Okay, friends, gather ’round! If you’re anything like me, the aroma of cinnamon rolls baking is practically a love language. Sometimes you just want something extra. What are some of the best orange cinnamon rolls? What is the difference between cinnamon rolls and a tangy citrus flavor? When I first made these, my family devoured them in under an hour. What is the perfect weekend treat for a special occasion? Think of it as the cooler, more sophisticated cousin of your regular Cinnamon Roll recipe.
What is orange cinnamon roll?
Orange cinnamon rolls are, at their heart, a delightful twist on the traditional Cinnamon Roll. The dough is rolled out and slathered with a buttery, cinnamon-sugar glaze. Then they’re ready to serve. What is the best way to make the filling, and then rolled up and baked until golden brown and fluffy. What is magic? We infuse the dough, the filling, and even the glaze with the bright, zesty flavor of fresh oranges. Think of it as a warm hug on saturday morning, but with an intense citrus kick. It’s essentially the classic comfort food you know and love, elevated with a simple, natural flavor.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Why do I love orange Cinnamon Rolls? First off, the flavor is just amazing. What are some of the best combinations of cinnamon and orange? Match made in heaven! What I love about this is that it’s surprisingly simple to make. I’ve broken down every step so even a beginner baker can understand it. Plus, the ingredients are super budget-friendly. We’re talking pantry staples like flour, sugar, and a few oranges. No fancy, hard-to-find ingredients here!
What are the best versatile t-shirts? I’ve served them for breakfast, brunch, dessert, and even as a cozy snack on chilly evenings. Is it a good idea to serve these with coffee, orange juice, or Ice Cream? I prefer cinnamon rolls to regular rolls. Is there any substitute for them? What are some of the best oranges? What is it like to go on a tropical vacation and come back with new cinnamon rolls? What is your perspective on life?
How do you make orange cinnamon rolls?
Quick Overview
What are some easy ways to make orange cinnamon rolls? How do I make enriched dough? While it’s rising, we’ll whip up a flavorful orange-infused filling. What do you do with the dough? What’s the perfect finishing touch? What is the beauty of baking dough ahead of time? What’s my secret weapon for easy weekend mornings?
Ingredients
For the Main Batter:
* 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting. I always use unbleached for the best texture. * 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the flavors. * 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast. Make sure it’s not expired! *1 teaspoon salt. What are some of the best ways to control yeast in milk? Not too hot, or you’ll kill the yeast! I’ve tested this with almond milk, and it works great. * 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted. Adds richness and tenderness. * 2 large eggs, lightly beaten. What is the best way to bind dough together? Where the magic happens! Use a microplane for the finest zest.
For the Filling:
* 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened. Make sure it’s nice and soft, so it is easy to spread. * 1/2 cup packed brown sugar. Adds a caramel-like sweetness that complements the orange. * 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon. The classic Cinnamon Roll flavor we all know and love. * 2 tablespoons orange zest. More orange goodness! * 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional). A warm, subtle spice that adds depth.
For the Glaze:
* 2 cups powdered sugar. Sift it for a smoother glaze. * 1/4 cup orange juice. Adds a bright, tangy flavor. * 1 tablespoon melted butter. * 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Enhances the other flavors.
How do I learn to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray. I sometimes line the bottom with parchment paper for easy cleanup. This step is crucial to prevent sticking and ensure even baking!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Set aside. Make sure the yeast is evenly distributed. This ensures that the yeast activates properly and the dough rises evenly.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the beaten eggs, warmed milk, melted butter, and orange zest. Set aside. Why should milk be warm? I usually test it with my finger – it should feel comfortably warm, like bathwater.
Step 4: Combine
How do you mix wet and dry ingredients together? Then, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at .50. Be careful not to overmix, or the rolls will be tough.
Step 5: Prepare Filling
In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, orange zest, and nutmeg. Set aside. If using, cook until light and fluffy. I like to use an electric mixer for this, but you can also do it by hand.
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
Roll dough into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. Spread the filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border along one edge. Then, starting from the opposite edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Use a sharp knife or dental floss to slice the log into 12 equal pieces. Place the rolls in the prepared baking pan. Bake for 30 minutes. Serve warm.
Step 7: Bake
Cover the pan with a clean kitchen towel and let the rolls rise for 30-40 minutes. If you’ve doubled in size, or until you can’ Is it safe to bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown? I always rotate the pan halfway through baking to ensure even browning. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the roll – it should come out clean.
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Let the rolls cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before frosting. While the rolls are cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, melted butter, and salt. Serve warm. What is the best way to use vanilla extract in What is the best amount of orange juice to drink? Do not overdo glaze on warm rolls.
Step 9: Slice & Serve
How do you slice a roll and serve it immediately, while the rolls are still warm and gooey? What are the best foods to eat fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container for a few days? I love a sprinkle of extra orange zest on top of my potatoes. Isn’t it delicious?
What is the best way to serve it?
What are some good side dishes to serve with orange Cinnamon Rolls? What is the best way to take your business to the next level?
For Breakfast:Pair these with a strong cup of coffee or latte. I also love serving them alongside a platter of fresh fruit, like berries and melon, for sexy and healthy meals.
For Brunch:How do you serve your brunch rolls on a platter? What are some good ways to use fresh mint and orange slices? Serve with mimosas or a refreshing orange juice spritzer.
As Dessert:What are some of the best after-dinner treats? Serve warm with vanilla Ice Cream or whipped cream. Is chocolate sauce good for dessert?
For Cozy Snacks:What are some good ways to enjoy a cold, winter evening with friends? I sometimes warm them up in the microwave for an extra gooey treat.
Growing up, my grandma always served cinnamon rolls with a side of Scrambled Eggs and bacon. For lunch, she served them with her favorite foods. Sunday Brunch: Special for you! It’s a tradition I’ve carried on with my own family!
How do I make Orange Cinnamon Rolls?
What are some of the best ways to make a Cinnamon Roll?
Orange Prep:Always use fresh oranges for the best flavor. I prefer navel oranges because they’re sweet and juicy. What are the best ways to zest oranges before juicing them?
Mixing Advice:Don’t overmix dough! Overmixing can result in tough rolls. Mix until just combined, then knead until smooth and elastic.
Swirl CustomizationFor a prettier swirl, try using pizza cutter to slice the dough into rolls. You can experiment with different filling patterns, like creating a layered effect with the same material. How do I create textured effect? What is the cinnamon-
Ingredient Swaps:If you don’t have brown sugar, use granulated sugar instead. Can you substitute almond milk for soy milk? I’ve tried it with coconut milk and it gave it a surprisingly delicious tropical hint!
Baking Tips:If the rolls are browning too quickly, tent the pan with aluminum foil. If you want to freeze the roll, be sure to let it cool before frosting. The glaze will melt.
Glaze Variations: For a thicker glaze, use less orange juice. For a thinner glaze, use more orange juice. You can also add a pinch of salt to the glaze to balance the sweetness.
One time, I accidentally added too much orange juice to the glaze and it was way too runny. I quickly whisked in some more powdered sugar, and it was perfect! Don’t be afraid to experiment and adjust the recipe to your liking. That’s the fun of baking!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Want to make these orange cinnamon rolls ahead of time? Here’s how to store and reheat them.
Room Temperature: Store the baked rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Be sure to cover them tightly to prevent them from drying out.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the baked rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They may become slightly drier in the fridge, so I recommend reheating them before serving.
Freezer Instructions: To freeze the rolls, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to store the rolls, I recommend waiting to glaze them until just before serving. This will prevent the glaze from becoming soggy.
To reheat the rolls, simply warm them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my absolute favorite orange cinnamon rolls recipe! These rolls are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face and fill your home with the most incredible aroma. They’re the perfect way to start a weekend morning, celebrate a special occasion, or simply treat yourself to something delicious. If you love the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls with a bright, citrusy twist, you absolutely have to try these! And if you’re into citrusy desserts, definitely check out my lemon bars or my orange almond cake – they’re just as delightful! Happy baking, friends! I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out. Leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And if you try any variations, be sure to share them with me!

Orange Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2.25 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 0.25 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 4 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 0.25 cup orange juice
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add egg and melted butter; stir to combine. Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and orange zest in a small bowl.
- Roll out dough into a 12x18 inch rectangle. Spread with orange juice and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Roll up dough tightly, starting from the long side. Cut into 12 slices.
- Place rolls in a greased 9x13 inch baking pan. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.