Orange Cranberry Coffee Cakes
Baking is my favorite thing to do. So during the holiday season, I can often be found in my kitchen preparing festive baked goods, such as these coffee cakes.
Baking is my favorite thing to do. So during the holiday season, I can often be found in my kitchen preparing festive baked goods, such as these coffee cakes.
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- filling:
- icing:
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon grated orange peel
- 1/2 cup butter cubed
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 cup 2% milk
- teaspoons salt
- 4 to 4-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries thawed
- 1/4 cup dark corn syrup
- cups confectioners~quote sugar
- 3 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon orange juice
- 1/4 cup toasted chopped walnuts
- Carbohydrate 3.23441619330602 g
- Cholesterol 17.9227083333333 mg
- Fat 5.58709887564838 g
- Fiber 0.658018742715542 g
- Protein 1.17277211693108 g
- Saturated Fat 2.57814798337035 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (51g)
- Sodium 1831.46054168274 mg
- Sugar 2.57639745059048 g
- Trans Fat 0.453773833394337 g
- Calories 64 calories
Step-by-step
- In a large bowl, combine the sugar, yeast, salt and 2-1/2 cups flour.
- In a small saucepan, heat the milk, butter and water to 120-130 degrees. Add to dry ingredients; beat just until moistened.
- Add egg; beat until smooth.
- Stir in enough remaining flour to form a stiff dough.
- Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes.
- Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
- Place cranberries in a blender; cover and process until chopped. Drain well; discard liquid from cranberries.
- In a small bowl, combine cranberries with remaining filling ingredients. Set aside.
- Punch down dough; turn onto a lightly floured surface. Divide in half.
- Roll each half into a 16-in. x 10-in. rectangle; spread with filling to within 1 in. of edges.
- Roll up each jelly-roll style, starting with a long side; seal seams.
- Place in greased 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pans; shape ends to form crescent shapes.
- With kitchen scissors or a small sharp knife, cut a lengthwise slit down the center of each loaf, 1/2 in. deep and stopping 2 in. from the ends.
- Cover loaves and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 30 minutes.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.
- Combine confectioners' sugar and orange juice; drizzle over coffee cakes.
- Top with walnuts; press onto icing to secure.
A Home Baker's Holiday Delight: Orange Cranberry Coffee Cakes
The aroma of warm spices and citrus fills my kitchen as I bake. The holidays are my favorite time of year, not just for the twinkling lights and festive gatherings, but for the opportunity to spend hours in my cozy kitchen, creating treats for loved ones. This year, I'm especially proud of my Orange Cranberry Coffee Cakes. They’re a perfect blend of tart and sweet, a delightful balance that makes them irresistible. The recipe itself is a testament to the simple pleasures of baking, the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening. The ingredients are readily available, and the process, while requiring some time and care, is truly rewarding.
The process begins with the dough. I find the kneading process incredibly therapeutic, a chance to disconnect from the daily hustle and focus solely on the task at hand. The gentle rise of the dough, almost palpable in its slow expansion, feels like watching a silent movie play out before my eyes, the warmth of the kitchen my comforting theater. Then comes the addition of the vibrant cranberry filling. The tartness of the cranberries cuts through the sweetness of the dough and the orange zest, preventing the dessert from feeling too cloying. It is a magical transformation, the simple ingredients combining to become something larger than the sum of its parts.
Shaping the dough is another delightful part of the process. Rolling, spreading, and sealing the filling within the dough brings a sense of satisfaction akin to carefully crafting a gift for someone you deeply care for. Watching the coffee cakes rise in their pans, plump and inviting, is a breathtaking moment. It’s a reminder that even the simplest things can hold beauty and wonder. The final step, of course, is the glorious icing. The delicate drizzle of orange-infused confectioners' sugar, complemented by crunchy walnuts, elevates these coffee cakes from simple baked goods to a culinary masterpiece. It's the perfect touch to complete the warm, festive, and undeniably delicious experience.
These Orange Cranberry Coffee Cakes aren't just a recipe; they're a tradition. They're the centerpiece of holiday gatherings, a sweet reminder of the time spent in the kitchen, the laughter shared, and the love poured into each bite. I hope you'll give them a try, and perhaps they'll become a cherished part of your holiday celebrations, too. There's something magical about making something delicious with your hands, from simple ingredients to an irresistible result. And for me, that's the greatest gift of the holiday season.
Beyond the Recipe: I encourage you to experiment with different variations. Perhaps try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for extra warmth. Consider substituting other dried fruits like cherries or blueberries for the cranberries for a completely different taste experience. The beauty of baking is its versatility – the chance to personalize a recipe and make it your own. Don’t be afraid to get creative and have fun with it! It is all about the joy of baking! Happy Holidays!
Remember, the most important ingredient in any recipe is love. So, put on your apron, gather your ingredients, and let the aroma of delicious baked goods fill your home. Happy baking!
