Orange Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
1/2 cup warm milk (110°F or warm to the touch)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Zest of 1 orange
For the Orange Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2-3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
Zest of 1 orange
Instructions:
Prepare the Dough:
Activate the Yeast:
In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and the yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Make the Dough:
In a large bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, salt, melted butter, egg, and the activated yeast mixture. Stir together until a dough forms.
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise for 1-1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
Make the Filling:
Prepare the Filling:
In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and orange zest until it forms a smooth paste.
Assemble the Rolls:
Roll Out the Dough:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll it out into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
Spread the Filling:
Spread the cinnamon-orange filling evenly over the dough.
Roll and Slice:
Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut the log into 9-12 equal slices, depending on how thick you want your rolls.
Let Them Rise Again:
Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover them, and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes.
Bake the Rolls:
Bake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Make the Orange Glaze:
Prepare the Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more juice if needed.
Serve:
Glaze the Rolls:
Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for about 5 minutes, then drizzle the orange glaze over the top.