Go Back
+ servings
Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls

Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls: Festive Delight for Every Brunch

Delight in these soft, pillowy Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls infused with orange blossom water and filled with a sweet-tart cranberry mixture, perfect for any brunch.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Cooling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Calories: 280

Ingredients
  

For the Filling
  • 2 cups Cranberries fresh or frozen, thaw if frozen before cooking
  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar essential for balancing tart flavors
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter can substitute with margarine for a dairy-free option
  • 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract high-quality vanilla yields the best results
For the Dough
  • 1 cup Warm Milk ensure it's between 105°F – 115°F for optimal growth
  • 2 teaspoons Active Dry Yeast instant yeast can be used with some adjustments
  • 1 cup Plain Greek Yogurt sour cream can be a substitute
  • 1 large Egg can be replaced with a flax egg for a vegan version
  • 1 tablespoon Orange Blossom Water substitute with orange extract if needed
  • 1 tablespoon Zest of 1 Orange use fresh zest for the most vibrant taste
  • 1 teaspoon Salt do not skip, as it enhances flavor
  • 4 cups All-Purpose Flour regular or unbleached works best
For the Glaze
  • 1 cup Confectioners’ Sugar can be substituted with powdered sweeteners for a low-calorie option
  • 2 tablespoons Milk (for Glaze) any type of milk can be used as per your preference

Equipment

  • saucepan
  • stand mixer
  • Baking Sheets
  • Measuring Cups
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Plastic wrap
  • Damp cloth
  • Whisk

Method
 

Instructions
  1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberries with granulated sugar and a splash of water. Cook for about 10 minutes or until the cranberries burst and soften. Once smooth, blend in unsalted butter and pure vanilla extract, then let the mixture cool completely before refrigerating it for at least 30 minutes.
  2. In a small bowl, mix warm milk (between 105°F–115°F) with active dry yeast and a tablespoon of sugar. Let this mixture sit for 5–10 minutes, or until it becomes foamy and bubbly.
  3. In a stand mixer, combine the remaining sugar, melted butter, plain Greek yogurt, egg, vanilla, orange blossom water, orange zest, and salt. Add in the activated yeast mixture, followed by half of the all-purpose flour. Gradually incorporate the rest, mixing until you achieve a smooth and elastic dough.
  4. Lightly grease a large bowl and place the dough inside, turning it to coat evenly in oil. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  5. Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and roll it into a rectangular shape on a floured surface. Spread the cooled cranberry filling evenly over the dough, fold it, cut into strips, and twist them into knots. Place the formed rolls onto greased baking sheets.
  6. Cover the shaped knots with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise again in a warm spot for about 30 minutes, or until they are puffy and nearly doubled in size.
  7. Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake the rolls for 15-20 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and fragrant.
  8. Prepare the glaze by whisking together confectioners’ sugar, orange blossom water, and milk until you get a smooth, pourable consistency. Once the rolls cool for a few minutes, generously drizzle the glaze over the top.

Nutrition

Serving: 1rollCalories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 4gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 105mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg

Notes

These sweet rolls are perfect for making ahead and storing to enjoy warm on a chilly morning. Don't forget to check for doneness by looking for golden brown color and firm texture.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!