Cranberry Sauce Dinner Rolls (Bread Machine Method)

These tender dinner rolls use jellied cranberry sauce in the dough for subtle sweetness. The bread machine handles mixing and kneading—just shape, rise, and bake in the oven. Lemon zest adds a bright touch, and optional dried cranberries boost the flavor. Perfect for leftover turkey sliders or a holiday bread basket.

16 rolls

Cranberry-Lemon Dinner Rolls (A Bread Machine Recipe) perfect for Thanksgiving

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 15

Rising Time 2 15

Total Time 3

Ingredients

1 cup (296 g) jellied cranberry sauce
¼ cup (57 g) whole milk or half-and-half
1 large (50 g) egg
1 teaspoon salt
¼ cup (57 g) butter, chopped
Grated rind from two medium lemons
3 cups (360 g) all-purpose unbleached flour
2 teaspoons bread machine yeast or instant yeast
1 cup (130 g) dried cranberries (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Bread Machine: Add all ingredients: 1 cup jellied cranberry sauce, ¼ cup whole milk or half-and-half, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon salt, ¼ cup butter, chopped, Grated rind from two medium lemons, 3 cups all-purpose unbleached flour, and 2 teaspoons bread machine yeast or instant yeast, to the bread machine pan in the order given.
Select the DOUGH cycle and push the start button.
Check the Dough:
? First Peek (1 Minute In): Lift the lid to ensure the paddle(s) are moving and the dough is starting to clump.
? Second Peek (15–18 Minutes In): The dough should stick to the sides, then pull away cleanly.
If it sticks without releasing, add 1 spoonful of flour at a time until it holds its shape.If it’s too dry (bouncing around or riding the paddle), add 1 spoonful of water at a time until it sticks briefly to one side before releasing.Wait 1–2 minutes between additions to let the dough adjust.
Read more about this surprising secret to success with a bread machine.
Incorporate Dried Cranberries: When the machine signals for mix-ins, add the 1 cup dried cranberries (optional).
Shape the Rolls: After the cycle is complete, remove the dough to a lightly floured surface and divide it into 16 pieces. Shape them into balls and place them in two greased 8-inch cake pans.
Allow to Rise: Cover rolls with a tea towel or cheap shower caps and let rolls rise for approximately 45 minutes or until almost doubled in size.
Bake: Preheat oven to 350˚F (180˚C).
Bake for 14-16 minutes, or until golden brown and the interior temperature is 190-195˚F on a digital quick-read thermometer.
Cool and Enjoy: Let the rolls sit in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to avoid steamed bottoms.

Notes

Heads-up: Avoid doubling this recipe. Anything above 4.5-5 cups of flour won’t knead properly in most machines and can cause overheating. More details here.

Making Bread Without a Bread Machine

? Stand Mixer Method:
1️⃣ Add ingredients to the bowl in the listed order.
2️⃣ Mix on LOW until moistened, then knead on speed 2 or 3 with a dough hook for 5-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3️⃣ Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled.
4️⃣ Gently deflate and shape as directed in the recipe.

? By Hand:
1️⃣ Mix all ingredients into a shaggy dough ball in a large bowl.
2️⃣ Turn onto a floured surface and knead for 10-20 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3️⃣ Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled.
4️⃣ Gently deflate and shape as directed.

? Yeast Tip: Using active dry yeast? Increase by ¼ teaspoon. It no longer requires dissolving, but you can if preferred.

Nutritional Information