| Prep: 2 hours | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 620 | 21g | 13g | 105g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 64g | 3g | 7g | 0.38g |
The clash of cultures inherent to my background always brings me a unique perspective in the kitchen. Take for example, the Orange Cinnamon Rolls. Here we have a classic American pastry, the cinnamon roll, enveloped in the fresh, bright, citrusy notes of orange. It’s a delightful combination that warms the heart and tantalizes the palate. This recipe sings to me—it tells a story, a story of togetherness, a marriage of flavors from different parts of the world, making a dish that brings comfort and joy to any table.
The Delicate Balance of Flavors
What I especially cherish about this recipe is the delicate balance of sweet and savory it carefully upholds through various stages. It’s not just the sweet roll that everyone loves; it’s a sweet roll with a tangy twist. The nutty, comforting aroma of cinnamon paired with the bright, sunny zest of the orange is a flavor combo that’s hard to resist. The two main flavors compliment each other, neither overpowering the other, creating a divine taste that’s a treat to the sense.
Furthermore, the cinnamon’s subtle warmth offers an array of health benefits including regulating blood sugar levels and reducing heart disease risk factors. On the other hand, oranges are loaded with vitamin C, supporting your immune system and promoting healthy skin.
A Recipe That Adapts
Perhaps one of the best things about this recipe is its adaptability—serving it for breakfast sets up a cheerful start to your day, but it could easily slide into a brunch menu, or even work wonderfully as a dessert. Pair the rolls with a hot cup of coffee in the morning or a glass of milk at night, and you have a hearty, delicious treat.
Though not the traditional sushi or seafood fare I’m best known for, this recipe shares a similar spirit—a blend of cultures, thoughtfully combined ingredients, and an undeniably delightful taste. As far as pastries go, I believe the Orange Cinnamon Roll comes close to perfection. In line with other baked goods, it shares similar elements with the classic Danishes or the sweet brioche, but with that extra special twist.
All in all, the Orange Cinnamon Rolls perfectly embody, in their own way, the journey of blending seemingly disparate elements into a unity, a harmony of flavors—a journey I always strive to embark on in the kitchen and beyond.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 .25-ounce package active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 oranges, zested and juiced
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Method
Step One
Combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 .25-ounce package active dry yeast in a large bowl. Stir until the ingredients are well-mixed.
Step Two
Warm up 1 cup of milk and slowly add it to the dry ingredients along with 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter and 1 large egg. Mix the dough until it becomes smooth and pulls away from the side of the bowl.
Step Three
Continue to knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until it gets an elastic texture. Leave it in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 90 minutes until it doubles in size.
Step Four
Meanwhile, prepare the filling by combining 1 cup of brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon, and 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter in a bowl. Set it aside.
Step Five
After the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it into a rectangle. Spread the prepared filling evenly over the dough, leaving a slight margin along the edges.
Step Six
Roll up the dough tightly, starting from one of the long sides. Cut the roll into 12 even pieces and place them in a greased baking dish. Cover the dish with a kitchen towel and let them rise again for about 30 minutes until they double in size.
Step Seven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the rolls have risen, bake them in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Let them cool slightly.
Step Eight
While the rolls are cooling, prepare the orange glaze by whisking together the zest and juice of 2 oranges, 2 cups of powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. The glaze should be drizzly but not too thin.
Step Nine
Once the rolls have slightly cooled, drizzle the orange glaze over them. Serve the orange cinnamon rolls warm or at room temperature for the best taste and enjoyment.
