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Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls

Deliciously fluffy and tangy sweet rolls filled with whole berry cranberry sauce and zesty orange, topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. Perfect for festive occasions or a cozy breakfast.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 3 hours
Servings: 9 rolls
Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

Dough Ingredients
  • 2/3 cup whole milk, warmed Just warm to the touch, around 110°F (43°C).
  • 5 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided 1 tablespoon for the yeast mixture, rest for dough.
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast Fresh yeast for fluffiness.
  • 2 large eggs, beaten Room temperature for better blending.
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened Use high-quality butter for best flavor.
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup bread flour Adds chewiness.
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt To enhance flavors.
Filling Ingredients
  • 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce Look for a brand with whole berries.
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest Freshly grated for enhanced flavor.
Frosting Ingredients
  • 3 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened Quality matters.
  • 1 cup confectioners' sugar To sweeten frosting.
  • 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice For brightness in frosting.
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract For warmth.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, add the warm milk, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and the active dry yeast. Mix gently and let sit until foamy, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add the beaten eggs, softened butter, remaining sugar, all-purpose flour, bread flour, and kosher salt to the yeast mixture. Switch to the dough hook and knead on medium speed until smooth, about 5 minutes.
  3. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm area until doubled in size, about 1-2 hours.
  4. Roll the dough out into a 10×15-inch rectangle on a floured surface.
  5. In a bowl, mix together the cranberry sauce and orange zest, then spread evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
  6. Roll the dough tightly from the long edge into a log and cut it into 9 equal rolls.
  7. Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
  8. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) while the rolls are rising.
  9. Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown. The rolls should be firm to the touch and golden on top.
Frosting
  1. While the rolls are baking, mix cream cheese, softened butter, confectioners' sugar, fresh orange juice, and vanilla in a bowl. Beat until smooth, then whisk on high for 4-5 minutes until fluffy.
  2. As soon as the rolls are out of the oven, frost them generously with the cream cheese mixture while they are still warm.

Notes

These rolls can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for a week. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.