Oh, let me tell you about these Cranberry Orange Dinner Rolls! They’re like a warm hug on a chilly day, bursting with flavor and just the right amount of sweetness. I remember the first time I made these for a family gathering; the aroma of fresh cranberries and zesty orange filled the kitchen, and everyone couldn’t wait to dig in! They’re perfect for any meal—imagine serving them alongside your holiday turkey or at a cozy Sunday dinner. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up, making them a fantastic addition to your baking repertoire. Trust me, once you try these rolls, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Dinner Rolls
Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful rolls. Make sure to gather everything before you start baking!
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (sifted for a lighter texture)
- 1/4 cup sugar (adjust to your sweet tooth!)
- 1 packet active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1 teaspoon salt (to balance the sweetness)
- 1/2 cup milk (warm to activate the yeast)
- 1/4 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best for flavor)
- 1/4 cup butter, melted (this adds richness)
- 1 egg (for binding and a lovely golden color)
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped (for that tart burst of flavor)
Trust me, these ingredients come together to create something truly special! You’ll want to use fresh cranberries if you can find them, as they give the best flavor and texture. Ready to get started?
How to Prepare Cranberry Orange Dinner Rolls
Now, let’s dive into making these scrumptious Cranberry Orange Dinner Rolls! I promise, the process is as delightful as the end result. Let’s get those hands a little doughy!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, grab a large mixing bowl and combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1 packet of active dry yeast, and 1 teaspoon of salt. This is your dry mixture, and it’s the foundation of your rolls!
- Next, in a small saucepan, gently heat 1/2 cup of milk, 1/4 cup of orange juice, and 1/4 cup of melted butter until it’s warm but not too hot—think baby-bottle warm. You don’t want to scald the yeast!
- Pour that warm mixture into your dry ingredients. It’s okay if it looks a bit messy; that just means you’re on the right track!
- Add in 1 egg and mix everything together until it’s well combined. You’ll want a nice, sticky dough. If it’s too dry, feel free to add a splash more milk!
- Now, it’s time to knead! Lightly flour your countertop and knead the dough for about 5 minutes. You want it to become smooth and elastic. Don’t skip this step—it’s essential for those rolls to rise beautifully!
- Once you’ve kneaded, fold in the 1 cup of chopped fresh cranberries. The dough will look gorgeous with those vibrant bits of color!
- Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour. It should double in size, so be patient!
- After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air and shape it into rolls. Place them in a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll for their second rise.
- Let the rolls rise again for about 30 minutes, then preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake those beauties for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown on top. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
And there you have it! These rolls are such a treat, fluffy and bursting with cranberry-orange goodness. I can hardly wait for you to try them!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- They’re irresistibly soft and fluffy, perfect for any meal.
- The combination of tart cranberries and zesty orange is a flavor explosion!
- Super easy to make, even for beginner bakers.
- They fill your kitchen with a delightful aroma as they bake.
- Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners.
- These rolls can be made ahead and stored for later enjoyment!
Tips for Success
To make sure your Cranberry Orange Dinner Rolls come out perfectly, here are a few tips I swear by! First, always check the expiration date on your yeast. If it’s expired, those rolls won’t rise, and we definitely don’t want sad rolls! Second, knead the dough just enough to develop that lovely elasticity—too much can make them tough. Also, don’t rush the rising times; they’re crucial for fluffy rolls! Finally, if your kitchen is cool, try placing the dough in a slightly warmed oven (turned off, of course) to help it rise better. Your patience will pay off, trust me!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Please note that the nutritional information provided for these Cranberry Orange Dinner Rolls is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands used. For the most accurate results, consider calculating based on your exact ingredients. Enjoy your baking adventure!
FAQ About Cranberry Orange Dinner Rolls
Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can! Just remember that dried cranberries are sweeter and won’t give you that delightful tartness. You might want to reduce the sugar a bit if you go this route!
How can I make these rolls ahead of time?
You can prepare the dough and shape the rolls, then place them in the fridge overnight. Let them come to room temperature and rise before baking the next day.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just wrap each roll tightly!
Can I substitute whole wheat flour?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that using whole wheat flour might make your rolls a bit denser, but they’ll still be delicious!
Why aren’t my rolls rising?
If your rolls aren’t rising, it could be due to old yeast or not enough warmth in your kitchen. Make sure your yeast is fresh and give them plenty of time to rise!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve devoured a few of these amazing Cranberry Orange Dinner Rolls, you might have some leftovers (if you’re lucky!). To store them, simply place the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw at room temperature or reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. They’ll be just as fluffy and delicious as the first day!
Cranberry Orange Bread Pudding is another delightful way to use cranberries in your baking.
Check out our blog for more delicious recipes and tips!
Peach Cobbler is a great dessert to serve alongside these rolls for a complete meal experience.
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Cranberry Orange Dinner Rolls: 7 Steps to Warm Bliss
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious cranberry orange dinner rolls perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 egg
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- In a saucepan, heat milk, orange juice, and butter until warm.
- Add the warm mixture to the dry ingredients.
- Stir in the egg and mix until combined.
- Knead the dough for about 5 minutes.
- Fold in the chopped cranberries.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
- Shape into rolls and place in a baking dish.
- Let rolls rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes.
Notes
- Use fresh cranberries for the best flavor.
- Adjust sugar based on your taste preference.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Cranberry Orange Dinner Rolls