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Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls

Festive Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls for Holiday Brunch Joy

These Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls are soft, flavorful, and perfect for holiday brunch gatherings.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 20 minutes
Rising Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

Filling
  • 2 cups Fresh or Frozen Cranberries Canned cranberry sauce can be used as a substitute.
  • 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar Brown sugar can provide a deeper flavor.
  • 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Margarine can be used for a dairy-free alternative.
  • 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract Imitation vanilla is a less flavorful substitute.
Dough
  • 3/4 cup Warm Milk Temperature should be between 105°F - 115°F; almond milk works as a dairy-free option.
  • 2 teaspoons Active Dry Yeast Instant yeast can also be used without proofing.
  • 1 cup Plain Greek Yogurt Sour cream or dairy-free yogurt can be used.
  • 1 large Egg Aquafaba can be used as a vegan substitute.
  • 1 tablespoon Orange Blossom Water Orange zest or orange extract can be alternatives.
  • 1 tablespoon Zest of Orange Can substitute with lemon zest.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Sea salt or kosher salt can be used.
  • 4 cups All-Purpose Flour Whole wheat flour is a healthier alternative.
Glaze
  • 1 cup Confectioners’ Sugar Powdered monk fruit can be used for a low-calorie version.
  • 2-3 tablespoons Milk Any nut milk works for a dairy-free glaze.

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Food Processor
  • Mixing bowl
  • Stand mixer
  • Dough hook
  • baking sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • Airtight container

Method
 

Making the Rolls
  1. In a medium saucepan, combine fresh or frozen cranberries, granulated sugar, and a splash of water. Bring to a boil then simmer for about 15 minutes. Puree with butter and vanilla extract, and cool the filling.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, active dry yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Allow it to sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
  3. In a stand mixer, blend melted butter, remaining sugar, Greek yogurt, egg, vanilla, orange blossom water, zest, and salt. Stir in half of the flour.
  4. Add the foamy yeast mixture to the stand mixer. Gradually incorporate the remaining flour while mixing on low speed. Knead until smooth and elastic.
  5. Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
  6. Roll out the dough into a rectangle, spread the filling, fold, cut into strips, twist, and tie into knots on parchment-lined sheets.
  7. Cover and allow to rise again until doubled, about 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  8. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Drizzle with glaze while warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1rollCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 3gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 180mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 1gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 250IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg

Notes

These rolls can be prepped the night before and stored in the refrigerator overnight.

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