If you’ve been dreaming of a treat that combines zesty brightness with irresistibly soft, sweet dough, then you have to try this Melt-in-Your-Mouth Orange Rolls with Creamy Frosting Recipe. Picture tender rolls bursting with fresh orange zest, rolled up with a hint of cinnamon, and topped with a luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting that simply melts on your tongue. It’s the kind of comforting, joyful pastry that brightens mornings and brings smiles to the breakfast table. Whether it’s for a weekend brunch or a special occasion, these orange rolls deliver that perfect balance of fluffy, citrusy, and creamy goodness you’ll want to make over and over again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s something magical about simple ingredients working harmoniously to create an unforgettable flavor and texture. Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, from the warmth and lift provided by the yeast to the dazzling pop of fresh orange zest that gives these rolls their signature brightness.
- 1 cup Warm Water: Perfect temperature to activate the yeast without killing it, setting the foundation for fluffy rolls.
- 2 teaspoons Quick Rise Yeast: Fresh yeast is key to getting a reliable, quick rise and that soft, airy crumb.
- 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to the dough; brown sugar can be swapped for a deeper flavor if you like.
- 4 cups All-Purpose Flour: The canvas for your dough; more flour might be needed to get the perfect consistency.
- 1/4 cup Melted Butter: Keeps your rolls moist and tender; use oil if you prefer dairy-free.
- 1 teaspoon Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor — don’t skip this!
- 1 tablespoon Cinnamon: Adds subtle warmth, but you can omit it if you want pure citrus flavor.
- 2 tablespoons Orange Zest: Fresh zest brings an unbeatable brightness and aroma.
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese: The star of the frosting, offering rich creaminess; mascarpone is an indulgent alternative.
- 2 cups Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting smoothly; adjust to your taste.
- 2 tablespoons Corn Syrup: Helps create a silky texture in the frosting; honey or agave are natural swaps.
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth, elevating the frosting to another level.
- 1/4 cup Fresh Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed juice intensifies the citrus flavor for a tangy punch.
How to Make Melt-in-Your-Mouth Orange Rolls with Creamy Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by combining warm water, yeast, and 3 tablespoons of sugar in your stand mixer bowl. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes, until it’s frothy and bubbly. This shows that the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic in making your rolls delightfully soft.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
Add in the remaining sugar, 2 cups of flour, melted butter, and salt. Blend until everything is well incorporated. Gradually add the rest of the flour, stirring continuously until you get a soft, tacky dough that’s just the right texture to rise beautifully without being too sticky or dry.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Transfer your dough to a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for 2 to 3 hours. If you’d like to slow this down, pop it in the refrigerator overnight for an even deeper flavor development and ease on your schedule.
Step 4: Prepare the Filling
While the dough is rising, mix together sugar, orange zest, and cinnamon in a bowl. This fragrant filling layer is what gives the rolls their irresistible aroma and flavor.
Step 5: Roll and Fill the Dough
Once your dough has doubled in size, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle shape. Brush melted butter evenly over the surface, then sprinkle the sugary orange-cinnamon mixture on top, making sure to cover every inch. This is where the fun really begins!
Step 6: Shape the Rolls
Roll the dough tightly from one end to the other, creating a log. Using a sharp knife, slice into 1.5-inch thick rolls. Place the cut rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, giving them space to rise once more.
Step 7: Final Rise and Bake
Cover the rolls and let them rise for another hour. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). When the rolls have puffed up nicely, bake them for 20 to 25 minutes until they turn golden brown and smell heavenly filling your kitchen.
Step 8: Make the Creamy Frosting
While the rolls bake, whip together cream cheese, butter, orange juice, zest, vanilla, corn syrup, and powdered sugar until you achieve a smooth, creamy frosting. This glaze is where the Melt-in-Your-Mouth Orange Rolls with Creamy Frosting Recipe truly shines, adding a tangy, sweet finish that’s impossible to resist.
Step 9: Frost and Serve
Spread the luscious icing over warm rolls straight from the oven. Watching it melt and seep into every crevice is pure satisfaction. Serve immediately and prepare for compliments galore!
How to Serve Melt-in-Your-Mouth Orange Rolls with Creamy Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of elegance and texture, consider sprinkling chopped toasted pecans or candied orange peel on top of your creamy frosting. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh mint leaves can also brighten the presentation and add subtle visual appeal.
Side Dishes
Pair these rolls with fresh fruit salad for a refreshing contrast or a simple cup of freshly brewed coffee or orange pekoe tea to complement the citrus flavors. For a heartier brunch, scrambled eggs with fresh herbs balance the sweet rolls beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your orange rolls in a rustic wooden basket lined with a colorful cloth for a charming farmhouse style. Alternatively, arrange them on a tiered dessert stand for a tea party vibe. You can also gently warm the rolls before serving to revive that just-baked softness and bring out the lovely orange aroma.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover orange rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them from drying out, wrap them individually in plastic wrap before storing.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked shaped rolls after their first rise by wrapping the baking sheet tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge, let them rise again, then bake as usual. Baked rolls freeze well too — just warm them gently before frosting.
Reheating
To enjoy your orange rolls freshly baked, reheat them in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. For a quick fix, microwave briefly but be careful not to overdo it, or the texture can become rubbery. Always add fresh frosting after reheating for that perfect creamy finish.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap melted butter for your favorite oil and replace cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative to keep the creamy frosting luscious while accommodating dietary preferences.
What if I don’t have fresh oranges for zest and juice?
Fresh orange zest and juice are recommended for the best flavor, but in a pinch, you can use bottled orange juice concentrate and dried orange zest. The brightness won’t be quite the same but still delicious.
How long can I let the dough rise?
The dough should rise for 2 to 3 hours at room temperature or overnight in the refrigerator. The longer, slower rise in the fridge develops more complex flavors and can fit better with your schedule.
Can I make the rolls smaller or bigger?
Yes, sizing up or down is flexible — just adjust baking time accordingly. Smaller rolls might bake faster, about 15-18 minutes, while larger ones may need a few extra minutes to reach that beautiful golden finish.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Definitely! The step-by-step process is straightforward, and the ingredients are simple. This Melt-in-Your-Mouth Orange Rolls with Creamy Frosting Recipe is a wonderful introduction to baking yeast rolls with satisfying, delicious results.
Final Thoughts
This Melt-in-Your-Mouth Orange Rolls with Creamy Frosting Recipe is truly one of those treasures that makes baking so rewarding. From the delicate dough to the bright citrus punch and irresistibly creamy frosting, every bite feels like a warm hug. I encourage you to give it a try and create moments that bring joy around your own table. Happy baking!
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Melt-in-Your-Mouth Orange Rolls with Creamy Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Melt-in-Your-Mouth Orange Rolls feature a soft, tender dough infused with fresh orange zest and cinnamon, baked to golden perfection and topped with a luscious creamy orange frosting. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, these rolls combine citrus brightness with a sweet, smooth cream cheese glaze for an irresistible treat.
Ingredients
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)
- 3 tablespoons Granulated Sugar
- Melted Butter (for spreading, quantity as needed)
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)
- 2 tablespoons Melted Butter
- 2 tablespoons Orange Zest
Instructions
- Activate yeast: Combine warm water, yeast, and 3 tablespoons of sugar in a stand mixer bowl. Let the mixture sit until frothy, about 10 minutes, indicating the yeast is active and ready.
- Mix dough ingredients: Add the remaining sugar, 2 cups of flour, melted butter, and salt to the yeast mixture. Blend on medium speed until well combined to start forming the dough.
- Add flour gradually: Gradually incorporate the remaining flour until a soft, tacky dough forms, adjusting as necessary to achieve the right consistency for kneading.
- First rise: Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise at room temperature for 2-3 hours until doubled in size. Alternatively, refrigerate overnight for a slow rise and enhanced flavor.
- Prepare filling: In a small bowl, mix together sugar, orange zest, and cinnamon until evenly combined. This will be spread inside the rolls.
- Shape rolls: Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a large rectangle. Spread melted butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the orange-cinnamon sugar filling across the surface.
- Roll and cut: Starting at one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut the log into 1.5-inch thick slices to form individual rolls. Place them spaced evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Second rise: Cover the rolls loosely and let them rise for about 1 hour, or until puffed and nearly doubled.
- Preheat oven: While the rolls rise, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake rolls: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare frosting: While the rolls bake, beat together the cream cheese, butter, orange juice, orange zest, vanilla extract, corn syrup, and powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Serve: Spread the creamy orange frosting over the warm rolls immediately after baking for the best melt-in-your-mouth experience. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- The dough can be refrigerated overnight for a slower rise and enhanced flavor development.
- For a dairy-free version, replace butter with a neutral oil and use dairy-free cream cheese alternatives.
- Adjust powdered sugar in the frosting to taste depending on desired sweetness.
- Fresh orange zest and juice are preferred for the brightest citrus flavor.
- Store leftover rolls covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
