Cushy and Sweet Orange Cinnamon Rolls
These orange cinnamon rolls are a wonderful mixture of delicate ingredients, sweet filling, and citrus. The comforting smell will fill your domestic, and the taste will have you coming for seconds (or thirds!). With the expansion of crisply pressed orange juice and zest, this formula includes a dynamic bend to the classic cinnamon roll. Get prepared to awe your family and friends with these citrusy delights.
Orange Cinnamon Rolls Recipe Card
Cushy and Sweet Orange Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
Dough
- ¾ cup warm whole milk 110°F / 43°C
- 1 .25 ounce bundle active dry yeast
- 1 large egg room temperature
- 1 large egg yolk room temperature
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 ½ teaspoons freshly grated orange zest
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour partitioned, or more as needed
- 1 ½ teaspoons legitimate salt
- Cooking spray
Filling
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 ½ teaspoons freshly grated orange zest
Frosting
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated orange zest
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
- In a huge bowl, combine the warm milk and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it gets to be frothy.
- Add the egg, egg yolk, mollified butter, honey, orange zest, and orange juice to the yeast mixture. Blend until well combined.
- Gradually mix 3 cups of flour and salt until the dough collides. Knead for 5-7 minutes, adding more flour, if necessary, until the dough is soft and slightly sticky.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
Prepare the Filling
- Mix the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and orange zest In a small bowl until combined.
Assemble the Rolls
- Roll the dough into a 12×18 inch rectangle on a floured surface.
- Evenly spread the filling over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border on one of the long edges.
- Roll the dough tightly, starting from the opposite long edge, and seal the seam by pinching it closed.
- Cut the log into 12 even slices and place them in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy.
Bake the Rolls
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes or until golden brow
Make the Frosting
- While the rolls are baking, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, orange zest, orange juice, and salt until smooth and creamy.
Frost and Serve
- Remove the rolls from the oven and allow them to cool for 10 minutes before spreading the orange cream cheese frosting over the top. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure your milk is warm (110°F / 43°C) to activate the yeast properly.
- The dough should be slightly sticky; avoid adding too much flour, or the rolls may become dense.
- Please don’t skip the second rise; it’s critical to achieving fluffy rolls.
- These rolls are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Increase the amount of orange zest in the filling and frosting for a more robust orange flavor.
Nutrition Information
| Serving Size | 1 Roll |
| Calories | 290 |
| Sugar | 18g |
| Sodium | 190mg |
| Fat | 15g |
| Saturated Fat | 9g |
| Unsaturated Fat | 4g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Cholesterol | 60mg |
Why You’ll Love This Recip
- Fluffy and Soft Texture: These rolls are pillowy and light, thanks to the perfect balance of yeast and dough rising time.
- Sweet and Citrusy Flavor: The combination of cinnamon and orange zest adds a fresh, sweet, and tangy twist.
- Easy to Make: The ingredients are simple, and the steps are straightforward—perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike.
- Perfect for Brunch: These orange cinnamon rolls make an excellent choice for brunch, breakfast, or a special morning treat.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the dough the night before and bake fresh rolls in the morning.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- Orange Zest and Juice: Freshly grated orange zest and juice give these rolls their signature flavor. Bottled orange juice can be used if you don’t have fresh oranges, but fresh is best.
- Active Dry Yeast: This helps the dough rise. If you only have instant yeast, reduce the rising time slightly.
- All-Purpose Flour: The standard choice for these rolls, but bread flour can be used for a slightly chewier texture.
- Cream Cheese: A staple for the frosting, adding richness and creaminess. You can substitute with mascarpone if desired.
How to Make Orange Cinnamon Rolls (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Mix the warm milk and yeast and allow it to become frothy—this step ensures the yeast is alive and active.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Combine the yeast mixture with butter, eggs, honey, orange zest, and juice. Gradually add the flour, kneading until you get a smooth, slightly sticky dough.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Allow the dough to rise in a warm environment. This step can take about an hour, but it’s crucial for achieving a soft and fluffy texture.
Step 4: Roll Out and Fill
Roll the dough into a large rectangle and spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture, enhanced with orange zest, over it.
Step 5: Shape the Rolls
Roll up the dough tightly, slice it into 12 pieces, and let it rise until puffy.
Step 6: Bake and Frost
Bake at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown, then frost with a smooth, creamy orange-flavored frosting.
Expert Tips for Success
- Check Yeast Freshness: Ensure your yeast is fresh; expired yeast may not rise well.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the rolls during baking. Overbaking can dry them out.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Use room temperature eggs and butter for a smoother dough.
- Extra Rise for Fluffiness: For even fluffier rolls, let the dough rise an additional 10-15 minutes during the second rise.
Variations and Customizations
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure it includes xanthan gum for elasticity.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like almond milk and vegan butter.
- Spiced Twist: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the filling for extra warmth.
- Nutty Addition: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the filling before rolling the dough.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 20 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes to refresh their softness.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a fresh fruit salad for a refreshing breakfast.
- Serve with a cup of hot coffee or a glass of cold milk for a perfect morning treat.
- These rolls also make a lovely addition to any holiday brunch spread.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What makes these Cinnamon Rolls unique?
A: Adding fresh orange juice and zest gives these rolls a bright, citrusy flavor that complements the classic cinnamon filling. The orange cream cheese frosting adds a sweet tang, making these rolls stand out with a refreshing twist.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the dough, let it rise, and then refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, let it come to room temperature before baking.
Q: How can I ensure my rolls are fluffy?
A: Ensure not to add too much flour, and don’t skip the second rise—both are essential for light and fluffy rolls.
Q: Can I freeze these rolls?
A: You can freeze the baked rolls (without frosting) for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge and warm them up before frosting.
Q: What other toppings can I use besides cream cheese frosting?
A: A simple powdered sugar glaze, caramel drizzle, or even a vanilla bean frosting would be delicious alternatives.