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Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls

Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls That Brighten Your Holiday Mornings

Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls are fluffy, golden treats filled with a sweet-tart cranberry filling, perfect for holiday brunch.
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Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 20 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Filling
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries provides a tart flavor
  • ½ cup granulated sugar adjust based on sweetness preference
  • ½ cup water
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter use vegan alternative if desired
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract consider almond extract for variation
Dough
  • ¾ cup warm milk (105°F – 115°F) almond milk can be used for dairy-free version
  • 2 tsp active dry yeast instant yeast can be substituted
  • ¼ cup melted unsalted butter
  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt sour cream can be a replacement
  • 1 large egg use ground flaxseed mixed with water as vegan alternative
  • 1 tbsp orange blossom water can swap for orange extract
  • 1 each zest of orange zest from lemons or limes can also be used
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour gluten-free flour blend may be used
Glaze
  • 1 cup confectioners' sugar maple sugar could offer a distinct flavor profile
  • 1 splash milk to achieve desired glaze consistency

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Saucepan
  • Stand mixer
  • Baking sheets
  • Kitchen Towel
  • container for storage

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Prepare the filling by cooking the cranberries, sugar, and water in a saucepan over medium heat for about 15 minutes until softened. Blend with butter and vanilla, cool, and refrigerate.
  2. Make the dough by mixing warm milk, yeast, and sugar in a bowl. Let it stand for 5 minutes. Combine with remaining ingredients, add flour gradually to form a smooth, sticky dough.
  3. Knead the dough in a stand mixer until elastic, about 5 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour until doubled.
  4. Shape the rolls by rolling out dough, spreading cranberry filling, folding, cutting, and tying strips into knots before placing on baking sheets.
  5. Allow the rolls to rise again for about 30 minutes covered with a towel.
  6. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Let cool slightly.
  7. Prepare the glaze by mixing confectioners' sugar and milk. Drizzle over warm rolls before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1rollCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 4gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Make the filling a day in advance for enhanced flavor. Watch for dough rising times as they may vary based on environment.

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