Description
Delight in these homemade Orange Cinnamon Rolls, perfectly soft and fluffy with a zesty orange flavor infused in the dough and filling. Topped with a sweet orange glaze, they make an irresistible breakfast or dessert treat bursting with warm cinnamon and citrus notes.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 large egg
- Zest of 1 large orange
Filling
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- Zest of 1 orange
Orange Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1/2 teaspoon orange zest
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of the flour with active dry yeast, granulated sugar, salt, and orange zest. In a saucepan, gently warm the milk, unsalted butter, and water until warm but not hot. Add this liquid mixture to the flour mixture and beat with a mixer until smooth. Beat in the egg. Gradually add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.
- Knead and Rise: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Roll and Fill: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a 14×9-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and orange zest, then sprinkle this filling mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
- Form the Rolls: Starting from the long edge, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss. Arrange the rolls cut-side up in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and allow them to rise again for 30 minutes until puffy.
- Bake the Rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20–25 minutes or until they turn golden brown on top.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the rolls bake, whisk together powdered sugar, fresh orange juice, orange zest, and milk until smooth and pourable. Adjust milk quantity to achieve desired consistency.
- Glaze and Serve: Once baked, drizzle the warm rolls generously with the orange glaze. Serve immediately to enjoy the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can prepare the rolls the night before and let them rise overnight in the refrigerator; bring them to room temperature before baking.
- For added texture, incorporate chopped nuts or dried cranberries into the filling.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
