Irresistible Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe to Try

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls wafting through your kitchen, enticing everyone to come and indulge. These rolls are fluffy delights that blend the tartness of cranberries with the bright zest of oranges, creating a flavor explosion that dances on your taste buds.

Picture this: a leisurely Sunday morning, cozy pajamas, and the anticipation of biting into a warm roll drizzled with sweet glaze. This heavenly treat is perfect for family gatherings, holiday brunches, or simply as a self-indulgent breakfast. The moment you take a bite, you’ll understand why these rolls deserve a permanent spot on your recipe rotation.

One holiday season, I made these rolls for my family gathering, and the delighted expressions on their faces were priceless. Everyone begged for seconds!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• All-Purpose Flour: Use a high-quality flour for a light and fluffy texture; it’s the backbone of any good roll.

• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough perfectly to balance the tart cranberries and zesty orange.

• Active Dry Yeast: Fresh yeast is essential; it gives those rolls that lovely rise and airy texture.

• Milk: Warm milk helps activate the yeast; make sure it’s not boiling hot—think warm bath water!

• Butter: Use unsalted butter for rich flavor; it adds that melt-in-your-mouth quality we all love in sweet rolls.

• Cranberries: Fresh or dried cranberries work well; they provide that delightful tartness to balance sweetness.

• Orange Zest: Freshly grated zest amps up the citrus flavor; don’t skimp—it makes all the difference!

• Eggs: They provide richness and help bind everything together; use large eggs at room temperature.

• Powdered Sugar: Perfect for making an irresistible glaze that adds just the right amount of sweetness to finish off these rolls.

• Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla brings out all those wonderful flavors beautifully in both dough and glaze.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls

Make the Dough: Start by mixing warm milk with sugar and yeast in a large bowl; let it sit until frothy—about 5 minutes—this means your yeast is alive and ready to party!

Add Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together melted butter, eggs, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Combine this mixture with your frothy yeast mixture until well blended.

Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add flour while stirring until a soft dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth; your arms might get tired but think of it as bonus exercise!

First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with a damp towel. Let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size—about 1 hour—because good things take time.

Prepare Filling: While waiting, mix fresh or dried cranberries with sugar and some orange zest in a bowl; this will create that fabulous filling bursting with flavor.

Shape Rolls: Roll out the dough into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Spread softened butter over it before sprinkling cranberry filling evenly across—don’t skimp; we want everyone to enjoy that fruity goodness!

Cut and Arrange: Roll up tightly from one end to another, then slice into 12 equal pieces. Place them cut-side up in a greased baking dish and let them rise again for 30 minutes—patience is key here!

Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 25-30 minutes until golden brown; enjoy watching them puff up like glorious clouds!

Strong>Icing Time: While rolls cool slightly, mix powdered sugar with milk and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle generously over warm rolls because who can resist extra sweetness?

Now you’re ready to dive into these utterly delightful Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls! They are perfect paired with coffee or enjoyed solo as an indulgent treat.

And there you have it! A fun way to create scrumptious cranberry orange sweet rolls that will be loved by everyone at your table! Enjoy!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by making the dough, allowing it to rise while preparing the cranberry filling. Once risen, roll out the dough, fill with cranberries, then roll and slice before baking for perfectly fluffy rolls.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap cranberries with blueberries or raspberries for a different flavor profile. You can also add nuts like walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To reheat, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warm.

Sharing these sweet rolls with friends during brunch was a highlight of my year! Their delighted faces as they took that first bite made every effort worthwhile.

FAQs

What is the best way to ensure my Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls rise well?

To ensure your sweet rolls rise properly, use fresh yeast and make sure your dough is kept in a warm environment while it rises. If your kitchen is cold, preheat your oven slightly, then turn it off and place your covered dough inside. This little trick creates the perfect cozy spot for yeast magic!

Can I freeze Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls after baking?

Yes, you can freeze baked rolls! Allow them to cool completely before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a warm oven.

How do I know when my rolls are fully baked?

The best way to check if your sweet rolls are fully baked is by using a toothpick or skewer inserted into the center of one; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached, they’re done! The tops should also be golden brown.

Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and filling the night before. After rolling and slicing the dough, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, allow them to come to room temperature before baking—you’re basically a breakfast magician!

Conclusion for Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls

Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile and perfect for any occasion. With simple ingredients you likely have at home, these rolls offer an impressive balance of flavor and texture that will wow your family or guests. Don’t forget to try customizing them with different fruits or nuts! Enjoy creating this delightful treat that brings joy to both bakers and eaters alike.

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Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Makes 12 rolls 1x

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Description

Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls are a delightful treat that combines the tartness of cranberries with zesty orange flavors, resulting in fluffy rolls that are perfect for breakfast or any special occasion. Topped with a sweet glaze, these rolls create an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen and invites everyone to indulge. Whether enjoyed at family gatherings or as a self-indulgent morning snack, these sweet rolls are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

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Ingredients

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• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries
• Zest of 1 orange
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
• 2 tbsp milk (for glaze)

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix warm milk with sugar and yeast; let sit until frothy (about 5 minutes).
2. In another bowl, whisk together melted butter, eggs, orange zest, and vanilla extract; combine with the yeast mixture.
3. Gradually add flour while stirring until a soft dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth.
4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. While the dough rises, mix cranberries with sugar and additional orange zest for filling.
6. Roll out dough into a rectangle (¼ inch thick), spread softened butter evenly, and sprinkle cranberry filling over it.
7. Roll tightly from one end to another and slice into 12 equal pieces; place cut-side up in a greased baking dish and let rise again for 30 minutes.
8. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
9. Mix powdered sugar with milk to create glaze; drizzle over slightly cooled rolls.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 roll (70g)
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 50mg