If you’re looking for a bright and cozy treat that combines tangy fruitiness with comforting sweetness, this Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe is an absolute game changer. Imagine tender, fluffy rolls bursting with juicy cranberries and vibrant orange zest, all wrapped in a luscious glaze that brings everything together with just the right amount of sweetness. Whether it’s a festive brunch or an everyday indulgence, this recipe fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and fills your heart with joy from the very first bite.

Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every part of this Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe shines thanks to a handful of simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays its part, from the creamy butter that keeps the dough tender, to the fresh orange zest and cranberries that add zesty, colorful bursts of flavor and texture.

Milk (1 cup): Warms and activates the yeast, creating the perfect dough base.
Salted butter (4 tablespoons, plus additional for fillings): Imparts richness and helps keep the rolls soft and moist.
Rapid rise yeast (1 packet): Gets the dough rising quickly to keep this recipe speedy.
Flour (4 cups, divided): The building block for soft, elastic dough that rises beautifully.
White sugar (1/3 cup): Adds subtle sweetness to balance the tart cranberries.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances and balances all the flavors.
Orange zest (3 tablespoons total): Brings essential citrus brightness throughout the dough and fillings.
Large egg (1): Provides structure and richness.
Granulated sugar (1/3 cup for filling): Sweetens the orange butter filling perfectly.
Cranberries (2 cups): The star ingredient for that juicy, tart pop inside each roll.
Sugar (1/2 cup for cranberry filling): Balances the natural tartness of the cranberries.
Spices (cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon, clove 1/4 teaspoon, nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon): Warm spice notes that add cozy depth.
Powdered sugar (2 cups): The base of the rich, orange-infused glaze you’ll drizzle on top.
Pure vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Rounds out the glaze with warm vanilla undertones.
Milk and orange juice (for glaze): Make the glaze smooth and vibrantly citrusy.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cranberry Filling

Start by whisking together the cranberries, sugar, orange zest, orange juice, and warm spices in a saucepan over medium-high heat. As the mixture comes to a boil, the cranberries burst, releasing their delightful tartness and creating a thick, glossy sauce. Simmer it gently until it thickens perfectly, then set it aside to cool, letting those flavors deepen.

Step 2: Make the Dough

Gently melt butter and warm the milk, ensuring they are warm enough to activate your rapid rise yeast but not too hot to kill it. Combine with yeast and wait just a couple of minutes for the magic to begin. Then mix flour, sugar, salt, egg, and fresh orange zest into the mixture using your stand mixer’s paddle. Switch to the dough hook and add the remaining flour gradually, kneading until the dough feels smooth and elastic. After that, let it rest so it becomes easier to work with during rolling.

Step 3: Prepare the Orange Filling

In a small bowl, blend softened butter with sugar and extra orange zest until creamy. This luscious mixture will be spread over the dough for a sweet, citrusy layer that perfectly complements the tangy cranberry filling later on.

Step 4: Assemble the Rolls

Roll out your dough on a floured surface into a generous rectangle. Spread the orange butter filling evenly across the dough before dolloping the cooled cranberry filling on top. Leave some margin around the edges to avoid overflow when rolling. Roll it into a tight log, sealing the seam to keep everything snug inside.

Step 5: Cut and Rise

Slice your log into roughly 1 1/2-inch thick rolls and arrange them in a greased baking dish. Cover them and let the rolls rise in a warm spot for about an hour to puff up beautifully—this step is where the promise of soft, fluffy buns really begins.

Step 6: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake the rolls for 20 to 30 minutes or until golden brown tops tempt you to pull them out. The aroma alone will convince you that this Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe is worth every minute of prep.

Step 7: Make the Glaze and Serve

While the rolls bake, whisk together melted butter, milk, vanilla, powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest for a glaze that’s sweet with a citrus twist. Drizzle this glaze over the warm rolls just before serving to add that irresistible shine and extra layer of flavor.

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

For a gorgeous, festive finish, sprinkle additional fresh orange zest or a few dried cranberries on top of the glazed rolls. This simple touch adds a pop of color and a hint of fresh vibrancy that’s sure to impress guests or brighten your breakfast table.

Side Dishes

These rolls shine on their own but pair wonderfully with a cup of fresh coffee or a cozy mug of spiced tea. For brunch gatherings, serve them alongside creamy scrambled eggs or a light fruit salad to balance out the sweet richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn these rolls into a dazzling centerpiece by arranging them in a circular pattern on a large platter before glazing. Consider adding edible flowers or fresh herbs like mint leaves around for an elegant twist that elevates the presentation while keeping it inviting and homey.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate them for up to a week. They stay soft and delicious, making it easy to enjoy this Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe even after the fresh bake day.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked rolls after shaping them, placing them in a sealed container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and let them rise before baking, or freeze baked rolls and reheat as needed for a fresh taste anytime.

Reheating

Warm leftover rolls in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a low oven wrapped in foil to refresh their soft texture. Adding a little extra drizzle of glaze or butter after reheating will bring them back to life in no time.

FAQs

Can I use fresh orange juice only instead of zest?

While fresh orange juice adds lovely flavor, the zest gives a concentrated citrus aroma and bright notes that juice alone cannot fully replicate, so it’s best to use both for maximum flavor depth.

What can I substitute if I don’t have rapid rise yeast?

Active dry yeast works fine but requires a longer proofing time. Simply dissolve it in warm milk and let it sit until frothy before proceeding with the dough.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine and use a dairy-free milk alternative to keep the rolls moist and tender.

How tart are the sweet rolls? Will kids like them?

These rolls balance tart cranberries with sweet orange and sugar well, making them pleasantly bright without being overwhelmingly sour. Most kids love the soft texture and sweet glaze.

Can I prepare the dough the night before?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough after the first knead. Let it come to room temperature and rise before rolling out to save time in the morning.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe brings together fresh, vibrant flavors with cozy, comforting textures in a way that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Give it a try next time you want to impress family or friends with something truly special—it’s a sure way to brighten any day and fill your kitchen with happiness.

Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe

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3.8 from 43 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 12 servings 1x

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Description

These Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls are a delightful treat combining tangy cranberry filling with a bright orange zest-infused dough and glaze. Soft, fluffy, and bursting with flavors of warm spices and citrus, these freshly baked rolls are perfect for brunch or a festive breakfast.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

1 cup milk
4 tablespoons salted butter
1 packet rapid rise (or instant) yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
4 cups flour (divided)
1/3 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon orange zest
1 large egg

Orange Filling

1/3 cup butter, room temperature
1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons orange zest

Cranberry Filling

2 cups cranberries
1/2 cup sugar
1 orange, zested and juiced
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon clove
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Glaze

2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3 tablespoons butter, melted
1 tablespoon milk
2 tablespoons orange juice
1/2 tablespoon orange zest

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Instructions

Prepare the Cranberry Filling: Combine cranberries, sugar, orange zest and juice, cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil while stirring frequently until the cranberries burst, about 3-5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
Make the Dough: Melt butter in a microwave-safe bowl, then add milk and heat for 15-30 seconds until warm but not hot. Stir in the yeast and let it sit for 1-2 minutes. In a mixer bowl, combine 3 cups of flour, sugar, and salt. Pour in the milk and butter mixture, add egg, and beat with the paddle attachment until mixed. Stir in orange zest. Switch to the dough hook and gradually add remaining 1 cup of flour. Knead for 5 minutes until dough is smooth and elastic. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes.
Prepare the Orange Filling: In a small bowl, mix softened butter, granulated sugar, and orange zest until well combined to spread on the dough.
Assemble the Rolls: Roll out dough on floured surface into a 12×18 inch rectangle. Spread orange filling evenly over the dough, then spoon the cooled cranberry filling on top, leaving space around the edges. Roll the dough tightly into a log, pinching the seam to seal.
Cut and Rise: Cut the log into 1 1/2-inch rolls, yielding about 12 pieces. Place rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover with a towel and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour until doubled in size.
Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Make the Glaze: In a bowl, whisk together melted butter, milk, vanilla extract, powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth.
Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the glaze over the rolls while still warm but not hot. Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy!