Best Soft and Fluffy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Orange Zest and Cream Cheese Frosting
- Total Time: About 4–5 hours (or overnight if you chill dough overnight for convenience)
- Yield: 16 1x
Description
Bake the best soft and fluffy homemade cinnamon rolls with cinnamon-sugar, orange zest, and cream cheese frosting. Perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 cups warm water (110°F)
- 4 1/2 tsp active dry yeast (2 packets)
- 6 tbsp granulated sugar (divided)
- 5 tbsp unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 2 tsp salt
- 6 cups all-purpose flour (give or take 1 cup - see Notes)
Filling
- 1/2 cup salted butter, very soft (not melted)
- 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- Zest of 1 large orange
- Optional: 1 cup finely chopped pecans (3/4 cup in filling, 1/4 cup sprinkled on top after frosting)
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 7 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1-2 tbsp fresh orange juice (to taste)
Instructions
Make the Dough
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm water, yeast, and 3 tbsp sugar. Let sit 10 minutes until foamy. (If no bubbles form, restart with fresh yeast.)
- Add remaining 3 tbsp sugar, 2 cups flour, melted butter, and salt. Mix until combined.
- With the dough hook on low-medium speed, knead while gradually adding 2 more cups flour. Knead 2 minutes.
- Add the remaining flour, a little at a time, until the dough is tacky but not sticky — smooth, elastic, cleans the bowl’s sides but still slightly sticks at the bottom. This kneading takes 8–10 minutes.
- Transfer dough to a greased bowl, turn to coat, cover, and refrigerate 2–3 hours or overnight for deeper flavor.
Roll & Fill
- Lightly flour a clean surface and rolling pin. Turn the risen dough out and sprinkle lightly with flour.
- Roll dough into a 24″x18″ rectangle. As you roll, move the dough occasionally to prevent sticking, adding flour as needed.
- Evenly sprinkle on brown sugar, cinnamon, orange zest, and ¾ cup pecans (if using).
Roll into a Log
- Starting at the long edge opposite the border, roll dough tightly but gently into a log.
- Pinch seam to seal and place log seam-side down.
Cut the Rolls
- Slice log into 1 ½-inch rolls (about 16 pieces) using a serrated knife, unflavored dental floss, or fishing wire for clean cuts.
- Place rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or parchment-lined sheet pan.
Second Rise
- Cover with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let rise for 1 hour at room temperature, or until doubled in size and puffy.
Bake
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Brush tops with 2 tbsp melted butter.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown.
Make the Frosting
- Beat butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add milk, vanilla, powdered sugar, and salt. Mix well.
- Stir in orange zest and juice until fluffy and spreadable.
Finish & Serve
- Spread frosting generously over slightly cooled rolls.
- Sprinkle with reserved ¼ cup pecans if using.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Dough texture: Tacky = sticks slightly but pulls away easily. If too sticky, add flour 1 tbsp at a time.
- Overnight option: Refrigerate dough overnight, then roll, fill, and bake in the morning.
- Clean cuts: Dental floss gives the neatest swirls without flattening the dough.
- Flavor twist: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the filling for extra warmth.
Hosting Tip
For a touch of cozy indulgence, serve these warm cinnamon rolls fresh from the oven and drizzle the cream cheese frosting tableside for that irresistible, “fresh-baked” moment. Pair with the Mystic Pumpkin candle from Pivotal Moments — its notes of spiced pumpkin and vanilla perfectly complement the sweetness of the rolls and fill your home with comforting fall warmth.
Discover More
These Soft and Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls with Orange Zest and Cream Cheese Frosting are the perfect way to start a weekend morning or make any gathering feel special. For more recipes like this, plus hosting inspiration and behind-the-scenes moments, sign up for my newsletter on my blog. And don’t forget to order my cookbook, Welcome to My Table — your guide to creating meaningful moments through food, scent, and style.
Disclaimer : There are affiliate links associated with this post, for which I will receive compensation from the retailer. Thank you for supporting JustJeannie so we can continue to create content for you to enjoy.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Bake
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 499
- Sugar: 34.7 g
- Sodium: 394.1 mg
- Fat: 21.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 72.9 g
- Fiber: 2.8 g
- Protein: 6.4 g
- Cholesterol: 41.8 mg
