Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe

If you’re hunting for a showstopper breakfast or brunch treat that instantly feels like a hug in edible form, then you’ve got to try this Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe. These rolls are bursting with vibrant cranberry jam and zesty orange flavor that dance together beautifully, making each bite irresistibly fresh and sweet. I absolutely love this recipe because it’s perfect for holidays or any cozy weekend when you want to impress without stress. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through everything so your rolls come out tender, gooey, and packed with flavor every single time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The harmony of these ingredients is what makes this Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe so special. The warm milk combined with eggs and butter creates such a luscious dough, while the cranberries and orange zest add that vibrant, fresh kick every bite needs. When you shop, try to grab fresh cranberries for the best texture, but frozen works well too!

• Whole milk: Heating it just right activates the yeast and gives your dough a soft crumb.
• Granulated sugar: Used both in the dough and cranberry filling, it sweetens without overpowering the tart berries.
• Instant dry yeast: The magic that makes your rolls rise flawlessly and become fluffy.
• All-purpose flour: The backbone of your dough; make sure it’s fresh for best results.
• Cornstarch: Adds tenderness and a slight chew, helping keep the inside soft.
• Salt: Just enough to enhance all the flavors without being salty.
• Large eggs: Provides richness and structure; room temperature is key here.
• Unsalted butter: Softened so it blends smoothly into the dough for a rich taste.
• Orange zest: Brightens the dough, filling, and glaze with fresh citrus notes.
• Cranberries (fresh or frozen): The star ingredient, bursting with tartness and natural color.
• Fresh orange juice: Used in both the cranberry jam and glaze, it ties flavors together beautifully.
• Powdered sugar: Forms the base of the delicious orange glaze drizzled on top.

Variations

I love how versatile this Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe is. While I usually stick to the classic version with cranberry jam and orange zest, I’ve played around with a few tweaks based on what’s in season or dietary needs. Feel free to make it your own—these rolls welcome creativity and honestly, the more you experiment, the more fun baking becomes.

• Gluten-Free Variation: I swapped to a gluten-free flour blend once and found the dough a bit denser—adding a little extra cornstarch helped keep it tender.
• Nutty Twist: Sometimes, I toss in chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch in the filling. It pairs beautifully with the tart cranberries.
• Vegan Adaptation: I’ve tested replacing eggs with flax eggs and butter with coconut oil; the texture shifts slightly but the flavor still shines.
• Seasonal Swaps: During summer, I swap cranberries for fresh raspberries or strawberries and add lemon zest instead of orange for a bright twist.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast and Mix the Dough

Start by warming your milk to about 95°F (35°C) — I use a thermometer to make sure it’s not too hot because that can kill your yeast. Combine the warm milk with the sugar and instant dry yeast in your stand mixer bowl fitted with a dough hook. Whisk it together gently, then let it rest for 5 minutes until it’s nicely foamy on top. This tells you your yeast is active and ready to work its magic. Next, whisk in your room temperature eggs so everything is well combined before slowly adding in your pre-mixed flour, cornstarch, and salt.

Step 2: Knead in Butter and Orange Zest

Turn your mixer to medium speed and add softened butter, one piece at a time. This part is crucial — adding butter gradually ensures it blends smoothly without breaking the dough. Once all the butter is incorporated, toss in the orange zest for that lovely citrus pop. Keep the mixer running for about 10 minutes. You want the dough smooth, elastic, and pulling away from the sides of the bowl. If it feels sticky after 10 minutes, sprinkle in a tablespoon or two of flour, but be careful not to add too much or your rolls can get dense.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise Until Puffy

I like to lightly flour my countertop and knead the dough into a smooth ball before placing it into a greased bowl. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and pop it in a warm spot for about 1.5 to 2 hours. When it doubles in size and looks pillowy, you’re ready for the fun part — assembling the rolls.

Step 4: Make Your Cranberry Jam Filling

While the dough rises, combine cranberries, sugar, fresh orange juice, and orange zest in a saucepan. Bring it to a boil, then simmer gently for 15 minutes. You want most of the berries to burst, creating that jammy texture perfect for spreading. Let it cool completely before you use it—warm jam can make your rolls too soggy.

Step 5: Roll, Fill, and Cut Your Rolls

Once your dough has doubled, punch it down gently and roll it out into a large 18×18 inch square. Spread the cooled cranberry jam evenly over the top, leaving about an inch border on each side. Then, starting with the edge closest to you, roll the dough up tightly into a cylinder. Use a sharp knife to cut the roll into 12 equal pieces—trust me, a sharp blade makes all the difference in clean slices that hold their shape in the pan.

Step 6: The Second Rise and Baking

Place your rolls cut-side up in a greased 13×9-inch pan, cover with plastic wrap, and let them rise until doubled again — about an hour. For extra convenience, I sometimes refrigerate them overnight at this stage and bake fresh in the morning—it’s a game-changer for busy days! When ready, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and bake for 35 to 40 minutes until golden brown and tempting. The smell alone will make you want to dig right in.

Step 7: Drizzle the Orange Glaze and Serve

Mix powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest until smooth and glossy. While the rolls are still warm, drizzle the glaze generously over the top or use a brush to spread it evenly. This sweet orange icing finishes them off perfectly—sticky, sweet, and with that signature citrus zing that makes these rolls unforgettable.

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

When I serve these, I love adding a sprinkle of extra orange zest right on top of the glaze— it adds a fresh burst of aroma and makes them look even more inviting. Sometimes, a few whole cranberries scattered on the glaze add a festive touch and contrast in color that makes the presentation pop.

Side Dishes

These rolls are hearty enough to stand on their own but pair beautifully with a cup of hot coffee or tea. For a brunch spread, I like to serve them alongside scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or a fresh fruit salad to balance the sweetness and create a well-rounded meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I’ve arranged these rolls on a large decorative platter dusted lightly with powdered sugar and fresh mint leaves. Another fun idea is to bake them in individual mini pans, perfect for gifting or personalized servings that are cute and practical.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If the rolls start feeling a bit dry, a gentle zap in the microwave with a damp paper towel helps restore that soft, freshly-baked texture.

Freezing

I’ve had great success freezing these rolls after the second rise but before baking. I wrap the whole pan tightly with plastic and foil, then bake them directly from frozen—just add about 10 minutes to the baking time. This saves so much time and lets you enjoy fresh rolls anytime.

Reheating

To reheat, I like to warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10-15 minutes covered loosely with foil to prevent drying out. This brings back that soft, gooey texture as if they were freshly baked.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it brings that cozy holiday warmth straight to your kitchen any time of year. I’m always amazed by how the bright citrus flavor perfectly complements the tart cranberries, creating a treat that’s both comforting and uplifting. If you want to wow your family or friends with something homemade that looks like you spent hours crafting it, trust me—you’ll love making (and eating) these rolls. So grab your apron, try this recipe, and get ready to enjoy some seriously delicious moments!

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