Soft Orange Rolls Cream Cheese (Print out)

Fluffy rolls filled with citrus, topped with orange cream cheese frosting. Bright, tender, and perfect for any occasion.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dough

01 - 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
02 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - Zest of 1 large orange
06 - 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
07 - 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
08 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
09 - 2 large eggs, at room temperature

→ Orange Filling

10 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
11 - 2 tablespoons orange zest
12 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

→ Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

13 - 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
14 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
15 - 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
16 - 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
17 - 1 teaspoon orange zest
18 - 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
19 - Pinch of salt

# How to Make It:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, orange juice, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Allow to stand for 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture is foamy.
02 - Add melted butter, orange zest, eggs, and salt to the mixture. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
03 - Gradually incorporate the flour, mixing until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Knead by hand or with a dough hook for 8 to 10 minutes, adding extra flour if necessary, until dough is smooth and elastic.
04 - Transfer dough to a greased bowl. Cover and allow to rise in a warm environment until doubled in volume, about 1 hour.
05 - In a small bowl, combine sugar and orange zest, rubbing together to release oils. Set aside.
06 - Punch down risen dough and roll out on a lightly floured surface to a 16 by 10 inch rectangle.
07 - Evenly spread softened butter over the dough. Sprinkle the entire surface with the orange sugar mixture.
08 - Carefully roll the dough tightly from the long edge into a log. Slice into 12 equal rolls with a sharp knife or dental floss.
09 - Arrange the rolls evenly in a greased 9 by 13 inch baking dish. Cover and allow to rise until puffy, about 30 to 40 minutes.
10 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake rolls for 22 to 25 minutes or until golden brown.
11 - Meanwhile, beat cream cheese and softened butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, orange juice, orange zest, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until creamy and spreadable.
12 - Allow baked rolls to cool for 10 minutes. Spread orange cream cheese frosting generously over warm rolls and serve.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Fresh Citrus Flavor: Uses both fresh zest and juice for an authentic orange taste.
  • Pillowy Texture: The enriched dough creates an incredibly soft and airy crumb.
  • Tangy Glaze: The cream cheese frosting perfectly balances the sweetness of the filling.
  • Vegetarian Friendly: A delicious meat-free treat suitable for any brunch occasion.
02 -
  • Zest First: Always zest your oranges before juicing them for easier handling.
  • Soft Butter: Ensure your butter is truly softened (not melted) for the filling to prevent it from leaking out during rolling.
  • Temperature Matters: Use room temperature eggs to ensure they incorporate smoothly into the dough without chilling the yeast.
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