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Orange Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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4.2 from 1 review

Delightfully soft and aromatic Orange Cinnamon Rolls with a tangy orange-infused filling and creamy orange zest frosting. Perfectly tender dough is enriched with orange juice and zest, delivering a fresh citrus twist on the classic cinnamon roll. This recipe yields fluffy rolls baked to golden perfection, topped with a luscious orange cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth.

Ingredients

Dough:

  • 1 cup scalded milk (110-115°F)
  • 2 (1/4 oz each) packets rapid rise yeast
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar plus 1 tsp (divided)
  • 4 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/3 cup orange juice
  • 4 Tbsp salted butter (melted)
  • 1 large egg (lightly beaten)

Filling:

  • 1/2 cup salted butter (softened)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 Tbsp orange zest
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Frosting:

  • 4 oz neufchatel cream cheese (softened)
  • 4 Tbsp salted butter (softened)
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 Tbsp orange juice (additional as needed to thin)
  • 2 Tbsp orange zest

Instructions

  1. Scalded Milk: Place milk into a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Monitor with an instant-read thermometer and heat until it begins to steam and small bubbles appear, reaching 110-115°F. Remove from heat and let cool slightly if necessary before adding yeast.
  2. Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the scalded milk, yeast, and 1 tsp sugar. Stir lightly and let sit for 8-10 minutes until it becomes bubbly and foamy, indicating the yeast is active. If no bubbling occurs, discard and start over.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and salt using a whisk to ensure even distribution.
  4. Combine Wet Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, add the yeast mixture, orange juice, melted butter, and beaten egg. Mix just until combined on low speed.
  5. Knead Dough: Keeping the mixer on low, gradually add the sifted dry ingredients. Once all flour is incorporated and dough starts pulling away from the sides, increase speed and knead for 5-7 minutes until the dough becomes elastic. Add a small amount of additional flour if the dough is too sticky, until it pulls away from the bowl.
  6. First Rise: Butter a large bowl and transfer the dough into it. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rise for 1 hour in a warm place until doubled in size.
  7. Shape Dough: Punch down the risen dough, then roll it out on a lightly floured surface into an 18 x 12 inch rectangle.
  8. Prepare Filling: In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer to whip together softened butter, granulated sugar, orange zest, and cinnamon until fully combined and fluffy.
  9. Fill and Roll: Spread the filling evenly over the dough from edge to edge. Starting from the widest edge, roll the dough tightly in a jelly-roll fashion, sealing the edge seam side down.
  10. Cut Rolls: Using a sharp knife, cut the rolled dough into 12 even portions. Place these rolls side by side in a buttered 13×9 inch baking pan.
  11. Second Rise: Cover the rolls in the pan with a damp cloth and let them rise another 45-60 minutes until doubled in size.
  12. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the cloth and bake the rolls uncovered for 25-30 minutes until puffed and lightly golden brown.
  13. Make Frosting: While the rolls bake, use an electric mixer to blend softened neufchatel cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth and creamy. Add a bit more orange juice as needed to reach desired consistency.
  14. Frost and Serve: Once the rolls are out of the oven and still warm, generously spread the orange cream cheese frosting over them. Serve warm for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Citrus Alternative: Substitute lemon juice and lemon zest for an equally refreshing lemon roll variation.
  • Simple Glaze Option: Top rolls with a cream glaze made from heavy cream, powdered sugar, and orange extract as an alternative to cream cheese frosting.
  • Yeast Tips: Active dry yeast can be used instead of rapid rise; however, this will increase the rise time.
  • Add Nuts: Finely chopped pecans or walnuts can be incorporated into the filling for added crunch.
  • Extracts: Consider adding 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the glaze for extra flavor depth.
  • Neufchatel Cream Cheese: This cheese offers a softer texture and slightly lower fat content than full-fat cream cheese but full-fat can be substituted without much difference.
  • Spices: Add a pinch of ground cardamom or nutmeg to the filling or dough for a warm spice note.
  • Serve freshly frosted rolls warm for the best taste experience.

Find it online: https://flavorspath.com/orange-cinnamon-rolls-recipe/