Description
Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls
Ingredients:
Dough:
1 cup milk
4 tbsp salted butter
1 packet rapid rise (or instant) yeast
4 cups flour, divided
⅓ cup white sugar
½ tsp salt
1 tbsp orange zest
1 large egg
Orange Filling:
⅓ cup butter, room temperature
⅓ cup granulated sugar
2 tbsp orange zest
Cranberry Filling:
2 cups cranberries
½ cup sugar
Zest and juice of 1 orange
½ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp clove
¼ tsp nutmeg
Orange Glaze:
2 cups powdered sugar
½ tsp pure vanilla extract
3 tbsp butter
1 tbsp milk
2 tbsp orange juice
½ tbsp orange zest
Directions:
Cranberry Filling:
In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine cranberries, sugar, orange zest, juice, cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Simmer until cranberries burst and mixture thickens (about 10-15 minutes).
Dough: 2. Melt butter in a microwave-safe bowl, add milk, and warm to a comfortable warmth (not hot). Add yeast and let sit for 1-2 minutes. 3. In a mixer bowl, combine 3 cups of flour, sugar, and salt. Add milk-butter mixture and egg, mixing on medium-high for a couple of minutes. Add orange zest and mix. 4. Switch to a dough hook, add the remaining cup of flour, and beat for 5 minutes.
Assembly: 5. On a floured surface, roll dough into a rectangle. Spread orange filling over the dough, followed by cranberry filling (use some, not all, to prevent overflow). 6. Roll into a log, pinching the edge to seal. Cut into 1½ inch rolls and place in a greased 9×13 dish. Cover with a towel and let rise in a warm area for 1 hour.
Bake: 7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 20-30 minutes until golden brown.
Glaze: 8. Combine melted butter, milk, vanilla, powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest. Drizzle over warm rolls. Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy!
Prep Time: 30 mins (plus rising)
Kcal: 320 per roll | Servings: 12
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed process for perfect rolls. First, prepare the cranberry filling as directed and let it cool completely. For the dough, ensure the milk-butter mixture is between 105-115°F to properly activate the yeast without killing it. After mixing the dough, knead by hand or with a hook until smooth and elastic. Let the dough rest, covered, for 10 minutes before rolling. When assembling, spread the room-temperature orange filling evenly, then dot with cooled cranberry filling, leaving a 1-inch border. Roll tightly from the long side. Use unflavored dental floss to cut clean slices by sliding it under the log, crossing the ends over the top, and pulling. After placing in the pan, let rise until nearly doubled.
Serving Suggestions
These sweet rolls are versatile. Serve them warm for a decadent breakfast or brunch centerpiece. For a festive touch, garnish the platter with fresh cranberries and orange slices. They pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, black tea, or a glass of cold milk. For a special occasion, consider serving alongside a savory egg casserole or crispy bacon to balance the sweetness.
How-to Summary
To summarize: Make the cranberry compote and let it cool. Create a yeast dough with orange zest, knead, and let it rest. Roll the dough, spread on the orange butter and cooled cranberry fillings, then roll and slice into 12 pieces. Let rise in a pan for one hour. Bake at 350°F until golden, about 25 minutes. Finally, drizzle with the orange glaze while still warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cranberries? Yes, frozen cranberries work perfectly. Use them directly from the freezer; there’s no need to thaw, but you may need to simmer the filling 2-3 minutes longer.
Can I make these ahead of time? Absolutely. After shaping and placing rolls in the pan, cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking as directed.
My dough didn’t rise. What happened? The liquid was likely too hot and deactivated the yeast, or your yeast was expired. Always test yeast in warm liquid with a pinch of sugar to ensure it foams before proceeding.
Can I omit the orange zest? The zest is crucial for the bright citrus flavor. In a pinch, use 1 teaspoon of high-quality orange extract in the dough and filling, but zest is highly recommended.
How should I store leftovers? Store cooled rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze unglazed rolls and warm them in the oven, adding fresh glaze when serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using hot liquid for the yeast, which will kill it and prevent rising.
- Spreading the cranberry filling while it’s still warm, which can make the dough soggy and difficult to roll.
- Overfilling the rolls, which causes leakage and burning during baking.
- Not letting the rolls rise fully before baking, resulting in dense texture.
- Overbaking, which dries out the rolls. Remove them as soon as the tops are golden brown.
Conclusion
These Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls are a stunning blend of tart, sweet, and citrus flavors, perfect for holiday mornings or special gatherings. By following the step-by-step guide and heeding the common mistakes, you can achieve bakery-quality results. The make-ahead option makes them a practical yet impressive treat. Enjoy the process and the delicious, warmly spiced outcome.