Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Rise Time: 2 hours | Cook Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 3 hours | Makes: 12 rolls

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed to 110°F
• 1/4 cup water, warmed to 110°F
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon orange zest

For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 2/3 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

For the Orange Glaze:

• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 3-4 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

Make the Dough:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, combine warm milk, warm water, melted butter, egg, and orange zest.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until combined.
4. Gradually add remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.
5. Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
6. Place in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Prepare the Filling:

7. While dough rises, mix softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and orange zest in a bowl until well combined.
8. Set aside cranberries and nuts if using.

Assemble the Rolls:

9. Punch down risen dough and roll out on a floured surface into a 12×18-inch rectangle.
10. Spread the butter mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border on one long side.
11. Sprinkle cranberries and nuts (if using) evenly over the butter mixture.
12. Starting from the long side with filling, tightly roll up the dough jelly-roll style.
13. Pinch the seam to seal.

Shape and Second Rise:

14. Using a sharp knife or dental floss, cut the roll into 12 equal pieces.
15. Place cut-side up in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
16. Cover and let rise for 45 minutes to 1 hour until puffy.

Bake:

17. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
18. Bake for 22-25 minutes until golden brown on top.
19. Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes.

Make the Glaze:

20. While rolls cool, whisk together powdered sugar, orange juice, orange zest, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
21. Adjust consistency with more orange juice if needed.
22. Drizzle glaze over warm rolls.

Tips for Perfect Sweet Rolls

• Temperature Matters: Use a thermometer to ensure liquids are at the right temperature for yeast activation
• Proper Kneading: Dough should be smooth and elastic, passing the “windowpane test”
• Don’t Overbake: Rolls should be golden brown but still soft
• Fresh Cranberries: If using fresh cranberries, chop them and toss with a little flour to prevent sinking

Make-Ahead Options

Overnight Method:

• Prepare through step 15
• Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight
• Remove from fridge 1 hour before baking to come to room temperature
• Bake as directed

Freeze for Later:

• Prepare through step 15
• Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator, then let rise 1 hour before baking

Variations

• Cranberry Pecan: Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans to the filling
• White Chocolate: Add 1/2 cup white chocolate chips with cranberries
• Cream Cheese Glaze: Replace orange glaze with cream cheese frosting
• Mini Rolls: Cut into 18 smaller pieces and reduce baking time to 18-20 minutes

Storage

• Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days
• Warm individual rolls in microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving
• Freeze glazed rolls for up to 2 months

Serving Suggestions

• Perfect for holiday breakfasts and brunches
• Serve with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate
• Great for potluck gatherings and bake sales
• Lovely addition to afternoon tea spreads

These Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls combine the tartness of cranberries with bright citrus flavors in a soft, pillowy roll that’s absolutely irresistible!