There’s nothing quite as comforting and uplifting as starting your day with a warm, fragrant batch of orange cinnamon rolls fresh from the oven. This Orange Cinnamon Rolls Recipe brings a delightful twist to the classic treat by infusing bright, zesty citrus notes into the traditional cinnamon and brown sugar filling. The combination of soft, pillowy dough and the vibrant orange glaze on top creates a mouthwatering breakfast or dessert that feels like a celebration in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a weekend brunch or just craving something sweet, these rolls deliver that perfect balance of sweet, spice, and sunshine.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Orange Cinnamon Rolls Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully selected ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role: flour for structure, cinnamon and brown sugar for warmth, and fresh orange zest and juice to brighten the flavors. Let’s take a closer look at what you need to bring this recipe to life.
- All-purpose flour (3 1/2 cups): The foundation that holds the rolls together while keeping them tender and soft.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Adds gentle sweetness to the dough without overpowering the orange notes.
- Active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons): The essential leavening agent that gives your rolls that fluffy, airy texture.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors, balancing sweetness and adding depth.
- Whole milk, warmed (1 cup): Helps activate the yeast and keeps the dough soft and rich.
- Unsalted butter, melted (1/4 cup): Provides a luscious tenderness to both dough and filling.
- Large eggs (2): Bind everything together and enrich the dough for a perfect crumb.
- Softened butter for filling (1/3 cup): Creates a rich base for the cinnamon and orange zest to cling to.
- Light brown sugar (1/2 cup): Adds moisture and a deep molasses sweetness that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon): The warm spice that defines cinnamon rolls and complements the citrus zing.
- Orange zest (1 tablespoon for filling, plus 1 teaspoon for glaze): Bursts with fresh, fragrant flavor that lifts the entire roll.
- Powdered sugar (1 1/2 cups): The sweet base for the glossy, tangy glaze that ties everything together.
- Fresh orange juice (2–3 tablespoons): Adds a bright, natural acidity to the glaze, perfectly balancing the sweetness.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Rounds out the glaze with a comforting sweetness and warmth.
How to Make Orange Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by whisking together the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a large bowl. This simple dry mix is the base that allows your dough to rise perfectly. Pour in the warm milk, melted butter, and eggs, then stir until a soft dough begins to form. Knead it on a lightly floured surface for about 5 to 7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic—this step is key for those tender, fluffy rolls.
Step 2: First Rise
Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it to keep the warmth in, and let it rise in a cozy spot for about an hour. Patience here is rewarded with dough that doubles in size and becomes wonderfully soft and airy.
Step 3: Roll and Fill
Once risen, punch the dough down to let out the air and roll it into a 12 by 16 inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly across the surface, then sprinkle the luscious mix of brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and orange zest over it. An extra tip: brush the dough lightly with orange juice before adding the filling for an extra splash of citrusy goodness that takes this Orange Cinnamon Rolls Recipe to the next level.
Step 4: Shape the Rolls
Roll the dough up tightly from the long edge, keeping the filling nicely contained. Slice the long roll into 12 even pieces, each promising a swirl of cinnamon and orange flavor in every bite.
Step 5: Second Rise
Arrange the rolls snugly in a greased 9 by 13 inch baking dish. Cover and give them 30 minutes to puff up again, creating tender, fluffy rolls that will bake into golden perfection.
Step 6: Bake and Glaze
Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake the rolls for about 22 to 25 minutes until they’re lightly golden on top. While they bake, whisk together powdered sugar, fresh orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla to make a bright, smooth glaze. Drizzle this lovingly over the still-warm rolls just before serving and get ready for orange-infused bliss.
How to Serve Orange Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate these rolls even further, consider garnishing with a sprinkle of finely grated orange zest or a few edible flowers for a beautiful pop of color and aroma. Chopped toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts add a lovely crunch and complement the soft texture.
Side Dishes
Orange Cinnamon Rolls Recipe pairs wonderfully with a creamy cup of coffee or fresh-squeezed orange juice to echo the citrus notes. For a brunch spread, add some Greek yogurt with honey and fresh berries or a simple fruit salad to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these rolls on a rustic wooden board for a cozy, inviting atmosphere or stack them in a pretty tiered cake stand if you’re hosting a special breakfast. You can also individually wrap each roll in parchment paper for an easy grab-and-go treat that guests will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any rolls left over, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They keep their softness best if tightly sealed to prevent drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze the rolls before baking by placing the sliced rolls in the pan, covering tightly with plastic wrap, and freezing. When you’re ready, let them thaw and rise before baking as usual. Baked rolls freeze well too; just wrap them tightly and enjoy within 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat leftover orange cinnamon rolls in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or in a warm oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes to bring back that fresh-out-of-the-oven softness and the irresistible aroma.
FAQs
Can I use orange extract instead of fresh orange zest and juice?
Yes! While fresh zest and juice offer the brightest flavor, orange extract can be a convenient alternative. Use sparingly to avoid overpowering the rolls.
How do I know when the dough has risen enough?
The dough should double in size and look puffy. A good test is to press a finger gently into the dough—if the indentation remains, it’s ready for the next step.
What if my rolls are not soft inside?
Under-kneading or insufficient rising time can make rolls dense. Make sure to knead until smooth and elastic, and allow the dough to rise in a warm spot until doubled.
Can I make these rolls vegan?
You can substitute dairy milk with plant-based milk, use vegan butter, and replace eggs with flaxseed or commercial egg replacer. The texture might vary slightly but will still be delicious.
Why add orange juice before spreading the filling?
Brushing orange juice adds moisture and intensifies the citrus flavor, making the rolls taste brighter and even more aromatic.
Final Thoughts
This Orange Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is a scrumptious way to bring a burst of sunshine and warmth to your kitchen. The vibrant citrus twist paired with classic cinnamon sweetness makes every bite feel special. Whether for a lazy weekend morning or a festive gathering, these rolls are sure to become a beloved favorite. I can’t wait for you to try them and experience the joy of fresh-baked orange cinnamon rolls melting in your mouth!
Print
Orange Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these freshly baked Orange Cinnamon Rolls, featuring a soft, buttery dough infused with a vibrant orange zest cinnamon filling. Topped with a smooth orange glaze, these rolls offer a perfect blend of citrusy sweetness and warm spice, ideal for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
Dough
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
Filling
- 1/3 cup softened butter
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
Glaze
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, active dry yeast, and salt to evenly combine all dry components.
- Form Dough: Stir in the warmed whole milk, melted unsalted butter, and eggs until a soft dough forms. Transfer to a lightly floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Shape Dough: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a 12 by 16 inch rectangle on a floured surface.
- Add Filling: Evenly spread softened butter over the rolled dough. In a separate bowl, mix the light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and orange zest, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
- Roll and Slice: Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice the log into 12 even rolls.
- Second Rise: Arrange the rolls in a greased 9 by 13 inch baking dish. Cover and let them rise for another 30 minutes until puffy.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 22–25 minutes or until the tops are lightly golden.
- Prepare Glaze: While the rolls bake, whisk together powdered sugar, fresh orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the orange glaze over the warm cinnamon rolls right after baking. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For an extra burst of orange flavor, brush the rolled dough with a tablespoon of fresh orange juice before adding the cinnamon sugar filling.
- If you prefer a thicker glaze, reduce the amount of orange juice slightly when mixing the glaze.
- These rolls can be prepared the night before and refrigerated. Simply bake them fresh in the morning for a convenient breakfast treat.
