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Cranberry Citrus Cream Cheese Sweet Rolls

These soft and fluffy rolls are filled with a cream cheese mixture and delicious cranberry sauce, making them a delightful treat for any occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 packet instant yeast (about 2 ¼ tsp)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup cranberry sauce (preferably homemade or store-bought without gelatin)
  • 1 tbsp fresh orange zest
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
For the Glaze
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp milk (more as needed)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and instant yeast. Allow it to sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
  2. Add melted butter, salt, and flour. Mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
First Rise
  1. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm area until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Make the Filling
  1. In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cranberry sauce, orange zest, and granulated sugar. Stir until well blended.
Shape the Rolls
  1. After the dough has risen, roll it out into a rectangle (about 1/4-inch thick) on a floured surface. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough.
  2. Starting from one edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut it into even pieces (about 1-2 inches thick) and place them in a greased baking dish.
Second Rise
  1. Cover the rolls with a cloth and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes.
Bake
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Prepare the Glaze
  1. While they’re baking, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla in a bowl until smooth. Drizzle over the warm rolls after baking.

Notes

To keep your Cranberry Citrus Cream Cheese Sweet Rolls fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the rolls in a zip-lock bag for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a warm oven for a few minutes to regain their texture. A light sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of glaze makes them extra special again!