Introduction
Inspired by a beloved classic, these White Chocolate Cranberry Sweet Rolls are perfect for a cozy breakfast or a delightful brunch. The tender rolls are infused with the sweetness of white chocolate and the tartness of cranberries, creating a beautiful symphony of flavors. They are an irresistible treat that’s both festive and comforting.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
500g all-purpose flour
100g granulated sugar
8g instant yeast
5g salt
240ml warm milk
60g unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
100g dried cranberries
150g white chocolate, chopped
50g unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
50g brown sugar (for filling)
100g powdered sugar (for glaze)
30ml milk (for glaze)
5ml vanilla extract (for glaze)
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Yield: 12 rolls
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, mix together 500g of all-purpose flour, 100g of granulated sugar, 8g of instant yeast, and 5g of salt. Ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed for consistent flavor.
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
Pour in 240ml of warm milk, 60g of melted unsalted butter, and 1 large egg into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until a dough begins to form, allowing all the ingredients to incorporate.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough to a floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8 to 10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic, ensuring the gluten develops properly for a fluffy texture.
Step 4: First Rise
Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm area for approximately 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size, releasing its delightful yeast fragrance.
Step 5: Preheat the Oven
As the dough rises, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) to ensure it’s ready for baking once the rolls are assembled.
Step 6: Roll Out the Dough
After the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 1cm thick. This thick layer will hold all the luscious fillings.
Step 7: Add the Filling
Spread 50g of softened unsalted butter evenly over the rolled-out dough. Then, sprinkle 50g of brown sugar, 100g of dried cranberries, and 150g of chopped white chocolate over the buttered surface, creating an enticing, sweet landscape.
Step 8: Roll and Slice
Carefully roll up the dough tightly from one end to the other, forming a log. Use a sharp knife to cut the roll into 12 equal pieces, revealing the swirls of chocolate and cranberries.
Step 9: Second Rise
Arrange these beautiful rolls in a greased baking dish, cover with a towel, and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes. They should puff up again, filling your kitchen with a warm aroma.
Step 10: Bake the Rolls
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown on the top and tempting to the eye.
Step 11: Prepare the Glaze
While the rolls are baking, whisk together 100g of powdered sugar, 30ml of milk, and 5ml of vanilla extract in a small bowl until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ready to enhance the flavor of the rolls.
Step 12: Glaze and Serve
Once the rolls are baked and still warm, drizzle the glaze generously over the top. Serve them immediately to enjoy the melty white chocolate and sweet-tart cranberries in each fluffy bite.
Notes
Storage Tips
Keep any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, place the rolls in the microwave for a few seconds, or in a preheated oven at 150°C (300°F) for about 5-10 minutes until warmed throughout.
Customization Ideas
Feel free to substitute dried cranberries with other dried fruits like cherries or raisins, and swap white chocolate for dark chocolate or vanilla-flavored chips for a different twist.
Cook Techniques
Kneading
Kneading is essential for developing gluten in the dough, resulting in a tender texture. Use a floured surface and apply a push-fold-turn technique for about 8-10 minutes until the dough feels smooth and elastic.
Rolling Out Dough
When rolling out the dough, ensure it is about 1cm thick for even baking. Use a rolling pin and apply even pressure to achieve the desired thickness, creating a rectangle shape to facilitate the filling process.
Layering Fillings
Spread softened butter evenly over the rolled-out dough to help the sugar and chocolate adhere. Evenly sprinkle brown sugar, cranberries, and chopped white chocolate over the buttered surface for a balanced flavor in each bite.
Cutting for Even Rolls
After rolling the dough into a log, use a sharp knife or a bench scraper to cut it into 12 equal pieces. This ensures uniform baking and helps each roll to rise evenly.
Second Rise
Allowing the rolls to rise a second time after cutting is important for achieving a fluffy texture. Cover them and let them rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes before baking.
Glazing
Creating a glaze with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract will give the rolls a lovely finish. Whisk until smooth and drizzle over the warm rolls to enhance their sweetness and appearance.
FAQ
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried cranberries?
Fresh cranberries can be used, but they are much more tart. You may need to adjust the sweetness by adding extra sugar to balance the flavor.
How do I store leftover sweet rolls?
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months.
Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the rolls up to the second rise stage, cover them tightly, and refrigerate them overnight. Bake them the next day after letting them come to room temperature and rise a bit more.
What can I substitute for white chocolate?
If you prefer not to use white chocolate, you can substitute it with milk chocolate or dark chocolate, keeping in mind that this will change the flavor profile of the rolls.
Is it necessary to use instant yeast?
While instant yeast is convenient, you can use active dry yeast instead. Just be sure to activate it in warm water with a bit of sugar before mixing it into your dough.
Conclusion
These White Chocolate Cranberry Sweet Rolls are not only a feast for the taste buds but also a delight for the eyes. The combination of sweet, creamy white chocolate and tangy cranberries creates an indulgent experience that’s perfect for any breakfast or brunch occasion. With their soft and fluffy texture, they are sure to become a favorite in your home, inviting warmth and joy to your table.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Cinnamon Roll Variation
Elevate your sweet rolls by adding a cinnamon sugar filling along with the white chocolate and cranberries for a classic twist.
Orange Zest Infusion
Add a touch of orange zest to the dough for a citrusy aroma and flavor that complements the cranberries beautifully.
Nutty Delight
Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling for added crunch and flavor, enhancing the overall texture of the rolls.
Caramel Drizzle
Top your rolls with a rich caramel drizzle instead of glaze for a decadent finish that pairs wonderfully with the cranberries.
Apple Cinnamon Variation
Substitute cranberries with diced apples and add cinnamon to create a heartwarming apple cinnamon roll that invokes a cozy vibe.
Chocolate Chip Twist
Mix in some semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips along with the white chocolate for a richer chocolate flavor in every bite.
Glazed Raspberry Filling
Replace cranberries with fresh raspberries for a tart and juicy filling that offers a burst of flavor in each roll, perfect for summer.
