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 (or 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

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 40 reviews

If you’re anything like me and love those moments when breakfast feels like a little celebration, then you’re going to adore this Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe. Fluffy, fragrant, and bursting with zesty orange and tart cranberries, this recipe transforms an ordinary morning into a cozy, joyful occasion. Stick with me, and I’ll guide you through every delicious detail so you can bake these showstoppers with confidence and ease.

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect balance of flavors: The bright orange zest and juicy cranberries create a sweet-tart harmony that’s irresistible.
Soft, pillowy dough: Using instant yeast and proper kneading results in tender rolls with just the right chew.
Layered fillings: Combining an orange butter spread with simmered cranberry filling gives bursts of flavor in every bite.
Delicious orange glaze: A creamy and citrusy finish ties it all together and adds a beautiful shine.

Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls, cranberry orange sweet rolls, orange cranberry brunch ideas, flaky sweet roll recipes, festive breakfast treats - 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

Everything in this Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe plays a key role, from the creamy butter to the zingy zest. Choosing fresh ingredients and measuring carefully helps you get that perfect soft dough and flavorful filling.

Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls, cranberry orange sweet rolls, orange cranberry brunch ideas, flaky sweet roll recipes, festive breakfast treats - Flat lay of a whole uncracked brown egg, a small white ceramic bowl of warm milk, a small white ceramic bowl with melted salted butter, a small white ceramic bowl of granulated sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of powdered sugar, a fresh orange whole and one half with bright orange zest, a small white ceramic bowl with pure vanilla extract, fresh whole cranberries, a small white ceramic bowl containing white flour, a few whole warm spices including cinnamon sticks, cloves, and nutmeg pods, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Milk: Provides moisture and richness to the dough; warm it just enough to activate the yeast without killing it.
Salted Butter: Adds flavor and tenderness to the dough and filling; salted butter deepens the flavor.
Instant Yeast: Quick-rising yeast speeds up the process without compromising the airy texture.
Flour: Use all-purpose flour for structure; adding it gradually allows you to get the dough consistency just right.
White Sugar: Sweetens the dough and feeds the yeast for a nice rise.
Salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
Orange Zest: Delivers fresh citrus aroma that brightens the entire roll.
Large Egg: Adds richness and helps bind the dough.
Butter (for filling): Softened for easy spreading—this creamy layer keeps rolls moist.
Granulated Sugar (for filling): Sweetens the orange butter layer just right.
Cranberries: Fresh or frozen work well; they burst with tartness and soften during simmering to make a jammy filling.
Orange Juice: Adds acidity and moisture to the cranberry filling and glaze.
Spices (cinnamon, clove, nutmeg): Warm spices complement the tartness of cranberries without overpowering them.
Powdered Sugar (for glaze): Creates a smooth, sweet glaze that melts lightly over the warm rolls.
Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the glaze with a mild sweetness.

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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

I love how flexible this Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe is. Sometimes I add toasted pecans for crunch or swap fresh cranberries for dried when fresh aren’t in season. You can definitely customize it to suit your preferences.

Add nuts: Toasted walnuts or pecans add a lovely texture contrast and nutty flavor.
Less sweet glaze: If you like the rolls less sugary, brush them with a simple orange-infused cream cheese glaze instead.
Use dried cranberries: Rehydrate them slightly with warm orange juice before using for a sweeter filling.
Spice it up: Increase cinnamon or add a pinch of cardamom for a deeper warm spice profile.

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

Step 1: Make the Tangy Cranberry Filling

Start by tossing all cranberry filling ingredients into a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring it to a boil while stirring often. As the cranberries begin to burst, keep boiling gently for about 3-5 minutes. Then turn the heat down to medium and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened—usually 10 to 15 minutes. This step creates a jammy, flavorful filling that balances tartness and sweetness perfectly.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough Base

While your filling thickens, melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Add the milk and heat just until warm (not hot), around 15–30 seconds. Stir in the yeast, letting it bloom for a minute or two to get those bubbles started. This activates the yeast for a light, fluffy dough.

Step 3: Mix Dough Ingredients

In your mixer bowl, combine 3 cups of flour with the sugar, salt, and a tablespoon of fresh orange zest. Pour in the milk, butter, and yeast mixture, then add the egg. Using the paddle attachment, beat on medium-high for a couple of minutes until everything is combined and smooth. Add in the orange zest and mix again, infusing the dough with bright citrus aroma.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Switch to the dough hook and gradually add the remaining cup of flour. Let the mixer knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it’s elastic and no longer sticky. This step ensures your rolls will have that perfect tender chew we all crave.

Step 5: Spread the Fillings and Roll

Roll your dough on a floured surface into a long rectangle. Spread the orange butter filling evenly, then dollop the cranberry filling on top. Keep the edges clear to prevent spilling when rolling. This part can get a bit messy—pro tip: have a paper towel handy to wipe off any sticky cranberry drips as you roll. Roll it up tightly, pinch the seam closed, and slice into 1½-inch rolls.

Step 6: Proof and Bake

Place your rolls in a greased 9×13 pan, cover with a towel, and pop them in a warm spot to rise for about an hour. I like to put mine right next to the oven as I preheat it—this little trick helps them puff up beautifully. Then bake at 350°F for 20-30 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 7: Whip up the Orange Glaze

While the rolls bake, whisk together melted butter, milk, vanilla, and powdered sugar until smooth. Add orange juice and zest, stirring until just combined. This glaze adds richness and a final burst of citrus that makes these rolls irresistible.

Step 8: Glaze and Enjoy

Drizzle the glaze generously over warm (not too hot) rolls so it melts in nicely. These are delicious served warm or at room temperature—I actually prefer them once they’ve cooled a bit, letting the flavors settle. Serve, and enjoy every luscious bite!

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Pro Tips for Making Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe

Warm Milk Properly: If your milk’s too hot, the yeast dies; too cold, it won’t activate — aim for warm to the touch.
Don’t Overfill: Use just enough cranberry filling to avoid leaks, but enough for flavor — less is more when rolling tightly.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Keep your butter and eggs at room temp for smoother dough and fillings.
Let Rolls Rise in Warm Spot: A cozy spot speeds the rise, so I place them near my preheating oven or on a sunny windowsill.

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little extra orange zest over the glaze for a fresh pop of color and aroma. Sometimes a few whole cranberries pressed gently into the glaze add beautiful contrast and tartness with every bite. If you’re feeling fancy, a light dusting of powdered sugar is always a sweet touch.

Side Dishes

Pair these rolls with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea for a cozy breakfast. I sometimes serve them alongside scrambled eggs or a simple mixed greens salad for brunch to balance the sweetness. Fresh fruit is always a winner too, like slices of juicy orange or a handful of berries.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or brunches, I arrange the rolls in a circular pan to create a flower shape that makes a stunning centerpiece. You can also serve individual rolls in cupcake liners for easy grab-and-go treats. Wrapping a stack with a ribbon makes these perfect gifts for friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which can be rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. I prefer keeping them wrapped in foil inside a cake dome or sealed container to retain softness without drying out.

Freezing

These rolls freeze beautifully whether unbaked or baked. For unbaked, wrap tightly with plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, then let rise at room temp about 3-4 hours for the best results. If frozen baked rolls, just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently.

Reheating

To revive leftovers, I warm individual rolls in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or reheat the whole batch in a 300°F oven covered loosely with foil for 10-15 minutes. This keeps them soft and fresh without drying out the glaze.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen cranberries are a great substitute and actually cook down nicely for the filling. Just thaw and drain any excess water before starting or add them directly to the saucepan—they’ll burst and soften perfectly during cooking.
What if I don’t have instant yeast?

If you only have active dry yeast, that’s fine—just proof it in warm milk for about 5-10 minutes until foamy before mixing it with the dry ingredients. This extra time helps activate the yeast properly.
Can these rolls be made dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and use a dairy-free butter substitute both in the dough and fillings. The texture might differ slightly but still wonderfully delicious.
How long can I let the dough rise?

Ideally, the dough should rise for about 1 hour in a warm spot. If you need a longer rise, simply cover and refrigerate it overnight for a slow, cold fermentation that adds flavor and depth.
Can I make the rolls vegan?

Yes! Replace the egg with a flax or chia egg and use plant-based milk and butter. You’ll want to monitor the dough’s texture closely since vegan doughs can behave a little differently, but the result is still fantastic.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it turns something as simple as morning rolls into a bright celebration of flavors and warmth. It’s a recipe worth making when you want to impress without stress. Trust me, once you’ve baked them, your kitchen will smell like holiday magic and you’ll be hooked. So go ahead, try this recipe, and share those delightful rolls with the people you love — they’re unforgettable.