Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, lukewarm (105-115°F / 40-46°C)
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast (or 1 packet)
  • ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar, plus 1 teaspoon
  • ½ teaspoon (3g) salt
  • ¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 3 ½ cups (420g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting (bread flour also works well)
  • Zest of 1 large orange
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup (50g) packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) fresh orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons (10g) ground cinnamon
  • Zest of 1 large orange
  • 4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2-3 tablespoons (30-45ml) whole milk or heavy cream
  • ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Zest of ½ an Orange, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Warm milk, add yeast and 1 tsp sugar. Let stand until foamy (5-10 mins).
  2. In a large bowl (or stand mixer bowl), mix yeast mixture, remaining sugar, salt, melted butter, egg, orange zest, and flour. Knead until smooth and elastic dough forms (5-7 mins by machine, 8-10 by hand).
  3. Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turn to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size (1 - 1.5 hours).
  4. In a separate bowl, combine softened butter, sugars, orange juice, cinnamon, and zest until smooth.
  5. Roll dough into a large rectangle. Spread filling evenly over the dough. Roll up tightly into a log.
  6. Use a sharp knife or thread to cut the log into 12 equal slices.
  7. Arrange rolls in a greased 9x13 inch pan. Cover and let rise again until puffy (30-45 minutes).
  8. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
  9. While rolls are baking, beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk/cream, vanilla, and salt until desired consistency is reached.
  10. Let rolls cool slightly before frosting generously with cream cheese icing. Garnish with orange zest (optional). Serve warm.