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Why You'll Love This warm cinnamon orange rolls with cream cheese frosting for holiday brunch
- Easy to Make: This recipe is surprisingly simple, with a straightforward dough and frosting that comes together in no time.
- Customizable: Feel free to get creative with the recipe by adding your favorite nuts, dried fruits, or spices to the dough or frosting.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: These rolls can be prepared up to 2 days in advance, making them perfect for busy holiday schedules.
- Impressive Presentation: The golden-brown rolls and creamy frosting are sure to impress your guests and make a beautiful addition to your holiday table.
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The combination of warm cinnamon, bright orange, and tangy cream cheese is a match made in heaven.
- Perfect for a Crowd: This recipe makes a large batch of rolls, perfect for feeding a crowd or for a special occasion.
- Freezer-Friendly: These rolls can be frozen for up to 2 months, making them a great option for meal prep or for a quick breakfast on-the-go.
- Special Touch: The addition of orange zest and juice gives these rolls a unique and special touch that's sure to impress your guests.
Ingredient Breakdown
The key ingredients in this recipe are the warm cinnamon, bright orange zest, and tangy cream cheese. The cinnamon adds a warm and comforting flavor to the rolls, while the orange zest provides a burst of citrus freshness. The cream cheese frosting is the perfect complement to the sweet and spicy rolls, adding a tangy and creamy element to the dish. When selecting these ingredients, be sure to choose high-quality options, such as fresh oranges and real cream cheese, to ensure the best flavor and texture. You can also substitute the cinnamon with other warm spices, such as nutmeg or cardamom, to create a unique flavor profile.
How to Make warm cinnamon orange rolls with cream cheese frosting for holiday brunch
In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of warm water, 2 teaspoons of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of active dry yeast. Stir to dissolve the yeast, and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy and bubbly.
In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Add the yeast mixture, 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, and 1 large egg. Mix the dough until it comes together in a sticky ball.
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 10-15 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 cup of chopped pecans. Add 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, softened, and mix until the filling is well combined.
On a floured surface, roll out the risen dough to a thickness of 1/4 inch. Spread the filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Roll the dough into a tight log, starting from the long side.
Cut the log into 12-15 equal pieces. Place the rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 1 inch of space between each roll.
Bake the rolls in a preheated oven at 375°F for 18-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown. While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating 8 ounces of cream cheese, 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Once the rolls are done, let them cool for 5 minutes before frosting. Drizzle the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls and serve immediately.
Tips for Perfect Results
Using high-quality ingredients, such as fresh oranges and real cream cheese, will make a big difference in the flavor and texture of the rolls.
Overmixing the dough can lead to tough and dense rolls. Mix the ingredients just until they come together in a sticky ball, then let the dough rest and rise.
Letting the rolls rise for the full 1-2 hours will give them a light and airy texture. Don't rush this step, as it's crucial for the final result.
Baking the rolls at the right temperature (375°F) will ensure they are golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on the rolls while they're baking, as the baking time may vary depending on your oven.
While the cream cheese frosting is delicious, too much of it can overpower the rolls. Start with a small amount of frosting and add more to taste.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Overmixing the Dough: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough and dense rolls. To avoid this, mix the ingredients just until they come together in a sticky ball, then let the dough rest and rise.
Fix: Start again with a new batch of dough, and mix the ingredients more gently. Let the dough rest for a longer period of time to allow the gluten to relax.
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Not Letting the Rolls Rise: Not letting the rolls rise for the full 1-2 hours can result in dense and flat rolls. To avoid this, make sure to let the rolls rise in a warm, draft-free place.
Fix: Let the rolls rise for the full 1-2 hours, or until they have doubled in size. This will give them a light and airy texture.
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Overbaking the Rolls: Overbaking the rolls can make them dry and crumbly. To avoid this, keep an eye on the rolls while they're baking, and remove them from the oven when they're golden brown.
Fix: Check the rolls frequently while they're baking, and remove them from the oven when they're lightly golden brown. Let them cool on a wire rack to prevent them from drying out.
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Not Using the Right Frosting Consistency: Using a frosting that's too thin or too thick can affect the overall texture and appearance of the rolls. To avoid this, adjust the frosting consistency by adding more powdered sugar or cream cheese.
Fix: Adjust the frosting consistency by adding more powdered sugar or cream cheese. This will give you a smooth and creamy frosting that's easy to spread.
Variations & Substitutions
Add 1/2 cup of dried cranberries to the dough for a sweet and tangy twist. You can also add a hint of orange zest to the frosting for extra flavor.
Add 1/2 cup of raisins to the dough for a sweet and spicy twist. You can also add a hint of cinnamon to the frosting for extra warmth.
Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest and 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds to the dough for a bright and citrusy twist. You can also add a hint of lemon juice to the frosting for extra flavor.
Add 1/4 cup of Nutella to the dough for a rich and chocolatey twist. You can also add a hint of hazelnut to the frosting for extra flavor.
Storage & Make-Ahead
Store the rolls at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep them away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
Store the rolls in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving.
Store the rolls in the freezer in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw the rolls at room temperature or in the refrigerator before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare this recipe up to 2 days in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving. The flavors actually improve as they meld together overnight.
Can I substitute the cream cheese with something else?
While cream cheese is the best option for this recipe, you can substitute it with other soft cheeses like mascarpone or goat cheese. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly.
How do I store the rolls to keep them fresh?
To keep the rolls fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months and thaw them at room temperature or in the refrigerator before serving.
Can I make these rolls in a different shape or size?
Yes! You can shape the rolls into different forms, such as crescents or swirls, or make them into smaller or larger sizes. Keep in mind that the baking time may vary depending on the size and shape of the rolls.
What's the best way to frost the rolls?
The best way to frost the rolls is to use a cream cheese frosting that's at room temperature. This will make it easier to spread and give you a smooth, even coating. You can also add a hint of flavor, such as vanilla or orange zest, to the frosting for extra flavor.
Can I use a different type of flour for this recipe?
While all-purpose flour is the best option for this recipe, you can substitute it with other types of flour, such as bread flour or whole wheat flour. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor may vary slightly.
warm cinnamon orange rolls with cream cheese frosting for holiday brunch
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cream cheese frosting (see below for recipe)
- 1/2 cup orange marmalade
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Activate Yeast. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water (about 100°F to 110°F) and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the yeast is activated and foamy.
- Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients. Add the melted butter, egg, and yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Step 4: Knead the Dough. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10-12 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Step 5: Let it Rise. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Step 6: Roll Out the Dough. Punch down the dough and roll it out into a large rectangle, about 1/4-inch thick.
- Step 7: Spread the Filling. Spread the orange marmalade evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
- Step 8: Roll Up the Dough. Roll the dough into a tight log, starting from the long side. Cut the log into 12-15 equal pieces.
- Step 9: Bake the Rolls. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving about 1 inch of space between each roll. Bake at 375°F for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Step 10: Frost the Rolls. While the rolls are still warm, drizzle with cream cheese frosting and sprinkle with chopped pecans (if using).
Recipe Notes
- Storage tip: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Make ahead: You can prepare the dough and let it rise in the fridge overnight. Let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.
- Substitution: You can substitute the orange marmalade with apricot jam or any other fruit preserves.
- Pro tip: To ensure the rolls are evenly baked, rotate the baking dish halfway through the baking time.
- Variation: You can add chopped dried cranberries or cherries to the dough for extra flavor and texture.
- Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe: Beat 8 ounces of cream cheese with 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 2 cups of powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
