Orange Sweet Rolls are a light, fluffy, and citrusy twist on classic cinnamon rolls. These rolls are infused with the bright flavor of orange zest in both the dough and the filling, while a creamy orange icing drizzled on top completes the treat. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a festive gathering, these sweet rolls will have everyone reaching for seconds. If you’ve never baked with yeast before, don’t worry! With a few simple tips and a little patience, you can create these soft and delicious rolls right at home.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Dough:

¾ cup whole milk (heated to 110-120°F)
1/3 cup granulated sugar (divided)
2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
3 tbsp freshly grated orange zest (from 2-3 oranges)
4 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (divided)
2 large eggs
6 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
1 tsp kosher salt

For the Filling and Assembly:

¾ cup granulated sugar
2 tbsp orange zest (from 1-2 oranges)
¼ tsp ground cardamom
¼ tsp kosher salt
Nonstick cooking spray
½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
½ cup finely chopped candied orange peel or dried apricots (optional)

For the Icing:

4 oz cream cheese (softened)
4 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
1 tbsp orange zest (from 1 orange)
¼ tsp kosher salt
1 ½ cups confectioners’ sugar
3 tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice (divided)

Directions

Make the Dough:
In a glass measuring cup, stir together the milk and 1 teaspoon sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the mixture and let sit for 5 minutes, until foamy. In the bowl of a stand mixer, rub the remaining sugar and orange zest together until fragrant. Add the bloomed yeast mixture, 4 cups of flour, eggs, melted butter, and salt. Using the dough hook, mix on low for 1-2 minutes until a shaggy dough forms. Increase the speed and knead for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 60 minutes, or until doubled.
Prepare the Filling:
In a small bowl, rub together the sugar and orange zest. Stir in the cardamom and salt. Set aside.
Shape and Rise the Rolls:
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Roll out the dough on a floured surface into an 18” x 12” rectangle. Spread the softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle evenly with the orange sugar mixture. Optionally, sprinkle with chopped candied orange peel or apricots. Roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log. Slice the log into 12 equal pieces and arrange them cut-side up in the baking dish. Cover and let rise for 25-30 minutes.
Bake the Rolls:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Uncover the rolls and bake for 22-28 minutes, until golden brown and a thermometer inserted into the center reads 190°F. Let the rolls cool for 10 minutes.
Make the Icing:
In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, butter, orange zest, and salt. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar and orange juice, mixing until smooth and spreadable. If the icing is too thick, add more orange juice, 1 teaspoon at a time.
Assemble and Serve:
Spread the icing over the warm rolls. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrients (per serving, approximate)

Calories: 350 kcal
Carbohydrates: 48g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 50mg
Sodium: 230mg
Potassium: 90mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 18g
Vitamin A: 320 IU
Vitamin C: 6mg
Calcium: 40mg
Iron: 2mg

The Allure of Orange in Baking

Orange zest is a magical ingredient that brings a burst of freshness to any dish. Its vibrant, aromatic oils infuse both the dough and the filling of these sweet rolls, elevating the classic cinnamon roll into something new and exciting. The bright citrus flavor pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the dough and sugar, creating a refreshing balance that is perfect for morning or afternoon indulgence. Adding orange to both the dough and the filling gives the rolls a rich, complex flavor profile that’s different from traditional sweet rolls, and the citrusy undertones make every bite feel light and zesty.

This burst of citrus flavor is also complemented by the rich, creamy orange icing that drizzles over the warm rolls after baking. The icing adds a luxurious sweetness that melts into the nooks and crannies of the rolls, creating an irresistible finish. With each bite, you get the tangy freshness of the orange zest paired with the smooth, creamy sweetness of the icing, making it an indulgent treat that’s both flavorful and satisfying.

Making the Dough: The Key to Fluffiness

The dough for Orange Sweet Rolls is a soft and slightly sticky mixture that is enriched with butter, eggs, and milk. The use of whole milk and melted butter ensures that the dough is rich and flavorful, while the yeast helps it rise and develop its signature soft and fluffy texture. Yeast is a crucial component in the dough-making process, as it allows the dough to expand and become light and airy. The result is a dough that’s tender and soft, perfect for rolling and shaping into individual rolls.

The dough is also infused with the aromatic orange zest, which provides a fragrant and refreshing backdrop for the sweet filling. This combination of rich dough and bright citrus creates a harmonious base that complements the other ingredients. Kneading the dough until it is smooth and elastic is important to ensure that the rolls hold their shape as they rise and bake. Once the dough has been mixed, it is allowed to rise for about an hour, during which time it doubles in size, becoming light and airy.

Preparing the Filling: Sweet and Citrus Infusion

The filling for Orange Sweet Rolls is where the magic happens. A combination of granulated sugar, orange zest, cardamom, and salt is rubbed together, creating a fragrant orange-sugar mixture that is spread generously on top of the rolled-out dough. The sugar mixture provides a delightful sweetness that is beautifully complemented by the citrusy punch of the orange zest, and the cardamom adds a subtle, warm spice that enhances the overall flavor profile.

The orange sugar mixture is followed by a layer of softened butter, which helps to bind everything together and gives the filling a rich, creamy texture. The addition of finely chopped candied orange peel or dried apricots is an optional touch that can further enhance the flavor, adding a chewy texture and additional sweetness to the filling. Whether you opt for the extra fruit or keep it simple, this filling offers the perfect balance of sweetness, citrus, and spice.

Shaping the Rolls: Achieving Perfect Swirls

Once the dough has been rolled out and the filling applied, it’s time to shape the rolls. Rolling the dough tightly from the long side ensures that each roll is filled with just the right amount of orange-sugar mixture. The result is a tight swirl that bakes beautifully, creating individual rolls that have a beautiful spiral pattern when sliced. Cutting the dough into even pieces is crucial to ensure that all the rolls bake evenly and rise uniformly in the pan.

After cutting the rolls, they are placed cut-side up in a greased baking dish. The rolls are then left to rise for an additional 25-30 minutes. This second rise allows the dough to relax and expand, ensuring that the rolls will be light and fluffy when baked. As they rise, the dough becomes soft and pillowy, which is key to achieving the melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes these rolls so irresistible.

Baking the Rolls: A Golden Perfection

Baking the Orange Sweet Rolls at 350°F allows them to cook evenly and develop a golden-brown crust. The soft dough puffs up as it bakes, creating a tender, airy interior that is perfectly complemented by the golden-brown exterior. The rolls should bake for 22-28 minutes, depending on your oven, until they are golden and a thermometer inserted into the center of the rolls reads 190°F. This ensures that the rolls are fully cooked through and the dough has reached the ideal level of fluffiness.

As the rolls bake, your kitchen will fill with the enticing aroma of fresh orange and buttery dough. The combination of the warm, citrusy scent with the baking bread creates an irresistible atmosphere, making it hard to wait for the rolls to cool down before enjoying them. Once they are done, it’s time for the finishing touch: the orange icing.

Making the Icing: Creamy and Tangy

The orange icing for these rolls is the perfect complement to the sweet and citrusy dough. Made from a combination of cream cheese, butter, orange zest, and powdered sugar, the icing is creamy, smooth, and full of bright citrus flavor. A touch of orange juice is added to thin the icing to the desired consistency, ensuring that it drizzles smoothly over the warm rolls. The cream cheese provides a tangy richness that balances the sweetness of the sugar, while the orange zest adds a fresh burst of citrus that enhances the flavor of the rolls.

Once the rolls have cooled for a few minutes, the icing is generously drizzled over the top. The warmth of the rolls helps the icing melt slightly, allowing it to seep into the crevices of the rolls and infuse them with a creamy, citrusy sweetness. The result is a perfectly balanced combination of flavors and textures that makes each bite an absolute delight.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Orange Sweet Rolls are versatile and can be served for a variety of occasions. They make a perfect breakfast or brunch option, especially for holidays and special gatherings. Their bright, citrusy flavor makes them especially fitting for springtime or festive events, while their soft, fluffy texture ensures that everyone will enjoy them. The rolls also make an excellent gift idea, especially when packaged in a beautiful box or tin. Their homemade quality and vibrant flavor make them a thoughtful and delicious present for family and friends.

Conclusion

Orange Sweet Rolls are a delightful twist on the classic cinnamon roll, offering a bright and refreshing citrus flavor that elevates the traditional treat. With their fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth texture and the tangy orange icing, these rolls are perfect for any occasion, from casual breakfasts to festive celebrations. The process of making them is straightforward and enjoyable, and with a little patience, you can create these soft, sweet rolls right at home. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or saved for later, Orange Sweet Rolls are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Their perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and citrus makes them an irresistible treat that will have everyone coming back for more.