BREAKFAST

Orange Cinnamon Rolls: 9 Steps to Heavenly Breakfast

by basmer

27 de November de 2025

Facebook

Jump to Recipe

Orange Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate treat for any breakfast or brunch occasion. With their delightful fluffy texture and the vibrant flavor of orange, these rolls are perfect for Christmas mornings or any special weekend. Each bite is filled with a sweet cinnamon filling and a tangy orange glaze that will make your taste buds dance. Let’s dive into this easy orange cinnamon roll recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Orange Cinnamon Rolls

These orange cinnamon rolls are not just a feast for the eyes but a delight for the palate. Here are a few reasons to love them:

They are fluffy and light, making them the best orange cinnamon rolls you can make at home.
Filled with aromatic orange zest and sweet cinnamon, these rolls are a treat for your senses.
This orange cinnamon roll recipe is simple enough for even novice bakers.
They are perfect for special occasions like Christmas or cozy weekend breakfasts.
With a drizzle of orange glaze, they become an irresistible orange-infused cinnamon rolls.
These homemade orange cinnamon rolls can be made vegan for a healthier option.

Ingredients for Orange Cinnamon Rolls

Gather these items:

2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon orange zest
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup whole milk
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 ¼ teaspoons dry instant yeast (one standard packet)
1 large egg (room temperature)
¼ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
½ cup brown sugar
1 ½ tablespoons cinnamon
1 cup confectioner’s sugar
1 tablespoon unsalted butter (melted)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon orange zest
1 tablespoon orange juice

How to Make Orange Cinnamon Rolls Step-by-Step

Step 1: Lightly grease a 9×9 square baking dish or 9-10 inch round cake or pie pan and set aside.
Step 2: In a large bowl, add flour, granulated sugar, orange zest, and salt. Whisk to combine. Set aside.
Step 3: In a microwave safe bowl, add milk and butter. Microwave in 20-second increments until butter has melted and mixture is warm to the touch, but not hot (about 110 degrees Fahrenheit).
Step 4: Whisk in yeast and continue whisking until yeast has dissolved. Pour yeast mixture into dry ingredients. Add the egg and stir with a sturdy wooden spoon until a soft dough forms.
Step 5: Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Using floured hands, knead the dough for 3 to 5 minutes, or until dough looks smooth (not sticky).
Step 6: Transfer dough to a lightly greased bowl, lightly cover, and allow to rise for 10 minutes.
Step 7: Roll dough out on a lightly floured surface into a 14×9 rectangle.

Step 8: Spread room temperature butter evenly across the dough. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle evenly over the butter.
Step 9: Starting at the long 14 inch side, roll dough up into a log. Using a serrated knife, slice into 9 even rolls and place into prepared baking dish.
Step 10: Lightly cover and allow rolls to rise at room temperature for 60-90 minutes, or until they’ve doubled in size.
Step 11: Preheat oven to 350℉.
Step 12: Transfer dish to the oven and bake, uncovered, for 26-30 minutes, or until golden brown across the top and rolls reach 195-200 degrees Fahrenheit in the center. If rolls are browning too quickly, lightly tent with foil for the remaining baking time.
Step 13: While the rolls bake, prepare the icing.
Step 14: In a medium bowl, add confectioner’s sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange juice. Stir until smooth. Add more orange juice as needed to reach desired consistency.
Step 15: Drizzle icing over warm cinnamon rolls and serve immediately.

Pro Tips for the Best Orange Cinnamon Rolls

Keep these in mind:

Make sure your milk is warm but not hot to ensure the yeast activates properly.
For fluffier rolls, let the dough rise longer if you have the time.
Experiment with adding cream cheese to the filling for orange cream cheese cinnamon rolls.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Best Ways to Serve Orange Cinnamon Rolls

These sweet orange cinnamon rolls shine on their own but can be served in various delightful ways:

Pair them with a warm cup of coffee or tea for the perfect breakfast.
Serve alongside fresh fruit for a balanced brunch.
Try them with a drizzle of cream cheese frosting for an extra decadent treat.

How to Store and Reheat Orange Cinnamon Rolls

To keep your orange rolls fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them. Reheat in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in the oven at 350℉ for 5-10 minutes for a fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.

Frequently Asked Questions About Orange Cinnamon Rolls

What’s the secret to perfect Orange Cinnamon Rolls?

The secret lies in the dough. Make sure it’s not too sticky when you roll it out, and allow it to rise adequately for fluffy texture.

Can I make Orange Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the rolls the night before, cover them, and let them rise in the refrigerator overnight. Bake them fresh in the morning!

How do I avoid common mistakes with Orange Cinnamon Rolls?

Ensure your yeast is fresh and active, use room temperature ingredients, and do not rush the rising process for the best results.

Variations of Orange Cinnamon Rolls You Can Try

Feeling adventurous? Here are some variations to try:

Make vegan orange cinnamon rolls by substituting dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives.
Add dried cranberries or nuts to the filling for added texture and flavor.
Try an orange-scented cinnamon rolls version by infusing the dough with extra orange zest and juice.
For a unique spin, create orange rolls with orange glaze instead of the traditional icing.

Orange Cinnamon Rolls: 9 Steps to Heavenly Breakfast - Orange Cinnamon Rolls - main visual representation

For more delicious breakfast ideas, check out our latest recipes or try making cranberry orange sweet rolls for a fruity twist!

For more tips on baking, you can refer to King Arthur Baking’s guide on yeast baking.

Orange Cinnamon Rolls: 9 Steps to Heavenly Breakfast

Author: basmer
Total Time: 131 minutes
Yield: 9 rolls 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Orange cinnamon rolls make the perfect Christmas morning breakfast or special weekend treat. Soft, fluffy yeast rolls are filled with orange zest and sweet cinnamon filling, served warm with a drizzle of orange icing.

Instructions

Lightly grease a 9×9 square baking dish or 9-10 inch round cake or pie pan and set aside.
In a large bowl, add flour, granulated sugar, orange zest, and salt. Whisk to combine. Set aside.
In a microwave safe bowl, add milk and butter. Microwave in 20 second increments until butter has melted and mixture is warm to the touch, but not hot (about 110 degrees Fahrenheit).
Whisk in yeast and continue whisking until yeast has dissolved. Pour yeast mixture into dry ingredients. Add the egg and stir with a sturdy wooden spoon until a soft dough forms.
Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Using floured hands, knead the dough for 3 to 5 minutes, or until dough looks smooth (not sticky).
Transfer dough to a lightly greased bowl, lightly cover, and allow to rise for 10 minutes.
Roll dough out on a lightly floured surface into a 14×9 rectangle.
Spread room temperature butter evenly across the dough. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle evenly over the butter.
Starting at the long 14 inch side, roll dough up into a log. Using a serrated knife, slice into 9 even rolls and place into prepared baking dish.
Lightly cover and allow rolls to rise at room temperature for 60-90 minutes, or until they’ve doubled in size.
Preheat oven to 350℉.
Transfer dish to the oven and bake, uncovered, for 26-30 minutes, or until golden brown across the top and rolls reach 195-200 degrees Fahrenheit in the center (use an instant read thermometer to test internal temperature). If rolls are browning too quickly, lightly tent with foil for the remaining baking time.
While the rolls bake, prepare the icing.
In a medium bowl, add confectioner’s sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange juice. Stir until smooth. Add more orange juice as needed to reach desired consistency.
Drizzle icing over warm cinnamon rolls and serve immediately.