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Delicious Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe to Savor

Experience the magical combination of sweet and tart with these delightful Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls. Perfect for brunch gatherings or cozy mornings at home, these rolls are a feast for the senses.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 egg (or flax egg)
  • 1 cup cranberries (fresh or dried)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • Orange juice (to achieve drizzleable consistency)

Instructions

  1. Start by warming 1 cup of milk until it’s lukewarm (about 110°F). In a small bowl, combine the warm milk with 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and the zest of 1 orange. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture, 1/4 cup of melted butter, and 1 egg (or flax egg). Mix until a dough forms.
  3. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
  4. While the dough is rising, mix together 1 cup of cranberries (fresh or dried), 1/4 cup of brown sugar, and additional orange zest if desired for the filling. Set this aside.
  5. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle (about 12×18 inches). Spread a thin layer of softened butter over the dough, then evenly sprinkle the cranberry mixture on top.
  6. Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seams to seal. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased baking dish. Cover the rolls with a towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
  7. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes or until they’re golden brown. While they bake, prepare the glaze by whisking together 1 cup of powdered sugar and enough orange juice to achieve a drizzleable consistency.
  8. Once the rolls are done baking, let them cool slightly before drizzling with the orange glaze. Serve warm and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors!

Nutrition

Keywords: For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a dash of cinnamon to the filling. If you're short on time, the dough can be prepared the night before and refrigerated, then rolled out and baked in the morning. Be sure to let the rolls cool slightly before glazing; this prevents the glaze from melting away. Feel free to get creative with the filling! Adding nuts or a sprinkle of cardamom can elevate the flavor profile.