Cranberry White Chocolate Rolls are delicious for Christmas morning or holiday brunch. If you love cinnamon rolls, these are sure to be a hit. Pumpkin rolls are great too!
Festive holiday sweet rolls made with dried cranberries, white chocolate, and a simple orange glaze. It’s similar to cranberry bliss bars but in a tasty bun.
These homemade cranberry buns are soft and fluffy. Tangy cranberries, creamy white chocolate, and a zesty orange glaze. The perfect blend of flavours that will have your family asking for more.
I love using cranberries in recipes, especially during the holidays. Cranberry sauce is a must for any holiday dinner. Holiday croissants are perfect for brunch. Cream cheese pinwheels are great for parties. The holiday treat tray always needs the addition of white chocolate cranberry cookies, they happen to be a favourite of Mrs. Claus.
Our family tradition of Christmas morning sandwiches will never change. These dried cranberry sweet rolls will surely appear for New Year’s Day brunch. Since they are such a hit, we will enjoy them at Easter too.
Making homemade bread from scratch is very rewarding. There is just something about the smell of the yeast that brings me back to my childhood in my baba’s kitchen. She made the best bread ever. These homemade cranberry buns are not difficult. They require a little time but are so worth the effort. The perfect breakfast roll pairs great with coffee or tea, and I even love them as a dessert too.
Cranberry Sweet Rolls Ingredients
These rolls are so rich and delicious. Ingredients are easy to find.
- flour
- yeast
- milk
- butter
- egg
- sugar and spice
- dried cranberries
- white chocolate
- orange juice and zest
Homemade Cranberry White Chocolate Rolls
If you are willing to put in a little time to make these, I assure you the results are worth the effort. What is great about this recipe is that the dough is super simple, and doesn’t require numerous proofs and only one rise. I found it on Sally’s Baking Addiction and am super happy with the results.
Full instructions are in the recipe card. Be sure to read the suggestions and recipe tips too.
- Prepare the dough.
- Let it sit for a few minutes while you prepare the filling.
- Roll the dough into a rectangle.
- Add the filling ingredients.
- Roll into a log.
- Cut and place in a baking pan and proof.
- Bake until golden.
- Glaze and enjoy!
Suggestions / Recipe Tips
If you like, you can prepare the dough ahead of time (like the night before). Just cover it with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge. Allow the dough to warm up for about 1 hour before using.
Instant yeast is easy to use and rises much faster. You can use dry active yeast if you prefer, but it will take a little longer to rise. Use the same amount of either kind. If your yeast does not foam it is too old. Milk temperature is important, if it is too hot or too cold, the yeast will not rise properly. The ideal temperature is around 100 – 110ºF.
Cardamon can be replaced with cinnamon or any other baking spice you like.
White chocolate and cranberries are a delicious pairing, especially during the holidays. I used Ferrero Rocher White Hazelnut bars for these cranberry buns. You can use any good quality white chocolate you like. White chocolate chips are also an option but will not be as creamy as good quality white chocolate bars.
The simple orange glaze is the perfect topping. You can replace it with a cream cheese frosting if you prefer.
These homemade sweet rolls can be served warm or at room temperature. Easily reheat them in a warm oven for a few minutes, or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds.
Store leftovers in a well-sealed container for about 3 days. For longer storage, place them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw before eating.
Dried cranberries are so versatile, here are a few delicious recipes you may like to try:
White Chocolate Cranberry Rolls
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour spooned and leveled
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup milk whole is best
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 ½ teaspoons quick rise yeast
- 1 egg large size
Filling Ingredients:
- ½ cup butter softened
- ¼ cup brown sugar packed
- 1 teaspoon cardamom
- 6 ounces white chocolate hazelnut bars chopped
- 3 ounces dried cranberries
Glaze Ingredients:
- 1 cup icing sugar
- ¼ teaspoon orange extract
- 3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
Instructions
Prepare The Dough:
- In a large bowl whisk the flour, sugar and salt together.
- In a glass container microwave the milk and butter until it reaches no higher than 110 degrees F.
- Whisk in the yeast until it is dissolved. Allow a few minutes for it to foam.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, and add the egg.
- Stir with a sturdy spoon until a soft dough forms.
- Place the dough on a lightly floured surface (using floured hands) and knead for about 5 minutes until it forms a smooth ball. If you find the dough sticky, add a bit more flour.
- Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover loosely with a kitchen towel and let it rest for about 10 minutes while you make the filling.
Prepare The Filling:
- In a bowl combine the softened butter, brown sugar and cardamon .
- Roughly chop the white chocolate bars on a cutting board.
- Place the cranberries in a small bowl.
Filling The Rolls:
- On a floured surface or silicone mat, roll out the dough into a rectangle about 14 x 8 inches.
- Spread the butter mixture on the dough, going right to the ends.
- Layer the chopped white chocolate evenly over the butter mixture.
- Sprinkle the craberries on top.
- Roll the dough from the long side into 14 inch log. Be sure to seal the long edge well.
- Cut the log into 12 pieces and place them in a 9 x 13 greased baking pan.
- Cover the pan with a kitchen towel, or plastic wrap and allow the buns to rise in a warm location for 90 minutes. They should double in size.
Baking The Rolls:
- Preheat the oven to 375ºF.
- Bake the rolls for about 25 minutes. If they are browning too quickly, cover the pan loosley with foil and continue baking until they are done.
- Remove from oven and place the pan on a wire rack.
Glaze The Rolls:
- Combine the icing sugar, orange juice and orange zest in a bowl.
- Using a fork, drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls.
- Allow the glaze to set, and enjoy!
Leave a Reply