Orange cinnamon rolls are a bright twist on classic cinnamon rolls — fluffy, soft, and glazed with an irresistible orange-cream cheese frosting. This easy orange cinnamon rolls recipe uses fresh orange zest and juice in both dough and frosting for a citrus-forward brunch centerpiece that smells like morning sunshine.
Prep Time: 35 mins • Cook Time: 25 mins • Additional Time: 1 hr 30 mins • Total Time: 2 hrs 30 mins • Servings: 12
Ingredients
Dough
- ¾ cup warm whole milk (110°F / 43°C)
- 1 (0.25 oz) package active dry yeast
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 large egg yolk, room temperature
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1½ teaspoons freshly grated orange zest
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour, more as needed
- 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
- cooking spray
Filling
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1½ teaspoons freshly grated orange zest
Frosting
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated orange zest
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Directions
Step 1
Pour warm milk into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle (or use a large mixing bowl). Sprinkle yeast over the milk and let it sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Step 2
Add the egg, egg yolk, softened butter, honey, 1½ tsp orange zest, and ¼ cup orange juice to the yeast mixture. Mix on low until combined (≈45 seconds). Add 2 cups of flour and beat until a wet dough forms (≈1 minute).
Step 3
Switch to the dough hook. Add the remaining 1½ cups flour and salt; knead on medium until the dough is soft, elastic, and slightly sticky (7–10 minutes). Add a tablespoon of flour at a time only if needed.
Step 4
Shape dough into a ball, place in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise at room temperature until doubled, about 1 hour.
Step 5
Meanwhile, mix the filling: stir softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and 1½ tsp orange zest until smooth.
Step 6
Punch down dough and roll on a floured surface into a 10×18-inch rectangle. Spread the filling evenly over the dough leaving a ½-inch border along the top long edge.
Step 7
Roll the dough away from you into a tight log; pinch the seam to seal. Cut into 12 equal rolls (≈1½ inches each). Place rolls cut-side down into a greased 13×9-inch baking dish.
Step 8
Loosely cover with plastic and let rise 30–45 minutes until puffy and almost doubled. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 9
Bake rolls 22–25 minutes until golden. Remove from oven and cool 2 minutes.
Step 10
Make the frosting: beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, 1 tbsp orange zest, 1 tbsp orange juice, and ¼ tsp salt until smooth and fluffy (2–3 minutes). Spread frosting over warm rolls and serve.
Cook’s Note
For the most vibrant citrus aroma, zest before juicing. If dough feels sticky after kneading, rest 5–10 minutes — the gluten will relax and be easier to roll. For extra shine, brush rolls with a light orange syrup (equal parts orange juice + powdered sugar) before frosting.
Nutrition Facts (per roll)
Calories 409 • Total Fat 21g • Saturated Fat 12g • Cholesterol 98mg • Sodium 238mg • Total Carbohydrate 50g • Dietary Fiber 1g • Total Sugars 21g • Protein 7g