Orange Cream Cheese Frosted Sweet Rolls Recipe

If you’ve been searching for a sweet, zesty breakfast treat that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, look no further than this Orange Cream Cheese Frosted Sweet Rolls Recipe. These rolls combine fluffy, tender dough with vibrant bursts of fresh orange zest, all topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that’s tangy, sweet, and utterly irresistible. Whether for a weekend brunch, holiday morning, or just a cozy anytime indulgence, this recipe delivers that perfect balance of citrus brightness and buttery richness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Orange Cream Cheese Frosted Sweet Rolls Recipe keeps things refreshingly simple yet wonderfully flavorful. Every ingredient has a special role, from the creamy butter that creates softness, to the fresh orange zest infusing delightful aroma and brightness, making each bite unforgettable.

• Milk (1 cup): Warm milk helps activate the yeast and moistens the dough for a tender texture.
• Salted butter (1/4 cup + 1/2 cup + 6 tablespoons): Adds richness and a silky crumb to both dough and filling.
• Granulated sugar (1/4 cup + 3/4 cup): Sweetens the dough and the orange filling beautifully.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon + pinch): Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
• Instant yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons): Makes the dough rise perfectly fluffy and light.
• Egg (1 large): Adds structure and richness to the dough.
• All-purpose flour (3 to 4 cups): The base of our dough, creating a soft yet sturdy roll.
• Fresh orange zest (2 to 3 tablespoons + 1 to 2 teaspoons): The star ingredient for bright citrus notes in filling and frosting.
• Cream cheese (3 tablespoons): For that tangy, luscious frosting that makes each roll unforgettable.
• Milk or heavy cream (1 tablespoon): Keeps the frosting smooth and spreadable, can be swapped with fresh orange juice for extra zing.
• Powdered sugar (1 1/4 cups): Sweetens and lightens the frosting into a creamy dream.

How to Make Orange Cream Cheese Frosted Sweet Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Warm the Milk

Start by heating your milk until it’s just scalded, steaming and dotted with tiny bubbles around the edge—never boiling, as you want to preserve the delicate proteins for a tender dough. This warmth is crucial for waking up the yeast and preparing the dough for its rise.

Step 2: Melt Butter and Dissolve Sugar and Salt

Add the butter, granulated sugar, and salt straight into the warm milk. Stir until the butter melts completely, and then let the mixture cool just until it’s comfortably warm to the touch. This cooling step protects the yeast from overheating when it’s added next.

Step 3: Activate Yeast and Incorporate Egg

Stir in the yeast and the egg to the cooled milk mixture. Mixing these in now sets the stage for a dough that’s both rich and beautifully soft once baked.

Step 4: Add Flour and Knead the Dough

Gradually incorporate the flour, one cup at a time, stirring until the dough pulls away from the sides of your bowl and becomes soft and slightly sticky. Then knead the dough for 2 to 3 minutes until smooth and elastic, which builds the gluten structure needed for those heavenly rolls.

Step 5: First Rise

Place your dough into a lightly greased bowl, cover it with greased plastic wrap or a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size—about an hour. This first rise develops flavor and lightness that’s key to tender rolls.

Step 6: Prepare the Orange Filling

Combine softened butter, granulated sugar, and fresh orange zest in a small bowl and mix well. This vibrant filling will infuse every bite with citrus sweetness and a melt-in-your-mouth buttery touch.

Step 7: Roll Out and Add Filling

Roll or pat the dough into a 14×10-inch rectangle on a floured surface, then evenly spread the orange filling over the dough. This creates those classic swirls of sweet, zesty goodness inside every roll.

Step 8: Shape the Rolls

Tightly roll the dough starting from a long edge and pinch the seam shut. Slice the roll into 12 equal pieces. For classic rolls, place them in a greased pan; if you want to mix things up, stretch each slice and twist before placing it on a baking sheet for a fun twist on the classic.

Step 9: Second Rise

Cover and let your shaped rolls rise again in a warm place until puffy and nearly doubled, about 1 to 1.5 hours. This final rise ensures soft, airy rolls with just the right texture.

Step 10: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 18 to 22 minutes until they are lightly golden on top. The aroma at this stage alone will have you eager to dig in.

Step 11: Prepare the Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

While your rolls bake or cool slightly, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add salt, milk (or cream or orange juice), and orange zest, then mix in powdered sugar until your frosting is fluffy and creamy. This frosting makes the Orange Cream Cheese Frosted Sweet Rolls Recipe truly stand out with its perfect tangy-sweet balance.

Step 12: Frost and Serve

Spread the frosting over the warm rolls generously. Serve them fresh and gooey, or let them cool for a more set frosting experience. Either way, it’s pure joy in every bite.

How to Serve Orange Cream Cheese Frosted Sweet Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

For an eye-catching presentation that also enhances flavor, sprinkle a little extra fresh orange zest or a few candied orange peel slices on top of the frosting. A light dusting of powdered sugar will give a pretty, snowy look that’s perfect for special occasions.

Side Dishes

Pair your sweet rolls with fresh fruit like strawberries or a citrus salad to complement the zesty notes. A cup of your favorite coffee or a creamy chai latte balances the sweetness perfectly and rounds out a lovely breakfast or brunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these rolls on a charming wooden board with a small bowl of extra orange cream cheese frosting for dipping. Or, for a festive touch, line a basket with colorful linen for breakfast in bed. The bright, citrus-infused smell will fill the room and create a warm, welcoming vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled rolls tightly wrapped in plastic or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the rolls soft and the frosting fresh without drying out the dough.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked, unfrosted rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag once frozen. They keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before frosting and serving.

Reheating

Warm your rolls gently in a microwave for about 20 seconds or in a low oven (300°F) for 5 to 10 minutes, tented with foil. Add frosting after heating for that fresh-from-the-oven experience any time you crave them.

FAQs

Can I use orange juice instead of adding fresh orange zest?

Yes, you can substitute fresh orange juice for milk or cream in the frosting for an extra citrusy kick, though zest provides more aroma and subtle intensity in the dough and filling.

What type of yeast is best for this recipe?

Instant yeast works wonderfully because it mixes directly with the other ingredients without needing to be proofed, making the process quicker and foolproof.

Can I make the dough in a stand mixer?

Absolutely! Using a stand mixer with a dough hook speeds up kneading and produces a smooth, elastic dough more effortlessly than hand-kneading.

How do I know when the rolls have risen enough?

They should double in size during each rise. The dough will look puffy and springs back slowly when gently poked with a finger, indicating readiness for baking.

Is it okay to use light cream cheese or reduced-fat butter?

While possible, full-fat cream cheese and butter deliver the best flavor and texture, making the frosting rich and the rolls tender and fluffy.

Final Thoughts

This Orange Cream Cheese Frosted Sweet Rolls Recipe is more than just a breakfast pastry—it’s a celebration of bright citrus flavors and cozy, comforting textures all rolled into one delicious bite. I encourage you to gather your ingredients, weave in those fragrant orange notes, and experience the joy of fresh-baked sweet rolls with a frosting that’s simply divine. Trust me, your kitchen will smell amazing, and your friends and family will adore every single bite.

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