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Orange Cinnamon Rolls

Delight in these soft and fluffy orange cinnamon rolls, featuring the warm, cozy flavors of cinnamon with a bright burst of orange zest, perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 22 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine American
Servings 9 pieces
Calories 350 kcal

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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Notes

For best results, do not overheat the milk as it can kill the yeast. Customize the glaze and enjoy these rolls fresh out of the oven for a delightful breakfast treat.
Keyword Baking, Breakfast Pastry, Brunch Treat, Cinnamon Rolls, Orange Cinnamon Rolls