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Spiced Orange Cinnamon Rolls

Author: Brandy O'Neill - Nutmeg Nanny
These spiced orange cinnamon rolls are full of delicious cinnamony orange filling, generously frosted with a tangy and yummy orange cream cheese frosting!
5 from 2 votes
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Rising Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 50 minutes
Servings 8 rolls

Ingredients

For dough:

  • 1 cup warm water 100-110F
  • 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
  • 4 tablespoons butter melted
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 3-½ cups all purpose flour

For spiced orange filling

  • 4 tablespoons butter softened
  • ½ cup light brown sugar
  • 1-½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1-½ teaspoons fresh orange zest
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

For orange cream cheese frosting

  • 4 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
  • 2 teaspoons fresh orange zest
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

For dough

  • Add the warm water, light brown sugar, and yeast to a large bowl. Set aside for 5 minutes, or until the yeast has bloomed and is foamy on top. 
  • Next add the butter, egg, and vanilla. Mix to combine. Add the flour and gently mix the dough until it forms a shaggy ball. 
  • Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead the dough for 3-5 minutes, or until it is smooth and bounces back when lightly poked. 
  • Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl and set it in a warm place to rise until doubled in size (about 90 minutes). 
  • While the dough rises, prepare the filling (below). 
  • When the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a ¼” thick rectangle (approximately 15” long and 12” wide). 
  • Spread the orange-cinnamon filling over the dough and roll it tightly into a log. Pinch the seam together to seal the log shut. Slice the log into 1” thick rounds. 
  • Grease a 9x13 pan with butter or nonstick baking spray or line it with parchment paper. 
  • Place the cinnamon rolls in the pan cut side up and press them down slightly until they are 1” tall. 
  • Set the pan in a warm place to rise for 20 minutes while you preheat the oven. While the rolls rise, preheat the oven to 350F. 
  • When the oven is ready, bake the rolls for 30-35 minutes, or until they are golden brown. 
  • Allow the cinnamon rolls to cool slightly while you make the frosting (below). 

For filling

  • In a medium bowl, combine the butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, orange zest, and nutmeg. Set aside until ready to use. 

For frosting

  • Add the softened cream cheese to a large bowl and beat it with a hand mixer until light and fluffy (about 1 minute). You can also use a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment if you prefer. 
  • Slowly add the powdered sugar, followed by orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla. 
  • Continue to mix on medium speed until the frosting is light and fluffy. 
  • Spread the frosting over the cooled cinnamon rolls and enjoy immediately. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 466kcal | Carbohydrates: 74g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 68mg | Sodium: 152mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 54g
Course Bread
Cuisine American
Keyword Christmas cinnamon rolls, christmas orange cinnamon rolls, cinnamon rolls with orange, citrus cinnamon rolls, easy cinnamon rolls, orange cinnamon rolls, spiced cinnamon rolls
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