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Cranberry Orange Rolls with Glaze Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.4 from 130 reviews
  • Author: Villerius
  • Prep Time: 180 min
  • Cook Time: 35 min
  • Total Time: 215 min
  • Yield: 12 rolls
  • Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Homemade Cranberry Orange Rolls are soft, sweet, and bursting with the bright flavors of fresh cranberries and zesty orange. These rolls feature a tender yeast dough filled with a homemade cranberry-orange jam, baked to golden perfection, and topped with a tangy orange glaze. Perfect as a festive breakfast or dessert, these rolls combine gooey sweetness with a delightful citrus aroma for a family-favorite treat.


Ingredients

Scale

Dough

  • 3/4 cup whole milk, heated to 95°F/35°C (180ml)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100g)
  • 2 1/4 tsp instant dry yeast
  • 4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (530g)
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch (120g)
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into 12 pieces and softened (180g)
  • 2 tsp orange zest

Cranberry Jam Filling

  • 4 cups cranberries, fresh or frozen (400g)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
  • 1/4 cup fresh orange juice (60ml)
  • 2 tsp orange zest

Orange Glaze

  • 1 cup powdered sugar (120g)
  • 3 Tbsp orange juice
  • 2 tsp orange zest


Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Whisk together and let sit for about 5 minutes until foamy to ensure the yeast is activated.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: Meanwhile, combine flour, cornstarch, and salt in a small bowl and set aside for later use.
  3. Add Eggs: Add the eggs to the foamy milk mixture and whisk until fully combined to integrate all wet ingredients.
  4. Combine Dough Ingredients: With the mixer running on low speed, gradually add the flour mixture. Increase to medium speed and mix until the dough just starts to come together, about 1 minute.
  5. Add Butter and Zest: While the mixer runs on medium, add the softened butter one piece at a time, allowing each to incorporate before adding the next. Then add the orange zest for flavor.
  6. Knead Dough: Continue mixing for 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and pulls away cleanly from the sides of the bowl. If sticky, add one or two tablespoons of flour to achieve the right consistency.
  7. First Rise: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and shape into a smooth ball. Place it in a lightly greased bowl, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
  8. Prepare Cranberry Jam: While the dough rises, combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and orange zest in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce to medium heat and simmer gently for about 15 minutes, until most cranberries burst and mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
  9. Roll Dough and Add Filling: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into an 18×18 inch square. Spread the cooled cranberry jam evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
  10. Form Rolls: Starting at the edge nearest you, carefully roll the dough into a tight cylinder. Pinch the seam to seal, then cut the roll into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife.
  11. Second Rise: Arrange the rolls cut-side up inside a lightly greased 13×9 inch baking pan. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm location until doubled in size, about 1 hour. Alternatively, refrigerate overnight for a slower rise.
  12. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Remove the plastic wrap and bake the rolls for 35 to 40 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
  13. Prepare Glaze: While rolls bake, whisk together powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth and glossy.
  14. Glaze and Serve: Remove rolls from oven and place on a wire rack. Drizzle or spread the orange glaze over the warm rolls. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Cranberry Orange Rolls make an ideal festive breakfast or dessert option during holiday seasons.
  • The combination of tart cranberry jam and sweet orange glaze perfectly balances flavors and adds vibrant color.
  • For best results, use fresh orange juice and zest for maximum citrus aroma.
  • These rolls can be made a day ahead by refrigerating after shaping and before the second rise—just bring them back to room temperature before baking.
  • Ensure the milk is heated precisely to 95°F/35°C to activate the yeast without killing it.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 roll
  • Calories: 472 kcal
  • Sugar: 38 g
  • Sodium: 173 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 81 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 73 mg