Name: Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls: The Best Holiday Breakfast Treat
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: PT-491664H24M47S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 cup warm milk; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 large egg; 1 tbsp orange zest; ; 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 1 tbsp orange juice; ; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2–3 tbsp fresh orange juice; 1/2 tsp orange zest

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Tired of the same ordinary breakfast options during the festive season? When winter mornings call for something special, nothing brightens the kitchen like the aroma of homemade pastries swirling with tangy cranberry and zesty orange. As someone who has spent years perfecting holiday baking recipes, I’ve discovered that these Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls consistently bring joy to holiday gatherings and family brunches.

These sweet rolls promise pillowy-soft centers with a perfect balance of tart cranberries and bright citrus, all crowned with a luscious orange glaze that melts into every crevice. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas morning brunch or seeking a special weekend breakfast treat, these rolls deliver both impressive presentation and unforgettable flavor.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through selecting the best ingredients, preparing the perfect dough, creating that signature cranberry-orange filling, and mastering the baking process. You’ll also find make-ahead options, serving suggestions, and troubleshooting tips for sweet roll success.

Why These Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls Work

● Uses simple pantry staples combined with seasonal cranberries
● Can be prepped the night before for stress-free holiday mornings
● Versatile enough for casual family breakfasts or elegant holiday brunches
● Balances sweet, tart, and citrus flavors for a sophisticated taste profile
● Provides that “wow factor” presentation with minimal decorating skills needed

Choosing the Right Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls

Best Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Flavor

The magic of these rolls depends heavily on using quality cranberries and oranges. Fresh cranberries provide the best tart punch, though frozen (thawed and drained) work wonderfully too. For oranges, seek out vibrant, heavy fruits with thin skins—they typically contain more juice and essential oils in the zest.

Buying Tips

Look for firm cranberries that bounce when dropped (a classic test for freshness). For oranges, Cara Cara or navel varieties offer wonderful sweetness to balance the tart cranberries. When possible, choose organic oranges since you’ll be using the zest.

Substitutions

No fresh cranberries? You can substitute dried cranberries rehydrated in orange juice for 30 minutes. For a different citrus twist, substitute tangerines or clementines for oranges—just increase the quantity since they’re smaller.

Ingredients & Prep for Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls

Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls: The Best Holiday Breakfast Treat

Dough Essentials

4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup butter, melted
1 cup whole milk, warmed
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 tablespoons orange zest

Cranberry-Orange Filling

2 cups fresh cranberries
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup butter, softened
2 tablespoons orange zest
1 tablespoon orange juice
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Orange Glaze

2 cups powdered sugar
3-4 tablespoons fresh orange juice
1 teaspoon orange zest
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

If you’re looking for another delicious meal option to complement these sweet rolls, check out my Creamy Ricotta Chicken Orzo One-Skillet Dinner for a satisfying savory balance.

Step-by-Step Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls Instructions

Pre-Cooking Prep for Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls

Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together melted butter, warm milk, eggs, and orange zest. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
Knead the dough: Turn onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled.
Prepare filling: While dough rises, pulse cranberries in a food processor until coarsely chopped. Mix with sugars, softened butter, orange zest, orange juice, and cinnamon until well combined.

Rolling and Shaping Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls

Roll out dough: On a floured surface, roll dough into a 16×12 inch rectangle.
Add filling: Spread cranberry-orange mixture evenly across dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border along one long edge.
Roll and slice: Starting with the long edge (without the border), roll dough into a tight log. Cut into 12 equal rolls using dental floss or a sharp knife.
Second rise: Place rolls in a greased 9×13 baking dish, cover, and let rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy.

Baking Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Tent with foil halfway through if tops are browning too quickly.
For the glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, orange juice, zest, and vanilla until smooth.
Let rolls cool for 5-10 minutes before drizzling with glaze.

Resting and Serving Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls

Allow the glazed rolls to rest for an additional 5 minutes before serving. This gives the glaze time to set slightly and the flavors to meld.

For more recipe inspiration and holiday baking ideas, check out my Pinterest collection where you’ll find dozens of festive breakfast treats perfect for the season.

Pro Tips for Perfect Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls

Avoiding Common Sweet Roll Mistakes

Dough too sticky? Add flour one tablespoon at a time during kneading.
Rolls not rising? Check your yeast expiration date and ensure your rising environment is warm (around 75°F).
Filling leaking out? Make sure to leave that border when spreading filling and roll tightly.
Rolls too dry? Bake just until golden—overbaking is the main culprit for dry rolls.

Tool Recommendations

A stand mixer with dough hook makes the kneading process effortless
Microplane grater for getting the most flavorful zest without bitter pith
Dental floss (unflavored) for clean, non-squished cuts through the roll
Digital thermometer—rolls are perfectly done at 190°F internal temperature

Make-Ahead Options

Overnight rise: After placing rolls in the baking dish, cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. Let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
Freezer option: Freeze unbaked rolls after first rise, thaw overnight in refrigerator before second rise and baking.

Flavor Variations for Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls

Seasonal Twists

Variation	Filling Additions	Glaze Modifications
Winter Spice	Add 1 tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp nutmeg, pinch of cloves	Stir in ¼ tsp cinnamon
Maple Cranberry	Substitute ¼ cup maple syrup for some sugar	Use maple syrup in glaze
Cranberry Almond	Add ½ cup chopped almonds	Add ¼ tsp almond extract to glaze
Cranberry White Chocolate	Sprinkle ½ cup white chocolate chips	Add melted white chocolate to glaze

Dietary Adaptations

Gluten-Free Option: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and add 1 tablespoon of xanthan gum.
Vegan Version: Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and egg replacer in the dough.
Reduced Sugar: Cut sugar by ¼ cup in filling and sweeten with a few drops of liquid stevia.

Serving Suggestions for Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls

Pair with a cranberry mimosa or spiced apple cider for festive holiday brunches
Serve alongside a fruit salad with winter citrus for balance
Create a breakfast board with Greek yogurt, granola, and these sweet rolls as the centerpiece
For a full breakfast spread, add scrambled eggs and roasted breakfast potatoes

These sweet rolls shine when served warm. If made ahead, reheat individual rolls in the microwave for 15-20 seconds before serving.

FAQs About Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes! Rehydrate 1½ cups of dried cranberries in hot orange juice for 30 minutes, then drain well before using in the filling. The flavor will be sweeter and less tart than with fresh cranberries.

Why didn’t my dough rise properly?

Check that your yeast is fresh and that your milk wasn’t too hot (which can kill the yeast). The ideal temperature for the milk is 105-110°F. Also ensure your rising environment is sufficiently warm.

Can I make these without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! Mix with a wooden spoon until combined, then knead by hand on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

How do I store leftover sweet rolls?

Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate up to 5 days. Reheat individual rolls in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.

Conclusion

These Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls bring the perfect balance of tangy fruit and warm spices to your holiday breakfast table. The vibrant cranberry filling and bright orange glaze create an unforgettable morning treat that’s sure to become a seasonal tradition in your home.

The beauty of these rolls is in their versatility—make them ahead for stress-free holiday mornings or whip them up for a special weekend breakfast. Either way, they’ll fill your home with the most inviting aroma and deliver that “special occasion” feeling with every bite.

Don’t forget to share your creations on social media and tag me—I love seeing how these rolls brighten your holiday season! And if you enjoyed this recipe, you’ll also love my Creamy Ricotta Chicken Orzo for a delicious dinner option.

Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls: The Best Holiday Breakfast Treat