Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls: 1 Divine Recipe

Name: Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls: 1 Divine Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: PT-489724H44M30S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Sweet Roll Dough:; 4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup whole milk (warm); 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted); 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; For the Cranberry Filling:; 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (chopped); 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon orange zest; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon water; For the Orange Glaze:; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons orange juice; 1 teaspoon orange zest; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

by basmer

25 de October de 2025

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Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls have a magical way of making any morning feel special, especially during the holidays. I remember the first time I tried a truly homemade version; the kitchen filled with the most incredible aroma of warm spices, sweet orange zest, and bubbling cranberries. It was like a hug in a pastry! These aren’t just any sweet rolls; they’re a delightful blend of tart cranberries and bright citrus that wakes up your taste buds. If you’re looking for the perfect festive breakfast or brunch addition, these cranberry orange cinnamon rolls are a dream come true. Let’s get baking these amazing orange cranberry breakfast pastries!

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Orange Sweet Roll Recipe

These aren’t just any sweet rolls; they’re a little slice of heaven! Here’s why you’ll be making them again and again:

The perfect balance of tart cranberries and bright, zesty orange.
Incredibly soft and fluffy texture that melts in your mouth.
They look absolutely stunning, making any occasion feel festive.
This is a truly easy cranberry orange sweet roll recipe, perfect even for beginners!
The aroma while they bake is simply divine.
You get that amazing taste of homemade cranberry orange sweet rolls without all the fuss.
They are wonderfully versatile for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert.
The sweet orange glaze adds the perfect finishing touch.

Ingredients for Homemade Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful sweet rolls with cranberry and orange. I’ve found that using fresh, good-quality ingredients really makes a difference in the final flavor.

For the Sweet Roll Dough:
4 cups all-purpose flour – the base for our fluffy rolls
1/4 cup granulated sugar – for a touch of sweetness in the dough
1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast – our leavening agent
1/2 teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon – adds a warm, cozy spice
1/2 cup whole milk (warm) – crucial for a soft, tender dough
1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted) – adds richness and moisture
2 large eggs – helps bind and enrich the dough
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – for a hint of classic flavor
For the Cranberry Filling:
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (chopped) – the star of our filling, providing tartness
1/2 cup granulated sugar – to sweeten the cranberries
1 tablespoon orange zest – this is where that bright citrus flavor shines!
1 tablespoon cornstarch – to thicken the filling
1 tablespoon water – to help activate the cornstarch
For the Orange Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar – for a smooth, sweet glaze
2 tablespoons orange juice – the liquid that brings the glaze together
1 teaspoon orange zest – extra citrus punch!
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract – rounds out the glaze flavor

How to Make Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls

Follow these steps to create truly delightful cranberry orange swirl buns that will fill your home with an amazing aroma.

Step 1: Make the Dough: In a large bowl, I like to combine the dry ingredients first: 4 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon. In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: 1/2 cup whole milk (warm), 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted), 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir until a shaggy dough forms. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes. You’re looking for a dough that’s smooth and elastic – it should feel wonderfully soft and pliable under your hands.
Step 2: First Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a lightly greased bowl. I usually just give the bowl a quick wipe with a paper towel and a little oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rest in a warm spot for about 1 hour. You’ll know it’s ready when it has doubled in size and looks beautifully puffy.
Step 3: Prepare the Cranberry Filling: While the dough is rising, let’s make that vibrant filling. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (chopped), 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon orange zest, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and 1 tablespoon water. Cook this mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, for about 5-7 minutes. You’ll see the cranberries start to burst and the mixture will thicken into a lovely, jammy consistency. Once thickened, remove it from the heat and let it cool completely.
Step 4: Assemble the Rolls: Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle that’s about 1/4 inch thick. Spread the cooled cranberry filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border along one of the long edges. This is where the magic happens! Tightly roll the dough up, starting from the side with the filling all the way to the edge. Pinch the seam to seal it well. Carefully slice the log into 12 equal pieces. I find a serrated knife works best. Place the cut rolls into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, cut-side up.

Step 5: Second Rise: Cover the baking dish loosely with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel. Let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes. They’ll get nice and puffy again, ready for their bake.
Step 6: Bake the Rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the dish of rolls in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are beautifully golden brown and the centers are cooked through. If the tops start to brown too quickly, don’t worry! Just loosely tent a piece of aluminum foil over them for the remaining baking time.
Step 7: Make the Orange Glaze: While the rolls are baking or cooling slightly, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons orange juice, 1 teaspoon orange zest, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract in a small bowl until you have a smooth, pourable glaze. Adjust the amount of orange juice if you prefer a thicker or thinner glaze.
Step 8: Serve: Once the rolls have cooled slightly, drizzle that gorgeous orange glaze all over them. The aroma of these how to make cranberry orange sweet rolls is absolutely intoxicating! Serve them warm for the best texture and flavor.

Pro Tips for the Best Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls

I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that make these rolls extra special. Follow these tips for guaranteed deliciousness!

Make sure your milk is warm, not hot, when activating the yeast. Too hot and it kills the yeast, too cool and it won’t activate properly.
Don’t skip the second rise! It’s crucial for achieving that super fluffy texture.
For an even more intense orange flavor, add a teaspoon of orange extract to the dough along with the vanilla.
If you’re using frozen cranberries, they can release more liquid. Cook the filling a minute or two longer to ensure it’s nice and thick.

What’s the secret to perfect Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls?

The secret is in the dough’s texture and the vibrant filling. Using warm milk and not overworking the dough creates that incredibly soft, melt-in-your-mouth quality. This truly is the best cranberry orange sweet roll recipe because of that balance!

Can I make Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, let it do its first rise, and then refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling, filling, and proceeding with the second rise and baking. For more recipe ideas, check out our latest recipes.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls?

A common pitfall is overmixing the dough, which can make the rolls tough. Also, ensure your filling is completely cooled before spreading it on the dough; a hot filling can melt the dough and make it hard to roll. For more baking tips, you might find this guide on making fluffy pancakes helpful.

Best Ways to Serve Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls

These delightful rolls are wonderful on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a variety of breakfast and brunch favorites. Imagine serving these warm, glistening rolls alongside a steaming mug of coffee or tea. They’re especially lovely when paired with other comforting flavors, making them a perfect complement to spiced cranberry orange rolls or a simple fruit salad.

For a heartier meal, offer them as a sweet side to scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or a savory breakfast casserole. The contrast between the sweet, tart rolls and the savory elements is simply divine. You could also serve them as a delightful dessert after a cozy dinner, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. If you’re looking for more easy family dinners, we have plenty of options.

Nutrition Facts for Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls

These festive rolls are a delicious treat, and while they’re a bit of a splurge, knowing the nutritional breakdown can help you enjoy them mindfully. Here’s what you can expect per serving:

Calories: 220
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: N/A
Unsaturated Fat: N/A
Trans Fat: N/A
Protein: 3g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: N/A
Sodium: N/A

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, especially the glaze. Enjoy these delightful cranberry orange breakfast pastries!

How to Store and Reheat Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls

I love that these glazed cranberry orange sweet rolls are delicious fresh, but they store beautifully too! Once they’ve cooled completely on a wire rack, transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for about 3-4 days, making them perfect for a few days of delightful breakfasts. If you want to keep them even longer, freezing is a fantastic option. Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator.

To reheat, you have a couple of easy options. For a quick warm-up, pop a roll in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. If you have a little more time, you can gently reheat them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through. This method is especially lovely for reviving those frozen rolls!

Frequently Asked Questions About Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls

What are Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls?

These delightful pastries are soft, fluffy yeast rolls filled with a sweet and tart mixture of cranberries and bright orange zest, then topped with a creamy orange glaze. They’re a festive twist on classic cinnamon rolls, perfect for holiday mornings or any time you need a special treat. They offer a wonderful balance of sweet, tart, and citrusy flavors.

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you absolutely can! If you use dried cranberries, I recommend soaking them in warm water or orange juice for about 15-20 minutes before chopping and using them in the filling. This helps plump them up and ensures they don’t dry out the dough too much. You might need to adjust the cooking time slightly for the filling.

Why are Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls so popular?

Their popularity stems from their festive flavor combination, which is especially beloved during the fall and winter holidays. The tartness of the cranberries perfectly cuts through the sweetness of the dough and glaze, while the orange zest adds a bright, refreshing note. They’re visually appealing and evoke a sense of warmth and celebration, making them a favorite for brunches and special occasions. For more information on the science of baking, you can explore resources on baking science.

Can I make the dough for Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls vegan?

You can easily adapt this recipe to be vegan! For the dough, substitute the whole milk with a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and use vegan butter or coconut oil instead of dairy butter. For the glaze, use a plant-based milk and ensure your powdered sugar is vegan-friendly. The result will still be delicious cranberry orange breakfast pastries!

Variations of Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls You Can Try

While these rolls are fantastic as is, I love experimenting with different twists to keep things exciting! Here are a few ideas to inspire your next batch of these wonderful orange cranberry breakfast pastries.

Dietary Adjustments: For a gluten-free version, swap the all-purpose flour with a good quality gluten-free baking blend. For a vegan treat, use plant-based milk and butter in the dough and glaze, and ensure your powdered sugar is vegan.
Cooking Method Twist: Instead of baking them in a dish, try arranging the rolls in a bundt pan for a stunning centerpiece. You could also turn them into delicious cranberry orange breakfast bread by baking the dough in a loaf pan instead of rolling and slicing.
Flavor Boosts: Add a pinch of cardamom or ginger to the dough for an extra layer of warmth. For a richer filling, mix in some chopped toasted pecans or walnuts along with the cranberries.
Sticky Bun Style: Transform them into cranberry orange sticky buns by lining your baking dish with a mixture of melted butter, brown sugar, and extra orange zest before placing the rolls on top.