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·5 from 7 reviews

If you’re craving a sweet, fragrant treat that feels like a warm hug in pastry form, I’m about to share something you’ll love. This Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe combines the zingy brightness of fresh oranges with the tart pop of cranberries all wrapped up in soft, buttery dough. It’s one of those recipes that fills your kitchen with amazing smells and makes everyone eager to grab one right out of the pan. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll want to bake them again and again!

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect balance of flavors: The tangy cranberries and zesty orange complement the sweet dough beautifully without overpowering it.
Soft, tender dough: Using instant yeast and a good kneading time ensures these rolls are fluffy and pillowy every time.
Flexible and forgiving: Whether you bake them fresh, make ahead, or freeze, these rolls keep their texture and flavor wonderfully.
Show-stopping presentation: The bright cranberry filling peeks out in every spiral, making them as pretty as they are delicious.

Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls, citrus cranberry breakfast rolls, fluffy cranberry orange pastry, easy sweet rolls with cranberries, holiday orange cranberry baked goods - 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

Every ingredient in this Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe plays a special role, creating that perfect harmony of flavor and texture you’ll want to savor. I always recommend using fresh oranges for that unmistakable brightness, and fresh cranberries give the filling a lovely tang and pop.

Milk: Warm milk softens the dough and activates the yeast for fluffy rolls.
Salted butter: Adds richness and moisture to the dough and filling.
Rapid rise yeast: Helps the dough rise quickly without fuss.
Flour: The backbone that gives structure but keeping it to 4 cups keeps the rolls soft.
White sugar: Sweetens the dough just enough without overwhelming.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Orange zest: Key to the joyful citrus aroma in both dough and filling.
Large egg: Adds richness and helps bind the dough ingredients.
Butter (for filling): Soften it well, so it spreads smoothly over the dough.
Granulated sugar (for filling): Sweetens the orange butter mixture nicely.
Cranberries: Fresh is best for tangy bursts; frozen works in a pinch but thaw first.
Orange juice and zest (for cranberry filling): Boost the citrus flavor and give that beautiful zing.
Spices (cinnamon, clove, nutmeg): Warm spices deepen the flavor, making the rolls cozy and festive.
Powdered sugar: Makes the glaze silky smooth for drizzling.
Vanilla extract: Adds subtle depth and warmth to the glaze.

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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.

Make It Your Way

One of the reasons I love this Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe is how easy it is to tweak the flavors or adapt it for different occasions. You can make it as bright and fresh as you want or cozy things up with warming spices.

Variation: I sometimes swap fresh cranberries for dried cherries or blueberries when cranberries aren’t in season, and it turns out great with a touch less sugar.
Dietary adjustment: For a dairy-free version, use almond or oat milk and coconut oil instead of butter—your rolls will still be moist and tasty.
Extra flair: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cranberry filling for some crunch and nuttiness.

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

Step 1: Cook Your Cranberry Filling with Love

Start by combining the cranberries, sugar, orange zest and juice, plus the warming spices in a saucepan set over medium-high heat. It’ll bubble and pop as the berries burst — keep stirring so nothing sticks or burns. I like to simmer it gently afterward until thickened, about 10 to 15 minutes. You want it spreadable but not too runny. This step fills your kitchen with such a wonderful aroma—it’ll have you ready to start rolling before your dough is even done!

Step 2: Warm Milk, Melt Butter & Activate Yeast

Heat the milk and butter together until the butter melts and the milk feels warm — think cozy but not hot to the touch. Add your yeast and let it sit for a couple of minutes. You’ll see it start to froth just a little, showing that magic is happening.

Step 3: Mix Your Dough and Knead to Perfection

Put your dry ingredients (flour, sugar, salt) in your mixer’s bowl—reserve 1 cup of flour for later. Pour in the milk mixture and crack in the egg. Mix with the paddle attachment until everything comes together, then stir in that lovely orange zest. Switch to the dough hook and slowly add the remaining flour while mixing well. Then, knead on medium speed for a full 5 minutes to get a smooth, soft dough that’s just a bit sticky. Trust me — it pays off in soft rolls!

Step 4: Spread, Roll & Cut

Lightly flour your surface and roll the dough out into a long rectangle. Spread the orange butter filling evenly over the surface, then carefully spoon the cranberry filling on top. Don’t worry about using it all—you want enough to taste, but not so much that it oozes everywhere when rolling. Roll it up tightly, like a cinnamon roll, pinching the edges to seal. Pro tip: keep a paper towel nearby for sticky spots—you’ll thank me later!

Step 5: Rise & Bake

Slice your roll log into 1½-inch thick pieces and place them snugly in a greased baking dish. Cover with a towel and set in a warm spot—my go-to is right next to my preheating oven; the gentle heat helps them puff up beautifully. After about an hour of rising, bake at 350°F for 20-30 minutes until golden and cooked through.

Step 6: Drizzle Your Orange Glaze

While the rolls bake, whisk together your glaze ingredients. Adding melted butter, powdered sugar, orange juice, zest, and vanilla gives the glaze a silky texture that’s tangy and sweet. Drizzle generously over the warm rolls for that perfect finishing touch.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Warm Milk Temperature: I use my wrist to test—warm like a baby’s bath, around 110°F is just right to activate yeast without killing it.
Don’t Skimp on Kneading: The extra 5 minutes in the mixer makes these rolls tender and fluffy, so don’t rush this step.
Keep a Paper Towel Handy: Rolling with juicy cranberry filling is wonderfully messy; a towel helps keep your hands and counters clean.
Rise in a Warm Spot: Setting the covered rolls near the oven while it preheats gives consistent warmth, improving the rise and final texture.

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple with a drizzle of the orange glaze and sometimes a sprinkle of extra orange zest on top for a fresh pop of color and aroma. When I’m feeling fancy, a few fresh whole cranberries or a light dusting of powdered sugar give these rolls a festive look—perfect for holiday brunches or special family breakfasts.

Side Dishes

For a balanced breakfast or brunch, I love pairing these rolls with a green salad lightly dressed in citrus vinaigrette or some creamy scrambled eggs. A simple cup of hot coffee or orange juice complements the citrus notes perfectly, keeping the focus on these stars of the table.

Creative Ways to Present

For an extra-special occasion, arrange the rolls in a circular pattern on a round baking dish to create a “flower” effect. Adding edible flowers or fresh herbs like mint around the edges adds a lovely touch. I once made these for a friend’s bridal shower and drizzled extra glaze while still warm so the topping pooled gently between the rolls—fancy yet cozy!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover rolls keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days. If your kitchen is warm, I prefer storing them in the fridge to keep the dough from getting too soft. Just bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.

Freezing

One of my favorite hacks is to freeze these rolls unbaked as individual portions or as a whole assembled pan. Wrap them tightly in plastic and foil, then thaw in the fridge overnight. The day you want to serve, simply let them rise a bit at room temp before baking. This works just as well for already baked rolls too—freeze, thaw, and warm for fresh-from-the-oven joy any time!

Reheating

I reheat rolls wrapped loosely in foil at 300°F for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps them soft and moist without drying them out. If I’m in a hurry, a quick 20-second zap in the microwave (covered to avoid drying) also works wonders.

FAQs

Can I make the cranberry filling ahead of time?

Absolutely! The cranberry filling can be prepared up to three days in advance and stored in the fridge. Just warm it slightly before spreading on the dough to make it easier to work with.
What if I don’t have fresh cranberries?

Frozen cranberries work well too. Just thaw and drain excess water before cooking the filling. They may require a slightly longer simmer to thicken properly.
Can I use regular active dry yeast instead of rapid rise yeast?

You can, but the rising time will be longer. Be sure to proof active dry yeast in warm milk until bubbly before mixing, and allow the dough to rise in a warmer place for about 1.5 to 2 hours.
How do I prevent the cranberry filling from leaking during baking?

Spread the filling in a thinner, even layer and avoid overfilling. Rolling the dough tightly and pinching the edge securely also helps keep the filling contained.

Final Thoughts

These Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls have become one of my favorite treats to bake when I want something festive but still comforting. They’re a little sticky, a lot delicious, and always a hit with friends and family. If you’re looking for a recipe that brings a bright pop of flavor together with soft, tender dough and a gorgeous presentation, this one’s a winner. I really can’t wait for you to make these rolls and experience that same joy—the kitchen smells alone make it worth every minute. Give this recipe a try; I promise it’ll become a favorite go-to for seasons to come!