If you’re craving a sweet breakfast treat that bursts with citrusy sunshine, these Orange Cinnamon Rolls are your ticket to pure happiness. Imagine pillowy-soft rolls swirling with fragrant cinnamon, a touch of brown sugar, and ribbons of bright orange zest, all crowned with a dreamy orange glaze. Every bite balances cozy spice with zippy sweetness for a fresh spin on the classic cinnamon roll. Whether you’re planning a weekend brunch or need something special for company, these beauties never disappoint!
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the joy of these rolls starts with everyday ingredients you probably have on hand, each adding its own special touch. Let’s walk through what you need and why you won’t want to skip a single thing:
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy backbone for our fluffy dough, giving the rolls their signature softness and structure.
- Active dry yeast: Helps the dough rise to cloud-like heights, so your rolls are never dense or heavy.
- Warm milk: Adds richness and supports the yeast so it activates beautifully for a tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Balances the citrus and spice in both the dough and glaze, ensuring every bite is pleasantly sweet but not overwhelming.
- Unsalted butter: Melted into the dough and softened for the filling, it provides moisture and that classic melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Egg: Locks in richness and color while helping hold everything together as the dough rises.
- Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors and keep things from tasting flat.
- Orange juice: Infuses every layer—from dough to glaze—with vibrant citrus flavor you can’t miss.
- Orange zest: The aromatic kick that sets these rolls apart—be generous, your tastebuds will thank you!
- Brown sugar: For the filling, it gives a warm, caramel flavor that pairs perfectly with cinnamon.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds a hint of spicy sweetness, making these Orange Cinnamon Rolls utterly irresistible.
- Powdered sugar: Used in the glaze for a silky-smooth finish that ties every bite together.
How to Make Orange Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Begin by combining the warm milk, yeast, and just a pinch of sugar in a large bowl. Let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture turns frothy and alive—this is when you know your yeast is working its magic, ready to help those Orange Cinnamon Rolls rise and shine.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
Stir in the melted butter, egg, fresh orange juice, orange zest, the rest of your sugar, and salt. Gradually add the flour, mixing as you go. Soon, a soft, slightly sticky dough will form. Knead it for 6 to 8 minutes, either by hand or with a stand mixer and dough hook, until smooth and elastic. Pop your dough into a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm, cozy spot for about an hour. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s doubled in size and looks oh-so-fluffy.
Step 3: Make the Filling
To create the irresistible swirl, just mix brown sugar, cinnamon, softened butter, and even more orange zest in a small bowl. The aroma alone will make your kitchen smell like a heavenly bakery. This simple mix will melt into every layer as the rolls bake, delivering that classic cinnamon roll bliss tailored with citrusy flair.
Step 4: Shape and Slice
Punch down the dough (the most satisfying step!), then roll it out into a 16×12-inch rectangle. Spread the filling evenly over the surface, making sure you reach all the edges. Starting from the long side, roll up the dough tightly to tuck in all that swirl. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces and nestle them into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, giving them just enough space to puff up in the oven.
Step 5: Second Rise
Cover your dish and let the rolls rise again for another 30 to 45 minutes. They’ll look puffy and nearly touching—just how you want them before baking. This extra rise ensures your Orange Cinnamon Rolls finish light, soft, and perfectly layered.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slide your pan in and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for golden tops and edges and an unmistakable sweet aroma filling your kitchen. Don’t overbake—you want those rolls to stay tender!
Step 7: Glaze and Serve
While the rolls are cooling (just a little), whisk together powdered sugar, orange juice, and one last flourish of orange zest for the glaze. Drizzle over the warm rolls, letting it ooze into every crevice. Grab a fork—or go all in with your fingers—and savor the fresh citrus twist on your classic morning treat!
How to Serve Orange Cinnamon Rolls
Garnishes
For an eye-catching finish, shower your Orange Cinnamon Rolls with a little extra orange zest or a sprinkle of powdered sugar right before serving. A few slivers of candied orange peel can also turn each roll into bakery-level art, making breakfast (or brunch) feel like a special occasion.
Side Dishes
These rolls are perfection on their own, but if you want a hearty spread, serve them with creamy Greek yogurt, a fresh fruit salad, or sizzling strips of breakfast bacon on the side. A cup of coffee or a glass of fresh-squeezed orange juice completes the experience with a wonderful, balanced contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the Orange Cinnamon Rolls on a tiered serving tray or stack them on a pretty cake stand for a gorgeous breakfast centerpiece. For a brunch party, try making mini rolls baked in muffin tins. You can even add festive flair by tying a little ribbon around each roll and slipping a tiny orange slice on top for stunning presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got a few Orange Cinnamon Rolls left? Lucky you! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or in the fridge for three to four days. Pop a piece of parchment between layers to keep the glaze from sticking.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the rolls (with or without the glaze), wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Place them in a freezer-safe bag and they’ll keep happily for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for maximum freshness before enjoying again.
Reheating
For the just-baked experience, give your rolls a quick zap in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds, or warm them in a 300°F oven for about 8 minutes. If your glaze disappears a bit after reheating, feel free to drizzle on a little more before serving!
FAQs
Can I make Orange Cinnamon Rolls in advance?
Absolutely! Prepare the rolls in the evening and refrigerate the shaped rolls (before their second rise) overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature and rise until puffy before baking as usual. This means warm, fresh-baked rolls without early morning effort!
Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose?
You can use bread flour if you prefer a slightly chewier roll, but all-purpose flour keeps these Orange Cinnamon Rolls super tender and light. Either works, but texture will change a bit!
How do I get my glaze extra smooth?
For a perfectly smooth glaze, sift your powdered sugar before mixing and add orange juice one tablespoon at a time until you get a pourable consistency. A little zest on top adds both flavor and a beautiful look.
Can I substitute another citrus fruit?
Yes! Try lemon or lime for a unique twist, but orange is classic and brings the perfect sweet-tart note to complement cinnamon. Feel free to experiment if you love citrus flavors in your sweet rolls.
Why didn’t my rolls rise properly?
Inactive yeast, cool kitchen temperatures, or flour measurement issues could keep your rolls from rising as they should. Double check your yeast’s expiration, use warm (not hot) milk, and let the dough rise in a warm area free from drafts.
Final Thoughts
There’s something joyful and undeniably comforting about homemade Orange Cinnamon Rolls—the zing of citrus with each tender, gooey bite is hard to match. Give this recipe a try and you might just start a new breakfast tradition. Share them with your favorite people, and watch smiles light up the table!
Print
Orange Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours (including rise time)
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of these Orange Cinnamon Rolls that are perfect for a sweet breakfast treat or a cozy dessert. The soft and fluffy dough is infused with bright citrus notes and warm cinnamon, topped with a zesty orange glaze.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ½ cup warm milk (110°F)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
For the Filling:
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
Instructions
- Dough Preparation: In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let sit until foamy, then add melted butter, egg, orange juice, zest, remaining sugar, salt, and flour. Knead until smooth, then let rise.
- Filling: Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, butter, and orange zest.
- Assembly: Roll out dough, spread filling, roll up, slice, place in baking dish, and let rise.
- Baking: Bake until golden brown.
- Glaze: Combine powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest. Drizzle over warm rolls.
Notes
- You can prepare the rolls the night before and refrigerate before the second rise. Let them come to room temperature before baking.
- For an extra citrus punch, add a few drops of orange extract to the glaze.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
