The secret ingredient for the most delectable cinnamon rolls? you’ll never guess: orange cinnamon rolls recipe

Indulge in the irresistible aroma of freshly baked orange cinnamon rolls, a delectable treat that will tantalize your taste buds and brighten your day. With this easy-to-follow orange cinnamon rolls recipe, you can recreate the magic of these citrusy delights in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 cup (240ml) warm milk (105-115°F)
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened

For the Filling:

• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1 orange, zested and juiced

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup (120g) confectioners’ sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons orange juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. In a separate bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm milk. Let stand for 5 minutes, or until foamy. Add the yeast mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until a dough forms.
2. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Form the dough into a ball, place it in a lightly greased bowl, and cover with plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
3. Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
4. Assemble the Rolls: Punch down the dough and divide it into two equal pieces. Roll out each piece into a 12×9-inch rectangle. Spread half of the filling over each rectangle, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
5. Roll and Slice: Starting from the long side, roll up the dough tightly. Pinch the edges to seal. Using a sharp knife, slice each roll into 12 equal pieces.
6. Place in a Pan: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the rolls in the dish, leaving a little space between each one. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise for 30 minutes, or until almost doubled in size.
7. Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
8. Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, orange juice, and vanilla extract. Drizzle the glaze over the warm cinnamon rolls.

Tips:

• For a richer flavor, use brown sugar in place of granulated sugar in the filling.
• Add a splash of orange extract to the glaze for an extra citrusy kick.
• If you don’t have a baking dish, you can bake the rolls on a greased baking sheet.
• Let the rolls cool slightly before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting.

Variations:

• Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Rolls: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the filling.
• Cream Cheese Orange Cinnamon Rolls: Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting over the filling before rolling up the dough.
• Pumpkin Orange Cinnamon Rolls: Add 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree to the dough.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve warm with coffee, tea, or milk.
• Top with whipped cream or ice cream.
• Dust with powdered sugar.

Healthier Option:

• Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour.
• Reduce the amount of sugar in the filling and glaze.
• Add some grated carrots or zucchini to the dough for extra nutrients.

“Wrap Up”

Whether you’re hosting a special occasion or simply craving a sweet treat, these orange cinnamon rolls are sure to impress. With their perfect balance of citrusy freshness and warm cinnamon spice, they’re a delightful indulgence that will satisfy any sweet tooth. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and embark on a culinary adventure that will leave you with a lasting memory of these irresistible treats.

What People Want to Know

Q: Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the dough and filling up to 24 hours in advance. Let the dough rise in the refrigerator overnight, then assemble and bake the rolls the next day.
Q: Why are my cinnamon rolls dense?
A: Over-kneading the dough can make the rolls dense. Knead just until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 5-7 minutes.
Q: How can I store leftover cinnamon rolls?
A: Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the rolls for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.