Description
Delightfully soft and aromatic Orange Cinnamon Rolls featuring a tender dough infused with fresh orange zest and a warm cinnamon swirl. These homemade rolls are topped with a tangy orange glaze, making them a perfect breakfast or brunch treat to impress family and friends.
Ingredients
Dough
- 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp orange zest (from about 1 medium orange)
Filling
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
Orange Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp fresh orange juice
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the yeast mixture: In a small bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy to activate the yeast.
- Make the dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt. Add in the melted butter, eggs, orange zest, and the activated yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 6-7 minutes.
- First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Prepare the filling: In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
- Roll out the dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a 16×12-inch rectangle.
- Add filling: Spread softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture across the surface.
- Form rolls: Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut into 9 equal pieces (about 1 1/2 inches thick).
- Second rise: Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let them rise again for 30-40 minutes until puffy.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown on top.
- Make the glaze: While the rolls bake, whisk together powdered sugar, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Glaze and serve: Remove rolls from oven and let cool slightly before drizzling with the orange glaze. Serve warm for best flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh orange zest and juice for the best citrus flavor in both the dough and glaze.
- Ensure the milk is warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- For a softer texture, brush the rolls with melted butter immediately after baking.
- Store leftover rolls covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Reheat rolls gently in a microwave or oven before serving to refresh their softness.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
