Description
Homemade Cranberry Orange Rolls are soft, tender sweet rolls filled with a vibrant cranberry orange jam and topped with a luscious orange glaze. These rolls combine the tartness of fresh cranberries with the bright citrus flavor of orange zest and juice, making them a perfect festive treat for breakfast or brunch during the holiday season.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 3/4 cup whole milk, heated to 95°F/35°C (180ml)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100g)
- 2 1/4 tsp instant dry yeast
- 4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (530g)
- 1/2 cup cornstarch (120g)
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened and cut into 12 pieces (180g)
- 2 tsp orange zest
Cranberry Jam
- 4 cups cranberries, fresh or frozen (400g)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice (60ml)
- 2 tsp orange zest
Orange Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar (120g)
- 3 Tbsp orange juice
- 2 tsp orange zest
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Whisk together and let sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture is foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt. Set aside for later use in dough preparation.
- Combine Eggs and Milk Mixture: Add the eggs to the milk and yeast mixture, then whisk until fully combined to create a smooth liquid base for the dough.
- Add Flour Mixture: With the mixer running on low speed, gradually add the flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Increase the speed to medium and mix until the dough begins to come together, about 1 minute.
- Incorporate Butter and Orange Zest: Continue mixing on medium speed and add the softened butter one piece at a time. Once all butter is incorporated, add the orange zest. Mix for 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic, pulling away from the bowl sides. If still sticky, add flour a tablespoon or two until dough is manageable.
- First Rise: On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough into a smooth ball. Place it into a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Make Cranberry Jam: While the dough rises, combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and orange zest in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to medium and simmer gently for about 15 minutes or until most cranberries have burst. Remove from heat and let cool completely to room temperature.
- Shape Rolls: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into an 18×18 inch square. Spread the cooled cranberry jam evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border free around the edges.
- Roll and Cut: Starting from the edge nearest you, carefully roll the dough into a tight cylinder. Pinch the seam lightly to seal, then cut the roll into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife.
- Second Rise: Arrange the rolls spaced evenly in a lightly greased 13×9-inch baking pan. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour. Alternatively, refrigerate overnight.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Remove the plastic wrap and bake the rolls until golden brown, about 35 to 40 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly.
- Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth. Drizzle or spread the glaze over the warm rolls and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Cranberry Orange Rolls are ideal for holiday breakfasts or brunch, offering a delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors with a tender, gooey texture.
- Use fresh or frozen cranberries interchangeably for convenience.
- For a longer rise and more developed flavor, refrigerate the shaped rolls overnight before baking.
- Ensure the milk is warmed to the proper temperature (95°F/35°C) to activate the yeast effectively without killing it.
- If the dough is sticky after the initial mixing, add a small amount of flour to achieve the right consistency before the first rise.
- The cornstarch in the dough helps create a tender crumb and lightly soft texture in the rolls.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 472
- Sugar: 38 g
- Sodium: 173 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 81 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 73 mg
