why make this recipe
Orange Cinnamon Rolls bring a delightful twist to the classic breakfast treat. They combine the warm, cozy flavors of cinnamon with the bright and refreshing taste of orange. These rolls are perfect for a Sunday brunch or a special breakfast occasion. With their soft, fluffy texture and creamy frosting, they make for a satisfying sweet treat that can brighten anyone’s day. Plus, making them from scratch adds a sense of accomplishment and love that resonates with everyone who takes a bite.
how to make Orange Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk (whole preferred)
- 1/4 cup salted butter
- 1 1/4 ounce packet active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 whole large eggs
- 4 1/4-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup salted butter (softened at room temperature)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
- Warm the milk and butter in a small pot on the stove or in the microwave until it reaches 110 degrees F. Make sure it feels like warm bath water, which is important. Using a food thermometer is helpful.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the milk mixture and yeast, whisking until well blended and frothy. Let it sit for 2 minutes.
- Add the orange juice, orange zest, sugar, and eggs to the mixture. Mix until combined.
- Gradually add the flour and cinnamon, stirring with a wooden spoon until a dough begins to form. Place the bowl on a stand mixer and knead the dough with a dough hook for about 8 minutes until it forms a ball. If using hands, knead on a floured surface. The dough should be slightly sticky but not stick to your hands. If it’s too sticky, add 2 tablespoons of flour.
- Move the dough ball to a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a warm damp towel, and let it rise for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, until it doubles in size.
- Once risen, transfer the dough to a floured surface and roll it into a 16×12 inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter on the dough.
- In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, granulated sugar, orange zest, and cinnamon, then sprinkle this mixture over the buttered dough. Press the mix into the dough gently.
- Roll the dough tightly from the shorter side and cut it into 8-10 large rolls or 12 smaller ones. Place them in a greased 9×13 baking pan. Cover these with a warm damp towel for another 30-45 minutes to let them puff up.
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Once preheated, bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until just golden brown on the edges. It’s better to under-bake them slightly for a soft and gooey center.
- While the rolls cool, combine all frosting ingredients and beat until smooth and fluffy. Spread this frosting over the warm orange cinnamon rolls and serve immediately. Enjoy!
how to serve Orange Cinnamon Rolls
These rolls are best enjoyed warm and fresh out of the oven. They can be served plain or drizzled with the creamy frosting on top. Pair them with a cup of warm coffee or tea for a comforting breakfast. They are also a great addition to brunch spreads or holiday gatherings.
how to store Orange Cinnamon Rolls
To store leftover Orange Cinnamon Rolls, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Wrap the rolls tightly in plastic wrap and foil before placing them in a freezer bag, where they can last up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm them in the oven or microwave.
tips to make Orange Cinnamon Rolls
- Make sure your milk is at the right temperature when adding yeast, too hot and it could kill the yeast.
- If the dough feels too sticky, don’t hesitate to add a bit more flour.
- For even fluffier rolls, let the dough rise in a warm environment.
- Experiment with the amount of orange zest and juice to find your perfect flavor balance.
variation
You can add nuts such as pecans or walnuts to the filling for extra crunch. Alternatively, try adding chocolate chips for a sweet twist on the classic flavor.
FAQs
Can I use skim milk instead of whole milk?
Yes, you can use skim milk, but whole milk gives a richer, creamier texture to the dough.Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the rolls, let them rise in the refrigerator overnight, and bake them in the morning.What if I don’t have orange juice?
You can substitute orange juice with a mix of lemon juice and a bit of water, or simply use water; just note it will change the flavor slightly.
Orange Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup milk (whole preferred) Warm to 110 degrees F.
- 1/4 cup salted butter Melted.
- 1 1/4 ounces active dry yeast One packet.
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 whole large eggs
- 4 1/4-1/2 cups all-purpose flour Adjust as needed for dough consistency.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Filling Ingredients
- 1/2 cup salted butter (softened at room temperature)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Frosting Ingredients
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 4 ounces cream cheese Softened.
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparation
- Warm the milk and butter in a small pot on the stove or microwave until the temperature reaches 110 degrees F.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the milk mixture and yeast, whisking until well blended and frothy. Let it sit for 2 minutes.
- Add the orange juice, orange zest, sugar, and eggs to the mixture. Mix until combined.
- Gradually add the flour and cinnamon, stirring with a wooden spoon until a dough begins to form.
- Knead the dough with a dough hook for about 8 minutes until it forms a ball or knead by hand on a floured surface.
- Move the dough to a greased bowl, cover with a warm damp towel, and let it rise for 1 to 1 1/2 hours until doubled in size.
Rolling and Baking
- Once risen, transfer the dough to a floured surface and roll into a 16x12 inch rectangle. Spread softened butter over the dough.
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, granulated sugar, orange zest, and cinnamon. Sprinkle over the buttered dough and press gently.
- Roll the dough tightly from the shorter side and cut into 8-10 large rolls or 12 smaller ones. Place in a greased 9x13 baking pan.
- Cover with a warm damp towel for another 30-45 minutes to let them puff up.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Frosting
- While the rolls cool, beat together all frosting ingredients until smooth and fluffy.
- Spread frosting over warm rolls and serve immediately.