Orange Cinnamon Rolls

It’s hard to beat the scent of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through the house. Now imagine waking up to the smell of citrus and spice. Heavenly, right? These orange cinnamon rolls, made with an enriched dough flavored with orange juice and zest, are a delicious twist on classic cinnamon rolls. For a double dose of citrus, there’s also orange juice in the dreamy cream cheese frosting.

A homemade orange cinnamon rolls recipe is a labor of love and a special treat for potluck breakfasts, weekend brunches, or any time you’re sharing with family or friends. Pro tip: Start the process the day before and let the rolls sit in the fridge overnight for fresh-baked rolls the next morning.

Ingredients for Orange Cinnamon Rolls

• Yeast: Yeast is crucial to helping the dough rise. For this recipe, use active dry yeast not instant yeast.
• Milk: Warm whole milk provides moisture for the dough and helps activate the yeast. Use milk that’s 110° to 115°F. If it’s too hot, it can kill the yeast.
• Orange juice and zest: Orange juice and zest enhance the dough and frosting for excellent flavor. For the best taste, use freshly squeezed juice from a whole orange. Zest the orange before juicing it.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the dough. Brown sugar adds sweet caramel notes to the filling.
• Butter: Melted butter adds a rich texture and flavor to the dough. It also serves as the base for the filling so the cinnamon-sugar mixture will stick to it.
• Eggs: Mix room-temperature eggs into the dough to create a light, fluffy cinnamon roll texture.
• Salt: Just a touch of salt balances the sweetness in the dough and frosting.
• All-purpose flour: Flour provides structure for these cinnamon rolls with orange icing.
• Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is a key flavor component for cinnamon rolls. Choose any type of cinnamon, whether you prefer Ceylon or bolder Vietnamese.
• Cream cheese: A richly flavored orange cream cheese frosting tops these sweet rolls. Soften your cream cheese and use it as the creamy base for the frosting.
• Confectioners’ sugar: Confectioners’ sugar adds sweetness to the frosting and is essential for thickening the mixture for proper structure.

Directions

Step 1: Proof the yeast

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In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk. Let it sit for five minutes until foamy.

Step 2: Make the dough

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In another bowl, combine the orange juice, sugar, melted butter, eggs, orange zest, salt, yeast mixture and 2 cups flour. Beat on medium speed until smooth.

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Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough (dough will be sticky).

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Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, for six to eight minutes.

Editor’s Tip: You know you’ve kneaded the dough enough if it has a soft, smooth texture and springs back to the touch. You can also do the “windowpane test” by taking a small piece of dough and stretching it out with your fingers. If it tears, it needs more kneading; if it creates an elastic windowpane effect, it’s ready.

Step 3: Let the dough rise

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Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled, about one hour.

Step 4: Add the filling

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Punch down the dough.

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On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into an 18×12-inch rectangle. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon. Brush the dough with the melted butter and sprinkle it with the brown sugar mixture to within 1/2 inch of the edges.

Step 5: Cut the rolls and let them rise

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Roll up the dough jelly-roll style, starting with a long side. Pinch the seam to seal. Cut the dough into 12 slices and place the rolls, cut side down, in a greased 13×9-inch pan. Cover the rolls with a kitchen towel and let them rise in a warm place until doubled, about one hour. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°.

Editor’s Tip: Cut the dough log with a sharp chef’s knife or use unflavored dental floss for clean slices and the best-looking cinnamon rolls. Find more tips for making cinnamon rolls.

Step 6: Bake the rolls

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Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack.

Step 7: Top with frosting

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Beat the butter, cream cheese, orange juice, orange zest and salt until blended. Gradually beat in the confectioners’ sugar.

Spread the frosting over the orange cinnamon rolls.

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Orange Cinnamon Roll Variations

• Add chocolate: Chocolate and orange are an excellent pairing. For an unexpected twist, add 2 tablespoons baking cocoa to the frosting or incorporate mini chocolate chips in the filling.
• Toss in cinnamon sugar: Not a frosting fan? Skip it altogether. When the rolls are baked and cooled, brush them with melted butter and toss them in cinnamon and sugar.
• Drizzle with a glaze: You may prefer a glaze rather than frosting. Whisk together a simple confectioners’ sugar glaze and add vanilla or almond extract for the perfect drizzle on top.

How to Store Orange Cinnamon Rolls

To maintain freshness, store cinnamon rolls with cream cheese-based frosting in the refrigerator. Unfrosted cinnamon rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.

Can you make the orange cinnamon rolls recipe ahead of time?

You certainly can. Make the dough ahead of time, add the filling and cut the rolls. Store the prepped rolls covered in the refrigerator overnight. The next day, allow them to come to room temperature and rise for 30 minutes, then bake as directed.

Can you freeze orange cinnamon rolls?

Yes! Wrap leftover cinnamon rolls with orange icing in layers of storage wrap and aluminum foil or store them in a freezer bag. Keep them in the freezer for up to two months. Let them thaw in the refrigerator and/or reheat the cinnamon rolls for 10 to 15 seconds in the microwave.

Orange Cinnamon Roll Tips

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How do I know my yeast is working?

The first step to making any dough with active dry yeast is to ensure the yeast is properly activated. Activating, or proofing yeast, means waking it up from its dormant state, and warm milk or water helps with that process. When you combine the warm milk or water with the yeast in a bowl, the mixture should be foamy or bubbly. If it isn’t, start over with a new packet of yeast.

How do you proof dough for cinnamon rolls?

Cinnamon rolls require two dough-proofing steps. The dough goes through a first proofing, and then the filled and cut rolls should proof again to get that airy, puffy quality we love in a cinnamon roll. The cinnamon rolls can feel dense or heavy if your dough hasn’t proofed properly. It’s important to proof cinnamon rolls in a warm spot in the house.

When should you serve orange cinnamon rolls?

This orange cinnamon rolls recipe is an excellent complement to breakfast or brunch. Prep them for a Saturday morning with the family, or serve them alongside a savory egg dish for brunch.