Description
These melt-in-your-mouth Orange Rolls are fluffy, tender sweet rolls infused with bright citrus flavor and a warm cinnamon twist. Topped with a luscious, creamy orange frosting, they make the perfect indulgent breakfast or dessert treat that’s bursting with fresh orange zest and juice.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 1 cup Warm Water (Room temperature is ideal)
- 2 teaspoons Quick Rise Yeast (Must be fresh)
- 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar (Can use brown sugar for richer flavor)
- 4 cups All-Purpose Flour (Adjust based on dough consistency)
- 1/4 cup Melted Butter (Can replace with oil for dairy-free)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (Essential for flavor balance)
Filling
- 1 tablespoon Cinnamon (Omit for citrus-only flavor)
- 2 tablespoons Orange Zest (Fresh zest is best)
- Sugar for filling (amount included in the combined sugar with orange zest and cinnamon)
Frosting
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese (Use mascarpone for different flavor)
- 2 cups Powdered Sugar (Reduce for less sweetness)
- 2 tablespoons Corn Syrup (Honey or agave can be substitutes)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Optional but recommended)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Orange Juice (Freshly squeezed is best)
- Additional Orange Zest for frosting
- Butter (amount unspecified but implied for the frosting, estimated 1/4 cup)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: Combine warm water, quick rise yeast, and 3 tablespoons of sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. This indicates the yeast is active.
- Make Dough: Add remaining sugar, 2 cups of flour, melted butter, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until combined. Then gradually add the remaining flour, a little at a time, until a soft, tacky dough forms that isn’t too sticky to handle.
- First Rise: Transfer the dough to a greased bowl and cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for 2 to 3 hours or alternatively, refrigerate it overnight for a slower rise and better flavor development.
- Prepare Filling: In a small bowl, mix together sugar, orange zest, and cinnamon for the filling. This combination will give the rolls their signature sweet and citrusy flavor with a warm spice kick.
- Roll Out Dough: On a floured surface, roll the risen dough out into a large rectangle. Spread melted butter evenly over the surface, then sprinkle the prepared sugar-orange-cinnamon filling across the buttered dough.
- Form Rolls: Carefully roll the dough tightly from one end to the other to form a log. Slice the log into 1.5-inch thick rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss, then arrange them spaced on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Second Rise: Cover the rolls loosely and allow them to rise for 1 hour until puffy. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake: Bake the orange rolls in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until they turn golden brown on top and are cooked through.
- Prepare Frosting: While the rolls bake, beat together cream cheese, butter (estimated 1/4 cup), freshly squeezed orange juice, orange zest, vanilla extract, corn syrup, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Frost and Serve: Once the rolls are baked and still warm, generously spread the creamy orange frosting over the top. Serve immediately to enjoy the rolls at their softest and most flavorful.
Notes
- The dough should be soft and slightly tacky but not overly sticky; add flour gradually to achieve the right consistency.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute melted butter with a neutral oil and use dairy-free cream cheese alternatives for the frosting.
- Overnight refrigeration helps develop better flavor and makes the dough easier to handle the next day.
- Adjust powdered sugar in the frosting to your sweetness preference.
- Cinnamon can be omitted from the filling if you prefer a purely citrus flavor.
- Make sure the yeast is fresh and active for proper rising; otherwise, the rolls will be dense.
