Description
These Melt-in-Your-Mouth Orange Rolls are soft and fluffy, bursting with fresh citrus flavor and a hint of cinnamon, topped with a luscious creamy orange frosting. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, these homemade rolls combine classic sweet rolls with bright, fresh orange zest and juice for a delightful twist that will wow your family and guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 1 cup Warm Water (Room temperature is ideal)
- 2 teaspoons Quick Rise Yeast (Must be fresh)
- 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar (Can use brown sugar for richer flavor)
- 4 cups All-Purpose Flour (Adjust based on dough consistency)
- 1/4 cup Melted Butter (Can replace with oil for dairy-free)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (Essential for flavor balance)
Filling
- 1 tablespoon Cinnamon (Omit for citrus-only flavor)
- 2 tablespoons Orange Zest (Fresh zest is best)
- 3 tablespoons Granulated Sugar
- Additional melted butter for spreading (about 2-3 tablespoons)
Creamy Frosting
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese (Use mascarpone for different flavor)
- 2 cups Powdered Sugar (Reduce for less sweetness)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Orange Juice (Freshly squeezed is best)
- 2 tablespoons Corn Syrup (Honey or agave can be substitutes)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Optional but recommended)
- 2 tablespoons Orange Zest (Fresh zest is best)
- 2 tablespoons Butter, softened
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: Combine warm water, yeast, and 3 tablespoons of sugar in a stand mixer bowl. Let it sit until frothy, about 10 minutes, to ensure the yeast is active and ready.
- Mix Dough: Add the remaining sugar, 2 cups of flour, melted butter, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until well combined to start forming the dough.
- Knead Dough: Gradually add the remaining flour until a soft, tacky dough forms. Knead well using the stand mixer with a dough hook or by hand until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 2-3 hours until doubled in size. Alternatively, you can refrigerate overnight for a slower rise.
- Prepare Filling: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, fresh orange zest, and cinnamon. This mixture will provide a fragrant, zesty layer inside the rolls.
- Roll Out Dough: On a floured surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle approximately 12×18 inches. Spread melted butter evenly over the dough to help the filling stick.
- Add Filling: Sprinkle the orange-cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough, ensuring it covers the surface completely for consistent flavor.
- Shape Rolls: Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut the log into 1.5-inch thick slices using a sharp knife or dental floss.
- Second Rise: Place the rolls cut side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving some space between them for expansion. Cover and let them rise again for 1 hour until puffy.
- Preheat Oven: While rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for perfect baking temperature.
- Bake Rolls: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown on top, being careful not to overbake to keep them soft.
- Prepare Frosting: As the rolls bake, mix the cream cheese, softened butter, orange juice, orange zest, vanilla extract, corn syrup, and powdered sugar in a bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Frost and Serve: Once rolls are warm from the oven, spread the creamy orange frosting over the tops generously. Serve immediately and enjoy your fresh, melt-in-your-mouth orange rolls.
Notes
- You can substitute brown sugar in the dough for a richer flavor.
- For a dairy-free version, replace butter with oil and use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for the frosting.
- Omit cinnamon if you prefer a pure citrus flavor.
- The dough can be refrigerated overnight for convenience and better flavor development.
- If rolls are not eaten within a day or two, store them in an airtight container and reheat gently before serving.
- Freshly squeezed orange juice and zest provide the best flavor, but bottled zest and juice can be used in a pinch.
