Fluffy Orange Cinnamon Rolls Recipe: Bright Morning Magic

Whipping up these delectable orange cinnamon rolls will transport you to a cozy morning filled with warmth and comfort.

Sweet aromas of citrus and spice dance through your kitchen, promising a delightful breakfast treat.

Soft, pillowy dough gets swirled with fragrant cinnamon and bright orange zest, creating a mouthwatering combination.

Layers of buttery goodness promise to melt in your mouth with each tender bite.

Carefully crafted ingredients blend seamlessly, turning simple pantry staples into an extraordinary morning indulgence.

Crisp edges and gooey centers make these rolls irresistible for anyone seeking a special breakfast experience.

Prepare to savor every single delicious morsel of this homemade breakfast masterpiece.

Fluffy Orange Cinnamon Rolls Recipe Overview

• Wake up to these irresistible orange-infused cinnamon rolls that transform an ordinary morning into a delightful culinary adventure.
• Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, this recipe guides you through simple steps to create bakery-quality rolls right in your own kitchen.
• These soft, fragrant rolls bring families together with their warm, gooey filling and bright citrusy twist that appeals to both kids and adults.
• Ideal for weekend brunches, holiday gatherings, or a special treat that elevates any casual get-together with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Ingredients for Fluffy Orange Cinnamon Rolls

• All-Purpose Flour: A foundational ingredient that provides structure and texture to the cinnamon rolls.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps activate the yeast.
• Instant Yeast: A key ingredient that helps the dough rise and creates a fluffy texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the rolls.

• Warm Milk, Orange Juice: Liquid components that help activate the yeast and add moisture to the dough.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the rich texture.
• Melted Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the dough and filling.

• Brown Sugar, Cinnamon: Create a sweet and warm spice blend for the roll's interior.
• Orange Zest: Provides a bright, citrusy flavor to complement the cinnamon.
• Softened Butter: Helps the filling ingredients stick to the dough and adds richness.

• Powdered Sugar, Orange Juice, Orange Zest: Combine to create a sweet and tangy topping for the rolls.

How to Make Fluffy Orange Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Create Magical Dough Base

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and combine flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt.

In another bowl, whisk warm milk, orange juice, melted butter, and eggs until silky smooth.

Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and blend thoroughly.

Keep adding flour gradually until you have a soft, tender dough that feels just right.

Step 2: Transform Dough into Silky Perfection

Move dough onto a lightly floured surface.

Knead the dough with loving hands for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and stretchy.

Transfer to a greased bowl, drape with a clean towel, and let it rest in a cozy warm spot for one hour until it dramatically doubles in size.

Step 3: Craft Decadent Filling

• Brown sugar
• Cinnamon
• Softened butter
• Orange zest

Blend until ingredients become a delightful, fragrant mixture.

Step 4: Roll Out Deliciousness

Punch down risen dough and roll into a beautiful rectangular shape on a floured surface.

Step 5: Spread Luxurious Filling

Generously spread cinnamon mixture across entire dough surface.

Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a gorgeous log.

Pinch the seam to seal in all the wonderful flavors.

Step 6: Shape Irresistible Rolls

Slice the log into 12 equal pieces.

Nestle rolls into a greased baking dish.

Cover and let them rise again for 30-45 minutes until puffy and inviting.

Step 7: Heat Oven to Perfection

Warm oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 8: Bake Until Golden

Slide rolls into oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown.

Allow rolls to cool slightly in the pan.

Step 9: Create Dreamy Glaze

Whisk together powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest until smooth.

Drizzle this liquid sunshine generously over warm rolls.

Tips for Airy Orange Cinnamon Rolls

• Use milk at around 110°F to activate the yeast perfectly without killing it, ensuring your rolls rise beautifully.
• Add flour gradually to control dough consistency, preventing a dry or overly sticky texture that could ruin your rolls.
• Place dough in a draft-free, warm spot like near a preheated oven to help it rise evenly and develop rich flavor.
• Grate fresh orange zest directly into the filling for an intense, bright citrus aroma that elevates the entire roll.
• Drizzle glaze while rolls are still warm so it slightly melts and creates a deliciously smooth, glossy coating.

Storing and Reheating Orange Cinnamon Rolls

• Store leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent drying.
• Place rolls in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Warm refrigerated rolls at 300°F for 10-15 minutes. Wrap loosely in aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning and retain softness.
• Reheat individual rolls for 15-20 seconds. Add a damp paper towel over the roll to prevent drying and maintain their fluffy texture.

Pairing Ideas for Orange Cinnamon Rolls

• Pair with Citrusy Champagne Brunch: Light, bubbly champagne with orange notes perfectly complements the orange zest in the cinnamon rolls, creating a bright and festive morning flavor experience.
• Serve Alongside Fresh Fruit Salad: A mixed berry and citrus fruit salad balances the sweetness of the rolls, adding a refreshing and tangy contrast to the rich, warm pastry.
• Match with Orange-Infused Coffee: A smooth, orange-flavored coffee or a light roast with subtle citrus undertones enhances the rolls' orange essence and provides a warm, comforting beverage pairing.
• Complement with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream creates a delightful temperature and flavor contrast, adding a cool, smooth texture to the warm, spicy cinnamon rolls.

Variations on Fluffy Orange Cinnamon Rolls

• Gluten-Free Orange Cinnamon Rolls: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring the mix contains xanthan gum for proper texture and binding.
• Vegan Orange Cinnamon Rolls: Substitute dairy milk with almond milk, use coconut oil instead of butter, and replace eggs with flax eggs or applesauce for moisture and binding.
• Low-Sugar Orange Cinnamon Rolls: Use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit in the dough and filling, and create a lighter glaze with Greek yogurt and a minimal amount of powdered sweetener.
• Whole Wheat Orange Cinnamon Rolls: Swap half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber and a nuttier flavor profile, keeping the orange and cinnamon essence intact.

FAQs

• Why use instant yeast in this recipe?

Instant yeast helps the dough rise quickly and provides a more consistent rise, making the rolls soft and fluffy without needing to activate the yeast separately.

• Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

You can substitute up to half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, but using 100% whole wheat will make the rolls denser and less fluffy.

• How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

The dough is ready when it has doubled in size and when you gently press it with your finger, the indentation remains. This typically takes about 1 hour in a warm place.

• What's the purpose of adding orange juice and zest to the recipe?

Orange juice and zest add a bright, citrusy flavor that complements the warm cinnamon, creating a more complex and interesting taste profile for the rolls.

Fluffy Orange Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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4.7 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Heavenly Orange Cinnamon Rolls bring Mediterranean sunshine to classic breakfast pastries, combining zesty citrus with warm spices. Pillowy swirls promise a delightful morning treat you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients:

• 4 cups (480 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons or 7 grams) instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon (6 grams) salt
• 2 tablespoons (6 grams) ground cinnamon
• 1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar

Wet and Fresh Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) milk (warm)
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) orange juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1/4 cup (57 grams) unsalted butter (melted)
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• Zest of 1 orange

Filling and Topping Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (110 grams) brown sugar (packed)
• 1/4 cup (57 grams) unsalted butter (softened)
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) orange juice

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Instructions

1. Craft a light, airy dough by blending flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a mixing bowl. Whisk warm milk, orange juice, melted butter, and eggs in a separate container, then incorporate into dry ingredients until a cohesive mixture forms.
2. Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead vigorously for 5-7 minutes until achieving a silky, elastic texture. Nestle the dough in a greased bowl, drape with a cloth, and allow to rise in a warm environment for approximately 60 minutes or until volume doubles.
3. Create a fragrant filling by combining brown sugar, cinnamon, softened butter, and vibrant orange zest until thoroughly integrated.
4. Deflate the risen dough and roll into a rectangular shape measuring roughly 16×12 inches on a lightly dusted work surface.
5. Distribute the cinnamon mixture evenly across the dough’s surface. Carefully roll the dough from the lengthy edge, forming a tight cylindrical shape. Seal the seam by gently pressing edges together.
6. Slice the rolled dough into 12 uniform sections. Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and permit a second rise for 30-45 minutes until they appear puffy and expanded.
7. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) while the rolls complete their final proofing.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until rolls transform into a rich golden brown. Allow minimal cooling time within the baking pan.
9. Whisk powdered sugar with fresh orange juice and zest to create a luminous glaze. Drizzle generously over the warm, freshly baked rolls, ensuring complete coverage.

Notes

• Activate the yeast properly by ensuring the milk is warm (not hot) to prevent killing the yeast and achieving the perfect rise.
• Use room temperature ingredients like eggs and butter to help the dough develop a smoother, more consistent texture.
• Substitute whole wheat flour for half the all-purpose flour to add nutritional value and a nutty flavor to the rolls.
• Adjust the glaze consistency by adding more powdered sugar for a thicker topping or more orange juice for a thinner drizzle.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 270
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 190 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg