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
Scale
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.
