The Ultimate Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe for Breakfast Bliss

Cranberry orange sweet rolls burst with vibrant, festive flavors that reimagine ordinary breakfast pastries into extraordinary morning delights.

These soft, pillowy rolls combine tangy citrus notes with luscious, jewel-toned berries in a harmonious blend of sweet and bright sensations.

Warm spices and buttery dough create a comforting backdrop for the zesty fruit filling, promising a sensory experience that awakens your taste buds.

Each roll represents a perfect balance between tender texture and complex flavor profiles that dance across your palate.

Homemade baking brings an intimate, nurturing quality to these delectable treats, inviting connection and warmth around the breakfast table.

Family and friends will appreciate the careful crafting and delightful aromas wafting through the kitchen during preparation.

Rich, golden dough swirled with crimson berries and fragrant orange zest promises a memorable culinary adventure.

Tips for Soft, Flavorful Cranberry Orange Rolls

• Boost Cranberry Flavor: Soak dried cranberries in orange juice before adding to the filling for an extra tangy burst of flavor.
• Achieve Perfect Dough Texture: Let the dough rest at room temperature for 10 minutes after kneading to relax the gluten and improve elasticity.
• Prevent Soggy Bottoms: Place the baking sheet on the middle oven rack and rotate halfway through baking to ensure even, golden-brown coloration.
• Maximize Rising Potential: Use a warm, draft-free spot like a turned-off oven with the light on to help the dough rise consistently.
• Enhance Glaze Consistency: Warm the milk slightly before mixing with confectioners' sugar to create a smoother, more spreadable glaze that clings beautifully to the rolls.

How to Store and Warm Up Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls

• Refrigeration: Store leftover cranberry orange sweet rolls in an airtight container or sealed plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent drying.
• Reheating in Oven: Warm rolls at 300°F for 5-7 minutes, wrapped loosely in aluminum foil to preserve moisture and restore their soft, tender texture.
• Microwave Option: Reheat individual rolls for 15-20 seconds on medium power, stopping halfway to prevent overheating and maintain their delicate structure.

What Goes Well with Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls

• Pair with Festive Winter Mulled Wine: The warm, spiced cranberry orange sweet rolls perfectly complement a glass of mulled wine, creating a cozy holiday flavor combination that brings out the citrusy and fruity notes.
• Serve Alongside Creamy Mascarpone Spread: A dollop of smooth mascarpone cheese with a hint of orange zest enhances the rolls' delicate texture and adds a luxurious creamy element to each bite.
• Match with Vanilla Bean Latte: The rich, aromatic vanilla latte balances the tangy cranberry and sweet orange flavors, providing a harmonious morning or afternoon treat that elevates the entire dining experience.
• Complement with Spiced Chai Tea: A warming chai tea with its complex spice profile beautifully echoes the sweet and citrusy undertones of the cranberry orange rolls, creating a delightful sensory pairing.

Fun Twists on Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls

• Cranberry Lemon Swirl Rolls: Replace orange zest and blossom water with lemon zest and juice for a bright, tangy flavor profile. Swap cranberry filling with homemade lemon curd for a zesty alternative.
• Nutty Cranberry Rolls: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cranberry filling for extra crunch and depth. Sprinkle toasted nuts on top of the glaze for additional texture and nutty richness.
• Spiced Winter Cranberry Rolls: Incorporate ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom into the dough and filling for a warm, festive spin. Enhance the glaze with a touch of ground ginger for a subtle winter-inspired warmth.
• Chocolate Cranberry Decadence Rolls: Mix dark chocolate chips into the cranberry filling for a luxurious combination. Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the glaze to create an indulgent dessert-like experience.

Top Reasons to Make Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls

• Burst with Seasonal Flavor: Cranberry and orange create a vibrant, tangy-sweet combination that captures the essence of winter holidays and festive baking.
• Elevate Baking Technique: The unique twisting and knotting method transforms ordinary sweet rolls into an artisan-style pastry, making home bakers feel like professional chefs.
• Versatile Make-Ahead Filling: The cranberry filling can be prepared up to a week in advance, offering convenience and flexibility for busy home cooks who want to plan ahead.
• Sensory Delight Texture: Soft, pillowy dough combined with a smooth cranberry filling and delicate orange glaze provides a multi-layered sensory experience in every bite.

Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls

• Flour: Provides structure and texture for the sweet rolls, all-purpose flour works best.
• Warm Milk: Activates yeast and adds moisture to the dough, use fresh milk at the right temperature.
• Yeast: Essential for making the dough rise and creating a soft, airy texture.

• Sugar: Sweetens the rolls and helps with yeast activation, granulated white sugar recommended.
• Butter: Adds richness and softness to the dough, use unsalted butter for better control of saltiness.
• Yogurt: Provides tenderness and slight tanginess to the roll's texture.
• Orange Blossom Water: Gives a delicate citrus aroma and unique flavor profile.
• Orange Zest: Adds bright, fresh citrus notes and aromatic depth.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavor with warm, sweet undertones.

• Cranberries: Creates a tart and vibrant filling, fresh or frozen berries work well.
• Salt: Balances and enhances overall flavor of the sweet rolls.
• Egg: Helps bind ingredients and provides structure to the dough.
• Confectioners' Sugar: Creates a smooth, sweet glaze for topping.
• Olive Oil or Cooking Spray: Used for greasing the rising bowl and preventing sticking.

Steps to Prepare Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls

Step 1: Prepare Cranberry Filling

• Cranberries
• Sugar
• Water

Boil ingredients over high heat, then simmer until cranberries soften and juices thicken (about 15 minutes). Transfer to food processor, add butter and vanilla. Process until smooth. Refrigerate in sealed container.

Step 2: Activate Yeast

• Warm Milk
• Yeast
• Sugar

Let stand for 5 minutes until mixture becomes foamy and bubbly.

Step 3: Create Dough Base

• Remaining Sugar
• Melted Butter
• Yogurt
• Egg
• Vanilla Extract
• Orange Blossom Water
• Orange Zest
• Salt
• Remaining Warm Milk

Stir half the flour into mixture, then add activated yeast. Mix on low speed.

Step 4: Knead Dough

Switch to dough hook attachment. Gradually add remaining flour. Beat on medium speed until dough becomes smooth and elastic (about 5 minutes). Add extra flour if dough feels sticky.

Step 5: First Dough Rise

Lightly grease large bowl with olive oil. Place dough in bowl, coating with oil. Cover and let rise in warm spot until doubled (approximately 1 hour).

Step 6: Shape Rolls

Punch down dough and rest for 5 minutes. Roll into 21×13-inch rectangle. Spread cranberry filling evenly. Fold dough in thirds like a letter.

Step 7: Create Roll Shapes

Cut dough into 12 equal strips. Twist each strip and tie into a knot, tucking ends underneath. Place on parchment-lined baking sheets.

Step 8: Second Dough Rise

Cover rolls and let rise in warm area until doubled (about 30 minutes).

Step 9: Bake Rolls

Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake rolls until light golden brown (15-20 minutes).

Step 10: Prepare Glaze

• Confectioners' Sugar
• Orange Blossom Water
• Milk

Stir until smooth and pourable.

Step 11: Finish Rolls

Drizzle glaze over warm rolls. Let cool for 10 minutes. Serve and enjoy!

Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe

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4.7 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Cranberry orange sweet rolls deliver a festive breakfast delight with tangy citrus and sweet berries. Warm, gooey pastries spiral with zesty orange glaze, promising a delicious morning treat that will charm holiday guests and family alike.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups (520 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (240 milliliters / 8 fluid ounces) warm milk
• 1 large egg
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup (100 g) fresh or frozen cranberries

Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon orange blossom water
• Zest of 1 orange
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Binding and Finishing Ingredients:

• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
• ¼ cup (50 g) plain Greek yogurt
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (120 g) confectioners’ sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon orange blossom water

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Instructions

1. Craft the cranberry compote by simmering cranberries with sugar and water until the mixture thickens and berries soften, approximately 15 minutes.
2. Transfer the compote to a food processor, incorporate butter and vanilla, then blend until silky smooth. Refrigerate the filling for later use.
3. Activate the yeast by combining it with warm milk and a touch of sugar, allowing the mixture to become frothy and aromatic.
4. In a stand mixer, whisk together remaining sugar, melted butter, yogurt, egg, vanilla, orange blossom water, orange zest, salt, and milk.
5. Gradually integrate flour into the wet ingredients, first using the paddle attachment, then switching to the dough hook for kneading.
6. Knead the dough until it becomes elastic and smooth, adding minimal flour to prevent stickiness.
7. Coat the dough with olive oil in a large bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm environment until it doubles in volume.
8. Roll the dough into a rectangular shape, generously spread the cranberry filling across the surface.
9. Fold the dough in thirds, creating a compact rectangle.
10. Slice the dough into 12 strips, twisting each into a knot and tucking the ends underneath.
11. Place the knotted rolls on parchment-lined baking sheets, allowing them to rise again until puffy.
12. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven until golden, rotating trays for even browning.
13. Prepare a glaze by mixing confectioners’ sugar, orange blossom water, and milk until smooth and pourable.
14. Drizzle the warm glaze over freshly baked rolls, serving them while still warm for maximum enjoyment.

Notes

• Cranberry filling can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, making meal prep more convenient.
• Yeast activation requires warm milk between 100-110°F to ensure proper rising and soft, fluffy rolls.
• Dough should be elastic and smooth, not sticky, which indicates proper kneading and flour incorporation.
• Allow sufficient rising time in a warm, draft-free area to develop light, airy texture and enhance flavor development.
• Twisting and knotting technique creates visually appealing rolls with unique texture and interesting presentation.
• Orange blossom water adds delicate, fragrant undertones that elevate the traditional sweet roll flavor profile.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 240
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 160 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg