Name: Orange Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: PT-490189H17M
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¼ cup full fat milk (or whole milk, warmed to 104°F / 40°C); 2¼ tsp dry active yeast; 1 tbsp superfine granulated sugar (or caster sugar); 1 cup all purpose flour (or plain flour); ¾ cup strong white bread flour; 1 tsp salt; 3 eggs; ½ cup unsalted butter (softened at room temperature and cut into roughly ½” cubes); 1 tbsp orange zest; ½ cup unsalted butter (softened at room temperature); ½ cup light brown sugar (firmly packed); 2 tbsp orange juice (fresh squeezed or store bought, not from concentrate); 1 tbsp ground cinnamon; 1 cup powdered sugar (or icing sugar, sifted if lumpy); 2 tbsp orange juice (fresh squeezed or store bought, not from concentrate); Optional: orange zest for extra flavor and decoration; 1 reserved egg yolk; a splash of milk

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 69 reviews

If you are looking for a delightful twist on a beloved classic, this Orange Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is an absolute must-try. These rolls marry the warmth of cinnamon with the bright, zesty charm of fresh orange, creating a perfect balance of cozy sweetness and citrusy freshness. Every bite is a soft, buttery hug with a fragrant swirl of orange-infused cinnamon, making them the ultimate breakfast treat or special occasion indulgence. Once you make these, they will quickly become your go-to recipe for impressing guests or simply elevating your morning routine.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows four small white bowls placed on a white marbled surface. The first bowl at the bottom right contains three pieces of pale yellow butter with a smooth texture. Above it, a bowl holds a bright yellow liquid, possibly melted butter or oil, with a shiny, smooth surface. To the left, there is a bowl full of light brown sugar, fine and crumbly in texture. At the top, another bowl contains a heap of cinnamon powder, which is deep brown and has a soft, powdery texture. All the bowls are neatly arranged to form a loose square shape. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients may look simple, but each one plays a crucial role in achieving the rich flavor, tender crumb, and beautiful color that make this Orange Cinnamon Rolls Recipe so irresistible. From the creamy butter to the fresh orange zest, every element adds a little something special.

Full fat milk (¼ cup, warmed to 104°F): Activates the yeast and lends richness to the dough.
Dry active yeast (2¼ tsp): The essential leavening agent that makes the rolls rise and get fluffy.
Superfine granulated sugar (1 tbsp): Helps feed the yeast for a perfect proof and adds subtle sweetness.
All purpose flour (1 cup): Provides the structure and tenderness in the dough.
Strong white bread flour (¾ cup): Adds extra gluten strength for that perfect chewiness.
Salt (1 tsp): Enhances the flavors and balances sweetness.
Eggs (3): Enrich the dough with moisture and tender crumb.
Unsalted butter (½ cup, softened and cubed): Gives the dough richness and that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Orange zest (1 tbsp): Bursts with fresh citrus aroma that elevates the cinnamon filling.
Unsalted butter (½ cup, softened for filling): Creates a luscious, spreadable base for the cinnamon sugar layer.
Light brown sugar (½ cup, firmly packed): Offers deep caramel notes with a hint of moisture.
Orange juice (2 tbsp, fresh or store-bought): Adds tangy brightness to the filling and glaze.
Ground cinnamon (1 tbsp): The warm spice star in the filling.
Powdered sugar (1 cup, sifted if needed): Forms the base of the glossy orange glaze.
Orange zest (optional, for decoration): A fresh finishing touch that looks and tastes amazing.

How to Make Orange Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Mixture

Start by sprinkling the dry active yeast and a teaspoon of sugar over the warmed milk, which should be around 104°F (40°C). Stir gently and let this sit for about 10 minutes until the mixture becomes very foamy. This foaming indicates that the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic, setting the foundation for light and airy rolls.

Step 2: Combine Flours and Dry Ingredients

In your stand mixer bowl fitted with a dough hook, mix together the all-purpose flour, bread flour, remaining sugar, and salt. These dry ingredients create the framework for your dough, balancing the sweetness and offering a sturdy yet soft texture once baked.

Step 3: Mix the Dough

Pour the foamy yeast mixture into your dry ingredients, then add two whole eggs and one egg white (reserve the yolk for later). Start kneading on a low speed until the dough begins to form, then continue kneading for about 15 minutes. You want the dough to start pulling away from the sides of the bowl—a sign that gluten is developing just right.

Step 4: Incorporate Butter and Orange Zest

Add the softened butter cubes in small portions to the dough, kneading continuously so they absorb fully. Once the butter is incorporated, sprinkle in the fresh orange zest and knead for another 15 minutes. The dough will be a bit sticky but should pull away from the sides again. This slow, careful kneading is crucial for that tender, brioche-like crumb.

Step 5: First Proof in the Refrigerator

Scrape the dough into a greased bowl, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and place it in your refrigerator for an 8-hour slow proof or overnight. This resting period lets the flavors deepen and allows the dough to develop that delicate, buttery richness.

Step 6: Prepare the Orange Cinnamon Filling

While the dough is resting, combine the softened butter, light brown sugar, cinnamon, and orange juice in a small bowl. Cream these together until smooth and fragrant. This luscious filling is what makes this Orange Cinnamon Rolls Recipe so uniquely delicious.

Step 7: Shape the Rolls

When the dough has finished its first proof, turn it out onto a floured surface and roll into a 12 by 18-inch rectangle. Spread the cinnamon-orange filling evenly over the dough, then carefully roll it up from the bottom edge to the top, forming a tight log.

Step 8: Cut and Second Proof

Using dental floss or a sharp knife, trim the ends to remove any uneven parts, then cut the log into 9 equal rolls. Place these into a parchment-lined square baking pan and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Let them proof at room temperature for 2 hours, until doubled in size and wonderfully puffy.

Step 9: Bake the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Whisk the reserved egg yolk with a splash of milk to make an egg wash and brush it gently over the tops of the rolls. Bake for 25 minutes or until golden and risen. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point will be absolutely irresistible.

Step 10: Add the Orange Glaze

After baking, let the rolls cool slightly for 10 minutes. Whisk together powdered sugar and orange juice for a glossy glaze, then spread it generously over the warm rolls. Add extra orange zest on top if you want that extra burst of citrus flavor and beautiful presentation.

How to Serve Orange Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

The image shows several cinnamon rolls close up, each roll made up of three visible layers. The bottom layer is a thick, golden brown dough with a slightly shiny, sticky texture. Above this is a rich, dark brown cinnamon sugar filling that is thick and uneven, filling the spiral grooves of the dough. The top layer is a smooth, white icing that is thick and glossy, covering most parts of the rolls unevenly, with small orange zest pieces sprinkled on top adding small bright orange spots. The rolls sit on white parchment paper that is wrinkled slightly and placed on a wooden surface with a white marbled texture background photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkle of fresh orange zest or even a few edible flowers can enhance the visual appeal and the citrus aroma right before serving. A light dusting of powdered sugar is another lovely touch that gives the rolls a soft, snowy look.

Side Dishes

These rolls shine as a star, but pairing them with freshly brewed coffee or a creamy chai latte makes for a cozy combination. For brunch, add fresh fruit salad or yogurt with honey to balance the sweet, rich rolls and add refreshing notes to your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving these cinnamon rolls stacked on a rustic wooden board or nestled in a woven basket lined with a colorful tea towel. Individual rolls can also be wrapped in parchment paper and tied with a ribbon for gifting or a beautiful breakfast surprise. For a party, drizzle extra glaze in artistic swirls on the plate for added flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, store your leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Wrapping them well prevents them from drying out and keeps that soft texture intact. For slightly longer storage, refrigeration is fine, but be sure to bring them back to room temperature or warm them before enjoying.

Freezing

Orange cinnamon rolls freeze beautifully! Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature, then warm gently for that freshly baked feel.

Reheating

Reheat rolls in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes, or microwave for 20-30 seconds to regain softness and warmth. For the best experience, reapply a bit of the orange glaze or a light brush of melted butter after warming to refresh their moist texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use regular granulated sugar instead of superfine for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute regular granulated sugar, but superfine sugar dissolves more easily and helps activate the yeast more effectively, giving a slightly lighter dough. If you only have regular sugar, just make sure it’s well mixed.

Is it necessary to use bread flour in this recipe?

Bread flour adds more gluten, which provides the dough with structure and chewiness. You can use all-purpose flour instead, but expect a softer, less elastic roll. The texture will still be delicious but a bit different from the classic brioche feel.

Can I make the dough without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! You can knead the dough by hand. It might take a bit more elbow grease and time—around 20-25 minutes—but the results will be just as lovely. Just make sure you reach a smooth, elastic dough consistency.

What if I don’t have fresh orange juice on hand?

Using store-bought orange juice (not from concentrate) works perfectly fine for both the filling and glaze. Fresh juice has a brighter flavor, but store-bought will still add the necessary citrus note that makes this recipe special.

Can I make smaller or larger cinnamon rolls with this recipe?

Yes, you can adjust the size of each roll. Just remember that smaller rolls will bake faster, so keep an eye on them in the oven, while larger rolls might need a few extra minutes to bake through. The flavors will stay delicious no matter the size.

Final Thoughts

This Orange Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is a total game-changer if you love cozy baked treats with a citrus twist. The combination of soft, buttery dough and zesty cinnamon filling will have you baking these again and again. Invite some friends, brew your favorite tea or coffee, and enjoy the warm, irresistible comfort of homemade cinnamon rolls with a sunny orange uplift. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a new favorite in your baking repertoire!