If you’re craving a treat that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than these Melt-in-Your-Mouth Orange Rolls with Creamy Frosting Recipe. Imagine tender, citrus-infused rolls with a soft, fluffy crumb that simply dissolves in your mouth, topped with a luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting that’s bursting with fresh orange flavor. Every bite combines bright zestiness with a cozy sweetness, making this recipe an absolute showstopper for breakfast, brunch, or anytime you want a special indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because it uses simple, everyday ingredients that come together beautifully to create something truly magical. Each element plays a crucial role in building the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and that irresistible orange aroma.
- Warm Water: Essential for activating the yeast to help your dough rise beautifully and become incredibly soft.
- Quick Rise Yeast: Fresh yeast makes sure your rolls are light and fluffy with the perfect texture.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and feeds the yeast, giving each roll a hint of caramelized flavor as it bakes.
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of your dough, providing structure; just be ready to adjust for the perfect softness.
- Melted Butter: Adds richness and moisture to your rolls; swap with oil if you want a dairy-free option.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors in the dough.
- Cinnamon: Optional, but highly recommended for a warm spice note that complements the citrus perfectly.
- Orange Zest: The heart of the flavor, fresh zest brings a bright and fragrant citrus punch.
- Cream Cheese: Key to creamy frosting, giving it that perfect tang and smooth texture.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting without any grittiness, creating that melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Corn Syrup: Helps the frosting stay shiny and soft; you can substitute with honey or agave for a twist.
- Vanilla Extract: Optional but highly recommended for warmth and depth in your frosting.
- Fresh Orange Juice: Adds sharp, natural citrus brightness to the frosting, enhancing the orange flavor.
How to Make Melt-in-Your-Mouth Orange Rolls with Creamy Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by combining warm water, quick rise yeast, and a little granulated sugar in your stand mixer bowl or a large mixing bowl. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes until it gets frothy and bubbly. This step is crucial because it means your yeast is active and ready to help your rolls rise to soft perfection.
Step 2: Mix the Dough Ingredients
Once your yeast is bubbly, add the remaining sugar, melted butter, salt, and half of the flour. Mix these ingredients thoroughly to create the base of your dough. Gradually add more flour, a bit at a time, until you have a soft, tacky dough that’s not too sticky but still tender.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Transfer your dough into a greased bowl and cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise for 2 to 3 hours at room temperature, or for an even better flavor and texture, pop it in the refrigerator overnight. The slow rise helps develop a richer aroma and the signature melt-in-your-mouth softness.
Step 4: Prepare the Filling
While your dough is rising, mix together granulated sugar, fresh orange zest, and cinnamon. This fragrant blend will become the irresistible filling that gives your rolls their lovely citrus-spiced character.
Step 5: Shape the Rolls
Roll your dough out on a floured surface into a large rectangle. Brush melted butter generously over the dough, then sprinkle your orange-cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly on top. Roll the dough tightly from one edge and slice into approximately 1.5-inch thick rounds. Place the rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, giving them enough space to expand.
Step 6: Final Rise and Bake
Cover the rolls and let them rise once more for about one hour. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have puffed up and doubled in size, bake them for 20 to 25 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown.
Step 7: Make the Creamy Frosting
While baking, whip together cream cheese, a bit of butter, fresh orange juice, orange zest, vanilla extract, corn syrup, and powdered sugar. Beat this mixture until creamy and smooth—it’s the perfect tangy-sweet companion to your rolls.
Step 8: Frost and Serve
Once the rolls are warm and slightly cooled from the oven, generously spread your creamy orange frosting over them. Serve immediately for an unforgettable experience of Melt-in-Your-Mouth Orange Rolls with Creamy Frosting Recipe.
How to Serve Melt-in-Your-Mouth Orange Rolls with Creamy Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
You can elevate your orange rolls with a few garnishes like extra fresh orange zest sprinkled on top, a light dusting of powdered sugar, or even a drizzle of orange glaze. These little touches add charm and an extra burst of citrus aroma that makes them look as good as they taste.
Side Dishes
Pair these rolls with a hot cup of coffee or freshly brewed tea to balance the sweet richness. For brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad that complements the bright orange flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your orange rolls into a centerpiece by arranging them in a circular bundt pan before baking, creating an eye-catching pull-apart masterpiece. Alternatively, package them in decorative boxes as thoughtful homemade gifts that friends and family will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover orange rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep them soft. After that, refrigeration is better to maintain freshness, but be sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving.
Freezing
You can freeze these orange rolls either before baking (after shaping) or once fully baked and cooled. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months without losing their signature softness.
Reheating
To enjoy your orange rolls as if freshly baked, warm them individually in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. For multiple rolls, cover them with foil and warm in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes. If frozen, thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use regular active dry yeast instead of quick rise yeast?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind regular active dry yeast requires a longer rise time—about twice as long—to activate properly, so plan accordingly when letting your dough rise.
Is it possible to make these rolls dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap melted butter with a neutral oil and replace the cream cheese in the frosting with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative or coconut-based cream to keep things creamy and delicious.
Can I prepare the dough the night before?
Definitely! Refrigerating the dough overnight not only makes the process more convenient but also enhances the flavor and texture of the rolls through slow fermentation.
How do I prevent the frosting from becoming too runny?
Make sure your ingredients are measured correctly and your cream cheese and butter are softened, not melted. Also, adding powdered sugar gradually helps you achieve the perfect spreadable consistency.
Can I add nuts or dried fruit to the filling?
For sure! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even dried cranberries pair wonderfully with the orange-cinnamon filling, adding texture and an extra layer of flavor.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly irresistible about these Melt-in-Your-Mouth Orange Rolls with Creamy Frosting Recipe—they bring together bright citrus, gentle sweetness, and comforting textures in a way that’s sure to become a beloved classic in your kitchen. Give yourself the gift of baking these rolls; trust me, the joy of biting into these soft, fragrant delights will have you coming back for more again and again.
Print
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Orange Rolls with Creamy Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Melt-in-Your-Mouth Orange Rolls are a delightful twist on traditional cinnamon rolls, featuring a citrus-infused filling and a creamy orange frosting. Soft, fluffy, and bursting with fresh orange zest and juice, these rolls are perfect for a sweet breakfast treat or a special brunch. The homemade orange cream cheese frosting adds the perfect balance of tangy sweetness.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 cup Warm Water (Room temperature is ideal)
- 2 teaspoons Quick Rise Yeast (Must be fresh)
- 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar (Can use brown sugar for richer flavor)
- 4 cups All-Purpose Flour (Adjust based on dough consistency)
- 1/4 cup Melted Butter (Can replace with oil for dairy-free)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (Essential for flavor balance)
Filling
- 1 tablespoon Cinnamon (Omit for citrus-only flavor)
- 2 tablespoons Orange Zest (Fresh zest is best)
- 3 tablespoons Granulated Sugar (from the initial sugar allotted for filling)
- Butter (amount for spreading on dough before filling; approximately 1/4 cup melted butter)
Frosting
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese (Use mascarpone for different flavor)
- 2 cups Powdered Sugar (Reduce for less sweetness)
- 2 tablespoons Corn Syrup (Honey or agave can be substitutes)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Optional but recommended)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Orange Juice (Freshly squeezed is best)
- 2 tablespoons Orange Zest (for frosting garnish and flavor enhancement)
- Butter (unspecified amount, usually about 1/4 cup softened for frosting)
Instructions
- Activate yeast: Combine warm water, yeast, and 3 tablespoons of sugar in a stand mixer bowl. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix dough ingredients: Add the remaining sugar, 2 cups of flour, melted butter, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until all ingredients are combined well.
- Add flour gradually: Gradually incorporate the remaining flour until the dough forms a soft, tacky consistency that is no longer sticky.
- First rise: Transfer the dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise for 2 to 3 hours at room temperature, or refrigerate overnight for a slow rise.
- Prepare filling: In a small bowl, mix together the sugar, orange zest, and cinnamon to create the filling mixture.
- Roll out dough: On a floured surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle. Spread a layer of melted butter evenly over the surface.
- Add filling: Sprinkle the prepared orange zest and cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the buttered dough.
- Form rolls: Starting from one of the long edges, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut the log into 1.5-inch thick rolls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced slightly apart.
- Second rise: Cover the rolls and allow them to rise for about 1 hour until puffy. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the rolls: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until they turn golden brown on top.
- Prepare frosting: While the rolls bake, combine cream cheese, softened butter, orange juice, orange zest, vanilla extract, corn syrup, and powdered sugar in a bowl. Mix until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
- Frost and serve: Spread the icing generously over the warm rolls as soon as they come out of the oven. Serve immediately to enjoy their melt-in-your-mouth texture and vibrant orange flavor.
Notes
- Ensure yeast is fresh and warm water is not too hot to properly activate yeast.
- Adjust flour quantity based on dough consistency; dough should be soft but not too sticky.
- For dairy-free option, substitute butter with oil and use dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
- Fresh orange zest and juice greatly enhance the orange flavor; avoid using dried zest.
- You can omit cinnamon in the filling for a purely citrus flavor or increase for a spicier note.
- For a richer taste, use mascarpone instead of cream cheese in the frosting.
- Rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored covered at room temperature for 1-2 days or frozen for longer storage.
