This recipe shows how to make soft, sweet rolls with bright orange flavor and a creamy frosting.
introduction
These orange cream cheese frosted sweet rolls are soft and full of orange zest. They work well for breakfast or dessert. If you like soft rolls with rich filling, you might also enjoy the savory twist in creamy shrimp cheese rolls which use a similar dough feel.
why make this recipe
Make these rolls when you want a warm, citrus treat that feels special but is not hard to make. The orange zest makes the roll bright and the cream cheese frosting makes it rich. For more cream cheese ideas that pair well with sweet treats, look at cranberry cream cheese dip.
how to make Orange Cream Cheese Frosted Sweet Rolls
You will warm the milk, mix a soft dough, let it rise, add an orange sugar filling, roll up, slice, rise again, bake, and top with cream cheese frosting. The steps are simple and clear, and you can follow them even if you are not an expert baker. The dough method is like other simple rich doughs used in recipes such as creamy bacon cheeseburger alfredo dishes where a smooth sauce or dough is key.
Ingredients :
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2% recommended)
- 1/4 cup (57 g) salted butter
- 1/4 cup (53 g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 large egg
- 3 to 4 cups (426 to 568 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (113 g) salted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (159 g) granulated sugar
- 2 to 3 tablespoons fresh orange zest (from about 2-3 medium oranges)
- 3 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
- 6 tablespoons (85 g) salted butter, softened
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon milk or heavy cream (can substitute fresh orange juice)
- 1 to 2 teaspoons fresh orange zest (or more, to taste)
- 1 1/4 cups (143 g) powdered sugar
For other roll ideas with seafood and cream flavors, see creamy cajun lobster rolls.
Directions :
- Warm the milk in a medium saucepan or microwave until scalded with small bubbles around the edges but not boiling. Transfer to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook or use a large mixing bowl if mixing by hand.
- Stir in the butter, granulated sugar, and salt until the butter melts. Let the mixture cool until just warm, ensuring it is not hot to activate the yeast properly without killing it.
- Incorporate the instant yeast and egg into the cooled milk mixture, mixing to combine evenly.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour one cup at a time, stopping when the dough clears the sides of the bowl and feels soft and slightly sticky. Knead the dough for 2-3 minutes until smooth.
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with greased plastic wrap or a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- In a small bowl, mix together softened butter, granulated sugar, and fresh orange zest until well combined.
- Roll or pat the risen dough into a 14×10-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Spread the orange filling evenly over the dough. Starting from a long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log and pinch the seam to seal.
- Using a serrated knife, slice the log into 12 even pieces, approximately 1 to 1.5 inches thick. For classic rolls, arrange them in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan in 3 rows of 4. For twisted rolls, stretch each piece into an oval, twist in the center, and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Cover the rolls and let them rise in a warm spot until puffy and nearly doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 18-22 minutes or until they turn a light golden brown on top.
- While the rolls bake or cool, beat cream cheese and softened butter in a medium bowl until smooth. Add a pinch of salt, milk or heavy cream (or fresh orange juice), and orange zest; mix well. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until the frosting is light and creamy.
- Spread the frosting evenly over the slightly warm rolls. Serve immediately, or let the rolls cool and serve at room temperature or gently warmed.
Try the same dough in other savory pasta or roll dishes like philly cheesesteak tortellini with creamy provolone sauce for a different meal idea.
how to serve Orange Cream Cheese Frosted Sweet Rolls
Serve warm or at room temperature. Put frosting on while the rolls are slightly warm so it melts a little into the top for a soft glaze. These work well with coffee or tea. They also make a nice weekend breakfast or a sweet treat after dinner.
how to store Orange Cream Cheese Frosted Sweet Rolls
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days. For longer storage, keep in the fridge up to 4-5 days. Warm briefly in the microwave or oven before serving. You can freeze un-frosted rolls after baking and cooling for up to 2 months; thaw and frost before serving.
tips to make Orange Cream Cheese Frosted Sweet Rolls
- Use fresh orange zest for the best bright flavor.
- Let the milk cool to warm, not hot, before adding yeast.
- Don’t overflour the dough; it should be slightly sticky for soft rolls.
- Slice the log with a serrated knife and use a gentle sawing motion to keep shapes neat.
- If your kitchen is cool, let the dough rise in a warm oven (turned off) with a pan of hot water nearby.
variation (if any)
- Add a thin layer of orange marmalade with the sugar filling for more orange punch.
- Mix 1/4 cup chopped nuts into the filling for crunch.
- Swap half the all-purpose flour for bread flour for a chewier texture.
- Use lemon zest instead of orange for a different citrus note.
FAQs
Q: Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
A: Yes. If you use active dry yeast, proof it first in warm water with a pinch of sugar, then add to the milk mixture.
Q: Can I make the dough in a stand mixer?
A: Yes. Use the dough hook and mix until smooth. Knead 2-3 minutes on low speed as the recipe says.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes. You can shape the rolls, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature and rise a bit before baking.
Q: How do I keep the rolls soft the next day?
A: Store in an airtight container and warm gently before serving. Adding a dab of butter or a little extra frosting helps.
Q: Can I use low-fat milk?
A: You can, but whole or 2% milk gives richer flavor and softer texture.
Conclusion
For another orange roll version with cream cheese icing and step-by-step photos, see Orange Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing – Mess in the Kitchen.
Orange Cream Cheese Frosted Sweet Rolls
Ingredients
Method
- Warm the milk until scalded with small bubbles around the edges but not boiling.
- Stir in the butter, granulated sugar, and salt until the butter melts.
- Let the mixture cool until just warm before incorporating the instant yeast and egg.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour one cup at a time, kneading until smooth.
- Place the dough into a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
- Mix softened butter, granulated sugar, and orange zest to make the filling.
- Roll out the risen dough into a rectangle and spread the orange filling evenly.
- Roll tightly from a long edge, seal the seam, and slice into 12 equal pieces.
- Arrange the rolls in a greased baking pan and let rise until puffy.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 18-22 minutes.
- Beat cream cheese and softened butter until smooth; mix in salt, milk, and orange zest.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until light and creamy.
- Spread frosting over the warm rolls before serving.