Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls

$- 4 cups all-purpose flour - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted These main ingredients create the base for your rolls. The all-purpose flour gives the dough strength. Sugar adds sweetness, while instant yeast makes it rise. Whole milk and butter ensure the rolls remain soft and rich. - Zest of 1 orange - 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped (or dried cranberries) - 1 teaspoon cinnamon - 1/4 cup orange juice Flavor enhancers bring life to your rolls. The orange zest gives a bright taste. Fresh cranberries add tartness, while cinnamon warms the flavor. Orange juice ties it all together with more citrusy goodness. - 1 cup powdered sugar - 2-3 tablespoons orange juice - Zest of 1 orange The glaze is the finishing touch. It adds sweetness and a beautiful shine. Mixing powdered sugar with orange juice creates a smooth texture. The orange zest on top makes it pop visually and flavor-wise. - In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Stir well. - In another bowl, combine warmed milk, melted butter, eggs, and orange zest. Mix until smooth. - Pour the wet mix into the dry mix. Stir until combined. Gradually add the rest of the flour, one cup at a time, until the dough is slightly sticky but manageable. - Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes. It should be smooth and elastic. - Place the dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with a kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm area for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. - After rising, punch down the dough. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle, about 12x18 inches. - In a small bowl, mix chopped cranberries, cinnamon, and orange juice. Spread this mix over the rolled dough. - Starting from one long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seams to seal it. - Cut the log into 12 equal pieces. Place them in a greased baking dish. Cover with a towel and let them rise again for 30 minutes. - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes. They should be golden brown when done. - While the rolls bake, mix powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest in a bowl until smooth. - Once the rolls cool slightly, drizzle the glaze over the top. Kneading the dough is key. It helps develop gluten, which makes rolls fluffy. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth. Check for stickiness by touching the dough. If it sticks to your fingers, add a little flour. The dough should feel soft but not clingy. If you can't find fresh cranberries, use dried ones. They work well and add sweetness. You can also mix in other fruits like blueberries or cherries. For added depth, sprinkle in spices like nutmeg or ginger. These give your rolls an extra flavor boost. Serve these rolls in a beautiful basket for a nice touch. You can also arrange them on a large plate, drizzled with glaze. Serve them warm for the best taste. If you have leftovers, warm them gently before serving. {{image_2}} You can change up these rolls in fun ways. - Adding nuts or chocolate: Try adding chopped walnuts or pecans for a nice crunch. You can also mix in chocolate chips for a sweet twist. - Using different fruits: Fresh blueberries or raspberries can replace cranberries. You can even use dried fruits like apricots or cherries for a unique flavor. Making these rolls fit your diet is easy. - Gluten-free options: Use a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup for cup with regular flour. This way, you can enjoy the same fluffy texture. - Vegan adaptations: Replace the eggs with flax eggs and use almond milk instead of whole milk. You can also use coconut oil instead of butter. Adding a special touch for holidays is a great idea. - Holiday-themed ingredients: Spice up your rolls with nutmeg and cloves for a warm, festive flavor. You can also add orange and lemon zest for freshness. - Special occasion decorations: Drizzle the glaze in fun patterns. You can even sprinkle on some edible glitter or colored sugar for extra flair. To keep your cranberry orange sweet rolls fresh, store them in an airtight container. This prevents them from drying out. Place them in the fridge if you plan to eat them in a few days. For longer storage, you can freeze the rolls. Wrap each roll in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can enjoy them later. When you're ready to eat the rolls, reheating them is easy. Use the oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the rolls on a baking sheet and cover them with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. This method keeps the rolls fluffy. You can also use a microwave. Heat them for 15-20 seconds, but be careful not to overdo it, or they'll get chewy. These sweet rolls stay fresh for about 3-4 days in the fridge. If you freeze them, they can last for up to 2-3 months. Look for signs of spoilage, like an off smell or mold. If the rolls feel hard or dry, they are past their prime. Always check before you enjoy your treats! You can use several fruits if you lack cranberries. Here are some options: - Chopped cherries - Raisins - Dried blueberries - Fresh or frozen raspberries These fruits add a sweet or tart touch. They keep the flavor bright. To check for doneness, look for these signs: - Golden brown tops - Rolls spring back when lightly pressed - An internal temperature of 190°F (88°C) If your rolls are golden and springy, they are ready! Yes, you can prep the dough ahead of time. Here’s how: - Make the dough and let it rise. - Punch it down and cover it. - Refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, let it warm up before shaping. This saves time on baking day. If your dough does not rise, here are some tips: - Check your yeast: It must be fresh and active. - Ensure warmth: Place dough in a warm spot. - Avoid drafts: Cover with a towel to keep warm. If your dough does not rise, it may need more heat or fresh yeast. In summary, we covered a simple recipe for delicious rolls. You learned about the key ingredients, steps to prepare the dough, and tips for perfect flavor. We also explored variations for different tastes and dietary needs. Finally, proper storage and reheat methods ensure your rolls stay fresh. Enjoy making these tasty treats that suit any occasion!$

Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls

Indulge in the delightful taste of Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls, perfect for any breakfast or brunch! These soft and fluffy rolls are filled with tangy cranberries and zesty orange, topped with a sweet glaze that will have everyone coming back for more. Discover the step-by-step recipe to create this delicious treat and impress your loved ones. Click through to explore the full recipe and start baking your new favorite rolls today!

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Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup whole milk, warmed

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

2 large eggs

Zest of 1 orange

1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped (or dried cranberries)

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 cup orange juice

For the Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar

2-3 tablespoons orange juice

Zest of 1 orange

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of the flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Stir until well mixed.

In a separate bowl, mix the warmed milk, melted butter, eggs, and orange zest until combined.

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until combined. Gradually add the remaining flour, one cup at a time, until the dough is slightly sticky but manageable.

Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl and cover with a kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle (about 12x18 inches).

In a small bowl, mix the chopped cranberries, cinnamon, and orange juice. Spread this mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough.

Starting from one long side, roll the dough tightly into a log and pinch the seams to seal it.

Cut the log into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased baking dish. Cover with a towel and let rise again for 30 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze by mixing the powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest in a bowl until smooth.

Once the rolls are baked, let them cool slightly before drizzling the glaze over the top.

Prep Time: 20 min | Total Time: 2 hr | Servings: 12 rolls