Description
These Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls are a delightful combination of tart cranberries and zesty oranges, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the warm, fluffy rolls with a light citrusy glaze that adds a refreshing finish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- Zest and juice of 2 oranges
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/4 cup sugar (for filling)
- 1/4 cup softened butter (for spreading)
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon orange juice
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) of instant yeast. Stir together until well mixed.
- In a small saucepan, heat 1 cup of milk and 1/4 cup of unsalted butter until warm but not boiling. Remove from heat and let cool slightly, then stir in the zest and juice of 1 orange.
- Pour the warm milk mixture into the flour mixture. Add 1 large egg and mix until a dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, gradually add more flour until it pulls away from the bowl.
- On a floured surface, knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- While the dough rises, chop 1 cup of fresh cranberries and mix them with 1/4 cup of sugar and the zest of another orange. Set aside.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a rectangle (about 1/4-inch thick). Spread 1/4 cup of softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle the cranberry mixture evenly on top.
- Starting from one long side, carefully roll the dough into a log. Cut into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased baking dish, leaving space for them to rise.
- Cover the rolls with a towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
- In a bowl, beat together 4 oz of cream cheese, 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, and a tablespoon of orange juice until smooth. Spread over the warm rolls before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: Feel free to add nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch, or use dried cranberries if fresh ones aren’t available. For a more intense orange flavor, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice over the rolls.