Orange Cinnamon Rolls

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• ¾ cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• Zest of 1 large orange

For the Orange Glaze:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• Zest of 1 large orange
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Making the Dough:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sugar, melted butter, and egg. Add the yeast mixture and stir until well combined.
3. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment.
4. Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Making the Filling:

1. Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and orange zest, mixing until it forms a smooth paste.

Assembling the Rolls:

1. Roll Out the Dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle approximately 16×12 inches in size.
2. Spread the Filling: Spread the filling mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough.
3. Roll and Cut: Starting from the long edge, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces.
4. Second Rise: Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover with a damp cloth and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until they have doubled in size.

Baking the Rolls:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake: Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown.

Making the Orange Glaze:

1. Prepare the Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Finishing the Rolls:

1. Glaze the Rolls: Once the rolls are done baking, let them cool for about 10 minutes. Drizzle the orange glaze over the warm rolls.
2. Serve: Enjoy your fresh, homemade Orange Cinnamon Rolls warm or at room temperature.

Tips

• For an extra touch, you can add some chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) to the filling.
• If you prefer a more intense orange flavor, add more orange zest to both the filling and the glaze.

Enjoy your homemade Orange Cinnamon Rolls!