Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls
Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls are a delightful breakfast treat that perfectly combines the tartness of cranberries with the brightness of fresh oranges. These warm, fluffy rolls are not only visually stunning but also fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma, making them ideal for holiday gatherings or weekend brunches. Simple to prepare and bursting with flavor, they promise to brighten any morning and leave everyone asking for seconds.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 sweet rolls 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup whole milk (warm)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup fresh cranberries (chopped)
- Zest and juice of 2 oranges
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Activate the yeast by combining warm milk, yeast, and a teaspoon of sugar in a small bowl. Let it sit until frothy (5-10 min).
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and remaining sugar. Create a well in the center and add melted butter, eggs, orange zest, and activated yeast mixture. Stir until combined.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the filling by mixing softened butter with sugar, orange juice, cranberries, and more orange zest.
- Roll out the risen dough into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Spread the cranberry-orange filling evenly over the surface and roll tightly into a log shape.
- Cut into rolls and place them in a greased baking dish. Let rise again for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake rolls for about 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Drizzle cooled rolls with powdered sugar mixed with a bit of orange juice before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll (80g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: For added texture, consider substituting cranberries with dried cherries or adding chopped nuts. A sprinkle of cinnamon in the filling can enhance flavor complexity.