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
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)
- 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.
