Orange Cinnamon Rolls with Luscious Cream Cheese Frosting

 Irresistible Orange Cinnamon Rolls with Luscious Cream Cheese Frosting

The Ultimate Citrus-Kissed Cinnamon Roll Recipe

Imagine biting into a warm, pillowy Orange Cinnamon Roll, swirled with a buttery cinnamon filling and topped with a velvety cream cheese frosting infused with bright citrus notes. These rolls strike the perfect balance between sweet, tangy, and buttery goodness, making them a show-stopping treat for breakfast, brunch, or anytime indulgence.

Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls, these orange-infused delights add a burst of fresh citrus flavor that elevates the classic recipe to a whole new level. The soft dough, made with a touch of orange zest, bakes into golden perfection, while the sweet and tangy glaze melts into every swirl for a gooey, melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Whether you’re making these for a weekend breakfast, a holiday brunch, or a special dessert, this foolproof recipe guarantees bakery-quality results every time. Let’s dive into the details of making the most fluffy, flavorful, and utterly irresistible Orange Cinnamon Rolls!

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Ingredients & Their Roles

For the Dough:

1 package active dry yeast – The key to achieving a light and airy texture.

¾ cup warm water (110°F) – Activates the yeast, helping the dough rise properly.

1½ cups warm milk (110°F) – Adds richness and moisture for an ultra-soft dough.

½ cup sugar, divided – Feeds the yeast and enhances sweetness.

1½ teaspoons salt – Balances flavors and strengthens the dough structure.

4½ cups all-purpose flour, divided – Creates the perfect soft yet sturdy dough.

¼ cup shortening, melted – Adds tenderness and a slight richness.

For the Filling:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened – Ensures a rich, gooey filling.

½ cup brown sugar, packed – Gives a deep caramelized sweetness.

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon – The heart of any cinnamon roll, adding warmth and spice.

1 tablespoon orange zest – Brightens up the filling with fresh citrus notes.

For the Orange Cream Cheese Frosting:

4½ tablespoons butter, softened – Creates a smooth, spreadable frosting.

4 ounces cream cheese, softened – Adds creaminess and slight tang.

1½ tablespoons orange zest – Enhances the citrus flavor.

3 tablespoons fresh orange juice – Adds natural sweetness and acidity.

2¼ cups powdered sugar – Sweetens and thickens the frosting for a perfect consistency.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast

In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy—this ensures the yeast is alive and active.

2. Mix the Dough

Stir in warm milk, ¼ cup of sugar, and salt. Gradually mix in 3 cups of flour, stirring until smooth. The batter will be loose—this is normal. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.

3. Incorporate Remaining Ingredients

After the first rise, mix in the remaining ¼ cup sugar, melted shortening, and 1½ cups flour. The dough will still be slightly sticky, but resist the temptation to add extra flour! Cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.

4. Prepare the Filling

In a bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and orange zest. Mix until it forms a spreadable paste.

5. Roll Out the Dough & Fill

Turn the dough onto a well-floured surface and divide it in half. Roll each half into a large rectangle (about 18 inches long). Spread each rectangle with ⅓ of the prepared filling.

6. Roll, Cut & Arrange

Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log shape. Cut each roll into 9 equal sections (about 2 inches thick) and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes.

7. Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the centers are fully baked.

8. Make the Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

While the rolls bake, beat butter and cream cheese together until smooth. Add orange zest, orange juice, and powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy.

9. Frost & Serve

Once the rolls are slightly cooled, spread the remaining frosting over the warm rolls, allowing it to melt into the swirls for a gooey, decadent finish.

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Why These Orange Cinnamon Rolls Are Loved

✔️ Soft, pillowy dough with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

✔️ Bright, citrusy filling that balances sweetness perfectly.

✔️ Luscious cream cheese frosting with fresh orange zest for extra depth.

✔️ Perfect for make-ahead baking—prep the night before and bake fresh in the morning.

✔️ Ideal for brunches, holidays, and special occasions.

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Pro Tips for Perfect Orange Cinnamon Rolls

⭐ Use fresh orange zest & juice – The fresh citrus flavor is key to making these rolls shine.

⭐ Avoid over-flouring the dough – A slightly sticky dough ensures the softest rolls.

⭐ Roll tightly but not too tight – A snug roll keeps the swirls intact without squeezing out the filling.

⭐ Bake until golden, not brown – Overbaking dries out the rolls; they should be lightly golden.

⭐ Frost while warm – This allows the frosting to seep into every bite for maximum flavor.

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Serving Suggestions

Pair these Orange Cinnamon Rolls with:

A hot cup of coffee or chai tea for the ultimate morning treat.

A side of fresh berries to enhance the citrusy flavors.

A glass of freshly squeezed orange juice to complement the zestiness.

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Final Thoughts: A Must-Try Recipe for Every Occasion

These homemade Orange Cinnamon Rolls are a next-level twist on the classic, featuring warm cinnamon spice, buttery layers, and a tangy-sweet orange glaze that melts into every bite. Whether you’re baking them for a cozy weekend morning or serving them at a festive brunch, they’re guaranteed to impress.

Why settle for store-bought when you can create bakery-quality cinnamon rolls at home with simple ingredients and easy steps? Give this recipe 

a try—you won’t regret it!

Ready to bake the best Orange Cinnamon Rolls of your life? Let us know how they turn out in the comments below!