Name: Orange Cranberry Sweet Rolls - Festive Flavor Burst
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 12 rolls
Ingredients: 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened; 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract; 1 cup warm milk (105°F-115°F); 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast; 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled; 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon orange blossom water; Zest of 1 orange; 1 teaspoon salt; 4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2-3 tablespoons fresh orange juice; 1/2 teaspoon orange zest (optional)

Orange Cranberry Sweet Rolls are more than just a breakfast treat; they’re a fragrant symphony of sweet, tart, and citrusy notes that promise to awaken your senses and bring a touch of festive cheer to any morning. Imagin extracte sinking your teeth into a pillowy soft roll, bursting with the vibrant tang of cranberries and the zesty perfume of orange, all swirled together in a beautifully sweet dough. It’s no wonder these delightful creations are a crowd-pleaser, especially during the holiday season, but honestly, why limit such joy to just a few months? The unique combination of bright citrus and classic cranberry offers a delightful twist on traditional sweet rolls, making each bite an experience. This recipe elevates the humble sweet roll into something truly special, a testament to simple ingredients transformed into pure indulgence. Get ready to fill your kitchen with an aroma that’s simply irresistible.

Ingredients:

1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup warm milk (105°F-115°F)
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 large egg
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1 tablespoon orange blossom water
Zest of 1 orange
1 teaspoon salt
4 cups all-purpose flour
For the Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2-3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
1/2 teaspoon orange zest (optional)

Preparing the Cranberry Orange Filling

The first step to creating these delightful Orange Cranberry Sweet Rolls is to prepare a vibrant and flavorful filling. In a small saucepan, combine the 1 cup of fresh or frozen cranberries with the 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Place this mixture over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries begin extract to burst and release their juices, creating a thick, jam-like consistency. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. You’re looking for the cranberries to soften significantly and the sugar to have dissolved, forming a syrupy mixture. Once cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the 1 tablespoon of softened unsalted butter and the 1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract. The butter will add a lovely richness, and the vanilla will enhance the overall aroma and taste. Allow this filling to cool completely to room temperature before you proceed. This is crucial; if the filling is too warm, it can affect the yeast activity when you assemble the rolls.

Activating the Yeast and Making the Dough

Now, let’s get our dough started. In a large mixing bowl, combine the 1 cup of warm milk, ensuring it’s between 105°F and 115°F. If the milk is too hot, it will kill the yeast; if it’s too cool, the yeast won’t activate properly. Sprinkle the 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast over the warm milk. Add the 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar to the milk mixture as well. This sugar will feed the yeast and help it bloom. Let this mixture sit undisturbed for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes foamy and bubbly on the surface. This “blooming” indicates that your yeast is alive and active. Once bloomed, whisk in the 6 tablespoons of melted and cooled unsalted butter, the 1/4 cup of plain Greek yogurt (which adds incredible softness and tang to the dough), the large egg, the 1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract, and the 1 tablespoon of orange blossom water. The orange blossom water will impart a delicate, floral citrus note that complements the cranberries and orange zest beautifully. Finally, stir in the zest of 1 orange and the 1 teaspoon of salt. Gradually add the 4 cups of all-purpose flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.

Kneading and First Rise

Turn the shaggy dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. You’ll know it’s ready when you can gently stretch a small piece of dough thin enough to see light through it without it tearing (the windowpane test). If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, but be careful not to add too much, as this can result in a tough roll. Once kneaded, lightly grease a clean large bowl with a bit of oil or cooking spray. Place the dough in the greased bowl, turning it to coat all sides. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. A slightly warm oven (turned off, with the light on) is an ideal spot for rising.

Shaping and Second Rise

Once the dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface again. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into a large rectangle, approximately 12×18 inches. Aim for an even thickness throughout. Now, spread the cooled cranberry orange filling evenly over the surface of the dough, leaving about a 1/2-inch border along one of the long edges. This border will help seal the roll. Carefully, starting from the long edge opposite the unfilled border, tightly roll up the dough. Try to keep the roll as compact as possible to ensure well-defined swirls. Once rolled, use a sharp knife or dental floss (which gives a cleaner cut) to slice the log into 12 equal rolls, about 1.5 inches thick. Arrange the sliced rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan, leaving a little space between them as they will expand. Cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let them rise again in a warm place for another 30-45 minutes, or until they are puffy and nearly touching.

Baking and Glazing

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the rolls have completed their second rise, they are ready to bake. Remove the cover and place the pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the insides are cooked through. You can check for doneness by gently pressing the center of a roll; it should spring back. While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons of fresh orange juice, and the optional 1/2 teaspoon of orange zest until smooth and pourable. Add more orange juice, a teaspoon at a time, if the glaze is too thick. Once the Orange Cranberry Sweet Rolls are out of the oven, let them cool in the pan for about 5-10 minutes before drizzling the glaze generously over the warm rolls. The warmth of the rolls will help the glaze melt slightly and create a beautiful, glossy finish. Serve these warm and enjoy the burst of orange and cranberry flavor!

Conclusion:

And there you have it – a delightful batch of Orange Cranberry Sweet Rolls! We hope you enjoyed creating and will absolutely savor these festive treats. The burst of tart cranberries perfectly complements the zesty orange glaze, creating a symphony of flavors that’s perfect for any occasion, especially during the holiday season. These rolls are wonderfully versatile, offering a sweet indulgence for breakfast, a delightful afternoon snack, or even a unique dessert.

To elevate your experience, consider serving these warm Orange Cranberry Sweet Rolls with a steaming mug of coffee or a glass of milk. They also pair beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a light dusting of powdered sugar. Don’t be afraid to get creative with variations! You could add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for an extra layer of warmth, or swap out the cranberries for dried cherries or blueberries. Feel free to experiment with different nuts like chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch. We encourage you to make these Orange Cranberry Sweet Rolls your own and share them with loved ones.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the dough for the Orange Cranberry Sweet Rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you absolutely can! After the first rise, you can punch down the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30-60 minutes to soften before proceeding with shaping and the second rise.

How should I store leftover Orange Cranberry Sweet Rolls?

For the best texture, store any leftover Orange Cranberry Sweet Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to store them longer, they can be refrigerated for up to 4 days, though they might become slightly firmer. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving to enjoy their freshly baked goodness.