Craving a festive treat that’s both comforting and impressive? Look no further than these Luscious Orange Cranberry Sweet Rolls. These aren’t your average cinnamon rolls; the tangy cranberry and bright orange zest elevate them to a whole new level of deliciousness, making them the perfect centerpiece for your holiday breakfast table or a delightful afternoon indulgence. The aroma alone, filling your kitchen with the scent of citrus and warm dough, is enough to get everyone excited. This recipe provides detailed instructions and tips to ensure your sweet rolls are soft, fluffy, and bursting with flavor. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this baking masterpiece!
**Why You’ll Love These Orange Cranberry Sweet Rolls:**
* **Festive Flavors:** The combination of tart cranberries and zesty orange is a classic holiday pairing that’s both refreshing and comforting.
* **Soft and Fluffy Texture:** The secret to perfect sweet rolls lies in the enriched dough, which yields a light and airy texture that melts in your mouth.
* **Impressive Presentation:** These sweet rolls are as beautiful as they are delicious, making them a stunning addition to any holiday spread.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** You can prepare the dough and filling ahead of time, making these rolls a convenient option for busy holiday mornings.
* **Versatile:** Adapt the recipe to your liking by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or other dried fruits.
**Ingredients:**
**For the Dough:**
* 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, warmed to 110-115°F (43-46°C)
* 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
* ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
* 1 teaspoon salt
* ¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter, melted
* 1 large egg, lightly beaten
* 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
**For the Filling:**
* ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
* ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
* ¼ cup (50g) packed light brown sugar
* 2 teaspoons orange zest, finely grated
* 1 ½ cups (150g) fresh or frozen cranberries, roughly chopped
**For the Orange Cream Cheese Frosting:**
* 4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, softened
* ¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter, softened
* 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
* 2 tablespoons orange juice
* 1 teaspoon orange zest, finely grated
* ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
**Equipment:**
* Large mixing bowl or stand mixer
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Rubber spatula
* Rolling pin
* 9×13 inch baking pan
* Parchment paper (optional)
**Instructions:**
**Part 1: Making the Dough**
1. **Activate the Yeast:** In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to use.
2. **Combine Wet Ingredients:** Add the sugar, salt, melted butter, and beaten egg to the yeast mixture. Whisk until well combined.
3. **Add Dry Ingredients:** Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, to the wet ingredients. If using a stand mixer, use the dough hook attachment. Mix on low speed until the dough comes together. If mixing by hand, use a wooden spoon or your hands to combine the ingredients.
4. **Knead the Dough:** Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 6-8 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook for 5-7 minutes. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it reaches the right consistency.
5. **First Rise:** Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This is a crucial step for developing the light and fluffy texture of the rolls. A warm environment encourages the yeast to work its magic.
**Part 2: Preparing the Filling and Assembling the Rolls**
1. **Prepare the Filling:** In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and orange zest. Mix until well combined and creamy. Set aside.
2. **Punch Down the Dough:** Once the dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down to release the air.
3. **Roll Out the Dough:** Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Use a rolling pin to roll it into a large rectangle, approximately 12×18 inches (30×45 cm). Aim for an even thickness to ensure the rolls bake uniformly.
4. **Spread the Filling:** Spread the prepared butter mixture evenly over the entire surface of the dough. Make sure to cover every inch to maximize the flavor in each bite.
5. **Sprinkle Cranberries:** Sprinkle the chopped cranberries evenly over the butter mixture. Gently press the cranberries into the filling to help them adhere.
6. **Roll Up the Dough:** Starting from one of the long edges, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Try to keep the roll as tight as possible to create defined layers in the finished rolls.
7. **Cut the Rolls:** Use a sharp serrated knife or unflavored dental floss to cut the log into 12 equal slices. For even slices, you can mark the log at even intervals before cutting. Using dental floss can create cleaner cuts and prevent the filling from being squeezed out.
8. **Second Rise:** Arrange the rolls in a greased or parchment-lined 9×13 inch baking pan. Cover the pan with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let them rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, or until they have puffed up and are almost touching each other.
**Part 3: Baking and Frosting**
1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure the oven is fully preheated before baking to ensure even cooking.
2. **Bake the Rolls:** Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through. If the tops start to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover the pan with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
3. **Cool Slightly:** Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before frosting. This allows the rolls to firm up slightly, making them easier to frost.
4. **Prepare the Frosting:** While the rolls are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until well combined. Add the orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Beat until the frosting is light and fluffy. Adjust the consistency by adding more orange juice or powdered sugar as needed.
5. **Frost the Rolls:** Spread the frosting evenly over the warm rolls. Serve immediately or let the frosting set slightly before serving.
**Tips for Success:**
* **Use Warm Milk:** The milk should be warm to activate the yeast, but not too hot, as this can kill the yeast. Aim for a temperature between 110-115°F (43-46°C).
* **Don’t Overknead:** Overkneading can result in tough rolls. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, but not overly firm.
* **Proper Rising:** Ensure the dough rises in a warm place, free from drafts. This will help the yeast work effectively and create a light and airy texture.
* **Fresh Cranberries:** While you can use frozen cranberries, fresh cranberries will provide a slightly more vibrant flavor and texture. If using frozen cranberries, do not thaw them before chopping.
* **Orange Zest:** Use a microplane or fine grater to zest the orange, avoiding the white pith, which can be bitter.
* **Softened Butter:** Make sure the butter for the filling and frosting is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaking can result in dry rolls. Bake until they are golden brown and cooked through, but still slightly soft.
* **Adjust Sweetness:** Adjust the amount of sugar in the filling and frosting to your liking. If you prefer a less sweet roll, reduce the sugar slightly.
**Variations:**
* **Nuts:** Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds to the filling for a nutty crunch.
* **Chocolate Chips:** Sprinkle chocolate chips over the filling for a chocolatey twist.
* **Dried Fruits:** Substitute other dried fruits, such as raisins, apricots, or cherries, for the cranberries.
* **Lemon Zest:** Use lemon zest instead of orange zest for a different citrus flavor.
* **Maple Glaze:** Replace the cream cheese frosting with a maple glaze for a warm and cozy flavor.
* **Spiced Dough:** Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the dough for a warm and aromatic flavor.
**Make-Ahead Instructions:**
You can prepare these Orange Cranberry Sweet Rolls in advance in several ways:
* **Dough:** The dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. After the first rise, punch down the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to use, let the dough come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling it out.
* **Filling:** The filling can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring it to room temperature before spreading it on the dough.
* **Assembled Rolls:** The assembled rolls can be prepared up to the point of baking and stored in the refrigerator overnight. Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap. In the morning, let the rolls come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.
**Storage Instructions:**
* Store baked sweet rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the rolls for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
**Reheating Instructions:**
* To reheat sweet rolls, wrap them in foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat them in the microwave for 30-60 seconds.
**Serving Suggestions:**
* Serve these Orange Cranberry Sweet Rolls warm with a cup of coffee or tea.
* They make a delicious addition to any holiday brunch or breakfast.
* Enjoy them as a sweet treat after dinner.
* Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
**Nutritional Information (approximate, per roll):**
* Calories: 450-550
* Fat: 20-25g
* Saturated Fat: 12-15g
* Cholesterol: 70-80mg
* Sodium: 250-300mg
* Carbohydrates: 60-70g
* Sugar: 30-40g
* Protein: 6-8g
These nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.
These Luscious Orange Cranberry Sweet Rolls are a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their festive flavors, soft and fluffy texture, and impressive presentation, they’re sure to become a family favorite. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to bake some holiday magic! These are perfect for Christmas morning, Thanksgiving brunch, or any special occasion where you want to create a memorable and delicious experience. Enjoy the process, savor the aroma, and delight in the taste of these incredible sweet rolls!
Enjoy baking!