Delicious Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe to Savor
There’s something just wonderful about a batch of warm Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls coming out of the oven. The combination of tart cranberries with a zesty orange aroma is like a cozy hug for your senses. Honestly, I can’t think of a better way to brighten up a chilly morning than with these fluffy, sweet rolls. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a sweet afternoon snack. Trust me, once you whip these up in your kitchen, you’re ready to savor every last bite.
Table of Contents
What Is Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls?
Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls are soft, fluffy rolls filled with sweetened cranberry sauce and a hint of fresh orange zest. Think of them like a warm pastry that melts in your mouth with every bite. They are perfect for sharing and make a great addition to holiday gatherings, special brunches, or just an indulgent treat during the week. The dough’s tenderness combined with the tartness of cranberries and brightness of orange creates a flavor harmony that you won’t forget.
Ingredients Overview for Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls
Let’s dive into what you’ll need to create these heavenly rolls! Here’s a list of ingredients that you can easily find in your pantry or local grocery store. The beauty of this recipe is that some ingredients can be swapped out if you’re missing something. Let’s check it out:
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All-Purpose Flour: This is your base and gives the rolls that lovely fluffy texture. You can try using bread flour for an even chewier roll.
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Granulated Sugar: Sweetness is essential! If you prefer a less sweet roll, reduce the sugar a bit or use brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
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Active Dry Yeast: Yeast is key for that rise. If you’re in a pinch, use instant yeast instead, but be sure to follow the conversion measurements.
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Milk: Helps to make the dough tender. You can use almond milk or any milk alternative if you want it dairy-free.
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Eggs: Adds richness to the dough but can be swapped with applesauce for a vegan option.
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Butter: Used for flavor and softness. You can replace it with coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
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Fresh Cranberries: The star of the show! You can also use cranberry sauce if fresh ones aren’t available.
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Orange Zest: Brightens up the flavor. If you don’t have fresh oranges, a bit of orange extract works too.
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Powdered Sugar: Great for a simple glaze on top. If you want to skip the glaze, that’s totally fine too!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls
Now that you have all your delicious ingredients lined up, let’s get started! Follow these steps to create the most mouthwatering Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls.
1. Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk (about 110°F), sugar, and yeast. Let this mixture sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes bubbly. In another bowl, mix in the eggs and melted butter. Gradually add the milk mixture to the egg and butter, stirring until combined.
2. Add Flour and Knead
Slowly add in the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Dust a clean surface with flour and knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until smooth. It should feel slightly tacky but not overly sticky. Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, until it doubles in size.
3. Prepare the Filling
While the dough is rising, combine your fresh cranberries, orange zest, and a sprinkle of sugar in a bowl. You want a deliciously sweet tart filling, so adjust the sugar according to your taste.
4. Assemble the Rolls
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and roll it out into a large rectangle. Spread the cranberry filling evenly across the dough. Roll it up tightly from one end to the other and cut it into equal pieces.
5. Final Rise and Bake
Place the rolls into a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise again for about 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
6. Glaze and Enjoy
While the rolls are baking, mix powdered sugar with a splash of milk to create a simple glaze. Drizzle this over the warm rolls once they come out of the oven. I promise it takes them to a whole new level!
Serving Suggestions
These Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls are delightful served warm, fresh from the oven. You can pair them with a side of creamy butter or a dollop of whipped cream for a little extra indulgence. They also go wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea, making for the perfect breakfast or afternoon treat. If you’re feeling extra generous, you can even gift some to friends or family. Who wouldn’t love a sweet surprise?
Tips For the Perfect Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls
- Don’t Rush the Rise: Give the dough time to rise properly. It affects the texture.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your milk and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother dough.
- Check Your Yeast: If your yeast isn’t bubbly after mixing with milk, it may be expired. Fresh yeast is essential for a successful rise!
- Try Different Fillings: Feel free to experiment with different fruit fillings, like blueberries or cherries!
Q&A Section
Can I make this dough in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, let it rise, then shape the rolls. Keep them covered in the fridge overnight and bake fresh in the morning.
What can I use if I don’t have fresh cranberries?
Frozen cranberries work great too. Just toss them in straight from the freezer without thawing them.
How do I store leftover rolls?
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. You can also freeze them for up to two months.
Can I skip the glaze?
Yes! The rolls are delicious on their own. The glaze just adds a little sweetness on top.
Why You’ll Love It
You’re going to fall head over heels for these Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls. The combination of textures and flavors is simply divine. The sweetness of the rolls contrasts so nicely with the tartness of the cranberries, creating a blissful balance. Honestly, they’re great for any time of day, and they make the house smell just out of this world while baking. Once you try these, you’ll want to make them again and again.
Behind The Scenes
When I was developing this recipe, I had a few hiccups along the way, like forgetting to check my yeast. Spoiler alert: I had flat, sad rolls during my first trial! A couple of tweaks later, it all came together beautifully, and I can tell you that the smell of these rolls baking is simply incredible. If you want to see more of my kitchen adventures, check out my Pinterest page at MyRecipeCast.
I cannot wait for you to try these rolls. They are sure to bring joy to your kitchen and make your taste buds dance!
Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 4 cups All-Purpose Flour You can swap with bread flour for a chewier texture.
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar Reduce for less sweetness or use brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
- 2 teaspoons Active Dry Yeast Can use instant yeast instead.
- 1 cup Milk Substitute with almond milk or other alternatives for dairy-free.
- 2 large Eggs Can be replaced with applesauce for a vegan option.
- 1/4 cup Butter, melted Substitute with coconut oil for dairy-free.
For the Filling
- 2 cups Fresh Cranberries You can use cranberry sauce if fresh ones aren’t available.
- 1 tablespoon Orange Zest Substitute with a bit of orange extract, if necessary.
- 1-2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar Adjust according to taste.
For the Glaze
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar Mix with milk to make a simple glaze.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk (about 110°F), sugar, and yeast. Let this mixture sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes bubbly.
- In another bowl, mix in the eggs and melted butter. Gradually add the milk mixture to the egg and butter, stirring until combined.
Making the Dough
- Slowly add in the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Dust a clean surface with flour and knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until smooth.
- Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, until it doubles in size.
Filling and Assembling
- While the dough is rising, combine the fresh cranberries, orange zest, and a sprinkle of sugar in a bowl.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and roll it out into a large rectangle.
- Spread the cranberry filling evenly across the dough. Roll it up tightly from one end to the other and cut it into equal pieces.
Baking
- Place the rolls into a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise again for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
Finishing Touches
- While the rolls are baking, mix powdered sugar with a splash of milk to create a simple glaze.
- Drizzle this over the warm rolls once they come out of the oven.
