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Light & Fluffy Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe (Easy Homemade!)

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These light & fluffy cranberry orange sweet rolls are made with fresh cranberries and a secret ingredient—cottage cheese in the dough—for the most tender, pillowy crumb. Topped with a tangy orange cream cheese glaze, they’re perfect for holiday mornings or cozy weekends.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
  • ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ cup (120ml) whole milk, warmed to 110°F
  • ¼ cup (60ml) water, warmed to 110°F
  • ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • ¼ cup (60g) cottage cheese, blended until smooth
  • 1 ½ cups (170g) fresh cranberries, roughly chopped
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp orange zest (about 2 large oranges)
  • 1 tbsp fresh orange juice
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups (180g) powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
  • 1 tsp orange zest
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Bloom the yeast: In the bowl of your stand mixer, combine the warm milk, warm water, and 1 tablespoon of the sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for 5-7 minutes until it’s foamy.
  2. Make the dough: Add the remaining sugar, melted butter, egg, blended cottage cheese, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix on low speed with the dough hook until combined. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead: Increase speed to medium and knead for 6-8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. It should pull away from the sides of the bowl but still feel slightly tacky. If it’s too sticky, add flour 1 tablespoon at a time. Too dry? Add warm water 1 teaspoon at a time.
  4. First rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for 60-75 minutes, until doubled in size.
  5. Prepare the filling: While the dough rises, mix the chopped cranberries, sugar, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla in a small bowl. Let it sit so the flavors mingle.
  6. Roll out the dough: After the first rise, punch the dough down gently. Turn it onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it into a 12×18-inch rectangle, about ¼-inch thick.
  7. Add the filling: Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough. Spoon the cranberry mixture over the butter, spreading it to the edges. Leave a 1-inch border on one long side so you can seal the roll.
  8. Roll and cut: Starting from the long side opposite the border, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seam to seal. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 12 equal pieces.
  9. Second rise: Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, cut side up. Cover with plastic wrap and let them rise for 30-40 minutes, until puffy and touching each other.
  10. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 22-28 minutes, until golden brown on top. The internal temperature should reach 190°F. Let them cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
  11. Make the glaze: While the rolls cool, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, then the orange juice, zest, and salt. Whisk until silky.
  12. Glaze and serve: Pour the glaze over the warm rolls and spread it gently. Serve warm.

Notes

Temperature matters: milk and water should be around 110°F. Don’t over-flour your surface. Blend cottage cheese until completely smooth. Watch the second rise—rolls should be puffy and just touching. Fresh cranberries give firmer texture; if using frozen, thaw and drain well. For make-ahead: assemble through step 8, refrigerate overnight, then let sit at room temperature 30-45 minutes before baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry orange sweet rolls, homemade sweet rolls, breakfast pastry, holiday brunch, yeast rolls, cream cheese glaze

Find it online: https://fizzlefork.com/light-and-fluffy-cranberry-orange-sweet-rolls-recipe-easy-homemade/