Orange cinnamon rolls are a delightful twist on the classic cinnamon roll, infusing the warm, cozy flavors of cinnamon with a bright burst of orange. These rolls are perfect for a lazy Sunday morning breakfast or a special brunch with friends. The combination of sweet and zesty flavors, along with the gooey filling and soft dough, creates a treat that is hard to resist. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or reheated later, orange cinnamon rolls bring a sense of comfort and indulgence.
Why We Love This Orange Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
This orange cinnamon rolls recipe is a favorite for several reasons. First, the bright, fresh flavor of orange zest adds a unique twist to the traditional cinnamon roll, making it stand out. The mouthwatering aroma that fills your kitchen as these rolls bake is undeniably inviting. The ingredients are simple and straightforward, which means you can whip them up with ease, even if you’re new to baking. Plus, the combination of heavy cream poured over the rolls before baking ensures a moist and fluffy texture that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Simply put, these orange cinnamon rolls are a slice of sunshine on your breakfast table.
Ingredients about Orange Cinnamon Rolls
To create these delicious orange cinnamon rolls at home, you will need the following ingredients:
- 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 these orange cinnamon rolls is simpler than you might think. Follow these straightforward steps to achieve the perfect batch.
First, you want to prepare the milk and butter mixture. In a small saucepan, heat the whole milk and melted butter together until it reaches a lukewarm temperature of around 105°F-115°F. This gentle warming should not take long, and if you prefer, you can microwave it for about 30-45 seconds. However, be careful not to overheat, as high temperatures can kill the yeast.
Next, pour this warm mixture into the bowl of your electric stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top, allowing it to dissolve for a minute before adding the orange juice, sugar, egg, and egg yolk. Mix on medium-low speed until everything is just combined.
After the mixture is combined, add the bread flour and salt. Mix again, but do not overmix; you’ll add the heavy cream in the next steps. Attach the dough hook to your mixer, and with it still on medium-low speed, knead the dough for around 8 minutes. The goal here is to achieve a dough that pulls away from the sides of the bowl but remains tacky to the touch.
Once your dough is ready, grease a medium-sized mixing bowl with baking spray or oil. Place your dough in the bowl, turning it once to coat the top. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and a warm kitchen towel, allowing it to rise for about 1 ½ to 2 hours. During this time, the dough should nearly double in size.
While the dough is rising, prepare your baking pan. Grease a 9×9 inch pan (or a 9-inch cake pan) with baking spray, and consider lining it with parchment paper to catch any potential filling that may ooze out during baking.
Now it’s time to mix your filling. In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, white sugar, ground cinnamon, and orange zest until smooth.
Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a generously floured surface. Roll the dough into a rectangle measuring approximately 9×14 inches. Spread the prepared filling equally on the dough, leaving a slight margin on the edges to ensure that the filling doesn’t ooze out when you roll it up.
Carefully roll the dough up tightly from one long edge to the other, and slice it into 9 equal pieces. You can use a sharp knife or the fluff-free floss cutting method to achieve clean cuts. Arrange these rolls in your prepared baking pan, and again cover them with plastic wrap and a warm towel for a second rise of about 30 minutes to an hour.
As the final rising comes to an end, preheat your oven to 350°F. Microwave the heavy cream for about 15-20 seconds until it’s lukewarm and then pour it over the unbaked rolls right before they go into the oven. Bake the rolls for about 20-22 minutes, or until the tops are lightly browned and they reach an internal temperature of 190°F. Once baked, allow them to cool for about 5-10 minutes, which gives you just enough time to prepare the glaze.
In a bowl, mix together the powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth, and drizzle this delicious glaze over the warm rolls. If you like, sprinkle a little more orange zest on top for a festive touch.
How to Serve Orange Cinnamon Rolls
When it comes to serving your orange cinnamon rolls, the possibilities are endless. These rolls are best enjoyed warm, so consider serving them fresh out of the oven. They are perfect for a weekend brunch, paired with a steaming cup of coffee or a refreshing glass of orange juice. For an attractive presentation, you can arrange the rolls on a beautiful platter, drizzling the glaze generously and garnishing with additional orange zest or even a sprinkle of nuts for some crunch.
If you’re serving these rolls for a special occasion, don’t hesitate to add sides like fresh fruit or a light salad to complement the sweetness of the rolls. On the other hand, if you’re enjoying a cozy Sunday at home, simply sit back, relax, and enjoy these treats on their own, savoring every gooey bite.
Expert Tips: Orange Cinnamon Rolls
To help you achieve the best possible orange cinnamon rolls, consider these expert tips:
- Don’t Overheat the Milk: Ensure your milk and butter mixture is just warm, as overheating can kill the yeast. This step is crucial for a successful rise.
- Knead with Care: Knead your dough just until it pulls away from the sides of the mixer. Too much kneading can lead to dense rolls.
- Second Rise Importance: Allowing the rolled dough to rise a second time is key. It develops the rolls’ texture and ensures they are light and fluffy.
- Check Internal Temperature: Invest in a kitchen thermometer to ensure your rolls are baked to perfection. A temperature of 190°F is ideal for fluffy rolls.
- Customize the Glaze: Feel free to adjust the glaze by adding more orange juice or zest for increased flavor. Experimenting with it can lead to delightful variations.
- Store Properly: If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh for longer.
How to Store Orange Cinnamon Rolls
Storing your orange cinnamon rolls is easy! Once they have cooled completely, transfer them to an airtight container. If you plan to enjoy them in a few days, you can keep them at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, consider placing them in the fridge, where they will last up to a week.
If you want to save them for an even longer time, you can freeze the unglazed rolls. Roll them up, slice, and place them in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. They will maintain their quality for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat and glaze as desired.
Variation of Orange Cinnamon Rolls
If you’re looking to mix things up or cater to different taste preferences, here are some fun variations you can try with your orange cinnamon rolls:
- Nutty Addition: Incorporate crushed nuts into your filling, like walnuts or pecans, for a delightful crunch.
- Dried Fruit: Add raisins or dried cranberries to the filling for a chewy texture that pairs wonderfully with the cinnamon and orange.
- Cheese Swirl: For a richer filling, consider adding a layer of cream cheese or ricotta mixed with sugar and zest before rolling the dough.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the bread flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure you follow a trusted recipe or package directions for your specific gluten-free flour.
- Cocoa Twist: Mix cocoa powder into the cinnamon mixture to create a chocolate-orange combo that’s perfect for chocolate lovers.
- Lemon Zest: If you want to try a different citrus flavor, swap out the orange zest for lemon zest for a fresh and zesty variation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to ensure my orange cinnamon rolls rise properly?
To ensure your orange cinnamon rolls rise beautifully, make sure your yeast is alive. Proof the yeast by combining it with warm water and a bit of sugar before adding it to the mixture. Additionally, maintaining a warm environment for the dough helps significantly.
Can I make orange cinnamon rolls the night before?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, fill, roll, and slice it the night before. Place the rolls in the pan, cover them tightly, and refrigerate. In the morning, allow them to come to room temperature and rise before baking.
What can I substitute for milk in the orange cinnamon rolls?
If you need a dairy-free option, unsweetened almond milk or oat milk can work well. Just ensure that the milk alternative is heated to the correct temperature to activate the yeast properly.
Can I freeze leftover rolls?
Yes, you can freeze leftover orange cinnamon rolls. After they have cooled completely, place them in an airtight container or wrapping and freeze. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw and reheat as needed.
How can I get a more intense orange flavor in my cinnamon rolls?
To enhance the orange flavor, incorporate more orange zest into both the dough and the filling. You can also add orange extract to the glaze for an extra kick!
By following these steps and tips, you’re sure to master the art of making deliciously fluffy orange cinnamon rolls that will not only please your taste buds but also impress your friends and family! Enjoy the baking experience and the delicious results that come from your kitchen!
Orange Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1/2 cup whole milk Warmed to lukewarm
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 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
Filling Ingredients
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp. ground cinnamon or more if desired
- 1 Tbsp. orange zest
Glaze Ingredients
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 Tbsp. orange juice
Topping Ingredients
- 1/2 cup heavy cream To pour over rolls before baking
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
- In a small saucepan, heat the whole milk and melted butter together until lukewarm (105°F-115°F).
- Pour the warm mixture into an electric stand mixer bowl. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top and let it dissolve for a minute.
- Add the orange juice, sugar, egg, and egg yolk; mix on medium-low speed until combined.
- Add the bread flour and salt. Mix gently and then knead with a dough hook on medium-low speed for about 8 minutes.
First Rise
- Grease a medium-sized bowl and place the dough in it, covering with plastic wrap and a warm towel. Allow to rise for 1.5 to 2 hours.
Prepare the Filling
- In a medium bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, white sugar, ground cinnamon, and orange zest until smooth.
Shape the Rolls
- Turn the risen dough out onto a floured surface and roll into a rectangle (9x14 inches).
- Spread the filling evenly on the dough and carefully roll it up tightly. Slice into 9 equal pieces.
Second Rise
- Arrange slices in a greased 9x9 inch baking pan, cover, and let rise for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Bake the Rolls
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Microwave the heavy cream until lukewarm and pour over the unbaked rolls.
- Bake for about 20-22 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool for 5-10 minutes.
Prepare the Glaze
- Mix powdered sugar and orange juice in a bowl until smooth. Drizzle over the warm rolls.
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