Indulge your senses with the heavenly aroma of freshly baked **Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls** that will transform your breakfast or brunch into a delightful experience! Imagine biting into a warm, fluffy roll, bursting with the tangy sweetness of cranberries and the zesty brightness of orange, all perfectly complemented by a luscious orange cardamom icing. This recipe is not just a treat for your taste buds; it's a showstopper that will leave your guests asking for seconds! Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, these sweet rolls are surprisingly easy to make and are guaranteed to impress. Ready to elevate your baking game? Let’s dive into this delectable recipe!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
- 2 tbsp orange juice (for icing)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Whisk dry ingredients together until well blended.
- In a separate medium bowl, mix melted butter, milk, and egg until smooth. Add orange zest and stir to incorporate.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
- Gently fold in chopped cranberries and ground cardamom, distributing evenly throughout the dough.
- Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently for 2-3 minutes until it becomes smooth and slightly elastic.
- Roll the dough into a rectangular shape, approximately 12x9 inches, using a rolling pin.
- Cut the rolled dough into 12 equal-sized rolls using a sharp knife or pastry cutter.
- Place rolls in the prepared baking pan, leaving a small space between each roll.
- Bake in preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- While rolls are baking, prepare the orange cardamom icing by mixing powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth.
- Remove rolls from oven and let cool for 10 minutes before drizzling with orange cardamom icing.
- Serve warm and enjoy the delightful combination of cranberry and orange flavors.
Tips
- Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh cranberries. If you can’t find them, frozen cranberries can work too—just make sure to thaw and drain them before use.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until the dough comes together. Overmixing can lead to dense rolls instead of light and fluffy ones.
- Knead Gently: Knead the dough gently for just a few minutes. This helps develop the gluten without making the rolls tough.
- Perfect Roll Size: Use a sharp knife or pastry cutter to ensure even-sized rolls. This helps them bake uniformly and ensures everyone gets a perfectly baked roll.
- Baking Time: Keep an eye on your rolls as they bake. Ovens can vary, so check for doneness a minute or two before the recommended baking time.
- Icing Consistency: Adjust the consistency of your orange cardamom icing by adding more powdered sugar for thickness or more orange juice for a thinner glaze, depending on your preference.
- Serve Warm: These rolls are best enjoyed warm right out of the oven. If you have leftovers, gently reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds to bring back their softness. With these tips, you’ll be on your way to creating the most delightful cranberry orange sweet rolls that everyone will love!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 40mg
