Melt-in-Your-Mouth Orange Rolls with Creamy Frosting Recipe

If you love waking up to something truly special, warm, and indulgent, then you absolutely need to try this Melt-in-Your-Mouth Orange Rolls with Creamy Frosting Recipe. These rolls have the softest texture imaginable, infused with bright bursts of fresh orange zest and juice, all topped with a luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting that just melts away on your tongue. Perfect for a weekend brunch or a cozy afternoon treat, this recipe will quickly become your go-to when you crave that perfect balance of citrusy sweetness and pillowy dough delivered in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, commonly found ingredients that work beautifully together to create the perfect orange roll. Each component plays a vital role in texture, flavor, or that gorgeous golden color that makes these rolls so irresistible.

• Warm Water (1 cup): The perfect temperature to activate the yeast without killing it, ensuring a great rise.
• Quick Rise Yeast (2 teaspoons): Fresh yeast guarantees soft, fluffy dough in no time.
• Granulated Sugar (1/4 cup): Adds sweetness and feeds the yeast; brown sugar is a nice alternative for a richer taste.
• All-Purpose Flour (4 cups): The base for your dough; adjust as needed for the ideal consistency.
• Melted Butter (1/4 cup): Gives the dough a tender crumb and adds richness, with oil as a dairy-free option.
• Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances other flavors in the dough.
• Cinnamon (1 tablespoon): Optional but brings warm depth to the citrus with a cozy spice note.
• Orange Zest (2 tablespoons): The star of the show, packed with vibrant citrus aroma and flavor.
• Cream Cheese (8 ounces): For the smooth, creamy frosting that complements the orange perfectly; mascarpone can be substituted.
• Powdered Sugar (2 cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting for that melt-in-your-mouth finish.
• Corn Syrup (2 tablespoons): Adds extra gloss and sweetness to the frosting; honey or agave work too.
• Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Optional, but it adds a lovely depth and rounds out the frosting flavors.
• Fresh Orange Juice (1/4 cup): Freshly squeezed juice infuses the frosting with bright, fresh citrus zing.

How to Make Melt-in-Your-Mouth Orange Rolls with Creamy Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by combining warm water, yeast, and 3 tablespoons of sugar in your stand mixer bowl. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until frothy and bubbly. This is a good sign that your yeast is alive and kicking, ready to make fluffy rolls.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

Add the remaining sugar, 2 cups of flour, melted butter, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix everything until it is well combined. Then gradually add the remaining flour until the dough forms a soft but tacky ball. It should be slightly sticky but pull away from the bowl sides cleanly.

Step 3: First Rise

Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it loosely, and let it rise in a warm spot for 2 to 3 hours, or for best results, let it rise overnight in the refrigerator. This slow rise improves flavor and texture, making these rolls truly melt in your mouth.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

While the dough is rising, mix together the sugar, orange zest, and cinnamon in a bowl. This simple filling brings out the citrus highlights and adds a little warmth from the cinnamon for a perfectly balanced taste.

Step 5: Roll and Fill the Dough

On a floured surface, roll out your dough into a large rectangle. Spread melted butter evenly over the surface, then sprinkle the orange-cinnamon sugar mixture all over. This step sets the stage for each bite to have pockets of bright, sweet flavor.

Step 6: Shape the Rolls

Roll the dough tightly from the long edge, forming a log. Slice into 1.5-inch rolls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. These precise sizes help each roll bake evenly into that perfect golden softness.

Step 7: Second Rise and Bake

Cover the rolls and allow them to rise again for 1 hour until puffy. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes or until beautifully golden brown and fragrant.

Step 8: Make the Creamy Frosting

While the rolls bake, whip together the cream cheese, butter, orange juice, orange zest, vanilla extract, corn syrup, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. This frosting is the crowning glory, adding a tangy sweetness and velvety texture that melts perfectly into the warm rolls.

Step 9: Frost and Serve

Spread this luscious frosting over the rolls as soon as they come out of the oven while still warm. Trust me, that warmth helps the frosting soak in just right, making these melts your new favorite treat.

How to Serve Melt-in-Your-Mouth Orange Rolls with Creamy Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra special touch, sprinkle a little fresh orange zest or thin slices of candied orange peel on top of the frosting. These garnishes not only add visual appeal but heighten the citrus experience, giving each roll a burst of freshness with every bite.

Side Dishes

Pair your orange rolls with a simple cup of freshly brewed coffee or a tangy herbal tea to balance the sweetness. For brunch, fresh berries or a light fruit salad are excellent companions that bring brightness and contrast to the rich rolls.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving these rolls at a gathering, arrange them in a round pan for a pull-apart style that looks stunning and invites sharing. For a fun twist, drizzle some melted dark chocolate over the frosting or add chopped toasted nuts for crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your rolls, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep their softness. Refrigeration tends to dry them out, so it’s best only if your kitchen is very warm.

Freezing

These rolls also freeze beautifully. Wrap each roll individually or store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or gently warm in the oven before serving for that just-baked taste.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, warm them in a 300°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes until soft and fragrant. Adding a spoonful of frosting after warming makes them just as delightful as fresh out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I use regular yeast instead of quick rise yeast?

Yes, you can swap in active dry yeast, but you will need to allow for a longer rise time—usually about double the time called for in the recipe.

Is it possible to make these rolls dairy-free?

Absolutely! Use oil instead of butter in the dough, and swap the cream cheese in the frosting for a dairy-free cream cheese alternative or coconut cream to keep things creamy.

Can I prepare the dough the night before?

Definitely. Let the dough rise overnight in the refrigerator, covered tightly. This slow rise enhances flavor and makes the dough easier to work with the next day.

What if I don’t have fresh oranges?

Fresh zest and juice really brighten this recipe, but in a pinch, you can use bottled orange juice and dried zest or orange extract—though fresh is always best.

How sweet is the frosting? Can I reduce the sugar?

The frosting is moderately sweet but balanced by the tangy cream cheese and orange juice. You can reduce powdered sugar a bit if you prefer less sweetness, just adjust gradually to maintain structure.

Final Thoughts

I cannot recommend this Melt-in-Your-Mouth Orange Rolls with Creamy Frosting Recipe enough. It brings fresh, vibrant flavors together with a tender, irresistible texture that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether for a special breakfast or an anytime treat, these rolls feel like a warm hug from the inside out, and I promise once you try them, they’ll become a beloved classic in your kitchen too.

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