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Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls

Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls for a Joyful Holiday Brunch

Enjoy delicious Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls, perfect for a joyful holiday brunch with a delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Rising Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 55 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Calories: 220

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 4 cups All-Purpose Flour Measure accurately for the best results.
  • 2 tablespoons Active Dry Yeast Ensure it's fresh for maximum rising.
  • 1 cup Warm Milk Around 110°F for optimal results.
  • 1/2 cup Butter Can be substituted with margarine.
  • 1/2 cup Sugar Brown sugar can also be used for deeper taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
For the Filling
  • 2 cups Fresh or Frozen Cranberries Well-drained if using frozen.
  • 1/2 cup Orange Juice and Zest Use store-bought juice in glaze if fresh isn’t available.
  • 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar Balances cranberries' tartness.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon Adjust to taste.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg Use sparingly.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Ground Clove A little goes a long way!
For the Glaze
  • 2 cups Powdered Sugar Sifted to avoid lumps.
  • 1/4 cup Orange Juice Can substitute with vanilla for alternative flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons Milk Almond milk works for dairy-free.

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Saucepan
  • Rolling Pin
  • Baking pan

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberries, orange juice, sugar, and spices. Simmer for about 10 minutes until the cranberries burst.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, softened butter, and sugar. Sprinkle yeast on top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
  3. Gradually add in flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
  4. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for about 1 hour.
  5. Once risen, punch the dough down, turn it out and roll into a rectangle about ½ inch thick.
  6. Spread the cooled cranberry mixture over the surface, leaving about a half-inch border at the edges.
  7. Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log shape, slice into 1-1.5 inch thick pieces, and place in a greased baking pan.
  8. Preheat oven to 350°F. Allow the rolls to rise for about 30-45 minutes, then bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
  9. Prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, orange juice, and milk until smooth, then drizzle over warm rolls.

Nutrition

Serving: 1rollCalories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 3gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 70mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Ensure the cranberry filling is cool before spreading; this prevents melting butter. Allow the dough ample time to rise for fluffy rolls. Keep dough thickness about ½ inch for best results.

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