These one-hour cinnamon orange rolls are the perfect December treat — tender, citrusy and nostalgic.
I even tried a childlike cinnamon roll Christmas tree — my kindergartner might have done a neater job — but it’s a fun way to make breakfast festive for kids. These rolls are comfort food with a holiday twist.
If you’ve tried other orange breakfasts, you know how special that bright citrus note can be. In my family orange rolls were a Christmas morning tradition — the canned variety went into the oven while we lounged by the tree and opened presents. These homemade rolls capture that same warm nostalgia but with fresher flavor and texture.
I’ve made several orange-spiced bakes over the years, and this recipe sticks close to the classics. My kids love anything orange, and these rolls always disappear fast.
The dough used here is a speedy one-hour dough adapted from my one-hour eggnog cinnamon roll recipe. It’s different from long-rise dough — not quite as pillowy as an overnight rise — but it’s fast and yields a texture and flavor remarkably similar to those canned orange rolls many of us grew up with.
Quick, bright and cozy
I add orange zest to the dough, into the filling and into the glaze for layered citrus flavor. The combination of cinnamon, orange zest and a simple orange glaze feels festive and perfectly seasonal.
If you prefer to prepare ahead, assemble the rolls the night before, cover them in the pan and bake the next morning. They’ll rise a bit more and the flavors will meld — sometimes that makes them even better.
For an extra festive touch you can add sprinkles or sugared cranberries on top of the glaze, but the orange glaze with a dusting of cinnamon is delightful on its own.
These rolls are cozy, citrus-forward and taste a bit like childhood — in the best way.
Cinnamon Orange Rolls
One Hour Cinnamon Orange Rolls
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Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons freshly grated orange zest
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 large eggs
Filling
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons freshly grated orange zest
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
Orange Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated orange zest
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
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In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine 2 cups of the flour, the sugar and the yeast.
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Warm the milk and butter together in a small saucepan over low heat until the butter melts. Remove from heat and let cool 2–3 minutes, then stir in the water and vanilla.
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With the dough hook attached, add the milk mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix in the orange zest, salt and cinnamon, then add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each. The dough will be very sticky. Gradually add the remaining 3/4 cup flour and beat 2–3 minutes more until the dough comes together but remains slightly sticky. Place in a bowl and let rest 10 minutes.
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On a lightly floured surface roll the dough into roughly a 14 x 10-inch rectangle. Brush with the melted butter. Whisk the filling sugar with orange zest, cinnamon and nutmeg and sprinkle evenly over the dough. Starting at a long edge, roll up tightly and slice into 1-inch rounds. Arrange the rolls in a 10-inch round or 9×9-inch square baking dish (or a 9×13 if preferred). You can also place them on a baking sheet in a tree shape for a festive presentation. Let sit 5 minutes.
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Bake 35–40 minutes until golden brown on top. Remove from the oven and spoon the orange glaze over the warm rolls. Serve immediately.
Orange Glaze
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Whisk the powdered sugar, orange juice and orange zest until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add additional orange juice 1 teaspoon at a time. If too thin, add more powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.
Did you make this recipe?
Share a photo on social media and tag the creator if you wish. I appreciate you trying this recipe and hope it becomes a holiday favorite.
Ooey, gooey and cinnamony — these cinnamon orange rolls are a sweet, citrus-scented way to celebrate the season.