Name: Cranberry Goat Cheese Holiday Swirls Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 3 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup warm milk (110℉, 45 seconds in the microwave); 2 tbsp honey; 2¼ tsp active dry yeast; 2 large eggs; ⅓ cup melted butter; 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for rolling); 1 tsp kosher salt; 1 cup room-temperature salted butter; 2 tbsp garlic powder; 1-2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves; 1 tsp salt; 2 minced garlic cloves; 4 oz softened goat cheese; ½ – ¾ cup minced fresh cranberries; 2 tsp granulated sugar; Butter (for greasing pans)

Introduction

Cranberry Goat Cheese Holiday Swirls are a delightful combination of tangy goat cheese, fresh cranberries, and fragrant garlic butter rolled into soft, fluffy bread. Perfect for festive gatherings, these swirls offer a unique twist on traditional garlic rolls that will impress your guests and satisfy cravings.

A white baking dish filled with nine golden brown spiral rolls, each roll showing two visible layers: a soft dough outer layer and an inner layer with white cheese and small red bits, likely cranberries or fruit pieces, with some green herb flakes scattered inside. One roll is missing from the dish, placed on a white plate beside it. The plate shows the spiral shape clearly, with the cheese and red bits peeking through the light brown dough layers. A fork is partially visible on the plate, all set on a white marbled surface with a hint of a red-striped cloth underneath. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup warm milk (110℉, 45 seconds in the microwave)

2 tbsp honey

2¼ tsp active dry yeast

2 large eggs

⅓ cup melted butter

4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for rolling)

1 tsp kosher salt

1 cup room-temperature salted butter

2 tbsp garlic powder

1-2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves

1 tsp salt

2 minced garlic cloves

4 oz softened goat cheese

½-¾ cup minced fresh cranberries

2 tsp granulated sugar

Instructions

Step 1: Pour warm milk and honey into a large mixing bowl or stand mixer bowl with a dough hook. Stir well, then sprinkle the yeast on top. Let sit undisturbed for 5–7 minutes until frothy.

Step 2: Add eggs, flour, and kosher salt. Stir until combined, then knead for 5–7 minutes until the dough springs back when pressed.

Step 3: Shape the dough into a ball by tucking the sides underneath. Place it back in the bowl and let it rise for 1–2 hours until doubled in size.

Step 4: In a separate bowl, combine room-temperature butter, salt, garlic powder, and minced garlic cloves. Mix cranberries with sugar and add to the butter mixture.

Step 5: Butter two loaf pans and set aside.

Step 6: Punch down the dough and divide it into two equal parts. Roll each into a 12×18-inch rectangle on a floured surface.

Step 7: Spread the butter and cranberry mixture evenly over the dough. Sprinkle goat cheese and fresh thyme leaves on top. Roll the dough tightly starting from the long edge closest to you.

Step 8: Use dental floss to slice the roll into ¾-1 inch thick swirls. Place the slices in the baking pans and let rise for 30–45 minutes until nearly doubled.

Step 9: Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Step 10: Bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped. An internal temperature of about 190°F indicates doneness.

Step 11: Allow the rolls to cool slightly before slicing and serving.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen cranberries, but be sure to thaw and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture in the dough.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely. After the first rise, you can refrigerate the dough overnight. Bring it to room temperature before rolling out and continuing with the recipe.