How to Cook Irresistible Zesty Orange Cinnamon Rolls: A Citrus Delight
Indulge in the delightful aroma and flavor of these Zesty Orange Cinnamon Rolls, the perfect treat to brighten your mornings! With a soft, fluffy dough infused with warm spices and a refreshing burst of citrus, these rolls are a delicious twist on the classic cinnamon roll. Drizzled with a creamy orange glaze, they offer a perfect balance of sweetness and zest. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack, these rolls are sure to impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe and bring a touch of sunshine to your kitchen!
Zesty Orange Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F or 43°C)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- Zest of 1 large orange
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, melted butter, and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Add the eggs and mix well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, yeast, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and orange zest.
- Roll out the risen dough on a floured surface into a rectangle (about 16×12 inches).
- Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon mixture over the butter.
Step 3: Roll and Cut
- Starting from one long side, carefully roll the dough into a tight log.
- Slice the roll into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss for a clean cut.
- Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
Step 4: Bake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Step 5: Prepare the Glaze
- While the rolls are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest in a small bowl until smooth.
Step 6: Serve
- Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for about 10 minutes.
- Drizzle the orange glaze over the warm rolls and serve them fresh!