These delightful cranberry wreaths are a festive treat perfect for any holiday gathering. With a sweet and tangy cranberry filling, paired with a soft, buttery dough, these wreaths are sure to impress your guests. Top them with a simple powdered sugar frosting for an extra touch of sweetness.
Photos of Cranberry Wreaths Recipe
If you're planning to make these cranberry wreaths, you may need to pick up a few items that aren't always in the pantry. Fresh cranberries are a must for this recipe, and you might not always have orange peel on hand. Additionally, make sure you have active dry yeast and powdered sugar for the frosting.
Ingredients For Cranberry Wreaths Recipe
all purpose flour: The base for the dough, providing structure and texture.
sugar: Adds sweetness to the dough and filling.
fleischmann's active dry yeast: Leavening agent to help the dough rise.
salt: Enhances flavor of the dough.
milk: Adds moisture and richness to the dough.
butter: Provides tenderness and flavor to the dough.
water: Helps activate the yeast and combine ingredients.
eggs: Adds richness and helps with the structure of the dough.
cranberries: The main ingredient for the filling, providing tartness and flavor.
orange peel: Adds a citrusy brightness to the filling.
powdered sugar: Used for the optional frosting, adding sweetness and decoration.
spice islands pure vanilla extract: Adds depth of flavor to the frosting.
One reader, Aubry Sherrod says:
These cranberry wreaths are a delightful holiday treat! The dough is perfectly soft, and the cranberry filling adds a wonderful tartness. The orange peel gives it a refreshing twist. They were a hit at my family gathering, and the powdered sugar frosting is the perfect finishing touch. Highly recommend!
Techniques for Crafting Cranberry Wreaths
How to heat milk, butter, and water until very warm: Use a thermometer to ensure the mixture reaches a temperature between 120 degrees to 130 degrees Fahrenheit. How to beat with an electric mixer: Use the medium speed setting for 2 minutes, then switch to high speed for another 2 minutes, scraping the bowl occasionally. How to refrigerate dough: Cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for a period ranging from 2 to 24 hours. How to prepare cranberry filling: Combine chopped cranberries, sugar, and grated orange peel in a saucepan, bring to a boil, then simmer until thick. How to punch dough down: Press down on the dough with your fist to release air bubbles after refrigeration. How to roll dough: Use a rolling pin to shape the dough into a 21x12-inch rectangle. How to fold dough: Fold the dough crosswise in thirds to create a 12x7-inch rectangle, ensuring the filling is enclosed. How to twist dough strips: Hold the ends of each strip and twist three times before forming into wreath shapes. How to let dough rise: Cover the dough and place it in a warm, draft-free area for 30 to 45 minutes until it almost doubles in size. How to bake: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, switching positions of the baking sheets halfway through. How to make powdered sugar frosting: Combine powdered sugar, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl and stir until smooth.
How To Make Cranberry Wreaths
Make the holiday table extra festive with this beautiful cranberry wreaths recipe. It’s made with a soft cranberry filled bread finished with sugar glaze.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 3½cupsall purpose flour
- ¼cupsugar
- 1pkgfleischmann’s active dry,or rapidrise yeast
- 1tspsalt
- ¾cupmilk,evaporated
- ¼cupbutter,or margarine
- ¼cupwater
- 2large eggs
For Cranberry Filling:
- 1cupcranberries,finely chopped
- ½cupsugar
- 1½tsporange peel,grated
For Powdered Sugar Frosting (optional):
- 1cuppowdered sugar,sifted
- 4tspmilk,or as needed, evaporated
- ½;
Instructions
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In a large bowl, combine 1½ cups flour, sugar, undissolved yeast, and salt.
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Heat milk, butter, and water until very warm (120 degrees to 130 degrees F). Gradually add to flour mixture and beat for 2 minutes at medium speed of electric mixer, scraping the bowl occasionally.
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Add eggs and ½ cup flour, then beat for 2 minutes at high speed, scraping the bowl occasionally.
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With a spoon, stir in enough remaining flour to make a stiff batter. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 to 24 hours.
Cranberry Filling:
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In a medium saucepan, combine chopped cranberries, ½ cup sugar, and 1½ teaspoons grated orange peel.
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Bring to boil over medium heat. Reduce heat, simmer, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes or until very thick.
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Remove mixture from heat and let cool.
To Bake:
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Remove dough from refrigerator. Punch dough down, then remove to a lightly floured surface.
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Roll to 21×12-inch rectangle. Spread cranberry filling over dough to within ½ inch of edges.
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Fold crosswise in thirds, to enclose filling, making a 12×7-inch rectangle. Press edges to seal. Cut dough into 12 (1-inch) strips.
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Holding ends of each strip, twist three times. Pinch together ends of each twisted strip to form wreaths. Place on greased baking sheets.
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Cover and let rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 30 to 45 minutes until almost doubled in size.
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Bake at 400 degrees F for 12 to 15 minutes or until done, switching positions of sheets halfway through baking time for even browning.
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Remove wreaths from baking sheets and let cool on wire racks. Frost wreaths with powdered sugar icing, if desired.
Powdered Sugar Frosting:
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In a bowl, combine powdered sugar, 4 to 5 teaspoons evaporated milk, and ½ teaspoon Spice Islands Pure Vanilla Extract. Stir until smooth
Nutrition
- Calories: 281.11kcal
- Fat: 5.55g
- Saturated Fat: 3.06g
- Trans Fat: 0.16g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 1.47g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.49g
- Carbohydrates: 52.37g
- Fiber: 1.43g
- Sugar: 23.64g
- Protein: 5.43g
- Cholesterol: 42.86mg
- Sodium: 214.89mg
- Calcium: 32.07mg
- Potassium: 83.08mg
- Iron: 1.88mg
- Vitamin A: 53.80µg
- Vitamin C: 1.56mg
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Pro Tip for Perfecting Cranberry Wreaths
When preparing the cranberry filling, make sure to chop the cranberries finely and cook the mixture until it reaches a very thick consistency. This ensures that the filling won't leak out during the baking process, giving you perfectly shaped wreaths.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Festive Recipe
Prepare the filling: Make the cranberry filling a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator to save time on baking day.
Use a stand mixer: Utilize a stand mixer for the dough to speed up the mixing process and ensure even consistency.
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out all your ingredients before starting to streamline the cooking process.
Chill the dough: Refrigerate the dough overnight to break up the preparation into manageable steps.
Efficient rolling: Use a large, clear workspace to roll out the dough quickly and efficiently.
Batch baking: Bake multiple wreaths at once by using multiple baking sheets to save time.
Substitute Ingredients For Cranberry Wreaths Recipe
all purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Adds a nutty flavor and increases fiber content, though it may make the dough denser.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Provides a natural sweetness and adds moisture to the dough, but reduce the liquid in the recipe slightly.
fleischmann's active dry - Substitute with instant yeast: Works faster and can be mixed directly with dry ingredients without proofing.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Offers a more complex flavor profile and can be used in the same quantity.
milk - Substitute with almond milk: A dairy-free alternative that provides a similar texture and moisture.
butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Adds a subtle coconut flavor and is a good dairy-free option.
water - Substitute with apple juice: Adds a hint of sweetness and complements the cranberry filling.
eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg for a vegan alternative.
cranberries - Substitute with dried cherries: Provide a similar tartness and texture, though they are slightly sweeter.
orange peel - Substitute with lemon zest: Offers a similar citrus flavor with a slightly different aroma.
powdered sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: A less processed sugar that adds a caramel-like flavor, though it may change the color of the frosting.
spice islands pure vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Provides a different but complementary flavor to the frosting.
Presenting Cranberry Wreaths in Style
Create a visually appealing base: Arrange a delicate layer of cranberry filling on the plate, spreading it thinly to create a vibrant red canvas.
Shape the wreaths perfectly: Ensure each cranberry wreath is uniformly twisted and pinched to form a perfect circle, showcasing the intricate design.
Bake to golden perfection: Bake the wreaths until they achieve a golden-brown hue, ensuring a crisp exterior and a soft, fluffy interior.
Add a touch of elegance with frosting: Drizzle the powdered sugar frosting over the cooled wreaths in a delicate, lace-like pattern to add a touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
Garnish with fresh elements: Place a few fresh cranberries and a sprinkle of orange peel zest around the plate to enhance the color contrast and add a fresh, aromatic element.
Use a sophisticated serving dish: Present the cranberry wreaths on a sleek, white porcelain plate to highlight the vibrant colors and intricate details of the dish.
Add a final touch with edible flowers: Garnish the plate with a few edible flowers, such as violets or pansies, to add a pop of color and a touch of sophistication.
Serve with a complementary beverage: Pair the cranberry wreaths with a glass of chilled sparkling wine or a warm cup of spiced tea to enhance the overall dining experience.
Essential Tools for Making Cranberry Wreaths
Large bowl: Used for combining the initial flour mixture with sugar, yeast, and salt.
Medium saucepan: Necessary for preparing the cranberry filling by cooking cranberries, sugar, and orange peel.
Electric mixer: Essential for beating the dough mixture at different speeds to achieve the right consistency.
Plastic wrap: Used to cover the dough tightly while it refrigerates.
Rolling pin: Needed to roll the dough into the specified rectangle dimensions.
Measuring cups: Important for accurately measuring ingredients like flour, sugar, milk, and butter.
Measuring spoons: Used for precise measurement of smaller quantities like salt and orange peel.
Thermometer: Helpful to ensure the milk, butter, and water mixture reaches the correct temperature range of 120 to 130 degrees F.
Baking sheets: Required for placing the wreaths on for baking.
Wire racks: Used for cooling the baked wreaths after they come out of the oven.
Spatula: Useful for spreading the cranberry filling evenly over the rolled-out dough.
Knife: Needed to cut the dough into strips after it has been folded with the filling inside.
Pastry brush: Optional but useful for applying any additional toppings or glazes.
Mixing spoon: Used to stir in the remaining flour to make a stiff batter.
Grater: Needed for grating the orange peel used in the cranberry filling.
Oven: Essential for baking the wreaths at the specified temperature.
Cooling rack: Used to cool the wreaths after baking to ensure they set properly.
Bowl: Needed for mixing the powdered sugar frosting ingredients.
Storing and Freezing Cranberry Wreaths
Once the cranberry wreaths have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them fresh longer, place a piece of bread in the container with the wreaths. The bread will absorb any excess moisture and help maintain the texture of the pastries.
If you plan to freeze the cranberry wreaths, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the wrapped wreaths in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Label the container with the date and contents for easy reference. Frozen cranberry wreaths can be stored for up to 2 months.
To thaw frozen cranberry wreaths, remove them from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about an hour. If you prefer to serve them warm, place the thawed wreaths on a baking sheet and reheat in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through.
If you've opted to frost the cranberry wreaths with the powdered sugar frosting, it's best to store them in a single layer in an airtight container. If stacking is necessary, place a piece of parchment paper or wax paper between each layer to prevent the frosting from sticking. Frosted wreaths should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within 5 days for optimal freshness.
Reheating Leftover Cranberry Wreaths
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover cranberry wreaths on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until they are heated through and slightly crispy on the outside. This method will help restore the texture and flavor of the wreaths, making them taste almost as good as when they were freshly baked.
If you prefer a softer texture, wrap the cranberry wreaths in aluminum foil before placing them in the preheated oven. This will help retain moisture and prevent the wreaths from becoming too crispy. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until heated through.
For a quick and easy reheating method, place the cranberry wreaths on a microwave-safe plate and heat them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds at a time until they are warm and soft. Be careful not to overheat them, as this can cause the wreaths to become tough and rubbery.
If you want to add a touch of freshness to your leftover cranberry wreaths, brush them with a little melted butter and sprinkle some cinnamon sugar on top before reheating them in the oven or microwave. This will give them a delightful aroma and a slight crunch.
For a crispy exterior and a soft interior, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of butter. Place the cranberry wreaths in the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and heated through. This method works best if you have only a few wreaths to reheat.
Surprising Fact About Cranberry Wreaths
A unique aspect of this cranberry wreaths recipe is the use of undissolved yeast, which allows for a slow fermentation process in the refrigerator. This method enhances the dough's flavor and texture, making it more complex and rich.
Cranberry Wreaths: Budget-Friendly or Splurge-Worthy?
This cranberry wreaths recipe is relatively cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients like flour, sugar, and butter are pantry staples, while cranberries and orange peel add a festive touch without breaking the bank. The yeast and eggs are also affordable. The optional powdered sugar frosting adds minimal extra cost. Overall, this recipe scores an 8 out of 10 for cost-effectiveness. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$12 USD, making it a budget-friendly yet delightful treat for the holidays.
Is This Cranberry Treat Healthy or Unhealthy?
The cranberry wreaths recipe, while festive and delicious, is not particularly healthy. The recipe contains a significant amount of refined flour, sugar, and butter, which are high in calories and low in essential nutrients. The cranberry filling does provide some nutritional benefits, as cranberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C. However, the filling also contains a considerable amount of sugar, which can negate some of the health benefits.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Substitute a portion of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or almond flour to increase the fiber content and nutritional value
- Reduce the amount of sugar in both the dough and the cranberry filling, or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup
- Replace some of the butter with healthier alternatives like Greek yogurt or unsweetened applesauce to lower the saturated fat content
- Incorporate additional fruits, such as diced apples or oranges, into the filling to increase the vitamin and fiber content
- Opt for a lighter glaze or skip the powdered sugar frosting altogether to reduce the overall sugar content
By making these adjustments, you can create a more balanced and nutritious version of the cranberry wreaths while still maintaining the delightful flavors of the holiday season. Remember, moderation is key, and enjoying these treats as part of a well-rounded diet is the best approach to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Editor's Take on Cranberry Wreaths
This cranberry wreaths recipe is a delightful blend of tart cranberries and sweet, citrusy notes from the orange peel. The dough, enriched with milk, butter, and eggs, promises a tender and flavorful base. The process of twisting the dough into wreaths adds a festive touch, perfect for holiday gatherings. The optional powdered sugar frosting can add an extra layer of sweetness, balancing the tartness of the cranberries. Overall, this recipe is well-structured and offers a beautiful, seasonal treat that is both visually appealing and delicious.
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Why trust this Cranberry Wreaths Recipe:
This recipe combines the tangy sweetness of cranberries with the zesty hint of orange peel, creating a delightful holiday treat. The dough, enriched with milk and butter, ensures a tender and fluffy texture. The step-by-step instructions are easy to follow, making it accessible for both novice and experienced bakers. Plus, the optional powdered sugar frosting adds a perfect finishing touch. Trust this recipe for its balance of flavors and straightforward process, ensuring a festive and delicious result every time.
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