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Cranberry Goat Cheese Holiday Swirls Recipe

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4.8 from 132 reviews

Experience the festive flavors of Cranberry Goat Cheese Holiday Swirls, featuring a buttery, garlic-infused dough rolled with fresh cranberries, tangy goat cheese, and fragrant thyme. These soft, golden-brown rolls make a perfect holiday treat or savory breakfast, combining sweet and savory in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

  • 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

Filling

  • 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

Other

  • Butter (for greasing pans)

Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast: Pour warm milk and honey into a large mixing bowl or stand mixer bowl fitted with a dough hook. Stir well, then sprinkle active dry yeast over the surface. Let the mixture sit undisturbed for 5–7 minutes until frothy and yeast is activated.
  2. Make Dough: Add eggs, all-purpose flour, and kosher salt to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine, then knead the dough for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic, or until a finger indentation springs back quickly.
  3. First Rise: Shape the dough into a ball by tucking the sides underneath and pinching together. Place the dough back in the bowl without oiling it and allow it to rise for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.
  4. Prepare Filling: In a separate bowl, combine room-temperature salted butter, salt, garlic powder, and minced garlic cloves. In another small bowl, toss minced fresh cranberries with granulated sugar, then add to the butter mixture. Stir to mix evenly.
  5. Prepare Pans: Butter two loaf pans generously and set aside.
  6. Shape Rolls: Punch down the risen dough and turn it onto a lightly floured surface. Divide into two equal portions. Roll each portion into a 12×18-inch rectangle.
  7. Add Filling: Spread the butter and cranberry mixture evenly over each rectangle. Sprinkle softened goat cheese and fresh thyme leaves over the butter layer.
  8. Form Logs: Starting from the long edge closest to you, roll the dough tightly into a log.
  9. Slice Rolls: Using dental floss or a sharp knife, slice each log into ¾ to 1-inch thick slices. Arrange slices in the buttered loaf pans, allowing space.
  10. Second Rise: Let the rolls rise for 30–45 minutes, or until nearly doubled in size.
  11. Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) to preheat while rolls rise.
  12. Bake: Bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes until golden brown on top and hollow-sounding when tapped. Internal temperature should read about 190°F when fully baked.
  13. Cool and Serve: Allow the cranberry goat cheese swirls to cool slightly before slicing and serving warm.

Notes

  • Room temperature butter spreads more easily—take it out at least an hour before starting.
  • For best flavor, use fresh cranberries; frozen can be thawed and patted dry if necessary.
  • Substitutions for goat cheese include cream cheese, ricotta for a milder flavor, or feta for a tangier twist.
  • Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 4 days.
  • Reheat rolls in a 300°F oven for 5–10 minutes or microwave in short intervals until warmed through.

Keywords: cranberry rolls, goat cheese bread, holiday bread, savory sweet rolls, garlic rolls, festive bread

Find it online: https://frommamamaya.com/cranberry-goat-cheese-holiday-swirls-recipe/