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Fresh Orange Creamsicle Cinnamon Rolls

Julia
Delightful cinnamon rolls infused with fresh orange zest and rich cream frosting, perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Prep Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Course Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine American
Servings 12 rolls
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Tangzhong

  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon fresh orange zest
  • 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1 large egg large
  • 1 large egg yolk large
  • 1 pinch fine sea salt
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter cold
  • 1 teaspoon pure orange extract
  • 1/4 cup bread flour
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 3 2/3 cups bread flour see notes below for measuring
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons instant yeast
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon fresh orange zest

For the Filling

  • 1/3 cup heavy cream room temperature
  • 1/4 cup fresh orange juice room temperature
  • 1 large egg room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
  • Tangzhong from above
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter room temperature
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter room temperature
  • 2/3 cup light brown sugar packed
  • 2 teaspoons fresh orange zest
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla paste
  • Orange curd (from recipe above)

For the Frosting

  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla paste

Instructions
 

Preparing the Tangzhong

  • In a medium saucepan, combine 1/4 cup bread flour and 3/4 cup water.
  • Whisk together and cook over medium heat until thickened, about 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly. This is your Tangzhong!
  • Transfer it to a bowl and let it cool while you prepare the dough.

Making the Dough

  • In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the remaining bread flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
  • In another bowl, whisk together the egg, egg yolk, orange zest, orange juice, and Tangzhong until smooth.
  • Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients while mixing until a dough forms.
  • Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it's smooth and elastic. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Preparing the Filling

  • In a mixing bowl, beat together the room-temperature butter, brown sugar, orange zest, and vanilla until smooth.
  • Gather your whipped orange curd and set it aside.

Rolling and Assembling

  • Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle, about 1/4-inch thick.
  • Spread the filling mixture evenly over the dough, then drizzle the orange curd on top.
  • Roll the dough tightly from the long side to create a log shape. Cut it into rolls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

The Final Rise

  • Let the rolls rise again for about 30 minutes in a warm area until puffy.

Baking

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. If they begin to brown too quickly, cover them loosely with aluminum foil.

Frosting

  • While the rolls are cooling, mix the powdered sugar, melted butter, heavy cream, and vanilla paste in a bowl until smooth.
  • Drizzle generously over the warm rolls.

Notes

Use the freshest oranges for the best flavor. Don't skip the Tangzhong for moist rolls. Patience is key for rising.
Keyword Baking, Breakfast Treats, Cinnamon Rolls, Homemade Rolls, Orange Creamsicle