Orange Rolls with cream cheese frosting

Cinnamon rolls are a staple at our house, just like banana bread and grilled cheese sandwiches.  We make them for Christmas breakfast, birthdays, tailgating, and when we need some really good comfort food.  My little family of 6 can eat an entire pan in one day, and then the kids will still ask for more!  We love them.  But the last time I made cinnamon rolls, I thought I bet this would be a good recipe to turn into orange rolls!  And so is born this version of orange rolls.  I hope you enjoy the fresh orange flavor!

Orange Rolls

Dough:

• 1 cup milk, warmed to approx. 110 degrees
• 2 1/2 tsp yeast
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/3 cup butter, melted and cooled
• 1 tsp salt
• 4 – 4 1/2 cups bread flour

Filling:

• 1/3 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup white sugar
• zest of 1 orange

Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 6 oz cream cheese
• 1/2 c butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3 Tbsp fresh orange juice
• zest of 2 oranges

Directions:

1. Dissolve the yeast and 1 tsp sugar (from the 1/2 cup) in the warmed milk.  Let stand until foamy.  Add the eggs, butter, salt, remaining sugar and flour (start with 4 cups.  If the dough is still sticking to the bowl, add another 1/2 cup flour.  If dough is still sticking to the bowl after a total of 4 1/2 cups, add more flour 1 Tbsp at a time until it no longer sticks to the bowl.)  Knead until smooth and elastic.  Transfer dough to a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a damp towel.  Let rise until doubled, approximately 1 hour.
2. Combine the orange zest and sugar.
3. When the dough is finished rising, turn onto an oiled surface.  Roll out into a 16×21 inch rectangle.  Using an offset spatula, spread dough with 1/3 cup softened butter.  Sprinkle evenly with the orange zest/sugar mixture.
4. Roll up dough (lengthwise so you end up with a 21″ roll) and cut with dental floss or a bread knife.  Place rolls in a lightly greased 10×15 inch baking pan. (If you want to make these the night before, follow the instructions up to this step, but then cover and refrigerate your rolls before the second rise. In the morning, take them out of the refrigerator and allow them to rise before baking.) Cover and let rise until nearly doubled, about 30-60 minutes.
5. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
6. Bake rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until done and turning golden.
7. While rolls are baking, beat together the frosting ingredients.  Spread onto warm rolls and serve.

These rolls are beautiful when they’re risen.