Imagine waking up to the warm, inviting aroma of cinnamon and citrus wafting through your kitchen. Orange cinnamon rolls are a delightful twist on the classic cinnamon roll, adding a burst of fresh orange flavor that elevates this beloved treat. With their fluffy texture and sweet, tangy glaze, these rolls are perfect for any breakfast or brunch occasion. Not only do they fill your home with an irresistible scent, but they also bring a smile to every face at the table.
Why We Love This Orange Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
There’s something special about the combination of orange and cinnamon that feels just right. The citrusy brightness cuts through the sweetness of the dough and filling, balancing the flavors beautifully. This recipe is approachable, making it perfect for talented bakers and novices alike. Plus, who can resist the joy of homemade rolls? They provide a sense of accomplishment and warmth that store-bought alternatives simply can’t match. With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a batch of orange cinnamon rolls that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients about Orange Cinnamon Rolls
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1.25 oz. package active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp.)
- 1/2 cup orange juice, freshly squeezed
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 large egg yolk, at room temperature
- 3 cups bread flour, spooned and leveled, plus more for dusting
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp. ground cinnamon (or more if desired)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 Tbsp. orange zest
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 Tbsp. orange juice
How to Make Orange Cinnamon Rolls Directions
Making orange cinnamon rolls might seem intimidating, but with this easy-to-follow method, you’ll have delicious rolls in no time. Start by heating the whole milk and melted butter in a small saucepan until the mixture is lukewarm, around 105°F-115°F. This temperature is crucial as it activates the yeast effectively. Pour this warm mixture into the bowl of your electric stand mixer, and sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top. Allow it to dissolve for about five minutes.
Next, add freshly squeezed orange juice, the quarter cup of sugar, and both the egg and egg yolk to the bowl. Mix until well combined. Gradually introduce the bread flour and salt, mixing it into your liquid mixture until it starts to come together. Once it’s combined, attach a dough hook to your mixer. Knead the dough on medium-low speed for about eight minutes. You want your dough to be tacky but not sticky, pulling away from the bowl’s sides.
Once your dough has reached the right consistency, grease a mixing bowl and place your dough inside. Cover it with plastic wrap and allow it to rise in a warm area for about 1 ½ to 2 hours, or until it doubles in size. Meanwhile, grease a 9×9 inch baking pan and set it aside.
While the dough rises, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, white sugar, ground cinnamon, and orange zest. This delightful mixture will create a sweet, aromatic filling for your rolls.
Once your dough has risen, roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle measuring about 9×14 inches. Spread your filling evenly over the surface, then roll it tightly from the long side to form a log. Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut the rolled dough into nine equal pieces.
Place the rolls in your greased baking pan, making sure they are spaced evenly apart. Cover them again and let them rise for another 30 to 60 minutes until they puff up. While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 350°F.
Once ready, drizzle lukewarm heavy cream over the rolls to enhance their moisture and richness as they bake. Bake them in the preheated oven for 20-22 minutes or until lightly golden brown and they reach an internal temperature of 190°F. While the rolls cool slightly, make the glaze by mixing powdered sugar with orange juice. Once your rolls are just warm, drizzle the glaze generously over each one.
How to Serve Orange Cinnamon Rolls
Serving orange cinnamon rolls can be as delightful as making them! These rolls are perfect for special occasions, like holiday breakfasts or brunch gatherings with friends. You can serve them warm, fresh out of the oven, with a side of fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence. Consider presenting the rolls on a beautiful platter, with some extra glaze drizzled artfully on top for color. For a casual approach, simply place them in the center of the table, allowing everyone to help themselves. Don’t forget to offer coffee or tea for a cozy touch—nothing pairs better with a sweet roll than a warm beverage!
Expert Tips: Orange Cinnamon Rolls
To ensure your orange cinnamon rolls turn out perfectly, consider these expert tips. First, pay close attention to the temperature of your liquids. Too hot can kill the yeast, while too cold won’t activate it. If you need a quick rise, preheat your oven to its lowest setting for a few minutes, then turn it off and let your dough rise inside with the oven light on.
When rolling the dough, be careful not to make it too tight; you want your rolls to be fluffy and airy. If your dough becomes difficult to manage, add a little extra flour during your kneading process but be sure not to overdo it, as this can lead to tough rolls. Lastly, taste your filling before applying it to the dough—feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon or sugar to your liking for a personal touch.
How to Store Orange Cinnamon Rolls
Proper storage is crucial for keeping your orange cinnamon rolls fresh. If you’ve made a batch and want to save some for later, allow them to cool completely before attempting to store them. Place the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature, where they can last for up to two days. For extended storage, consider freezing them. Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply remove the desired amount from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature. Reheat them gently in the oven for a few minutes to revive their fluffy texture.
Variation of Orange Cinnamon Rolls
While the classic orange cinnamon rolls are undeniably delicious, there are several ways you can modify the recipe to suit your taste. If you’re a fan of nuts, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch in your filling. For a creamier texture, spread a layer of cream cheese in addition to the butter before adding the sugar and cinnamon.
You can also experiment with other citrus fruits; try adding lemon or lime zest for a unique twist. If you’re feeling adventurous, mix in dried cranberries or raisins for added sweetness and texture. Each variation allows you to explore different flavor profiles while keeping the comforting base of the original recipe intact.
FAQ
What are orange cinnamon rolls?
Orange cinnamon rolls are a delicious variation of traditional cinnamon rolls, infused with the bright flavor of fresh orange juice and zest. They combine the warm, sweet taste of cinnamon with the refreshing zest of oranges, topped with a sweet orange glaze.
How do I make orange cinnamon rolls from scratch?
Making orange cinnamon rolls involves creating a dough with warm milk, yeast, eggs, and flour. After allowing the dough to rise, you roll it out, spread a filling of butter, sugar, cinnamon, and orange zest, and then bake until golden brown. A glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice completes these delightful treats.
Can I prepare orange cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the rolls ahead of time. You can assemble them, let them rise, and then refrigerate overnight. Simply take them out of the fridge in the morning and allow them to come to room temperature before baking.
How should I store leftover orange cinnamon rolls?
Store leftover orange cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to three months.
What can I serve with orange cinnamon rolls?
Orange cinnamon rolls pair wonderfully with coffee, tea, or even a glass of milk. They can also be served alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, or a light salad for a balanced breakfast or dessert spread.
Orange Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1/2 cup whole milk Warm to activate yeast
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted Needs to be warm, but not hot
- 1.25 oz. active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp.) Ensure it’s fresh for good rising
- 1/2 cup orange juice, freshly squeezed Adds flavor to the dough
- 1/4 cup sugar To sweeten the dough
- 1 large egg At room temperature
- 1 large egg yolk At room temperature
- 3 cups bread flour, spooned and leveled Plus more for dusting
- 1 tsp. salt
Filling Ingredients
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp. ground cinnamon Adjust to taste
- 1/4 cup orange zest
Glaze Ingredients
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 Tbsp. orange juice Adjust for consistency
Additional Ingredient
- 1/2 cup heavy cream Lukewarm, for drizzling before baking
Instructions
Making the Dough
- Heat the whole milk and melted butter in a small saucepan until lukewarm, between 105°F-115°F.
- Pour the warm mixture into the bowl of an electric stand mixer, and sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top. Allow it to dissolve for about five minutes.
- Add the orange juice, 1/4 cup of sugar, the egg, and egg yolk to the bowl, and mix until well combined.
- Gradually introduce the bread flour and salt, mixing it into your liquid mixture until it starts to come together.
- Attach a dough hook and knead on medium-low speed for about eight minutes until the dough is tacky but not sticky.
- Grease a mixing bowl and place your dough inside. Cover it with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours until it doubles in size.
Preparing the Filling
- In a medium bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, white sugar, ground cinnamon, and orange zest.
Assembling the Rolls
- Once your dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle measuring about 9x14 inches.
- Spread the filling evenly over the surface of the dough, then roll it tightly from the long side to form a log.
- Cut the rolled dough into nine equal pieces with a sharp knife or dental floss.
- Place the rolls in a greased 9x9 inch baking pan, spacing them evenly apart. Cover them and let rise for another 30 to 60 minutes.
Baking the Rolls
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Once ready, drizzle lukewarm heavy cream over the rolls and bake for 20-22 minutes until lightly golden brown and they reach an internal temperature of 190°F.
Glazing and Serving
- While the rolls cool, mix powdered sugar with orange juice to make the glaze.
- Drizzle the glaze generously over warm rolls before serving.
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