Name: Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup milk; 4 tablespoons salted butter; 1 packet rapid rise 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

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 22 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, irresistible breakfast or brunch treat, you’ve got to try this Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe. It perfectly balances that citrus zing with the tartness of fresh cranberries, tucked inside soft, pillowy rolls that practically melt in your mouth. Trust me, these sweet rolls have become my go-to for chilly weekends and festive gatherings — once you make them, you’ll see why they’re such a crowd-pleaser. So, let’s dive right in and get your kitchen smelling like heaven!

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Why This Recipe Works

Bright and Balanced Flavors: The orange zest and juice brighten the sweet rolls, while the cranberry filling adds tartness that cuts through the sweetness perfectly.
Soft, Tender Dough: Using instant yeast and a good mix of butter and milk gives you rolls that are fluffy but rich without being heavy.
Homemade Filling and Glaze: From the spiced cranberry filling to the dreamy orange glaze — everything’s made from scratch for that fresh, vibrant taste.
Perfect for Make-Ahead: You can prep these rolls the night before or freeze them, making your morning effortless and delicious.

Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls, cranberry orange breakfast ideas, citrus cranberry breakfast treats, holiday sweet roll recipes, easy sweet roll recipes - The image shows a white rectangular baking dish holding six cinnamon rolls covered with a thick white icing that has some visible red berry pieces mixed in. The rolls have a light golden color underneath the icing, with swirls of red berries inside the dough. In the background, there is a small white bowl filled with dark red cranberries and slices of bright orange orange fruit. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface with a gray and white checkered cloth partially visible under the dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

All the ingredients in this Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe come together to create layers of flavor and texture that marry beautifully. Here’s a quick look at why each one matters and what to keep in mind when shopping.

Milk: Provides moisture and helps activate the yeast; warm but not hot is key to avoid killing the yeast.
Salted Butter: Adds richness and flavor; salted is fine since there’s overall balanced salt in the dough.
Rapid Rise (Instant) Yeast: Speeds up the dough rising process, so you don’t have to wait all day.
Flour: All-purpose works perfectly here; measure carefully for the best dough texture.
White Sugar: Feeds the yeast and sweetens the dough for that perfect tender pull.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor without overpowering.
Orange Zest: Packs that fresh citrus flavor punch; use a good quality, unwaxed orange for the best aroma.
Egg: Adds richness and helps bind the dough.
Butter (for filling): Softened for easy spreading, adds indulgence and moistness inside those rolls.
Granulated Sugar (for filling): Sweetens the orange filling perfectly.
Cranberries: Fresh or frozen work best; they burst during cooking to create that spectacular filling texture.
Spices (cinnamon, clove, nutmeg): Warm spices add cozy depth to the cranberry filling, perfect for fall or winter vibes.
Powdered Sugar (for glaze): Creates a smooth, sweet glaze that compliments the tartness inside.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the glaze with a subtle fragrant warmth.
Orange Juice & Zest (for glaze): Ties the glaze flavor back to the filling and dough for a harmonious citrus finish.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

This recipe is already a little bit of magic, but don’t hesitate to make it your own! I love swapping around some elements depending on the season or my craving for something extra cozy.

Variation: I’ve sometimes added chopped pecans or walnuts into the cranberry filling for a delightful crunch — it adds a nice texture contrast and extra depth.
Dairy-Free Option: Swap the milk for almond or oat milk, and use a dairy-free butter alternative; the dough still rises beautifully.
Extra Zesty: For serious orange lovers, adding a teaspoon or two of orange extract to the glaze really amplifies that citrus pop.
Less Sweet Version: If you prefer less sugar, reduce the cranberry filling sugar slightly — I find the oranges balance it well even with less sugar.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Cranberry Filling

Start by adding cranberries, sugar, orange zest and juice, and the warming spices to a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir frequently and bring it to a boil — you want those cranberries bursting open to release their juices, which takes about 3-5 minutes. Then, drop the heat to medium and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the filling thickens to a jam-like consistency. This is where the magic happens — watch it closely so it doesn’t burn, and you get that perfect balance of tartness and sweetness.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough Base

While the cranberry filling simmers, melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl, then add the milk and warm it — not too hot, just comfortably warm so it won’t kill the yeast. Sprinkle in the yeast and let it sit for a couple minutes until it becomes foamy, which means the yeast is alive and kicking. This step is crucial; don’t rush it or your dough won’t rise properly!

Step 3: Mix and Knead the Dough

In your mixer bowl, combine the dry ingredients (start with 3 cups of flour), sugar, salt, and orange zest. Pour in the yeast mixture and add the egg. Using the paddle attachment, mix on medium-high speed for 1-2 minutes until everything is incorporated and smooth. Then, swap to the dough hook, gradually add the remaining flour one cup at a time, and knead for about 5 minutes until you have a soft, elastic dough that pulls away from the bowl. This kneading time develops the gluten, giving the rolls that light and fluffy texture you’ll love.

Step 4: Spread the Fillings and Roll Up

Roll your dough out on a floured surface into a long rectangle — about 12×18 inches works great. Spread the orange butter filling evenly over the dough, then spoon the cranberry filling on top. Don’t cover every inch—leave about half an inch from the edges so the dough can seal properly when rolling. Rolling can get a bit messy because of the cranberry juices, so keep a paper towel handy to wipe your hands or the surface as you go. Roll it up tightly into a log, pinching the edges to seal.

Step 5: Slice, Rise, and Bake

Slice your log into 1½-inch thick rolls and place them in a greased 9×13 baking dish. Cover with a kitchen towel and set in a warm spot to rise for about an hour — I usually put mine beside the preheating oven, which I’ve found really helps speed up the process. When the rolls have puffed up nicely, bake them at 350°F for 20-30 minutes, until golden brown on top and fully cooked inside. The smell that fills your kitchen at this point? Pure comfort.

Step 6: Glaze and Serve

While the rolls bake, mix your glaze by whisking powdered sugar, melted butter, milk, vanilla, orange juice, and zest together until smooth and fluffy. When the rolls come out of the oven, drizzle the glaze generously over the warm rolls. You can serve them warm, but honestly, I think they taste best at room temperature—soft, slightly sticky, and bursting with fresh citrus and cranberry flavor.

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Pro Tips for Making Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe

Perfect Yeast Activation: Make sure your milk is warm, not hot, when adding yeast—too hot and you’ll kill it, too cold and it won’t activate properly.
Keep Cranberry Filling Thick: Simmer long enough for the filling to thicken so it doesn’t make your dough soggy while baking.
Roll Tight But Gentle: Rolling tightly helps hold the filling in place, but go slow to avoid the filling squeezing out too much.
Rise in a Warm Spot: Using the warmth from your preheating oven creates the perfect environment for a fluffy rise—just make sure the rolls aren’t too close to avoid heat shock.

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

I like to add a little extra zest or some finely chopped crystallized ginger on top for a bit of sparkle and zing. A light dusting of powdered sugar also looks beautiful and feels extra special. If it’s holiday season, a sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts right after glazing adds crunch and flair.

Side Dishes

Pair these sweet rolls with fresh fruit salad or a simple green smoothie to balance the sweetness. A hot cup of coffee or spiced tea goes perfectly with their citrusy sweetness, turning your breakfast or brunch into a real occasion.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve baked the rolls in a bundt pan for a fun “braided” look and drizzled a little extra glaze down the sides. You can also place individual rolls in fancy cupcake liners inside a baking tray for cute, pull-apart servings at holiday brunches or celebrations—everyone loves that personal touch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If my kitchen is warm, I’ll pop them in the fridge to keep them from drying out. They stay soft and tasty, and the flavors actually meld nicely the next day.

Freezing

I often freeze either the uncooked rolls before the final rise or fully baked ones. Just wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge. If frozen unbaked, let them come to room temp and rise for a few hours before baking. It makes mornings so much easier!

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the rolls loosely with foil and warm them in a 300°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Microwaving works too, but the oven keeps them fluffy and prevents the glaze from getting too sticky or melty.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries for the cranberry filling?

Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work great and are often easier to find year-round. Just add them straight to the saucepan without thawing, and cook a few extra minutes if needed until the filling thickens properly.
What if I don’t have instant yeast?

You can use active dry yeast if that’s what you have on hand, but be sure to proof it in the warm milk first until it’s foamy before mixing with flour, as active dry yeast takes a bit longer to activate.
How long can I let the rolls rise?

Typically, one hour in a warm spot is perfect for the dough to double in size. If your kitchen is cooler, it might take up to two hours, which is fine — just don’t let it rise too long or the dough can overproof and collapse.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute plant-based milk like almond or oat milk and use a vegan butter alternative. The dough consistency and flavor will remain deliciously satisfying.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it turns a simple breakfast into something extraordinary without hours of fussing. The combination of tart cranberries and bright orange zest is like a joyful melody in every bite. I can’t recommend it enough—grab some fresh oranges and cranberries, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a homemade delight that feels like a warm hug from your own kitchen.