Orange Cranberry Sweet Rolls

Ingredients:

For the dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Zest of 1 orange
• 2 large eggs

For the filling:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries

For the orange glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
• Zest of 1 orange (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour and yeast. In a separate bowl, mix together the warm milk, melted butter, sugar, salt, orange zest, and eggs. Add this wet mixture to the flour-yeast mixture and stir until well combined.
2. Gradually add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
4. While the dough is rising, prepare the filling by mixing the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and dried cranberries in a bowl. Set aside.
5. Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and roll it out into a rectangle, about 16×12 inches.
6. Spread the prepared filling evenly over the dough.
7. Starting from one long edge, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Slice the log into 12 equal-sized rolls.
8. Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, cover them loosely with a kitchen towel, and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, until they double in size.
9. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
10. Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
11. While the rolls are baking, prepare the orange glaze by mixing powdered sugar, freshly squeezed orange juice, and orange zest (if using) until smooth.
12. Once the rolls are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Drizzle the orange glaze over the warm rolls.

These orange cranberry sweet rolls are filled with delightful citrusy flavors and bursts of cranberry sweetness. Enjoy these delicious rolls for breakfast or as a delightful treat!