If you adore the comforting warmth of classic cinnamon rolls but crave something fresh, lively, and irresistibly fragrant, the Orange Cinnamon Rolls with Citrus Orange Glaze Recipe is going to be your new favorite treat. Imagine soft, fluffy rolls loaded with a cinnamon-sugar filling that’s brightened by bursts of orange zest, all wrapped in a delicate dough and topped with a sweet, tangy citrus glaze that perfectly complements every bite. This vibrant twist brings a sunny, refreshing vibe to your breakfast table or holiday brunch, making each moment feel a little more special and a whole lot tastier.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients come together beautifully in this recipe, each one playing a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From the soft, enrichening dough to the aromatic filling and the glossy, tangy glaze, every component earns its place in this recipe.
- All-purpose flour (3 cups): The sturdy foundation that helps create soft yet structured rolls.
- Instant yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons): This magical agent gives the dough its fluffy rise.
- Granulated sugar (¼ cup): Adds a gentle sweetness to the dough itself.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
- Whole milk (½ cup): Brings richness and moisture to the dough.
- Orange juice (¼ cup): Infuses bright citrus notes right into the dough.
- Unsalted butter, melted (¼ cup): Creates tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Large egg (1): Adds structure and a slight richness to the dough.
- Orange zest (1 tablespoon for dough, 1 for filling, 1 for glaze): Delivers that fragrant, vibrant citrus punch throughout the rolls.
- Brown sugar, packed (½ cup): Sweet and slightly molasses-flavored, it’s perfect for the filling.
- Ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons): The classic warming spice that pairs so well with orange.
- Unsalted butter, softened (¼ cup for filling): Helps the filling stay flavorful and soft inside every roll.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Creates the sweet base of the glaze for that perfect final touch.
How to Make Orange Cinnamon Rolls with Citrus Orange Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by mixing 2 ½ cups of the all-purpose flour with the instant yeast, granulated sugar, and salt in a large bowl. In a separate microwave-safe bowl, gently warm the whole milk and orange juice until they’re just about 110°F — warm enough to activate the yeast but not so hot that it kills it. Stir the melted butter into this liquid mixture, then combine with the dry ingredients along with the egg and orange zest. Stir until everything is just combined, then gradually add the remaining flour until you have a soft, slightly sticky dough that’s easy to handle.
Step 2: Knead and Rise
On a floured surface, knead your dough for 6 to 8 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic—this step is the secret to a light and fluffy texture. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size. This rising period allows the yeast to work its magic and develop wonderfully airy layers in the rolls.
Step 3: Make the Filling and Roll Out the Dough
While the dough is rising, mix together the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, softened butter, and orange zest to make the filling. Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air and roll it into a 14×9-inch rectangle on a floured surface — think of it as preparing the perfect canvas for your flavor masterpiece. Spread the filling evenly across the dough, which ensures that each roll gets a generous swirl of that sweet and spicy goodness.
Step 4: Shape and Second Rise
Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Then slice it into 9 to 12 rolls depending on how thick and tall you like them. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving a bit of space between each one so they can puff up beautifully during baking. Cover the dish again and allow the rolls to rise for 30 to 40 minutes. This second rise will make the rolls soft, light, and perfectly ready to bake.
Step 5: Bake and Glaze
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes until they’re golden brown and the house starts smelling like heaven itself. While they cool for a few minutes, whisk together powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest to prepare your luscious citrus glaze. Drizzle it generously over warm rolls, letting it gently soak in and add that final heavenly touch.
How to Serve Orange Cinnamon Rolls with Citrus Orange Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra pop of freshness, sprinkle additional finely grated orange zest right on top of the glaze just before serving. You can also add a few thin slices of candied orange peel or a light dusting of cinnamon to impress guests visually and enhance the aroma.
Side Dishes
These rolls are perfect on their own but can be paired beautifully with fresh fruit for brightness or a creamy coffee latte to balance the sweetness. For a more substantial brunch, a simple scrambled egg dish or light yogurt parfait makes a wonderful accompaniment without overwhelming the bright citrus flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these rolls individually wrapped with a sprig of fresh mint tied on top for a charming gift or party favor. For a family brunch, arrange the rolls in a festive circular pattern on a large platter to create a dazzling centerpiece that invites everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover rolls keep their charm well stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To maintain softness, avoid refrigeration unless the weather is very warm, as chilling can dry out the rolls.
Freezing
These orange cinnamon rolls freeze wonderfully! After the first rise, roll and slice them, then place the unbaked rolls on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, and transfer to a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to enjoy fresh baked treats, thaw and let rise fully before baking as usual.
Reheating
To enjoy leftovers, warm the rolls in a microwave for about 20-30 seconds or in a preheated 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes. Adding a slight sprinkle of water before reheating in the oven helps to keep them moist and fresh-tasting, as if they just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use fresh yeast instead of instant yeast?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh yeast, simply use about twice the amount (around 15 to 20 grams) and dissolve it in your warm liquid before adding it to the flour mixture.
Is it possible to make these rolls gluten-free?
Gluten-free baking can be tricky, but you can try substituting the flour with a blend made for yeast breads. Keep in mind that texture will vary, and you might need to adjust liquids and rising times accordingly.
Can the orange juice be substituted with another citrus?
Definitely! Lemon or grapefruit juice could work to create a different flavor profile, but the bright sweetness and slight tang of orange juice pairs best with cinnamon in this recipe.
How early can I prepare these rolls before baking?
You can make the dough and complete the first rise the night before, refrigerating the rolls after shaping and before the second rise. Just allow them to come to room temperature and rise again before baking in the morning.
Can I add nuts or dried fruit to the filling?
For sure! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even dried cranberries add a lovely crunch and complementary flavor that pairs beautifully with the orange and cinnamon.
Final Thoughts
Orange Cinnamon Rolls with Citrus Orange Glaze Recipe is a delightful way to reinvent a beloved classic with a radiant, tangy twist that brightens any morning. Giving these a try means treating yourself and your loved ones to a warm hug of citrus-spiced comfort. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and bring some sunshine into your kitchen—you won’t regret the sweet, zesty joy that awaits!
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Orange Cinnamon Rolls with Citrus Orange Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 9–12 rolls
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Orange cinnamon rolls are a bright and zesty twist on the classic cinnamon roll, filled with cinnamon-sugar and finished with a sweet orange glaze. The soft, fluffy dough paired with citrusy flavor makes them perfect for breakfast, brunch, or holiday mornings.
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup orange juice
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
For the filling:
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
Instructions
- Prepare the dough mixture: In a large bowl, combine 2 ½ cups flour, instant yeast, granulated sugar, and salt. Warm the milk and orange juice in a microwave-safe bowl until just warm, about 110°F, then stir in melted butter.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients: Add the warm milk mixture, egg, and orange zest to the flour mixture. Stir until combined, then gradually add the remaining flour until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the filling: Mix together brown sugar, ground cinnamon, softened butter, and orange zest until well combined.
- Shape the rolls: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a 14×9-inch rectangle. Spread the filling evenly over the dough.
- Roll and slice: Roll the dough tightly from the long edge. Slice the roll into 9 to 12 equal pieces.
- Second rise: Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise for another 30–40 minutes until puffy.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Prepare and apply glaze: While the rolls cool slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest. Drizzle the glaze over warm rolls and serve.
Notes
- For extra orange flavor, add a few drops of orange extract to the glaze.
- These rolls can be made the night before—refrigerate before the second rise and bake fresh in the morning.
