Description
These Orange Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on the classic sweet roll. Infused with fresh orange zest and juice in both the dough and filling, they offer a bright citrus flavor balanced with warm cinnamon spice. Finished with a sweet orange glaze, these homemade rolls are perfect for breakfast or brunch and sure to impress with their soft, tender texture and enticing aroma.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 large egg
For the Filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
For the Orange Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a small saucepan, warm the milk and orange juice to about 110°F, warm but not hot to the touch. In a large bowl or stand mixer bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, active dry yeast, and salt. Add the warm milk and orange juice mixture, softened butter, orange zest, and egg. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface or with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for 5–7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Make the Filling: While the dough rises, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and orange zest in a small bowl until well mixed.
- Shape the Rolls: After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a 16×12-inch rectangle. Spread the cinnamon orange filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border at the edges.
- Roll and Cut: Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice the log into 12 equal rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss. Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let the rolls rise again for 30 minutes until puffy.
- Bake the Rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown on top and cooked through.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the rolls are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth and slightly pourable. Adjust the consistency adding more orange juice or powdered sugar as needed.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the orange glaze over the warm cinnamon rolls just before serving. Enjoy them fresh for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For an extra burst of orange flavor, add a few drops of orange extract to the glaze.
- These rolls can be prepared the night before—assemble and refrigerate overnight, then bake fresh in the morning.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for 1–2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
