If you love the bright zing of citrus paired with the tart burst of fresh berries, this Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe is going to become your new favorite cozy treat. Soft, fluffy rolls swirled with tangy orange marmalade and a vibrant cranberry filling are baked to golden perfection, then topped with a luscious orange glaze that adds the perfect sweet finish. These rolls make mornings extraordinary and are especially delightful for holiday breakfasts or special weekend brunches. Let me walk you through how to bring this delicious combination of flavors right into your kitchen with ease and joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is the first step to creating these scrumptious rolls. Each component plays a crucial role in shaping the tender dough, flavorful filling, and irresistibly sweet glaze that define this recipe.
- Warm milk (3/4 cup): Feeds the yeast and gives the dough a soft texture.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Sweetens the dough and helps activate the yeast.
- Active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons): The magic ingredient that makes the dough rise and become fluffy.
- Unsalted butter, melted (1/4 cup): Adds richness and tenderness to the dough.
- Large egg (1): Binds ingredients together and enriches the dough.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
- All-purpose flour (2 3/4 cups): The structural base for the dough’s perfect crumb.
- Orange marmalade (1/2 cup): Brings bright, citrusy sweetness to the filling.
- Fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped (1 cup): Adds tartness and lovely bursts of flavor.
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup): Gives warmth and depth to the filling.
- Orange zest (1 teaspoon): Intensifies the citrus aroma and taste.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Base for the silky glaze.
- Orange juice (2–3 tablespoons): Blends into the glaze to add a fresh orange tang.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances overall sweetness with a lovely note.
How to Make Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by combining warm milk, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast in a mixing bowl. Let the mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it’s foamy and alive with yeast bubbles—this ensures a light and airy dough. Then, stir in melted butter, the egg, and salt, bringing richness and balance. Gradually mix in the flour until the dough forms a soft ball. Knead it either by hand or with a dough hook for about 5 to 7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour, or until it doubles in size. Watching the dough puff up is always a rewarding moment!
Step 2: Roll Out and Add Filling
Once your dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release the air. Lightly flour your surface and roll the dough into a 12×16-inch rectangle. Spread the orange marmalade evenly across the surface to layer that juicy citrus sweetness in every bite. In a small bowl, mix together chopped cranberries, brown sugar, and fresh orange zest—this bright, tangy mixture is what makes these rolls so special. Sprinkle the filling over the marmalade-covered dough, getting ready to roll it all up into a beautiful log.
Step 3: Shape the Rolls and Second Rise
Carefully roll the dough from the longer edge into a tight log. Using a sharp knife, slice it into 12 equal rolls and place them into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover the dish loosely with a towel and let the rolls rise again for 30 to 45 minutes until they look puffy and inviting. This second rise is key for light, fluffy rolls that practically melt in your mouth.
Step 4: Bake and Glaze
Preheat your oven to 350°F while the rolls are rising. Bake the rolls for 22 to 25 minutes, or until they achieve a light golden brown color and are cooked through. Once baked, let them cool just slightly—warm enough for glazing but not too hot. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, orange juice, and vanilla extract to make a smooth, glossy glaze. Drizzle this heavenly topping generously over the warm rolls, watching it melt into the crevices and add that sweet, tangy finish you’ll crave.
How to Serve Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra-special touch, sprinkle a few extra bits of finely chopped fresh cranberries or a sprinkle of orange zest on top of the glazed rolls. A light dusting of powdered sugar also works beautifully to add a snow-like effect, perfect for holiday vibes and to impress anyone lucky enough to share these with you.
Side Dishes
This Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe pairs wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a bright, citrusy tea. If you’re serving brunch, consider light sides like yogurt with honey and granola or a fresh green salad to balance out the sweetness with refreshing notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these beauties stacked on a rustic wooden board for a cozy feel or arranged in a festive circle on a large platter for holiday gatherings. Wrapping individual rolls in parchment paper tied with twine makes an adorable edible gift or party favor. The vibrant colors and glorious aroma will make any presentation unforgettable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They remain soft and moist, perfect for a quick breakfast or snack.
Freezing
You can freeze both the shaped rolls before the second rise or the fully baked rolls. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently before glazing or serving.
Reheating
To reheat, microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes until soft and warm. Add a fresh drizzle of glaze after warming to keep that irresistible citrus sweetness freshly alive.
FAQs
Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Dried cranberries work well but reduce the amount slightly since they are sweeter and more concentrated than fresh or frozen cranberries. They will add a chewy texture you might also enjoy.
Is it necessary to let the dough rise twice?
Yes, the first rise allows the dough to develop flavor and volume, while the second rise after shaping ensures that light, fluffy texture inside each sweet roll. Skipping either step can result in denser rolls.
Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the dough and refrigerate it overnight, which actually helps develop deeper flavor. Just let the cold dough come to room temperature before rolling and filling.
What can I substitute for orange marmalade?
If you don’t have orange marmalade on hand, apricot jam or a citrus curd can make a nice alternative. Just be aware that marmalade adds a bit of bitter orange peel texture that’s unique to this recipe.
Can I add nuts to the filling?
Definitely. Chopped pecans or walnuts add a wonderful crunch and earthy flavor that complements the sweet and tart elements beautifully. Mix them right into the cranberry filling before rolling.
Final Thoughts
This Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe is such a joyful way to brighten up your mornings or celebrate special moments with loved ones. The delightful combination of citrus and cranberry flavors wrapped in soft, tender dough, topped with a luscious glaze, is simply irresistible. I hope you have as much fun baking these as you do savoring them, and I can’t wait to hear how they become a staple in your kitchen!
Print
Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls are fluffy yeast rolls filled with a tangy orange marmalade and cranberry mixture, then baked to golden perfection and topped with a zesty orange glaze. Perfect for a festive breakfast or dessert, they combine bright citrus flavors with sweet cranberries for a delightful treat.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 3/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
For the Filling
- 1/2 cup orange marmalade
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (chopped)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons orange juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating that the yeast is active.
- Make the Dough: Add the melted unsalted butter, large egg, and salt to the yeast mixture and stir to combine. Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour until a soft dough forms. Knead by hand or with a dough hook attachment for 5 to 7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling: While the dough is rising, mix the chopped cranberries, brown sugar, and orange zest in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Roll Out Dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. On a floured surface, roll the dough into a 12 by 16-inch rectangle.
- Add Filling: Spread the orange marmalade evenly over the dough rectangle. Sprinkle the cranberry mixture evenly over the marmalade layer.
- Roll and Cut: Starting from the long edge of the dough, tightly roll it up into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss.
- Second Rise: Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let them rise for 30 to 45 minutes, until they look puffy.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for 22 to 25 minutes or until they are lightly golden and cooked through.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the rolls bake, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth.
- Finish and Serve: Allow the rolls to cool slightly once out of the oven, then drizzle the orange glaze over the warm rolls. Serve and enjoy.
Notes
- You can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight before baking, which enhances the flavor.
- Dried cranberries can be used instead of fresh or frozen cranberries; just reduce the quantity slightly since dried are more concentrated in flavor.
- For added texture and flavor, consider mixing in chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts into the filling.
