Irresistible Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls with White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting: Your Ultimate Holiday Breakfast Treat
Imagine waking up to the most delightful aroma drifting from your kitchen – the sweet, warm, and inviting scent of freshly baked Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls with White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting. This isn’t just a dream; it’s the reality that will gently coax everyone out of bed, eagerly anticipating a festive breakfast and ready to celebrate the magic of Christmas morning. These rolls are more than just a pastry; they’re a centerpiece of holiday cheer, promising soft, tender bites and a burst of vibrant flavor that will make your festive gatherings unforgettable.
There’s a universal appeal to a perfectly crafted sweet roll. Its soft, pillowy texture, the delicate yeasty bread embracing a luscious, jam-like filling, and then crowned with a rich, sweet frosting – what’s not to adore? For many, including our family, sweet rolls have become a cherished Christmas tradition. The beauty of these delightful treats lies not only in their incredible taste but also in their endless versatility. With countless possibilities for fillings and frostings, you’ll never grow tired of experimenting, ensuring there’s always a new favorite to discover each season.
One of the greatest advantages, especially during the busy holiday season, is the convenience these rolls offer. The dough can be prepared a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator, ready for you to bake and serve when the moment is just right. This make-ahead option is a true lifesaver, allowing you to enjoy a stress-free morning without compromising on homemade goodness. You simply can’t beat the ease of fresh, warm rolls without the early morning rush!
Why Sweet Rolls are a Holiday Breakfast Staple
Picture this: the twinkling lights of the Christmas tree, the joyous laughter of family, and the first bite into a warm, sticky, homemade sweet roll. This moment, coupled with a steaming hot cup of coffee or perhaps a rich hot chocolate, epitomizes pure holiday bliss. These Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls are designed to elevate that experience, transforming your Christmas morning into an even more magical affair. They’re not just breakfast; they’re a treasured memory in the making, a sweet ritual that brings everyone together.
Crafting these delectable rolls relies heavily on the quality of your ingredients, especially the yeast. We’ve found that Red Star Yeast plays an indispensable role in achieving their signature soft, tender, and airy texture. When you’re venturing into the world of yeast dough, the “rise” is paramount. A successful rise guarantees that your rolls will bake up big, fluffy, and incredibly light, creating that melt-in-your-mouth experience everyone craves.
Embracing the Cranberry-Orange Obsession
This year, the vibrant and festive pairing of cranberry and orange has truly captivated our culinary imagination. While autumn saw us fully immersed in pumpkin-spiced delights, the holiday season has undeniably ushered in a glorious reign of cranberry and orange. There’s something undeniably special about the tartness of cranberries balanced by the bright, zesty sweetness of oranges. This combination isn’t just delicious; it’s intrinsically linked with holiday cheer, making it perfect for seasonal treats.
Our love for this flavor profile has manifested in various forms, proving its incredible versatility. From refreshing sips like Cranberry Orange Sangria to wholesome breakfast options such as Cranberry Orange Granola, and even savory sides like Cranberry Orange Rice Pilaf – we’ve truly embraced cranberry orange in “all the things.” But rest assured, this recipe for sweet rolls is truly the culmination of this delightful obsession. It captures the essence of the pairing in a way that feels both comforting and celebratory, promising to be the grand finale of our cranberry-orange journey, at least for now. Cross our hearts!
Effortless Filling: A Holiday Shortcut You’ll Love
The filling for these Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls is ingeniously simple to prepare, designed to save you precious time without compromising on flavor. Now, before you pass judgment, let me reveal my secret weapon for holiday efficiency: a can of prepared whole-berry cranberry sauce from the grocery store. While you are absolutely encouraged to use your favorite homemade cranberry sauce recipe if time allows, I’ve found that embracing a few smart shortcuts during the bustling holiday season is key to maintaining sanity and enjoying the festivities more.
The magic happens when this convenient base is elevated with fresh, vibrant flavors. We take the zest of one whole orange and a touch of vanilla extract, mixing them thoroughly into the cranberry sauce. This simple addition transforms the canned sauce into a bright, aromatic, and almost homemade-tasting filling. This luscious mixture is then generously smeared over the rolled-out dough, which has been first drizzled with fragrant melted butter – a step that adds an incredible richness and moisture. A final sprinkle of a quarter cup of brown sugar over the cranberry layer adds a hint of caramel sweetness and ensures a wonderfully sticky, caramelized bottom once baked. It’s a combination that truly sings, and it’s that simple to achieve!
The Decadent White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting
No sweet roll is complete without a truly exceptional frosting, and this White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting with a subtle hint of orange zest is nothing short of heavenly. It’s the crowning glory that ties all the delightful flavors and textures together. Imagine a smooth, tangy cream cheese base, enriched with the luxurious sweetness of melted white chocolate, and then brightened with a fresh burst of orange zest and a touch of orange juice. This frosting is creamy, dreamy, and utterly irresistible.
The texture is perfectly spreadable, allowing you to slather it on thick – and trust us, you’ll want to! Each bite offers that perfect balance: the tender, yeasty bread, the sweet-tart cranberry orange filling, and then the cool, rich, and slightly tangy white chocolate cream cheese frosting. It creates an explosion of flavors and sensations that will have you reaching for another roll almost instantly. Go ahead, spread it on generously and truly “go to town” with this amazing topping; it’s what makes these rolls truly spectacular.
Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls with White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting
These Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls with White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting are an absolute delight, baking up incredibly soft, tender, and rich with buttery goodness. Infused with bright cranberry and zesty orange, and topped with a luxurious white chocolate cream cheese frosting, they are the quintessential morning treat, perfect for holidays and special occasions.
Yield: 10 servings
Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
Prep Time: 6 hours
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
Dough
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup canola oil
- 1 package Red Star Quick Rise Yeast
- 4 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Filling
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or canned whole berry)
- 2 teaspoons orange zest
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
Frosting
- 6 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips, melted and cooled slightly
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1 tablespoon orange juice
Directions:
- In a large pot over medium-low heat, whisk together milk, sugar, and oil. Using a candy thermometer, heat the milk to 120 degrees F. Sprinkle the yeast over the top of the warm milk mixture. Stir in 3 1/2 cups of flour. Take off the heat. Cover the pot with a towel and allow to rest, undisturbed, for 1 hour. This initial rest period allows the yeast to activate and begin its magical work, creating pockets of air that contribute to the dough’s incredible softness.
- Add the remaining 1 cup of flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda to the mixture. Stir until thoroughly combined to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed. Place the lid securely on the pot and refrigerate until the mixture is completely cool, which makes the dough much easier to handle and roll. This step should take at least 4 hours, but for best results and maximum convenience, chilling it overnight is highly recommended. The cold dough is less sticky and more pliable, perfect for shaping.
- When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Prepare your baking pan by buttering a 9-inch-by-13-inch baking pan, or if you prefer round rolls, two 9-inch pie plates or round cake pans. Ensure the butter coats the entire surface to prevent sticking and add a lovely golden crust.
- In a small bowl, combine the cranberry sauce with the vibrant orange zest. Whisk these two ingredients together until the zest is evenly incorporated, infusing the sauce with a bright, citrusy aroma that perfectly complements the cranberries.
- Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a large, even rectangle, approximately 18 inches long and 10 inches wide. This size ensures uniform rolls. Generously brush the entire surface of the rolled dough with 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter. Then, using a rubber spatula, spread the prepared cranberry mixture evenly over the buttered dough, reaching almost to the edges. Finish by sprinkling the 1/4 cup of brown sugar evenly over the cranberry layer.
- Starting from the side furthest from you, carefully and tightly roll the dough towards you, creating a snug log. Once rolled, pinch the seam firmly to seal the dough. Turn the dough over so the sealed seam faces your work surface. To ensure perfect rolls, slice off and discard about half an inch from each end of the log (these ends often don’t have enough filling). Then, slice the remaining log into 2-inch thick rolls. Place these rolls cut-side down into your prepared baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll for them to expand as they rise and bake.
- Cover the baking dish loosely with a clean kitchen towel and allow the rolls to rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 30 minutes. This final rise will make them plump and light. After rising, place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the tops are beautifully golden brown and the rolls are cooked through. Remove the rolls from the oven and allow them to cool slightly in the pan for about 20 minutes before frosting.
- While the rolls are cooling, prepare your decadent frosting. Add the softened cream cheese and sifted powdered sugar to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or use a large bowl with a handheld mixer). Beat on medium speed until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, with no lumps. With the mixer on low speed, slowly drizzle in the melted and slightly cooled white chocolate, allowing it to incorporate fully. Finally, add the vanilla bean paste, fresh orange zest, and a tablespoon of orange juice; mix until just combined and smooth. Spread this luscious frosting generously over the slightly cooled rolls. Serve immediately to enjoy them at their absolute best.
All images and text ©One Sweet Mess.
There you have it – a recipe designed not just to feed, but to delight and create lasting holiday memories. These Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls with White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting are truly a labor of love, but one that is incredibly rewarding. The soft, buttery texture, the festive burst of cranberry and orange, and the luxurious, tangy-sweet frosting combine to make an unforgettable breakfast or brunch item. We hope you cherish making and sharing these rolls as much as we do. Enjoy every sweet, sticky, and utterly delicious bite!
Disclosure: This recipe was developed for the lovely folks at Red Star Yeast. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting my recipes and site while I work with brands I adore.