This dish features sweet, fluffy rolls filled with tart cranberries and bright orange flavor, making it a delightful option for breakfast or brunch. It’s worth making for its perfect balance of sweetness and zest, plus the inviting aroma that fills your kitchen.
Why you’ll love this dish
The combination of tart cranberries and citrus elevates simple rolls into something special. The fluffy texture and sweet glaze make them irresistible.
“These rolls are a holiday favorite in my house; they disappear fast!”
They are perfect for gatherings or cozy mornings at home.
The cooking process explained
Making this dish involves preparing a rich dough, allowing it to rise, and then filling it with a cranberry-orange mixture. After rolling and slicing, a second rise ensures fluffy rolls. Finally, they bake to golden perfection.
Prep Time: 20 min | Cook Time: 25 min | Total Time: 1 hr 15 min
What you’ll need
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 packet instant yeast (2 ¼ tsp)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup milk
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2-3 tbsp orange juice (for glaze)
Note: Use fresh cranberries for the best flavor.
Step-by-step instructions
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- Warm the milk and melted butter in a saucepan until just warm; add to the dry ingredients.
- Beat in the eggs until combined.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth, about 5 minutes.
- Let rise in a greased bowl until doubled, about 1 hour.
- Roll out dough and spread chopped cranberries and orange zest over it.
- Roll the dough into a log and slice into 12 pieces.
- Place rolls in a greased baking dish and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25 minutes.
- Mix powdered sugar with orange juice to create a glaze and drizzle over warm rolls.
Best ways to enjoy it
Serve warm, drizzled with glaze. Pair with coffee or tea. These rolls also complement a fruit salad or yogurt.
Storage and reheating tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to a month. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm.
Helpful cooking tips
- Let butter cool slightly before mixing with other ingredients to avoid cooking eggs.
- Ensure yeast is fresh for proper rising.
- If using frozen cranberries, do not thaw before adding.
Recipe variations
- Swap cranberries for blueberries or raspberries for a different flavor.
- Add chopped nuts for texture.
- Experiment with different citrus zests, like lemon or lime.
FAQ
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough and refrigerate it overnight. Allow to rise at room temperature before proceeding.
How do I know when the rolls are done?
They should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Can I use dried cranberries instead?
Dried cranberries work but will provide a sweeter flavor and a different texture.
Cranberry Orange Rolls
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful sweet rolls filled with tart cranberries and bright orange flavor, perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 packet instant yeast (2 ¼ tsp)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup milk
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2–3 tbsp orange juice (for glaze)
Instructions
- Mix flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a bowl.
- Warm the milk and melted butter in a saucepan until just warm; add to the dry ingredients.
- Beat in the eggs until combined.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth, about 5 minutes.
- Let rise in a greased bowl until doubled, about 1 hour.
- Roll out dough and spread chopped cranberries and orange zest over it.
- Roll the dough into a log and slice into 12 pieces.
- Place rolls in a greased baking dish and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25 minutes.
- Mix powdered sugar with orange juice to create a glaze and drizzle over warm rolls.
Notes
Use fresh cranberries for the best flavor. Ensure yeast is fresh for proper rising.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: cranberry, orange, rolls, breakfast, brunch