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Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls

Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls: Your Holiday Brunch Secret

Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls are a perfect make-ahead delight, balancing tart cranberries with floral orange notes for a festive brunch.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Rising Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Calories: 200

Ingredients
  

For the Filling
  • 2 cups Fresh or Frozen Cranberries Can substitute with cranberry jelly
  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar Balances tartness of cranberries
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Adds richness
  • 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract Enhances flavor depth
For the Dough
  • 1 cup Warm Milk 105°F – 115°F, activates yeast
  • 2.25 teaspoons Active Dry Yeast Essential leavening agent
  • 1 cup Plain Greek Yogurt Adds moisture
  • 1 large Egg Binds ingredients
  • 2 teaspoons Orange Blossom Water Infuses floral note
  • 1 tablespoon Zest of Orange Freshens flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Balances flavors
  • 4 cups All-Purpose Flour Provides structure
For the Glaze
  • 1 cup Confectioners’ Sugar Creates sweet finish
  • 2 tablespoons Milk Adjusts glaze consistency

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • medium saucepan
  • Stand mixer
  • Baking Sheet
  • Plastic Wrap

Method
 

Prepare the Filling
  1. In a medium saucepan, combine fresh or frozen cranberries, sugar, and a splash of water. Cook over medium heat for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and burst. Blend mixture with unsalted butter and vanilla extract until smooth. Cool and refrigerate.
Make the Dough
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, active dry yeast, and a teaspoon of sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. In a stand mixer, combine remaining sugar, melted butter, Greek yogurt, egg, vanilla extract, orange blossom water, orange zest, and salt. Gradually mix in half of the flour, then the yeast mixture, and lastly, incorporate remaining flour until smooth.
First Rise
  1. Lightly grease a large bowl and place the dough inside, turning to coat. Cover loosely with plastic wrap or towel and let rise in a warm area until doubled, about 1 hour.
Shape the Rolls
  1. Once risen, punch down dough, roll out into a rectangle on a floured surface, about ½ inch thick. Spread cranberry filling evenly, roll tightly into a log, cut into strips, twist into knots, and place on a greased sheet. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes.
Bake
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 15–20 minutes, or until golden and fragrant.
Glaze
  1. Prepare glaze by mixing confectioners’ sugar with milk and orange blossom water until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls.

Nutrition

Serving: 1rollCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 3gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 50mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Cool the cranberry filling completely before spreading on dough. Adjust flour gradually for dough consistency.

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