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Cozy Cinnamon Roll Bake with Easy Zesty Orange Cream Cheese Glaze

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A quick and easy cinnamon roll bake featuring soft, pillowy rolls with a tangy and bright orange cream cheese glaze, perfect for cozy mornings and weekend brunches.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (320 g)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar (100 g)
  • 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast (7 g)
  • 1 cup warm milk (240 ml, about 110°F/43°C)
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (56 g)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp cinnamon
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar (100 g)
  • 3 tbsp butter, softened (42 g)
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened (115 g)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted (120 g)
  • 1 tbsp fresh orange zest
  • 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C) with 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast and 1 tablespoon sugar. Stir gently and let sit for 5–7 minutes until frothy.
  2. Mix the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon salt, and remaining ½ cup sugar. Add the melted butter, egg, and the activated yeast mixture. Stir until a sticky dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, knead with a stand mixer dough hook on medium speed for 5 minutes.
  4. First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 45 minutes to 1 hour until doubled in size.
  5. Prepare the filling: Mix ½ cup packed brown sugar with 2 tablespoons cinnamon in a small bowl. Set aside the softened butter for spreading.
  6. Roll out the dough: Punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a 12×16-inch rectangle.
  7. Add the filling: Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top, pressing lightly into the butter.
  8. Form the roll: Starting at the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log and pinch the seam to seal.
  9. Cut and arrange: Slice the log into 12 equal pieces and arrange them cut-side up in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  10. Second rise: Cover the dish and let the rolls rise for another 20–30 minutes until puffy.
  11. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
  12. Make the glaze: While rolls bake, beat together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, fresh orange zest, fresh orange juice, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
  13. Glaze and serve: Drizzle the warm rolls generously with the orange cream cheese glaze and serve.

Notes

Use warm milk at about 110°F to activate yeast properly. Do not skip the second rise for pillowy texture. If dough is sticky, dust hands and surface lightly with flour but keep dough soft. Glaze rolls while warm for best flavor and moisture. For dairy-free, substitute cream cheese and butter with plant-based alternatives. For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend with xanthan gum if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: cinnamon roll bake, orange cream cheese glaze, easy cinnamon rolls, cozy breakfast, quick cinnamon rolls, homemade cinnamon rolls

Find it online: https://lucydishes.com/cozy-cinnamon-roll-bake-with-easy-zesty-orange-cream-cheese-glaze-recipe/