Homemade Orange Cinnamon Rolls with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting
These wonderfully soft and fluffy orange cinnamon rolls are bursting with zesty citrus flavor and warm cinnamon, topped with a tangy, irresistible orange cream cheese frosting. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any special occasion, this recipe is surprisingly easy to follow and delivers pure, homemade perfection.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 cup | warm milk | 105-115°F / 40-46°C
- 2 ¼ tsp | active dry yeast
- ¼ cup + 1 tsp | granulated sugar
- ½ tsp | salt
- 1 | large egg | at room temperature
- ¼ cup | unsalted butter | melted and cooled
- 4 cups | all-purpose flour | plus more for dusting
- 1 tbsp | fresh orange zest
Orange Cinnamon Filling:
- ½ cup | unsalted butter | softened
- ¾ cup | packed light brown sugar
- 2 tbsp | ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp | fresh orange zest
Orange Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz | cream cheese | softened
- ¼ cup | unsalted butter | softened
- 2 cups | powdered sugar | sifted
- 1 tsp | vanilla extract
- 2-3 tbsp | fresh orange juice
- Optional: ½ tsp | fresh orange zest | for garnish
Instructions
Making the Dough
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk and 1 tsp sugar. Sprinkle yeast over, let foam 5-10 minutes.
- Add remaining ¼ cup sugar, salt, egg, melted butter, and 1 tbsp orange zest to yeast mixture. Whisk. Gradually add flour, mixing until shaggy. Knead (mixer 6-8 min, hand 8-10 min) until smooth.
- Lightly grease a bowl, place dough in, turn to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled.
Preparing and Assembling the Rolls
- While dough rises, combine softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and 1 tbsp orange zest in a bowl until a paste forms.
- Punch down dough. On a lightly floured surface, roll into an 18x12 inch rectangle. Evenly spread filling over, leaving a ½ inch border on one long edge.
- Tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch seam closed. Cut into 12 equal 1.5-inch rolls.
- Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Arrange rolls, cover, and let rise for 45 min to 1 hour, or until puffy. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Baking and Frosting
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown. Cool in pan for 5-10 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, vanilla, and orange juice. Beat until light and fluffy.
- Generously spread frosting over warm rolls. Garnish with optional orange zest. Serve immediately.
Video
Notes
- Best Served Warm: These orange cinnamon rolls are truly at their peak when enjoyed warm, fresh from the oven.
- Storage: Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the rolls through the second rise, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature for 30-60 minutes before baking in the morning.
- Frosting Tip: For that perfect gooey texture, spread the orange cream cheese frosting over the rolls while they are still warm, allowing it to melt slightly.