Easy Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe: A Zesty Breakfast Treat

Cranberry orange sweet rolls bring a zesty twist to classic breakfast pastries.

Mornings feel magical when warm, fragrant rolls emerge from the oven.

Soft dough swirls with bright, tangy fruit create an irresistible combination.

Bright citrus notes dance alongside tart cranberries in each delectable bite.

Winter brunches deserve something special that sparks conversation and delights taste buds.

Seasonal ingredients transform ordinary rolls into extraordinary morning treats.

We promise these rolls will become your new weekend breakfast obsession.

What Makes Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls So Tempting

• Unlock Quick Breakfast Magic: Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls offer delightful morning excitement.
• Conquer Simple Baking Challenge: Even novice bakers can master this recipe with straightforward steps and minimal specialized equipment needed.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Explosion: Combine sweet orange zest and tart cranberry filling that pleases both kids and adults, creating memorable breakfast moments.
• Weekend Brunch Superstar: Perfect weekend treat that impresses guests without requiring professional pastry skills, making it ideal for leisurely family gatherings.

Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls Ingredient Summary

• All-Purpose Flour: Essential for creating soft, tender sweet roll structure, high-protein flour works best.
• Sugar: Provides subtle sweetness and helps yeast activation.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and controls yeast development.

• Butter: Adds rich flavor and tender texture to rolls.
• Milk: Creates moisture and helps activate yeast, whole milk recommended.
• Egg: Provides structure and richness to dough.
• Yeast: Critical for dough rising and creating soft texture.

• Orange Zest: Brings bright citrus notes and aromatic essence to rolls.

• Fresh Cranberries: Provides tart, vibrant fruity flavor and beautiful color.
• Sugar: Balances cranberry tartness and helps create filling consistency.
• Additional Filling Components: Will help thicken and develop cranberry mixture.

Sweet Roll Instructions with Cranberry Orange Flavor

Step 1: Cook the Cranberry Orange Filling

In a medium saucepan, combine all cranberry filling ingredients.

Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring often until the cranberries burst (about 3–5 minutes).

Reduce heat to medium and let it simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and jammy.

Remove from heat and allow the filling to cool completely.

Step 2: Warm Up the Dough Base

Melt butter in a microwave-safe bowl.

Add milk and heat gently for 15–30 seconds; it should be warm, not hot.

Sprinkle yeast over the warm mixture and let sit for 1–2 minutes to activate.

Step 3: Mix the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, add flour, sugar, salt

Pour in the milk-yeast mixture and crack in the egg.

Use a paddle attachment to blend until smooth.

Add fresh orange zest and mix thoroughly.

Switch to a dough hook and knead while adding the remaining flour gradually.

Continue kneading for about 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Cover and let rest for 10 minutes.

Step 4: Roll Out and Fill

Lightly flour a clean surface and roll the dough into a rectangle about 12×18 inches.

Spread a layer of orange filling over the surface.

Spoon the cooled cranberry mixture on top, leaving a small border around the edges.

Carefully roll the dough into a tight log and pinch the seam to seal it closed.

Step 5: Slice and Arrange the Rolls

Cut the dough log into 12 equal pieces, about 1½ inches thick each.

Place the rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Cover loosely with a towel and let rise in a warm area for about 1 hour, or until they double in size.

Sweet Roll Secrets for Cranberry Orange Flavor

• Use fresh orange zest for a vibrant, bright citrus flavor that elevates the entire roll's taste profile.
• Allow cranberry filling to cool completely before spreading to prevent dough from becoming soggy or tough.
• Don't overwork the dough; stop kneading when it becomes smooth and elastic to maintain soft, tender rolls.
• Place rolls in a draft-free, warm spot like near a preheated oven to ensure proper rising and fluffy texture.
• Prepare rolls the night before, refrigerate overnight, then let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking for convenient morning preparation.

Store Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls

• Store leftover sweet rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Cover rolls with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
• Warm rolls in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until heated through.
• Transfer frozen rolls to the refrigerator overnight, then reheat using the same method as refrigerated rolls.

What to Enjoy with Cranberry Orange Rolls

• Brew Perfectly Paired Coffee Companions: Rich, medium-roast Colombian coffee complements the sweet-tart cranberry rolls with its smooth, balanced flavor profile that doesn't overpower the delicate orange zest notes.
• Enhance with Citrus-Infused Beverage: Freshly squeezed orange juice or a light orange-tangerine spritzer adds bright, zesty undertones that mirror the rolls' citrusy essence and cut through the sweetness.
• Creamy Breakfast Sidekick: Vanilla bean yogurt or a light mascarpone cream provides a cool, smooth counterpoint to the warm, spiced cranberry filling, creating a luxurious breakfast experience.
• Nutty Textural Contrast: Toasted almond slivers or a small handful of candied pecans sprinkled alongside the rolls introduce a delightful crunch and nutty depth that balances the soft, pillowy sweet roll texture.

Orange Sweet Rolls Festive Alternatives

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend made from rice, almond, and tapioca flours. Use xanthan gum to help bind the dough and maintain its structure.
• Vegan Version: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and replace the egg with a flax egg or applesauce. Select dairy-free cream cheese for potential frosting.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of regular sugar. Reduce overall sugar content by using fresh cranberries and adding a small amount of orange juice for natural sweetness.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Replace milk with coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk. Use coconut oil instead of butter and ensure all other ingredients are dairy-free.

FAQs

• Why is yeast important in this recipe?

Yeast helps the dough rise, creating soft, fluffy sweet rolls with a light and airy texture. It allows the dough to develop complex flavors and provides the signature pillowy consistency.

• How do I know if my yeast is active?

Check that the yeast becomes foamy and bubbly after mixing with warm milk. If it doesn’t activate, the milk might be too hot or the yeast could be old. Fresh, active yeast is crucial for successful dough rising.

• Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. After kneading, cover and refrigerate overnight. This slow fermentation enhances flavor and allows for convenient morning baking. Let the dough come to room temperature before rolling and filling.

• What's the best way to roll the dough evenly?

Use a ruler to measure and guide your rolling. Roll from the center outward to maintain an even thickness. Dust the surface with flour to prevent sticking and ensure a smooth, consistent rectangle for filling.

Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe

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4.8 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet rolls dancing with zesty orange and tart cranberry promise a delightful breakfast experience. Warm, pillowy dough swirled with festive flavors will enchant you from first bite to last crumb.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough Ingredients:

• 1 cup milk
• 4 tablespoons (60 grams) salted butter
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) rapid rise (or instant) yeast
• 4 cups (480 grams) flour
• 1/3 cup (66 grams) white sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1 large egg

Filling Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup (75 grams) butter, room temperature
• 1/3 cup (66 grams) granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons orange zest
• 2 cups (300 grams) cranberries (fresh or frozen)
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) sugar
• 1 orange, zested and juiced
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon clove
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Glaze Ingredients:

• 2 cups (240 grams) powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons (45 grams) butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 1/2 tablespoon orange zest

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Instructions

1. Craft the cranberry filling by combining ingredients in a saucepan, heating over medium-high temperature until cranberries burst and release their vibrant juices.
2. Continue simmering the mixture, stirring occasionally, allowing the filling to thicken and develop a rich, concentrated flavor. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
3. Prepare the dough base by gently warming milk and butter in a microwave-safe container, ensuring the temperature is lukewarm and inviting for the yeast.
4. Activate the yeast by allowing it to dissolve and bloom in the warm liquid mixture, creating a foundation for soft, pillowy rolls.
5. Blend dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl, creating a soft flour landscape seasoned with sugar and salt.
6. Incorporate the liquid mixture and egg into the dry ingredients, mixing thoroughly until a cohesive dough begins to form.
7. Infuse the dough with bright orange zest, adding a citrusy complexity to the roll’s flavor profile.
8. Knead the dough using a dough hook, gradually introducing additional flour until the texture becomes smooth, elastic, and supple.
9. Allow the dough to rest and relax, giving the gluten an opportunity to develop and create a tender structure.
10. Transform the dough into a expansive rectangle on a generously floured surface, creating a canvas for the filling.
11. Distribute the orange filling evenly across the dough, followed by carefully spooning the cranberry mixture, leaving a small border around the edges.
12. Roll the dough into a tight, precise log, sealing the edges to preserve the filling’s integrity.
13. Slice the log into uniform rolls, each approximately 1½ inches thick, revealing swirls of crimson and citrus.
14. Nestle the rolls in a prepared baking dish, allowing them to rise in a warm environment until they become puffy and interconnected.
15. Bake until the rolls transform into a golden, aromatic masterpiece that promises indulgent flavor in every bite.

Notes

• Ensure cranberries are fresh and plump for the most vibrant filling, as older berries might affect the texture and flavor.
• Control heat carefully when cooking cranberry mixture to prevent burning and achieve perfect jammy consistency.
• Warm environment is crucial for dough rising, so place the covered rolls near a preheated oven or in a slightly warm spot.
• Test yeast’s freshness beforehand by mixing it with warm milk and watching for bubbling, which indicates active fermentation.
• Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free blend for celiac-friendly version, but expect slightly different texture.
• Swap dairy milk with almond or oat milk for a vegan adaptation, keeping liquid-to-flour ratio consistent.
• Freeze unbaked rolls after cutting for convenient make-ahead breakfast option, thawing overnight before baking.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg