Description
These Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls are a delightful twist on classic sweet rolls, featuring fresh cranberries and zesty orange flavor combined in a soft, fluffy dough. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, these rolls are topped with a sweet orange-infused icing that adds the perfect finishing touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet instant yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
Filling
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
Icing
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
Instructions
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast, and 1 teaspoon salt. Mix thoroughly to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup warmed milk, 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter, and 2 large eggs until fully blended.
- Make the Dough: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir and knead the mixture until it forms a smooth and elastic dough, which may take about 8-10 minutes by hand or 5-7 minutes with a mixer.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for approximately 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
- Prepare Filling: Roll the risen dough out on a floured surface into a rectangle shape. Evenly spread the chopped fresh cranberries and sprinkle 1 tablespoon of orange zest over the dough.
- Form Rolls: Carefully roll the dough tightly from one long edge to the other, creating a log. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 12 even rolls.
- Second Rise: Place the sliced rolls into a greased baking dish, spaced slightly apart. Cover and let them rise again for about 30 minutes, until puffy.
- Bake Rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through.
- Make the Icing and Serve: While the rolls are warm, mix 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons orange juice to create a smooth glaze. Drizzle the icing over the rolls before serving for a sweet and tangy finish.
Notes
- Use fresh cranberries and chop them finely for better distribution in the rolls.
- If fresh cranberries are unavailable, frozen cranberries can be used but thaw and drain excess moisture before using.
- Ensure the milk is warm but not hot to activate the yeast properly without killing it.
- Cover the dough properly during rising to prevent drying out.
- For an extra soft texture, brush the rolls with melted butter immediately after baking.
- Icing can be adjusted in thickness by adding more powdered sugar or orange juice as desired.
