Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls with Zesty Glaze

Sweet Rolls with Holiday Citrus

Bright, fluffy, and bursting with festive flavor, these Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls are everything you crave during the holidays. The tart cranberry compote swirls beautifully with a buttery orange filling inside soft, golden rolls, all drizzled with a glossy citrus glaze. They’re a gorgeous centerpiece for your Christmas morning table or Thanksgiving brunch, with the warm scent of cinnamon, cloves, and orange zest filling your kitchen like a cozy bakery.

Quick Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 25 minutes (plus 1 hour rise time)
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Servings: 12 rolls
• Difficulty: Medium
• Cuisine Type: American
• Best Season to Serve: Fall and Winter

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for Holidays: With the vibrant cranberry and orange combo, these are made for Thanksgiving and Christmas morning.
• Homemade Dough: Soft, fluffy, and buttery, this dough is easy to work with and bakes up beautifully.
• Make Ahead Friendly: You can prep these the night before and bake fresh in the morning—or freeze for later.
• Beautiful & Impressive: These bright, glossy rolls are a show-stopper for brunch tables or holiday platters.
• Delicious Warm or Cold: The flavors shine through whether you serve them fresh from the oven or at room temperature.

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Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls with Zesty Glaze

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• Author: Emma
• Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
• Yield: 12 rolls 1x

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Description

These Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls are soft, fluffy, and bursting with tangy cranberries and fresh citrus. Topped with a zesty orange glaze, they’re the perfect holiday brunch treat!

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup milk
• 4 tablespoons salted butter
• 1 packet rapid rise (instant) yeast
• 4 cups flour
• 1/3 cup white sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1 large egg
• 1/3 cup butter, room temperature
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 Tablespoons orange zest
• 2 cups cranberries
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 orange, zested and juiced
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon clove
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 1/2 tablespoon orange zest

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Instructions

1. Combine all cranberry filling ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10–15 minutes until thickened.

2. Melt butter and warm milk, stir in yeast and let bloom.

3. In a mixer, combine 3 cups flour, sugar, salt. Add milk mixture, egg, and orange zest. Mix.

4. Switch to dough hook, add final cup of flour. Knead 5 minutes.

5. Mix orange filling: butter, sugar, orange zest.

6. Roll dough into rectangle. Spread orange filling, then cranberry filling, leaving room at edges.

7. Roll tightly into a log, pinch to seal. Slice into 1.5-inch rolls.

8. Place in greased 9×13 dish. Let rise 1 hour.

9. Bake at 350°F for 20–30 minutes until golden.

10. Mix glaze ingredients until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls.

11. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Overnight in the fridge: Place unbaked rolls in the fridge overnight. Let rise 2–3 hours at room temperature before baking.

Freezing: Freeze baked or unbaked. Thaw overnight in the fridge. Let unbaked rolls rise 3–4 hours before baking.

• Prep Time: 2 hours
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 roll
• Calories: 330
• Sugar: 22g
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 5g

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 cup milk
• 4 tablespoons salted butter
• 1 packet rapid rise (or instant) yeast
• 4 cups flour
• 1/3 cup white sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1 large egg

For the Orange Filling:

• 1/3 cup butter, room temperature
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons orange zest

For the Cranberry Filling:

• 2 cups cranberries
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 orange, zested and juiced
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon clove
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

For the Orange Glaze:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 1/2 tablespoon orange zest

Ingredient Tips Table

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Cranberry Filling: In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine cranberries, sugar, orange zest and juice, cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently.
2. Continue boiling for 3–5 minutes until cranberries burst. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 10–15 minutes until thickened. Let cool.
3. Prepare the Dough: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt butter. Add milk and warm slightly (milk should be warm, not hot). Stir in yeast and let sit 1–2 minutes.
4. In a stand mixer, add 3 cups of flour, sugar, and salt. Pour in milk-butter-yeast mix and add egg. Beat with paddle attachment until combined, then add orange zest.
5. Switch to the dough hook and add remaining cup of flour. Knead for 5 minutes until dough is soft and elastic.
6. Orange Filling: Mix softened butter, sugar, and orange zest in a bowl until well combined.
7. Assemble Rolls: On a floured surface, roll dough into a large rectangle. Spread orange filling evenly, then spoon cooled cranberry filling over top, leaving edges clean.
8. Tightly roll into a log. Wipe excess filling with a paper towel as needed. Pinch seam to seal.
9. Cut into 1½-inch rolls. Place in a greased 9×13 baking dish. Cover and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour.
10. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake rolls 20–30 minutes, until golden on top and cooked through in center.
11. Make Glaze: Beat powdered sugar, melted butter, vanilla, milk, and orange juice until smooth. Stir in zest.
12. Drizzle: Pour glaze over warm (not hot) rolls. Serve warm or at room temp and enjoy!

Helpful Tips

• Don’t Overfill: The cranberry mix spreads while rolling—use just enough to cover.
• Warm Spot for Rising: Place near a preheating oven or cover with a warm towel.
• Check Doneness: Rolls should be golden brown and no longer doughy in the center.
• Cool Slightly Before Glazing: This helps the glaze sit nicely on top without melting off.

Expert Tips for the Best Results

• Use Fresh Orange Zest: It brings out the most natural citrus aroma and flavor in both filling and glaze.
• Keep the Dough Soft: Avoid adding too much flour. The dough should be tacky but manageable.
• Even Roll Slicing: Use unflavored dental floss or a sharp serrated knife for clean cuts.
• Room Temp Ingredients: For better dough texture and even mixing, let egg and butter come to room temperature.

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Recipe Variations

• Nutty Addition: Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the cranberry filling for texture.
• Cream Cheese Glaze: Swap orange glaze with a tangy cream cheese icing for extra decadence.
• Cranberry Jam Shortcut: Use store-bought cranberry-orange jam to save time.
• Mini Rolls: Divide dough in half and make smaller rolls for bite-sized brunch treats.

Make Ahead & Freezer Tips

Fridge (Overnight): Prepare and slice the rolls, then refrigerate before final rise. The next morning, let them sit at room temp 2–3 hours to rise, then bake. Freezer: You can freeze either baked or unbaked rolls. For unbaked, thaw overnight in fridge, then rise and bake. For baked, thaw and warm in oven at 325°F for 10–15 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these sweet rolls on a large ceramic platter or wooden board with extra glaze drizzled over the top. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh orange zest or a few sugared cranberries for a holiday touch. They’re perfect alongside a hot mug of coffee or a festive brunch spread.

Pairing Ideas

Pair with a glass of sparkling apple cider or fresh-squeezed orange juice. For a cozy winter brunch, a spiced chai or cinnamon latte is the perfect companion. These rolls also shine next to savory egg dishes, quiche, or a platter of crispy bacon.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temp for 1 day or in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for 15–20 seconds for a quick warm-up, or in the oven at 300°F for 8–10 minutes for a freshly baked texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh? Fresh or frozen cranberries are best for texture and flavor, but you could use rehydrated dried cranberries in a pinch—just simmer them a bit longer with extra orange juice.

What if I don’t have rapid rise yeast? You can use active dry yeast—just proof it first in warm milk with sugar for 5–10 minutes until foamy before adding to the dough.

Can I make this dough without a stand mixer? Yes! Mix with a sturdy spoon, then knead by hand for about 8–10 minutes until soft and elastic.

How do I know when the rolls are done baking? The tops should be golden brown and the center of the center roll should be fully baked—check with a toothpick if unsure.

Is the glaze necessary? While optional, the orange glaze adds extra sweetness and moisture that really brings the rolls together—highly recommended!

Can I freeze these after baking? Absolutely. Let them cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze. Thaw overnight and warm in oven before serving.

What’s the best way to zest an orange? Use a microplane zester for fine zest, and always zest before juicing for easier handling.

Nutrition Info Table + Disclaimer

Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.

Conclusion

These Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls are a festive twist on a classic cinnamon roll—sweet, tart, zesty, and perfect for holiday mornings. Whether you’re hosting family brunch or treating yourself to a seasonal breakfast, they’re sure to be a hit. Go ahead and make them—you deserve it!