Description

Soft and fluffy sweet rolls swirled with bright cranberry-orange filling and topped with creamy frosting. Perfect for holidays or a cozy weekend brunch, these rolls are bursting with fresh citrus flavor in every bite.

Ingredients

⅔ cup whole milk, warmed

5 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided

2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast

2 large eggs, room temperature and beaten

½ cup unsalted butter, softened (for dough)

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup bread flour

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce

1 teaspoon orange zest

3 ounces cream cheese, softened

¼ cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)

1 cup confectioners’ sugar

1 tablespoon fresh orange juice

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm milk, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and yeast. Let sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
Add beaten eggs, softened butter, remaining sugar, all-purpose flour, bread flour, and salt. Mix on low until combined, then knead on medium speed for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Transfer dough to a lightly greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 2 hours, until doubled in size.
Roll dough on a lightly floured surface into a 10×15-inch rectangle about ¼-inch thick. Mix cranberry sauce with orange zest and spread evenly over the dough.
Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish. Roll the dough tightly from the long edge into a log and slice into 9 equal rolls. Arrange cut side up in the dish, cover, and let rise for about 1 hour until doubled.
Preheat oven to 325°F. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until lightly golden around the edges and cooked through the center.
While rolls cool slightly, beat cream cheese, butter, confectioners’ sugar, orange juice, and vanilla until light and fluffy. Spread frosting generously over warm rolls before serving.

Notes

Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for extra crunch.

For stronger citrus flavor, add extra orange zest to the frosting.

A pinch of cinnamon can be added to the dough or filling for a holiday twist.

Store at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Reheat individual rolls in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or warm covered in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes.

Freeze unfrosted rolls for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and warm before frosting.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Bake
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 roll
Calories: 420 kcal
Sugar: 28 g
Sodium: 320 mg
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 11 g
Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
Trans Fat: 0.5 g
Carbohydrates: 58 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 7 g
Cholesterol: 95 mg