Zippy Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe for Bright Mornings

Soft, pillowy dough meets a burst of tangy cranberry orange sweet rolls that dance with vibrant flavors.

Winter mornings call for warm, comforting treats straight from the oven.

The delightful combination of zesty orange and tart cranberries creates a symphony of taste in every single bite.

Fresh cranberries add a pop of color and brightness to these irresistible rolls.

Warm spices and citrusy notes weave through the tender pastry, promising a breakfast experience that delights the senses.

Each roll offers a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness that will make your morning extraordinary.

Bake these rolls and watch breakfast become an unforgettable celebration of flavor.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 13

Ingredients in Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls

• Flour: Provides structure and texture, choose unbleached all-purpose for best results.
• Warm Milk: Activates yeast and adds richness, use room temperature for optimal fermentation.
• Yeast: Enables dough rising, select fresh active dry yeast for reliable performance.
• Sugar: Feeds yeast and enhances flavor, use granulated white sugar.
• Butter: Adds moisture and tender crumb, select unsalted for precise flavor control.
• Yogurt: Contributes softness and tangy depth, choose plain whole milk yogurt.

• Orange Blossom Water: Delivers delicate citrus essence, find in specialty grocery stores.
• Orange Zest: Provides bright, intense citrus notes, use fresh organic oranges.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm background flavor, select pure extract over imitation.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and strengthens gluten, use fine sea salt.

• Cranberries: Offers tart, vibrant filling, select fresh or frozen whole berries.
• Confectioners' Sugar: Creates smooth glaze, sift to remove lumps.
• Milk: Adjusts glaze consistency, use whole milk for richness.

Tools for Rolling and Baking Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls

• Stand Mixer: Essential for making smooth, elastic dough with paddle and dough hook attachments.
• Food Processor: Perfect for blending cranberry filling into a smooth consistency.
• Small Saucepan: Needed for cooking cranberries until softened and juicy.
• Baking Sheets: Two lined with parchment paper for baking sweet rolls.
• Rolling Pin: Used to roll dough into a precise rectangular shape.
• Small Bowls: Helpful for mixing yeast, glaze, and other ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents rolls from sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
• Whisk or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients smoothly.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls Easily

Zesty Cranberry Swirl Rolls

• Cranberry Burst Filling

Simmer cranberries with sugar until they transform into a vibrant, glossy compote. Blend with butter and vanilla until silky smooth. Let the mixture chill and develop intense flavors.

• Dough Preparation

Activate yeast in warm milk, creating a foamy foundation. Blend remaining ingredients into a luscious dough mixture. Knead until soft and elastic, developing a smooth texture that promises tender rolls.

• First Rise

Coat dough with oil and nestle in a cozy bowl. Allow it to expand and rise, doubling in volume and developing deep, complex flavors.

• Rolling and Filling

Stretch dough into a generous rectangle. Spread cranberry mixture generously, then fold like an elegant letter. This creates delicate layers of fruity goodness.

• Shaping Magic

Transform dough strips into playful knots, tucking ends underneath. Arrange on baking sheets, allowing each roll space to grow and flourish.

• Second Rise and Baking

Let rolls puff up in a warm spot. Bake until golden and fragrant, filling the kitchen with irresistible aromas.

• Citrus Glaze Finale

Whisk together powdered sugar and orange essence. Drizzle over warm rolls, creating a glistening, tangy crown that elevates these delightful pastries.

Tips for Zest and Tang in Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls

• Freeze extra cranberry filling in ice cube trays for quick future use in pastries or breakfast treats.
• Enhance orange zest intensity by gently rubbing it with sugar before adding to the dough, releasing more essential oils and aromatics.
• Allow rolls to rise in a turned-off oven with a pan of hot water underneath, creating a consistent warm environment for perfect proofing.
• Experiment with different shapes like spirals or braids instead of knots to create unique visual presentations without changing the core recipe.
• Prepare rolls up to the second rise stage, then refrigerate overnight and bake fresh in the morning for convenient, warm breakfast pastries.

Serving Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls for Breakfast or Dessert

• Festive Brunch Centerpiece: Arrange these cranberry orange sweet rolls on a rustic wooden board surrounded by fresh orange slices and sprigs of mint for a stunning breakfast presentation.
• Holiday Morning Delight: Serve these warm rolls alongside a steaming cup of orange-spiced tea or a creamy cappuccino to create a cozy winter morning experience.
• Gifting Gourmet Touch: Package the rolls in clear cellophane bags tied with a festive ribbon for a homemade food gift that will impress friends and family during holiday gatherings.
• Dessert Transformation: After dinner, warm the rolls slightly and top with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an unexpected sweet finale to your meal.

Store Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls Without Drying Them Out

• Fridge Fresh Strategy: Store these cranberry orange sweet rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Wrap each roll individually to maintain maximum moisture and flavor.
• Quick Reheat Magic: Warm rolls gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to restore their soft, freshly-baked texture and delightful aroma.
• Freezer Love Technique: Freeze unbaked rolls after shaping for future enjoyment. Place knotted rolls on a baking sheet, freeze solid, then transfer to freezer bags. They'll stay fresh for 3 weeks.
• Morning Prep Shortcut: Prepare dough and shape rolls the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Remove from fridge 30 minutes before baking to allow gentle rising at room temperature, ensuring perfect breakfast rolls.

Tangy Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls

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4.9 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Homemade cranberry orange sweet rolls combine zesty citrus with tart berries in a pillowy dough. Warm spices and creamy glaze complete this festive breakfast pastry perfect for winter mornings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups (520 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• 2 ¼ tsps active dry yeast
• 1 cup (240 ml / 8 fl oz) warm milk
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 6 tbsps unsalted butter
• 1 cup (100 g) fresh or frozen cranberries
• ¼ cup (50 g) plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp orange blossom water
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup (120 g) confectioners’ sugar
• 2–3 tbsps milk
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tsp orange blossom water

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Instructions

1. Compote Creation: Simmer cranberries with sugar and water until berries soften and mixture thickens. Pulse in food processor with butter and vanilla until silky smooth, then refrigerate.
2. Yeast Activation: Combine yeast with warm milk and sugar, allowing mixture to become frothy. In stand mixer, blend remaining sugar, melted butter, yogurt, egg, vanilla, orange blossom water, orange zest, salt, and milk.
3. Dough Preparation: Gradually incorporate flour using paddle attachment, then switch to dough hook. Knead until elastic and smooth, minimally adding flour to prevent sticking. Coat with olive oil, cover, and let rise in warm environment until doubled.
4. Filling and Shaping: Roll dough into rectangular shape, spread cranberry filling evenly. Fold dough in thirds to create compact rectangle. Slice into 12 strips, twist each into a knot, tucking ends underneath.
5. Proofing and Baking: Arrange knotted rolls on parchment-lined baking sheets, allowing to rise until puffy. Bake in preheated 350°F oven, rotating trays for even golden browning.
6. Glazing and Serving: Whisk confectioners’ sugar, orange blossom water, and milk into smooth, pourable glaze. Drizzle over warm rolls and serve immediately for optimal enjoyment.

Notes

• Precision Temperature Control: Ensure milk is warm (110-115°F) to activate yeast without killing it, using a kitchen thermometer for accuracy.
• Resting Technique: Allow dough to rise in a draft-free, warm spot like a turned-off oven with a pan of hot water to create ideal proofing conditions.
• Strategic Rolling Method: Use a light touch when rolling dough to prevent tough texture, dusting surface sparingly with flour to avoid dryness.
• Moisture Preservation: Cover rolls with a damp towel during second rise to prevent surface from drying out and maintain soft, tender crumb.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg