Ingredients
Scale
For the Brioche:
- 170 g (¾ cup) whole milk, warmed to 110°F
- 30 g (2 ½ tablespoons) granulated sugar
- 11 g (3 ¼ teaspoons) instant or active dry yeast
- 3 eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla paste or extract
- 450 g (3 ¾ cups) all-purpose flour
- Zest of one orange
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 127 g (½ cup + 1 tablespoon) unsalted butter, room temperature
For the Cinnamon Orange Cranberry Jam:
- 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries
- 50 g (¼ cup) granulated sugar
- Zest of one orange
- 15 g (1 tablespoon) fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
For the Cream Cheese Icing:
- 56 g (2 oz) cream cheese, room temperature
- 56 g (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted
- 113 g (1 cup) powdered sugar, sifted
- Orange zest, for topping
Instructions
For the Brioche Dough:
- Activate the Yeast:
Warm the milk to 110°F. Stir in sugar and yeast. If using active dry yeast, let it sit for 15 minutes until frothy. If using instant yeast, proceed immediately. - Combine Wet Ingredients:
Mix the eggs and vanilla into the milk and yeast mixture until well combined. - Prepare Dry Ingredients:
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the flour, orange zest, and salt. - Incorporate Wet Ingredients:
Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Mix on low-medium speed for about 3 minutes until a dough ball forms around the hook. - Add Butter:
Add the butter one piece at a time, allowing each to fully incorporate before adding the next. - Knead:
Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and knead for 8-12 minutes. The dough should pass the “windowpane test” — when stretched, it should become thin enough to see light through without tearing. - First Proof:
Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover, and proof overnight in the fridge. Alternatively, let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled in size.
For the Cinnamon Orange Cranberry Jam:
- Cook the Cranberries:
In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, orange zest, orange juice, cinnamon, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, for 10-12 minutes until the cranberries begin to break down. - Thicken the Jam:
Lower the heat and cook for another 8-10 minutes, stirring often, until the mixture thickens. - Blend and Cool:
Remove from heat and blend the mixture until smooth using an immersion blender or a standard blender. Cool completely and store in the fridge until needed.
Assembly:
- Roll Out the Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick. - Spread the Jam:
Evenly spread 225 g (about 1 cup) of cranberry jam over the dough. - Shape the Rolls:
Roll the dough tightly from the long edge and seal the seam. Trim the ends and cut into 9 equal pieces using unflavored dental floss for clean cuts. - Second Proof:
Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish (at least 10.5″x7.5″). Cover and let them rise at room temperature for 30 minutes. - Bake:
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for 22-25 minutes until lightly golden.
Notes
- Cold Dough Handling:
Allowing the brioche to proof overnight in the fridge makes the dough easier to handle and enhances its flavor. - Jam Prep Ahead:
Prepare the cranberry jam a day in advance to save time. - Perfect Cuts:
Use unflavored dental floss to slice the rolls cleanly without squishing the dough.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 22 minutes