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–+ servings
Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls

Soft and Festive Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe

Delight in the soft, fluffy Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls, perfect for holiday gatherings with a balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
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Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Rising Time 2 hours
Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Rolls
  • 3-4 cups All-Purpose Flour Bread flour can be used for a chewier texture.
  • 1 cup Warm Milk About 110°F to activate yeast.
  • 2 tablespoons Sugar Brown sugar can be used for richer taste.
  • 2 teaspoons Active Dry Yeast Instant yeast is a great alternative.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Balances sweetness.
  • 1/4 cup Butter Melted.
  • 1 large Egg Binds the dough together.
  • 2 cups Cranberries Fresh or frozen.
  • 1/2 cup Orange Juice Fresh is recommended.
  • 1 tablespoon Orange Zest From one orange.
For the Spices
  • 1 teaspoon Cinnamon Essential for festive flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Nutmeg Enhances the aroma.
  • 1 teaspoon Clove Adds depth.
For the Glaze
  • 1 cup Powdered Sugar For sweetening the glaze.
  • 2 tablespoons Vanilla Extract Adds depth to the glaze.
  • 1 cup Fresh Orange Juice Ties flavors together.

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Saucepan
  • Baking dish
  • Oven
  • Rolling Pin

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it stand for about 5–10 minutes until frothy. Stir in melted butter, egg, and salt. Gradually mix in flour until soft dough forms.
  2. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–2 hours.
  3. For the filling, combine cranberries, orange juice, zest, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove in a saucepan. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until thickened. Allow to cool.
  4. Punch down risen dough and roll into a rectangle. Spread a layer of softened butter with sugar and zest, then distribute the cranberry filling. Roll tightly and slice into 12 pieces.
  5. Place slices in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise for another hour until puffed.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake rolls for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and hollow sounding.
  7. While baking, prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar, melted butter, milk, vanilla, and orange juice together. Drizzle over warm rolls just before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1rollCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 3gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Cool the filling completely before spreading to maintain flaky texture. Control the amount of filling used to avoid mess. Allow the dough to rise adequately for fluffy rolls.

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