Instructions

1. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that the rolls bake evenly and thoroughly.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/2 cup of sugar. Mix well to distribute the sugar evenly throughout the flour.
3. Add 1/4 cup of softened butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, blend the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of milk and 1 egg until well combined. Then, add 1 tablespoon of orange zest to the mixture for a burst of citrus flavor.
5. Pour the wet ingredients into the flour mixture. Stir gently until the dough begins to come together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the rolls tough.
6. Once the dough is formed, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough gently for about 1-2 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
7. Roll the dough into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick. This will help create layers in your sweet rolls.
8. Spread the dough with a thin layer of softened butter, then sprinkle with additional sugar if desired. You can also add more orange zest for extra flavor at this stage.
9. Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Pinch the seam to seal it, then cut the log into 12 equal pieces.
10. Place the cut rolls into a greased baking dish, making sure they are spaced evenly apart. Cover the dish with a clean kitchen towel and let the rolls rise in a warm place for about 15 minutes.
11. While the rolls are rising, prepare the cranberry glaze. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of fresh cranberries with 2 tablespoons of water. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and soften, about 5-7 minutes.
12. Once the cranberries have softened, remove them from the heat and allow them to cool slightly. Then, strain the mixture through a fine sieve to remove the skins, pressing down to extract as much juice as possible.
13. In a small bowl, mix the strained cranberry juice with 1/2 cup of powdered sugar until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more sugar or juice as needed.
14. After the rolls have risen, place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through.
15. Once baked, remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly in the pan. Drizzle the cranberry glaze over the warm rolls before serving.
16. Enjoy your delicious Orange Sweet Rolls with Cranberry Glaze, perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat any time of the day!