Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls

These cranberry orange sweet rolls blend cozy winter flavors into pillow-soft dough. The tart cranberries and bright orange create a festive twist on classic breakfast rolls, while orange blossom water adds an elegant touch that makes them truly special. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and citrus notes.

When I first created these rolls, the aroma of orange and warm dough filled my kitchen. Now they're a Christmas morning tradition, with my family hovering near the oven as they bake.

Gathering Your Ingredients

• Active dry yeast: Fresh yeast ensures proper rise and fluffy texture
• Greek yogurt: Adds richness and keeps the dough moist for days
• Orange blossom water: Creates a delicate floral note that elevates the flavor
• Fresh cranberries: Their natural tartness balances the sweet dough perfectly
• Orange zest: Use fresh oranges for the brightest flavor
• All-purpose flour: The protein content creates the ideal texture

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Crafting Perfect Rolls

Mix The Base:

Combine warm milk with yeast until foamy and fragrant

Create The Dough:

Blend wet ingredients until smooth before adding flour

First Rise:

Let dough double in size in a warm spot

Shape With Care:

Roll dough into rectangle and spread filling evenly

Twist And Tie:

Form each strip into a beautiful knotted roll

Second Rise:

Allow rolls to puff up again until doubled

Golden Perfection:

Bake until lightly golden and aromatic

Final Touch:

Drizzle with orange blossom glaze while warm

Growing up, my grandmother always added orange zest to her sweet rolls. These cranberry rolls honor her tradition while adding my own twist with the orange blossom water.

Timing Is Everything

These rolls need proper rising time to develop their texture. Working in my small bakery taught me that patience creates the fluffiest results. The dough should be tacky but not sticky - too much flour makes them tough.

Holiday Table Ready

Place these rolls center stage at your brunch table. They pair wonderfully with winter fruit salad and hot coffee. For special occasions, I arrange them on a vintage cake stand with sugared cranberries scattered around.

Sweet Roll Science

The yogurt creates tenderness while orange zest oils infuse the dough during rising. My secret is rubbing the zest into the sugar before mixing - this releases more orange flavor throughout the rolls.

Make-Ahead Magic

Prepare these rolls the night before and let them rise slowly in the fridge. This slow fermentation develops deeper flavors. I often make double batches during the holidays to have ready for unexpected guests.

Temperature Tips

Keep your milk between 105-115°F - too hot kills the yeast, too cool slows rising. My trick is warming the mixing bowl with hot water before starting. This keeps the dough at the perfect temperature.

Creative Variations

During berry season, I swap blueberries for cranberries and add lemon zest instead of orange. For autumn, try apple butter filling with cinnamon glaze. Each version brings its own charm to breakfast time.

These rolls represent everything wonderful about holiday baking - warm spices, bright flavors, and the joy of sharing homemade treats with loved ones. The aroma of fresh rolls brings everyone to the kitchen, creating those precious morning memories.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these ahead?

Yes, prepare through step 8, refrigerate overnight. Let stand 2 hours before baking.

→ What can I substitute for orange blossom water?

Orange extract works as a substitute, though the flavor will be more concentrated.

→ Can I freeze these rolls?

Yes, freeze baked rolls up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator.

→ Can I use dried cranberries?

Fresh or frozen cranberries work best for the filling. Dried won't create the same jammy texture.

→ Why fold the dough in thirds?

This creates layers in the rolls and helps contain the filling when shaping.