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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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