Bright and Warm, with a Citrus Twist
Hi, Kitchies! 🌞 Have you ever wanted a cinnamon roll that’s been kissed by the sun? Meet the Spiced Orange Rolls—a delightful twist on the classic breakfast treat. These rolls bring together the warming spices of cinnamon and nutmeg with the vibrant zest of orange, creating a perfectly balanced pastry that’s equal parts cozy and refreshing.
From the tender, fluffy dough to the sweet and tangy orange glaze, every bite of these rolls is like a warm hug with a citrusy surprise. Whether it’s a lazy Sunday brunch or a special holiday breakfast, these rolls will elevate any morning into something extraordinary.
A New Take on a Breakfast Classic
What makes these Spiced Orange Rolls stand out? It’s the bright, zesty orange flavor that cuts through the sweetness, paired with just the right amount of warming spices. Think of them as cinnamon rolls with a sunny makeover. They’re easy to make, utterly satisfying, and the aroma alone is worth every moment spent in the kitchen.
With a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and a citrusy glaze that drips into every swirl, these rolls are destined to become a family favorite.
Family Favorite Story
One holiday morning, I decided to surprise my family with these Spiced Orange Rolls. As the smell of fresh citrus and warm spices filled the kitchen, everyone gathered around, eager for a taste. My husband took one bite and said, “It’s like sunshine in a roll!” Now, they’re our go-to treat for any special morning—or whenever we need a little extra brightness in our day.
Why These Spiced Orange Rolls Are a Must-Try
Selling Points
- Perfect Balance: Sweet, tangy, and spiced for a well-rounded flavor profile.
- Soft and Fluffy Dough: A tender base that melts in your mouth.
- Homemade Orange Glaze: A bright, citrusy topping that ties everything together.
Cuisine
American
Tips for Perfect Spiced Orange Rolls
- Use Fresh Citrus: Freshly squeezed orange juice and zest make all the difference in flavor.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and egg are at room temperature for a softer dough.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the rolls to prevent them from drying out.
Substitutions and Variations
- Make it Vegan: Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and a flax egg substitute.
- Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts in the filling for added crunch.
- Extra Spice: Add a pinch of ground cardamom for a more complex flavor.
Make a Healthier Version
- Replace half the flour with whole wheat flour.
- Use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar.
- Make a lighter glaze by reducing the powdered sugar and using Greek yogurt for creaminess.
Todd Wilbur-Style Closing
And there you have it! Spiced Orange Rolls that bring sunshine to any breakfast table. Whether it’s for a cozy family brunch or just a midweek pick-me-up, these rolls will quickly earn their place in your recipe rotation. Don’t forget to let us know how they turn out—and check out our other citrus-inspired creations!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the rolls and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature before baking.
Q2: Can I freeze Spiced Orange Rolls?
Absolutely. Freeze baked rolls (without glaze) for up to 3 months. Reheat and glaze before serving.
Q3: Can I use a bread machine for the dough?
Yes, you can use a bread machine on the dough setting to save time.
Enjoy every sweet and citrusy bite of these delightful rolls! 🍊✨
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Spiced Orange Rolls
- Total Time: 0 hours
Description
Have you ever wanted a cinnamon roll that’s been kissed by the sun? Meet the Spiced Orange Rolls—a delightful twist on the classic breakfast treat.
Ingredients
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1 (1/4-oz.) envelope active dry yeast
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1/4 cup warm water (about 110°F)
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1 1/4 cups, plus 1 tsp. granulated sugar, divided
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3 large eggs, lightly beaten
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1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
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1 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
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6-6 1/3 cups bread flour, divided, plus more for work surface
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened, divided
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1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
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3/4 cup orange marmalade, divided
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1/2 cup powdered sugar
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2 tsp. orange zest plus 1 Tbsp. fresh juice
Instructions
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Stir together yeast, warm water, and 1 teaspoon of the granulated sugar in bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Let stand until foamy, about 5 minutes. Add eggs, milk, salt, 1 cup of the granulated sugar, 2 cups of the flour, and 1/2 cup of the butter to yeast mixture in bowl. Beat on low speed just until smooth, about 1 minute. Replace paddle attachment with dough hook attachment. Add 3 cups of the flour to mixture; beat on medium speed until dough is smooth but still sticky, about 5 minutes.
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Dust a work surface with 1 cup of the flour. Turn dough out onto floured surface. Knead until elastic and just a little tacky to the touch, incorporating flour from work surface into dough and adding up to 1/3 cup additional flour as needed if dough is too sticky. Transfer to a large bowl lightly coated with cooking spray, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place (80°F) until roughly doubled in size, about 1 hour.
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Stir together cinnamon, 1/2 cup of the orange marmalade, and remaining 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 cup butter in a small bowl until mostly smooth. Set aside.
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Turn dough out onto a lightly floured work surface. Roll out to an 18- x 12-inch rectangle. Spread butter-marmalade mixture over surface, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Starting at 1 long end, roll up dough into a log. Cut crosswise into 15 pieces (about 1 1/4 inches thick each). Arrange rolls in a 13- x 9-inch baking pan lightly coated with cooking spray. Cover with plastic wrap; let rise in a warm place (80°F) until puffy and almost doubled in size, about 30 minutes.
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Preheat oven to 350°F. Uncover rolls; gently brush with remaining 1/4 cup marmalade. Bake until golden brown, about 30 minutes. Let cool in pan on a wire rack 15 minutes.
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Whisk together powdered sugar and orange zest and juice in a small bowl until smooth; drizzle over rolls. Serve warm or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 2 hrs 45 mins
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 15
