Ingredients:

  • cup Whole Milk (warmed)
  • ¼ teaspoons Active Dry Yeast
  • ¼ cup Granulated Sugar
  • Large Eggs (room temperature)
  • tablespoons Unsalted Butter (melted and cooled)
  • ½ cups All-Purpose Flour
  • teaspoon Fine Sea Salt
  • ½ cups Fresh or Frozen Cranberries
  • ½ cup Brown Sugar (Lightly Packed)
  • Zest of 1 large Orange
  • tablespoon Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice
  • teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
  • teaspoon Cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water
  • oz Cream Cheese (softened)
  • tablespoons Unsalted Butter (softened)
  • ½ cups Powdered Sugar (sifted)
  • tablespoons Maple Syrup (Real Grade A)
  • ½ teaspoon Vanilla Extract

Instructions:

  1. Activate the Yeast: Combine warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of the granulated sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
  2. Mix the Dough: In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the remaining sugar, eggs, melted butter, and the yeast mixture. Gradually add the flour and salt. Mix until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
  3. Knead & First Proof: Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth. Place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled (approx. 1 to 1.5 hours).
  4. Prepare the Filling: While the dough rises, simmer cranberries, brown sugar, orange zest/juice, and spices in a small saucepan until berries begin to pop (about 5-7 minutes). Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened slightly. Cool completely.
  5. Roll and Spread: Punch down the risen dough. Roll out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle (approx. 12x18 inches). Spread the cooled cranberry filling evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border on the long edge.
  6. Roll and Slice: Tightly roll the dough lengthwise into a log. Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut the log into 12 equal pieces.
  7. Second Proof: Arrange the rolls cut-side up in a prepared 9x13 inch baking dish. Cover loosely and let rise again until puffy (approx. 30-40 minutes).
  8. Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 22-28 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the centers are set.
  9. Glaze: While the rolls are cooling slightly, whisk together all glaze ingredients (cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, maple syrup, vanilla) until smooth. Drizzle generously over the warm swirls.