She Strengthens

Sweet and Savory Cinnamon Rolls with a Twist

Looking for a breakfast treat that’s both sweet and savory? Look no further! These cinnamon rolls are infused with the brightness of orange zest and topped with a simple powdered sugar glaze. The best part? The dough is conservatively sweetened, so the icing doesn’t overpower the other flavors.

The Perfect Breakfast for Any Occasion

Add a touch of natural food coloring to make these rolls a charming breakfast for any special occasion. Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just a lazy Sunday morning, these cinnamon rolls are sure to impress.

Surprising Shortcut Ingredient

Our Easy Cinnamon Rolls recipe uses a surprising shortcut ingredient that makes the process a breeze. And if you’re looking for a vegan option, our Vegan Cinnamon Roll recipe is just as delicious as the real thing!

Yield and Prep Time

Yield: 12 rolls
Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Active Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

For the dough:

• 4 large egg yolks
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 3/4 cup buttermilk
• Zest of 1 orange, finely grated
• 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet instant dry yeast
• 1 1/4 teaspoons fine salt
• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil

For the filling:

• 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
• Pinch of fine salt

For the glaze:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

Making the Dough

Combine the egg yolks, whole egg, sugar, melted butter, buttermilk, and orange zest in a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Add 2 cups of flour, yeast, and salt, and mix briefly. Switch to the dough hook attachment and add the remaining flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. Knead on low speed for 5-7 minutes, until the dough is smooth and moist. Oil a large mixing bowl, scrape in the dough, and flip it over to coat evenly. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise at room temperature for 2-2 1/2 hours.

Making the Filling and Shaping the Rolls

Stir together the brown sugar, cinnamon, butter, and salt in a medium bowl until evenly mixed. Set aside at room temperature. Transfer the risen dough to a lightly floured work surface and roll out to a 15×11-inch rectangle. Spread the filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges. Roll the dough into a log, pinch gently to keep it rolled up tight, and cut into 12 equal slices. Arrange the rolls in a 7×11-inch baking dish, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm, draft-free corner of your kitchen for 40-45 minutes.

Baking and Glazing

Preheat your oven to 375°F and bake the rolls for 20 minutes, or until golden brown. While the rolls are baking, make the glaze by combining the cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla in an electric mixer. Beat until smooth and set aside. When the rolls are done, remove from the oven and immediately invert the pan onto a rack to cool. Turn the rolls right side up, cool for 10 minutes, and spread with the glaze. Serve warm or at room temperature.