Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls – Best Holiday Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of fresh-baked pastries wafting through your kitchen, and these Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls deliver a fragrant, festive experience in every swirl. Bursting with tart cranberries, zesty orange, and warm holiday spices, these rolls are the perfect treat for cozy mornings, especially around the holidays. Whether you’re planning a Christmas brunch or simply want to indulge in something unique, cranberry orange sweet rolls are sure to impress. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe so irresistible.

A Sweet Roll Like No Other

These cranberry orange sweet rolls stand out with their vibrant color and complex flavor profile. Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls, this variation blends the sweet richness of a buttered dough with the tangy brightness of cranberries and citrus. The filling cooks down into a jammy consistency, giving every bite a perfect balance of tart and sweet. And the finishing touch? A fresh orange glaze that drips into every warm, golden swirl.

Whether you’re baking for your family, guests, or just yourself, this recipe is surprisingly doable and utterly rewarding. It’s also freezer-friendly, make-ahead adaptable, and perfect for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros.

What You’ll Need to Make Them Shine

Dough Ingredients

• Milk: Adds moisture and richness to the dough structure
• Salted Butter: Enhances flavor and tenderizes the crumb
• Instant Yeast: Makes the rolls rise fluffy and tall
• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the dough’s backbone
• White Sugar: Adds sweetness and boosts yeast activity
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors
• Orange Zest: Adds bright citrus aroma in the dough
• Egg: Enriches the dough and helps bind ingredients

Orange Filling

• Butter (room temperature): Creates a rich, spreadable base
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and a hint of crunch
• Orange Zest: Boosts citrus flavor throughout the swirl

Cranberry Filling

• Fresh Cranberries: Provide tangy, seasonal flavor and vibrant color
• Sugar: Balances the tartness of the cranberries
• Orange Juice & Zest: Infuse brightness and fragrance
• Cinnamon: Adds cozy warmth
• Clove: Provides depth and a slightly spicy note
• Nutmeg: Rounds out the spice blend

Orange Glaze

• Powdered Sugar: Forms the sweet, silky base
• Vanilla Extract: Adds aromatic depth
• Butter: Enriches and smooths the glaze
• Milk: Adjusts glaze consistency
• Orange Juice & Zest: Amplify citrusy freshness

Ingredient Swaps for Flexibility

If you’re missing something or need to cater to specific diets, these cranberry orange sweet rolls can be easily customized:

• Dairy-Free: Use almond or oat milk and plant-based butter
• Gluten-Free: Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend
• No Fresh Cranberries? Use frozen cranberries or whole-berry canned sauce, reducing sugar slightly
• Low-Sugar Option: Try coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener
• Citrus Twist: Swap orange zest with lemon or grapefruit for a flavor variation

These alternatives let you enjoy cranberry orange sweet rolls no matter your pantry or preferences.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls from Scratch

1. Make the Cranberry Filling
   In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine cranberries, sugar, orange zest and juice, cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg. Bring to a boil while stirring often. Once the cranberries burst (3–5 mins), reduce to medium and simmer for 10–15 minutes until thickened. Cool completely.
2. Prepare the Dough
   In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter, then add milk and heat slightly until warm (not hot). Stir in the yeast and let sit for 2 minutes. In a mixer bowl, combine 3 cups flour, sugar, salt, and egg. Add the yeast mixture and orange zest, then mix until smooth. Switch to a dough hook and add the remaining 1 cup of flour slowly. Knead for 5 minutes until the dough is soft and elastic.
3. Make the Orange Filling
   Mix softened butter, sugar, and orange zest together in a small bowl until spreadable.
4. Assemble the Rolls
   Roll the dough into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the orange filling evenly. Spoon cooled cranberry filling over it, avoiding the edges. Use only enough to cover—don’t overfill.
5. Roll and Cut
   Roll tightly from one long end to the other. Seal the edge and cut into 1½-inch rolls. Place in a greased 9×13 dish.
6. Let Rise
   Cover with a towel and place in a warm area for 1 hour or until doubled in size. (Tip: Preheat your oven nearby to warm the space.)
7. Bake
   Bake at 350°F for 20–30 minutes, until golden and baked through.
8. Make the Glaze
   In a bowl, mix melted butter, milk, and vanilla into powdered sugar. Add orange juice and zest, then whisk until smooth.
9. Glaze and Serve
   Drizzle glaze over the rolls while still warm. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Expert Tips for Irresistible Rolls

• Cool Your Filling: Hot cranberry sauce will melt the butter and make rolling messy
• Less is More: Start with a light spread of cranberry sauce and build gradually
• Leave the Edges Clean: Helps keep the filling inside and rolling clean
• Cut with Care: Use unflavored dental floss or a serrated knife for clean cuts
• Room Temp Glazing: Wait until rolls are warm, not hot, to drizzle glaze—it sticks better
• Make Ahead: Assemble the night before and refrigerate. Let rise at room temperature in the morning before baking

Using these tips, your cranberry orange sweet rolls will come out looking and tasting like they’re bakery-made.

Delicious Pairings and Creative Variations

Cranberry orange sweet rolls are versatile, and pair beautifully with both simple and indulgent sides:

• Classic Pairings: Black coffee, chai latte, or spiced apple cider
• Brunch Sides: Scrambled eggs, maple sausage, or Greek yogurt parfaits
• Holiday Toppings: Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts or dried cranberries on top of the glaze
• Flavor Variations:
  • Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling for crunch
  • Swap orange for lemon or blood orange zest for a deeper citrus profile
  • Add a pinch of cardamom for a warm, exotic twist
  • Use maple syrup in the glaze for a cozy fall feel

For storage, leftovers can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for 4 days. Reheat briefly in the oven to restore freshness.

Seasonal Baking with a Purpose

These cranberry orange sweet rolls aren’t just a recipe—they’re a seasonal ritual. With their jewel-toned filling and citrusy glaze, they bring a sense of celebration and care to any table. They’re a nod to the holidays, yet flexible enough for weekend brunch year-round.

The combination of sweet and tart, soft and sticky, makes these rolls a memorable addition to your baking repertoire. So go ahead—flour your countertop, zest that orange, and create something beautiful.

Conclusion

These cranberry orange sweet rolls are more than just a holiday indulgence—they’re a celebration of flavor, aroma, and seasonal cheer. With their tart-sweet cranberry filling, buttery orange-scented dough, and luscious citrus glaze, they strike a perfect balance between festive and comforting. Whether you serve them on Christmas morning, a weekend brunch, or simply as a treat for yourself, these rolls are sure to become a beloved tradition.

The best part? They’re make-ahead friendly, freezer-ready, and endlessly customizable, making them a practical and memorable recipe to keep in your baking rotation. So next time you’re craving something cozy, citrusy, and visually stunning, let cranberry orange sweet rolls steal the spotlight.

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More Relevant Recipes

• Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins: These cozy muffins blend the warm spices of pumpkin with the sweet-tart flavor of apples. Topped with a crunchy streusel, they echo the festive, autumnal vibes of cranberry orange sweet rolls—perfect for holiday mornings or brunch.
• Cinnamon Swirl Pumpkin Sourdough Bread: This beautifully marbled bread infuses each slice with cinnamon spice and subtle pumpkin notes. It’s an ideal complement to anyone who enjoys spiced doughs and sweet breakfast pastries like cranberry orange sweet rolls.
• Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze: Moist, spiced pumpkin bread topped with a rich maple glaze makes this a seasonal favorite. The flavor pairing of warm spice and sweet glaze aligns closely with the profile of cranberry orange sweet rolls, making it a great alternative or companion recipe.

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