Depending on where in the world you are, you may or may not be experiencing a some festive feast or no weather. It is supposed to be 70 degrees here in New York today is beyond bizarre. But I just got off the phone with my family in Wisconsin and is a full blizzard there. Is it bad today I actually prefer the snow warm? Maybe I just feel a little nostalgic for my Wisconsin Christmas I've never failed before and mild weather is not really helping me get into the spirit here. I know that our Christmas will be quiet and pleasant, it's just all a bit weird.
anyway a small festive lunch like this can help stimulate the mind in the house. Maybe it's the smell of their cooking is incredible (how can you go wrong with cranberries, orange and spices?) Or perhaps the perfect red swirls coming out of the oven puffy and tender? Or just taste biting into a sweet bread with a cup of hot coffee sitting by the tree? Anyway this is so delicious- and just thinking about them makes me think it is cold and windy outside. (Meanwhile, I'll go put my flip flops;))
If you've read my blog for any amount of time - you know my obsession swirling with small breads of all kinds. I made this Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls in the fall, Savory Garlic Cheddear Swirl Buns few months earlier, and Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls in winter. Last holiday, the Salted Caramel Sticky Buns were our special breakfast on Christmas morning and now we have these beauties. They all come from the same base Recipe- my favorite 0- minute brown butter cinnamon Rolls I do all the time and clearly can not stop adapting. Maybe some time Lemon Raspberry Rolls soon? Buns Chocolate? OK- give me more ideas. I swirling Bun happy!
The filling of these rolls contain crushed fresh cranberries, lots of orange zest, brown sugar and some cinnamon and nutmeg. They are topped with a delicious orange frosting cream cheese that is perfectly gooey and orange-y. I like slathering on when they are still hot, so it can still be gooe-ier and find its way into every nook and cranny of the rollers. If you are looking for a special breakfast Christmas morning-look no further! Plus- they can be made and tested in advance so you just have to let them come to room temperature and bake in the morning!
I wish you a nice and wonderful week- hopefully with family, full of love and Holiday Cheer. I will cook in a few days! xoxo
- ¾ cup milk
- ¼ cup butter
- 3¼ cups all purpose
- 1 (0 25 ounce) package instant yeast of white sugar
- ¼ cup
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup water
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- zest of 1 large orange
- ¼ cinnamon teaspoon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 3 oz cream cheese, very soft
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2-4 tablespoons of orange juice
- 2 teaspoons orange zest
- heat the milk in a small saucepan until it bubbles, then remove from heat. Mix butter; stir until melted. Let cool
- In a large bowl, combine 2 ¼ cups flour, yeast, sugar and salt .; whisk together. Add water, egg and milk mixture; beat well with an electric mixer or by hand with a whisk.
- Add the remaining flour, ½ cup at a time, using a wooden spoon to mix well after each addition. (The dough will be too thick and sticky to use the mixer or whisk to this point.)
- When the dough has just pulled together, put it on a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth, about 5 minutes. (Dough will bounce light pressure.)
- Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let rest for 10 minutes
- in a food processor, combine the cranberries until they are in small coarse pieces but not pureed. (You can chop them very very small if you do not have a food processor.)
- Mix brown sugar and spices
- On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle 12x9 inches. (Use your 9x13 baking dish as a guide.) Using a pastry brush smear the dough with butter.
- Sprinkle the dough with the sugar mixture / spices and sprinkle on cranberries and zest. press gently so it does not fall when riding. Roll dough starting with one of the short ends and pinch seam to seal. Cut into 12 rolls of equal size and place in a 9x13 baking dish. Cover and let the rolls rise in a warm place until doubled, about 30-45 minutes. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (10 degrees C).
- Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes or until golden. Let cool for about 10 minutes, then spread them with icing. (Directions below) Serve warm
- Whisk the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar and continue mixing. Add a tablespoon of orange juice and zest and continue whisking. If icing seems thick, add more orange juice if necessary