Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe That Brings Holiday Joy

Soft, fluffy, and bursting with flavor, cranberry orange sweet rolls are a must-have addition to your holiday baking list. Whether you’re hosting a festive brunch, preparing a cozy Christmas breakfast, or looking for a thoughtful homemade gift, these sweet rolls deliver big on taste and presentation. Infused with aromatic orange blossom water and filled with vibrant, tangy cranberry filling, each bite is perfectly balanced. In this article, you’ll discover why these rolls are a seasonal favorite, how to make them step-by-step, and the best tips to get bakery-style results at home. Don’t miss our festive cinnamon rolls recipe if you’re looking for more flavorful roll inspirations!

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Why Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls Are the Perfect Holiday Treat

A festive twist on classic sweet rolls

Cinnamon rolls may be the classic, but cranberry orange sweet rolls bring a sophisticated seasonal flair. The tartness of cranberries blends beautifully with citrusy orange zest and floral orange blossom water, creating an irresistible filling. Unlike traditional swirls, these rolls are shaped into elegant knots, making them as visually appealing as they are delicious.

The flavor harmony of cranberry and orange blossom

Cranberry and orange are a match made for the holidays. The fresh cranberry filling—made by simmering cranberries, sugar, and vanilla—adds a tangy, jammy layer that contrasts the soft vanilla-scented dough. Orange blossom water elevates the dough and glaze with subtle floral notes, enhancing the overall complexity without overpowering the fruit flavors.

Ideal for brunch, breakfast, or gifting

These sweet rolls are incredibly versatile. Serve them warm on Christmas morning with a cup of coffee or package them in a festive box as a homemade holiday gift. You can even prep them the night before and bake them fresh the next morning—a time-saving win for busy hosts. Looking for inspiration? Try our apple-cranberry pie recipe for another cranberry-based holiday classic.

Ingredients That Elevate These Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls

Key components for soft, fluffy dough

The base of these rolls is a classic enriched dough made with warm milk, active dry yeast, granulated sugar, melted butter, Greek yogurt, egg, and all-purpose flour. The addition of orange blossom water and orange zest adds a unique twist to the familiar base, giving the rolls a fragrant aroma and delicate citrus flavor.

Here’s a quick look at the dough ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount
Warm Milk	1 cup
Active Dry Yeast	2 ¼ tsp (1 packet)
Granulated Sugar	⅓ cup + 1 tbsp
Melted Butter	6 tbsp
Greek Yogurt	¼ cup
Large Egg	1
Pure Vanilla Extract	1 tbsp
Orange Blossom Water	1 tbsp
Orange Zest	zest of 1 orange
Salt	1 tsp
All-Purpose Flour	4 cups

Homemade cranberry filling: tart meets sweet

What sets these rolls apart is the rich cranberry filling made from scratch. Fresh or frozen cranberries are simmered with sugar and a bit of water until thick and tender. Once cooled, the mixture is blended with butter and vanilla to create a luscious, spreadable filling.

Filling Ingredient	Amount
Cranberries	1 cup
Granulated Sugar	½ cup
Unsalted Butter	1 tbsp
Vanilla Extract	1 tbsp

This filling can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week—perfect for prepping ahead of holiday meals.

Zesty orange glaze with floral notes

After baking, the warm rolls are topped with a simple yet flavorful glaze made from confectioners’ sugar, milk, and a touch of orange blossom water. The glaze enhances the citrus elements and adds a finishing shine to the golden-baked knots.

Glaze Ingredient	Amount
Confectioners’ Sugar	1 cup
Orange Blossom Water	1 tsp
Milk	2–3 tbsp

Discover great ideas like our cranberry-orange preserves recipe for spreading on breads or gifting during the holidays!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls

Making cranberry orange sweet rolls may sound fancy, but it’s totally doable with a little planning. Here’s how to bring this stunning recipe to life—from mixing the dough to drizzling the final glaze. Trust us, your kitchen will smell like a bakery in no time.

Preparing the yeast dough

Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, combine ¾ cup of warm milk (between 105°F–115°F), a tablespoon of sugar, and one packet of active dry yeast. Let this sit for 5 minutes until it turns frothy—a key sign the yeast is alive and ready to rise.

Meanwhile, in a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, mix the remaining sugar, melted butter, Greek yogurt, egg, vanilla extract, orange blossom water, and fresh orange zest. Once combined, add the remaining ¼ cup of warm milk and half of the flour.

After that, switch to the dough hook and pour in the yeast mixture. Continue adding the remaining flour gradually. Knead the dough on medium speed until it’s smooth and elastic—about 5 minutes. If the dough is sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it pulls away from the bowl.

Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough inside, cover it loosely, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour. It should double in size. Don’t miss our salted honey butter Parker House rolls for more irresistible dough recipes!

Cooking and blending the cranberry filling

While the dough rises, prepare the cranberry filling. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of cranberries, ½ cup of sugar, and enough water to cover the fruit by 1 inch. Bring it to a boil, then reduce to low and simmer for about 15 minutes, until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens.

Once done, transfer to a food processor. Add a tablespoon of softened butter and a splash of vanilla extract. Blend until smooth, then refrigerate until you’re ready to use it. This filling can be made days in advance, saving you time on the baking day.

Looking for a quick alternative? Check out our cranberry shortbread cookies for another fun way to enjoy cranberry flavor.

Rolling, twisting, and shaping into knots

Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down and let it rest for 5 minutes. Then, on a lightly floured surface, roll it out into a 21×13-inch rectangle.

Spread the cranberry filling evenly over the surface, then fold the dough in thirds like a business letter. You should now have a 13×7-inch rectangle.

Slice it lengthwise into 12 equal strips. Take each strip, twist it, and tie it into a knot, tucking the ends under to keep it neat. Place the shaped rolls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover loosely, and let them rise again for 30 minutes until puffy.

Check out our homemade pumpkin rolls for another creative holiday bread option.

Baking to golden perfection and glazing

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for 15–20 minutes or until they’re golden brown and set. While they’re still hot, drizzle with glaze made from 1 cup of confectioners’ sugar, 1 tsp orange blossom water, and just enough milk (2–3 tbsp) to get a pourable consistency.

Let them cool for about 10 minutes before serving. The result? Buttery soft rolls with ribbons of tangy cranberry and a citrusy-sweet finish that melts in your mouth.

Tips and Tricks for Best Results Every Time

Make-ahead and overnight prep options

One of the best things about cranberry orange sweet rolls is how well they fit into your holiday schedule. Want to serve them fresh in the morning without the fuss? Simply prepare the dough, shape the rolls, and place them on the baking sheet. Then cover and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, let them rest at room temperature for 1–2 hours before baking.

Freezing is also an option. You can freeze fully baked and cooled rolls for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw them overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven at 300°F until soft and heated through. Don’t miss our baked sweet potato recipe for another cozy make-ahead idea.

How to freeze and reheat the rolls

If you’re prepping these rolls for future events or want to make a big batch, here’s how to do it right:

• Freeze after baking: Once fully baked and cooled, wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container.
• Reheating: Thaw overnight and warm in the oven or microwave. If needed, add a touch of fresh glaze to revive that bakery-fresh look.

For unbaked rolls, freeze them right after shaping. When ready to bake, let them thaw and rise for a few hours before placing in the oven.

Ingredient swaps and variations

No orange blossom water? No problem. You can use orange extract or just increase the zest amount. Want a different filling? Swap the cranberries with raspberry or cherry preserves for a twist. For extra indulgence, add a handful of white chocolate chips inside the filling.

Want a crowd-pleasing twist on a traditional roll? Our Christmas fudge cake dessert offers another festive baking win.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Sweet Rolls

Troubleshooting yeast and dough consistency

A common mistake in baking sweet rolls is killing the yeast with milk that’s too hot. Make sure your milk is warm—not hot—between 105°F to 115°F. If the yeast doesn’t foam within 5 minutes, toss it and start again.

Another error is adding too much flour too fast. Add flour gradually and only until the dough pulls away from the sides. Overflouring can lead to dry, dense rolls.

Preventing soggy or undercooked centers

If the rolls are golden outside but doughy inside, you might be underbaking or crowding them on the tray. Space them out, and always bake in the center of a fully preheated oven. You can use a thermometer to check that the center reaches around 190°F.

Keeping the filling from leaking out

To keep the cranberry filling inside where it belongs, avoid overstuffing and seal the edges of the dough folds well. The knot shape helps hold the filling in better than traditional spirals.

For more tips on rich desserts with fillings, check out our magic brownie cookies recipe.

Nutrition, Storage, and Serving Ideas

Nutritional overview per serving

Each cranberry orange sweet roll contains about 335 calories, with 58g carbs, 8g fat, and 6g protein. While indulgent, they’re a satisfying treat that’s worth every bite—especially during the holidays.

Storage tips for freshness

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat before serving to restore softness.

Creative ways to serve or repurpose leftovers

Serve warm with a side of whipped cream or Greek yogurt. You can also slice leftover rolls into cubes, toast them lightly, and use them in a sweet breakfast casserole or bread pudding.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion: Bake a Batch of Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls This Season

There’s something magical about the aroma of cranberry orange sweet rolls wafting from the oven. Their festive flavors, tender crumb, and gorgeous presentation make them a must-bake this season. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or looking for a thoughtful gift, these rolls will delight every time. Want more ideas to fill your holiday table? Check out our Christmas cookie bars dessert for another sweet crowd-pleaser!

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