Orange Cinnamon Rolls with Luscious Cream Cheese Frosting
## 🍊 Orange Cinnamon Rolls with Luscious Cream Cheese Frosting
If you're looking to elevate your classic cinnamon rolls, this **Orange Cinnamon Roll** recipe is a must-bake. Infused with zesty orange and swirled with spiced brown sugar, these pillowy rolls are topped with a rich cream cheese frosting that melts into every warm layer. They’re sunshine in pastry form—ideal for brunch, holidays, or a sweet morning treat.
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## 🧾 Ingredients
### **For the Dough**
* **3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour** – Gives structure while keeping the rolls soft.
* **¼ cup granulated sugar** – Adds sweetness to balance the citrus tang.
* **2 ¼ tsp instant yeast** – Helps the dough rise into fluffy perfection.
* **½ tsp salt** – Enhances overall flavor.
* **¾ cup whole milk, warm** – Activates the yeast and softens the dough.
* **¼ cup orange juice, warm** – Adds a citrusy base to the dough.
* **¼ cup unsalted butter, melted** – Enriches the dough for tenderness.
* **1 large egg + 1 egg yolk** – Adds richness and helps bind the dough.
* **1 tbsp orange zest** – Infuses dough with vibrant orange aroma.
### **For the Filling**
* **½ cup unsalted butter, softened** – Helps the cinnamon sugar stick and melt into gooey goodness.
* **¾ cup brown sugar, packed** – Adds caramel-like depth.
* **2 tsp ground cinnamon** – Warm spice that complements the orange perfectly.
* **1 tbsp orange zest** – Brightens the filling with citrus notes.
### **For the Cream Cheese Frosting**
* **4 oz cream cheese, softened** – Rich and tangy base for the frosting.
* **¼ cup unsalted butter, softened** – Adds creaminess and body.
* **1 cup powdered sugar** – Sweetens and smooths the frosting.
* **1 tbsp orange juice** – Thins and flavors the frosting.
* **½ tsp vanilla extract** – Rounds out the flavor.
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## 👩🍳 Instructions
### 1. **Make the Dough**
1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, combine warm milk, orange juice, melted butter, egg, egg yolk, and orange zest.
3. Add wet ingredients to dry and mix until a dough forms.
4. Knead by hand or stand mixer for 8–10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
5. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
### 2. **Prepare the Filling**
1. Mix softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and orange zest in a bowl until well combined.
### 3. **Roll and Fill**
1. Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to a 16x12-inch rectangle.
2. Spread filling evenly across the dough.
3. Roll tightly from the long side and pinch the seam to seal.
4. Slice into 12 equal rolls and place in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
### 4. **Second Rise**
1. Cover and let rolls rise for 30–45 minutes, or until puffy.
### 5. **Bake**
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake rolls for 20–25 minutes or until golden and cooked through.
### 6. **Make the Frosting**
1. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
2. Add powdered sugar, orange juice, and vanilla; beat until fluffy and spreadable.
### 7. **Frost and Serve**
1. Spread frosting over warm rolls so it melts into the swirls.
2. Garnish with extra orange zest if desired.
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## 💡 Pro Tips
* **Don’t overheat your liquids.** Keep them around 110°F (43°C) to avoid killing the yeast.
* **Use freshly grated zest.** It makes a big difference in flavor intensity.
* **Prep ahead:** You can refrigerate the rolls after shaping and let them rise overnight.
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## 🍽 Serving Suggestions
Pair these orange cinnamon rolls with:
* A mimosa or fresh squeezed orange juice
* A hot cup of coffee or chai latte
* Fresh berries or a yogurt parfait for a complete brunch spread
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## ❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* Bright orange flavor cuts through the sweetness
* Soft, pillowy dough with buttery layers
* Tangy cream cheese frosting that melts into every bite
Whether it’s a lazy Sunday morning or a special occasion, these **Orange Cinnamon Rolls** are guaranteed to
impress and disappear fast!
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