Delicious Cranberry Roll Recipe: How to Make the Perfect Holiday Treat

The cranberry roll recipe is a delightful and festive treat that is perfect for the holiday season. This recipe combines the tartness of cranberries with th……

The cranberry roll recipe is a delightful and festive treat that is perfect for the holiday season. This recipe combines the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of a soft, fluffy roll, creating a perfect balance of flavors that will impress your family and friends. Whether you are an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, this detailed guide will walk you through each step to ensure that your cranberry rolls turn out perfectly every time.

### Ingredients

To make the cranberry roll recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast

- 1/4 cup warm water (110°F)

- 1 cup milk

- 1/4 cup unsalted butter

- 1/4 cup granulated sugar

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 1 large egg

- 4 cups all-purpose flour

- 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries

- 1/2 cup brown sugar

- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

- 1/4 cup melted butter

### Instructions

#### Step 1: Preparing the Dough

1. **Activate the Yeast**: In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to use.

2. **Heat the Milk**: In a small saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it is warm but not boiling. Remove from heat and add the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and salt. Stir until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved. Let the mixture cool to lukewarm.

3. **Combine Ingredients**: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yeast mixture, milk mixture, and the egg. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Continue to add flour until a soft dough forms.

4. **Knead the Dough**: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, until it is smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

#### Step 2: Preparing the Filling

1. **Prepare the Cranberries**: If you are using fresh cranberries, rinse them and pat them dry. If using dried cranberries, you can soak them in hot water for about 10 minutes to plump them up, then drain and pat dry.

2. **Mix the Filling**: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Set aside.

#### Step 3: Assembling the Rolls

1. **Roll Out the Dough**: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, approximately 12x18 inches.

2. **Add the Filling**: Brush the melted butter over the surface of the dough. Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture evenly over the buttered dough, then sprinkle the cranberries on top.

3. **Roll the Dough**: Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it.

4. **Cut the Rolls**: Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 12 equal pieces. Place the rolls cut-side up in a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll to allow for rising.

#### Step 4: Baking the Rolls

1. **Let the Rolls Rise**: Cover the baking dish with a clean kitchen towel and let the rolls rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes, or until they have doubled in size.

2. **Preheat the Oven**: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

3. **Bake the Rolls**: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. If the rolls are browning too quickly, you can cover them with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.

#### Step 5: Finishing Touches

1. **Optional Glaze**: If you would like to add a glaze to your cranberry rolls, you can make a simple icing by mixing 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of milk or cream. Drizzle the icing over the warm rolls before serving.

2. **Serve and Enjoy**: Allow the rolls to cool slightly before serving. These cranberry rolls are best enjoyed warm and fresh out of the oven.

By following this cranberry roll recipe, you will create a delicious and festive treat that is perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion. The combination of tart cranberries and sweet, fluffy rolls is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. Happy baking!