about 2 days. For longer storage, freezing is a great option.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll treat yourself and your loved ones to this Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe soon – it’s truly a cozy, fruity, and sweet delight that brightens any morning. Once you’ve tried these rolls, their irresistible flavor and softness will keep you coming back for more, making them an absolute favorite to bake again and again.
Print
Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls are a delightful combination of tart cranberries and bright orange zest baked into soft, fluffy rolls. Perfect for a festive breakfast or brunch, they are topped with a sweet orange glaze that enhances their fruity flavors. Soft, tender, and bursting with citrus, these rolls make a wonderful treat to enjoy any time.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet instant yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
Filling and Topping
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
- 2 tablespoons orange juice (for icing)
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Stir well to evenly distribute all the dry ingredients.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the warmed milk, melted unsalted butter, and eggs until fully combined.
- Make the Dough: Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until a rough dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Roll Out and Add Filling: After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle shape. Evenly sprinkle the chopped cranberries and orange zest over the dough.
- Shape the Rolls: Carefully roll the dough tightly from one long edge to the other to form a log. Slice the log into 12 equal rolls using a sharp knife.
- Second Rise: Arrange the rolls cut-side up in a greased baking dish. Cover and let them rise again in a warm spot for 30 minutes until puffy.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare Icing and Serve: While the rolls bake, mix powdered sugar and orange juice in a small bowl to create a smooth glaze. Drizzle the warm rolls with the orange icing before serving for a delicious finishing touch.
Notes
- Warm the milk to about 110°F (43°C) to activate the yeast without killing it.
- Chopped fresh cranberries can be substituted with dried cranberries, but omit any additional sugar if using dried as they are sweeter.
- For an extra soft texture, brush the tops with melted butter right after baking.
- Make sure to let the dough rise in a draft-free warm area to ensure good fermentation.
- This recipe can be made a day ahead; cover and store the baked rolls at room temperature, then warm before serving.
