The Fluffiest Orange Cinnamon Rolls (with orange frosting!)

OMG. Orange lovers and cinnamon roll lovers rejoice: I made you a recipe that can have you ever running to your stand mixer quicker than you possibly can say “happy holidays!”

These deliciously fluffy orange cinnamon rolls are the model new cinnamon roll taste you didn’t know you wanted. They are impressed by the obsession I used to have with with the Pillsbury orange cinnamon rolls from the can however clearly these are solely a tens of millions occasions higher. We’re infusing my well-known cinnamon roll recipe with contemporary orange juice and zest, and topping these stunning orange candy rolls with a simple, completely addicting orange cream cheese frosting. BEST FLUFFY ORANGE CINNAMON ROLLS EVER!

I do know SO lots of you make my cinnamon rolls for Christmas morning, so let me know should you give these new rolls a do this yr!

Everything you’ll have to make fluffy orange cinnamon rolls

Flour, yeast, butter, cinnamon — these orange rolls have the entire fundamentals of conventional cinnamon rolls, however with a fantastic infusion of contemporary orange juice and zest. Here’s what you’ll have to make them:

Orange juice and zest: we’re infusing the granulated sugar with contemporary orange zest to actually carry out that citrus-y taste, after which we’re mixing contemporary orange juice proper into the dough. You’ll additionally add orange zest to the filling!
Granulated sugar: as I discussed, you’ll really rub orange zest with the sugar to sweeten the rolls and to assist activate the yeast.
Milk: I like to recommend entire milk on this recipe. See under for dairy-free choices!
Quick rise yeast: I used quick rise or instant yeast on this recipe to assist the cinnamon rolls rise quicker. You may also use active dry yeast, however the cinnamon rolls could take barely longer to rise. Scroll right down to get tips for utilizing yeast on this recipe!
Egg + egg yolk: like most of my cinnamon roll recipes, these orange rolls name for 1 egg and 1 egg yolk for the right texture and wealthy consistency within the dough.
Butter: I desire to make use of salted butter, however unsalted works, too. You’ll want it for the dough, filling, and frosting.
Bread flour: belief me once I say that utilizing bread flour actually retains these orange rolls smooth and fluffy! Bread flour has the next protein degree, which helps produce extra gluten and provides the rolls their chewy, smooth texture.
Brown sugar: I really like utilizing dark brown sugar for a extra sturdy molasses taste within the filling, however gentle brown sugar will work!
Cinnamon: despite the fact that these are orange rolls, we’re nonetheless including ground cinnamon to the filling (and the combo is unimaginable).
Salt: somewhat salt actually helps carry out the flavour within the dough and controls the yeast, so don’t skip it.
For the orange frosting: I couldn’t get sufficient of the fluffy orange cream cheese frosting. It’s made with cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, extra contemporary orange juice, and orange zest.

Can I make them dairy-free, gluten-free, or vegan?

To make dairy-free: use dairy-free milk within the dough, and vegan/dairy-free butter and cream cheese within the frosting.
I can’t advocate a gluten-free swap on this orange cinnamon roll recipe, nor do I’ve a swap for the eggs to make them vegan. Feel free to attempt my Vegan Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls as a substitute!

Looking for a buttercream frosting?

If you’re not a fan of cream cheese frosting, be happy to frost your rolls with the orange buttercream from this recipe as a substitute!

A be aware on two forms of yeast

Before getting started, ensure you know which sort of yeast you could have so to correctly activate it for baking. This is what helps give the orange rolls their fluffy texture! With both sort of yeast, it’s essential to make use of milk warmed to 115 to 120 levels F to assist it activate.

Active dry yeast: this type of yeast should be dissolved in liquid, or additionally what’s often known as being “proofed” earlier than it’s added to the remainder of the dough components. You’ll know this sort of yeast is activated when little bubbles start to look within the liquid that you just dissolve the yeast in (for this recipe, it’s heat milk).
Instant yeast: also referred to as quick rise yeast (that is the model I exploit and love!), and what we’re utilizing for this orange cinnamon roll recipe. It will be added to the dough with none ‘proofing’ required, so that you don’t want to sit down and watch the yeast to ensure it bubbles. However, you’ll nonetheless need to dissolve it in somewhat little bit of milk and sugar to assist get it started.

Can I make them the evening earlier than?

Yes! It’s such a good way to avoid wasting time. Here’s easy methods to do it:

After the primary rise, roll the orange cinnamon rolls up, lower them as directed, and prepare them in a baking pan lined with parchment paper.
Cover the pan effectively with plastic wrap and a towel, then place them within the fridge in a single day or as much as 18 hours complete.
When you’re able to bake, carry the orange rolls to room temperature (preserve them lined in order that they don’t dry out) and allow them to rise for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Bake as directed, then frost & devour!

Orange cinnamon roll FAQs

Here are solutions to frequent questions I get about making all forms of cinnamon roll flavors:

Can I exploit all-purpose flour? The quick reply is sure, the recipe will nonetheless work with all-purpose flour. However, I HIGHLY advocate sticking with bread flour as a result of it makes these rolls additional fluffy since there’s a increased protein depend.
Why did the middles come out of my rolls? This can occur should you roll them a bit too tightly or in case your pan is just too small. Be positive to chop off about 1/2 inch on every finish of the dough log and discard in order that the rolls all slot in your pan. If you need to bake the ends, use a bigger pan.
Can I double the recipe? Yep! Just keep in mind to make use of a bigger pan.
What can I do if my dough is just too sticky to knead? Simply add somewhat extra flour, a couple of tablespoon at a time, till it’s simpler to work with. BUT it is crucial you weigh your dough as a result of this dough is usually somewhat extra sticky.
Can I exploit a bread maker? I haven’t examined this recipe utilizing a bread maker, however some readers have made my unique cinnamon roll recipe efficiently utilizing one.
Can I add nuts? Yes! I feel finely chopped walnuts or pecans can be scrumptious sprinkled into the filling and/or on prime of the baked, iced rolls.

Tools you’ll want

Kitchen scale. I extremely advocate weighing your components with a kitchen scale to make sure that these rolls end up completely each time. This is how I take a look at my recipes to make sure accuracy.
Zester & juicer: don’t neglect an easy-to-use citrus zester and citrus juicer to get all of that contemporary orange into your rolls!
Stand mixer. You’ll need to use the dough hook in your stand mixer to simply knead the dough earlier than rolling it out. If you don’t have a stand mixer, you may also knead the dough by hand.
Wooden spoon. I like to recommend mixing your dough along with a wooden spoon.
Rolling pin. For rolling out that lovely dough. Pro tip: should you don’t have a rolling pin, you may also flour up a wine bottle!
Serrated knife. Using a serrated knife will show you how to lower the cinnamon rolls out after you roll the dough up. You may also use unflavored dental floss.
9×9-inch pan. I like to recommend utilizing a 9×9 inch baking pan or a 9-inch circular pan in order that the cinnamon rolls match effectively and bake correctly.

Storing tips

Cover the cooled orange candy rolls with plastic wrap and foil, or place particular person rolls in airtight glass containers or silicone bags and retailer within the fridge for as much as 5 days. Reheat rolls individually within the microwave in 15-second intervals till heat.

How to freeze orange cinnamon rolls

To freeze earlier than baking: the dough ought to be frozen after the primary rise (when you’ve unfold the filling, rolled the dough up, and sliced it into rolls). Place the rolls right into a pan and canopy effectively with parchment paper, plastic wrap, foil and an hermetic cowl, then place them within the freezer. When you’re able to bake, let the dough thaw within the fridge — ideally in a single day — then put it in a heat spot for 45 minutes to 1 hour earlier than baking to activate the second rise. Bake the orange rolls as directed.
To freeze after baking: enable the orange rolls to come back to room temperature after baking, then you possibly can select to both freeze all the pan, ensuring they’re effectively wrapped or lined in an hermetic container, or you possibly can select to freeze particular person rolls. When able to eat, defrost the rolls at room temperature, then heat them within the oven at 350 levels F for 10-Quarter-hour, or you possibly can heat them up individually within the microwave for 20-30 seconds (as soon as defrosted). I desire to freeze them earlier than they’re iced, after which frost them when able to eat. The icing can be freezer-friendly.

More brunch treats you’ll love

Get all of my breakfast & brunch recipes right here!

I hope you’re keen on these fluffy orange cinnamon rolls! If you make them, make sure you go away a remark and a ranking so I understand how you preferred them. Enjoy, xo!

The
Ambitious Kitchen
Cookbook

125 Ridiculously Good For You, Sometimes Indulgent, and Absolutely Never Boring Recipes for Every Meal of the Day

Prep Time 2 hours

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes

Serves9 servings

Beautiful, fluffy orange cinnamon rolls made with contemporary orange juice and orange zest for the brunch deal with of your desires. This shiny, distinctive tackle conventional cinnamon rolls is ideal for the vacations and such a enjoyable manner to make use of up winter citrus! Top with a luscious orange cream cheese frosting for the final word deal with.

Ingredients

Wet components
1 tablespoon orange zest (from 1 to 2 giant oranges)
¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
½ cup (120g) heat milk (entire milk most well-liked)
2 ¼ teaspoons fast rise or lively yeast (from 1 (1/4-ounce) bundle yeast)*
¼ cup (50 grams) freshly squeezed orange juice (from 1 giant orange)
1 giant egg plus 1 egg yolk, at room temperature
4 tablespoons salted butter, melted
Dry components
3 ¼ cups (390g) bread flour, plus extra for dusting
¾ teaspoon kosher salt
Filling
4 tablespoons (57 grams) salted butter, softened
⅔ cup (142 grams) packed darkish brown sugar
1 ½ tablespoons floor cinnamon
1 tablespoon orange zest
Orange Cream Cheese Frosting
4 oz (112 grams) cream cheese, softened
¾ cup (85 grams) powdered sugar
3 tablespoons salted butter, softened
2 tablespoons contemporary orange juice
1 teaspoon orange zest

Instructions

Mix the moist components: In the bowl of an electrical mixer, or if making by hand, a big bowl, add the orange zest and sugar. Use clear fingers to rub the zest into the sugar for about 30 seconds to launch and infuse orange taste into the sugar.
In a small microwave-safe bowl or glass measuring cup, heat the milk by microwaving it for 1 minute, till it registers 120°F on a thermometer and looks like very heat tub water (nevertheless it shouldn’t be too scorching!). Add the warmed milk into the bowl with the sugar and sprinkle the yeast on prime. Wait 2 minutes to activate the yeast; you’ll know it’s activated when it begins to bubble and foam on prime, then add within the contemporary orange juice, egg, egg yolk and melted butter. Mix on medium pace till effectively mixed, 30 seconds. (Alternatively, combine with a wood spoon till effectively mixed.)
Add the dry components: Remove the bowl from the mixer and use a wood spoon to stir within the flour and salt till a dough begins to type (this may forestall flour from flying in all places!).
Knead the dough: Place the dough hook on the stand mixer and return the bowl to the mixer. Knead the dough on medium pace, 8 to 10 minutes. (Alternatively, you should utilize your fingers to knead the dough for 8 to 10 minutes on a well-floured floor.) Please know that that is alleged to be a sticky dough, but when measured correctly they may bake up fantastically!
Lightly grease a big bowl with olive oil. Transfer the dough ball to the bowl, then cowl with plastic wrap and a heat towel. Allow the dough to rise till doubled in measurement, 1 to 1 1/2 hours. (This could also be roughly time relying on the time of yr, the humidity, and the temperature in your house.) You will know the dough has risen sufficient whenever you poke your finger into the dough about an inch with out the indentation bouncing again instantly.
Generously mud a clear floor with flour. Transfer the risen dough to the floor and use a rolling pin to roll the dough out right into a 10×14-inch rectangle.
Prepare the filling: Spread the softened butter over the dough, leaving a ¼-inch margin on the far shorter aspect of the rectangle. In a small bowl, combine collectively the brown sugar, cinnamon and orange zest. Use your fingers to sprinkle the combination over the butter, then gently rub the brown sugar combination into the butter leaving a 1/4th inch margin on the far quick aspect of the dough.
Roll up the dough: Starting from the quick aspect (the 10-inch aspect) with out the margin, very tightly roll up the dough. Seal the far fringe of the dough as finest you possibly can by pinching the dough collectively simply barely, then make sure that the dough log is seam-side down. Cut a ½ inch off every finish of the dough, because the ends received’t have sufficient filling; be happy to discard (or bake individually as yummy extras). Use your fingers to provide the dough log a mild push inwards on each ends in order that it compacts barely, as it might have stretched out a bit throughout the rolling course of.
Cut the rolls: Using unflavored dental floss or a serrated knife, lower the dough into 9 1-inch slices.
Line a sq. 9-inch pan with parchment paper. Place the rolls within the ready baking pan. Cover with plastic wrap and a towel and let rise once more till the rolls have overvalued, are doubled in measurement, and contact one another within the pan, about half-hour to 1 hour.
Preheat the oven: Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°F.
Once the rolls have risen, take away the plastic wrap and towel and bake till simply golden brown on the perimeters, about 20 to 25 minutes. Not overbaking the rolls ensures that they may keep smooth within the center.
Make the frosting: While the rolls bake, put together the orange cream cheese frosting: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, mix the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, orange juice and zest. Beat on low pace to start, then improve to medium-high pace and blend till easy and fluffy, 1 to 2 minutes. (Alternatively, whisk the frosting by hand.) Immediately unfold the frosting over the rolls so the frosting will get into each little nook and cranny of the roll after which serve. ENJOY whereas they’re heat and gooey!
To retailer: Cover the cooled cinnamon rolls with plastic wrap and foil or place particular person cinnamon rolls in hermetic glass containers or silicone luggage and retailer within the fridge for as much as 5 days. Reheat rolls individually within the microwave in 15 second intervals till heat. For freezing directions, see the weblog publish.

Recipe Notes

To make dairy-free: Use a dairy-free milk of selection (I recommend unsweetened almond milk), vegan butter, and dairy-free cream cheese.
To make in a single day: After slicing and putting rolls into the greased pan, merely cowl and place them within the fridge in a single day. In the morning, let the rolls rise at room temperature for 45-60 minutes, then bake as directed.
Check the weblog publish for directions on easy methods to freeze cinnamon rolls, plus extra tips, tips, and FAQs!

Recipe by: Monique Volz // Ambitious Kitchen | Photography by Eat Love Eats

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