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Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls

Delightful homemade sweet rolls filled with tart cranberries and zesty orange, perfect for festive breakfasts and family gatherings.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls
Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

Dough Ingredients
  • 1 cup milk Warm milk will help activate the yeast for fluffy rolls.
  • 4 tablespoons salted butter Adds richness to the dough.
  • 1 packet rapid rise or instant yeast For quick rising without the hassle.
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour Works best for this recipe.
  • 1/3 cup white sugar To sweeten the dough.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt Helps to balance the sweetness.
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest For bright, citrusy flavor.
  • 1 large egg Adds richness and helps bind the dough.
Cranberry Filling Ingredients
  • 2 cups cranberries Fresh cranberries are a must for that perfect tartness.
  • 1/2 cup sugar For the cranberry filling.
  • 1 orange zested and juiced Fresh juice adds great flavor.
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon The warmth complements the orange.
  • 1/4 teaspoon clove For depth of flavor.
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg Adds a lovely aromatic essence.
Orange Filling Ingredients
  • 1/3 cup butter, room temperature For the filling.
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar Sweetness for the filling.
  • 2 tablespoons orange zest Additional brightness in the filling.
Glaze Ingredients
  • 2 cups powdered sugar For the glaze.
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract A hint of sweetness.
  • 3 tablespoons butter For the glaze.
  • 1 tablespoon milk To thin out the glaze.
  • 2 tablespoons orange juice Fresh juice adds flavor to the glaze.
  • 1/2 tablespoon orange zest Finishing touch for the glaze.

Method
 

Prepare the Cranberry Filling
  1. Combine all your cranberry filling ingredients (2 cups cranberries, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 orange zested and juiced, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon clove, and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg) in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.
  2. Bring to a boil while stirring frequently until the cranberries burst, about 3-5 minutes.
  3. Reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer for another 10-15 minutes until it thickens, stirring occasionally.
  4. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Make the Dough
  1. Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a microwave-safe bowl, then add 1 cup of milk and heat until warm but not hot.
  2. Add the packet of rapid rise yeast and let it sit for 2 minutes to activate.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of flour, 1/3 cup sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
  4. Pour the butter, milk, and yeast mixture over the dry ingredients, add in 1 large egg and 1 tablespoon of orange zest, and beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.
  5. Switch to the dough hook attachment and gradually add the remaining 1 cup of flour, beating for another 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Prepare the Orange Filling
  1. In a small bowl, mix together the orange filling ingredients (1/3 cup softened butter, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons orange zest).
Assemble the Rolls
  1. On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a large rectangle (about 18x12 inches).
  2. Spread the orange filling evenly across the dough, followed by spooning the cooled cranberry filling on top.
  3. Carefully roll the dough into a log, pinching the edge to seal.
Cut and Rise
  1. Cut the log into 1 1/2-inch rolls and place them in a greased 9x13 baking dish.
  2. Cover the dish with a towel and let them rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour.
Bake
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 20-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Make the Glaze
  1. In a bowl, mix together the melted butter, milk, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, orange juice, and 1/2 tablespoon of orange zest, whisking until smooth.
Serve
  1. Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls and let it soak in before serving.
  2. These rolls are delightful warm but can also be enjoyed at room temperature.

Notes

Use high-quality ingredients for best results. You can prepare the dough and fillings a day in advance. These rolls freeze well, lasting up to 3 months.