Description

These Orange Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on the classic treat, combining the warm flavors of cinnamon and brown sugar with the bright zestiness of fresh orange. The rolls are ultra-soft and gooey thanks to a creamy orange mixture poured over them before baking, and they are topped with a luscious orange cream cheese frosting that melts perfectly into every swirl. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, these cinnamon rolls bring a refreshing citrus note to a beloved favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Cinnamon Rolls

2 cans Pillsbury Grands cinnamon rolls with icing (5-count each)
3/4 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup orange juice
2 tbsp fresh orange zest (about 1 orange)

Brown Sugar Topping

6 tablespoons butter, melted
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1.5 tbsp fresh orange zest

Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

Prepared frosting included in the cinnamon roll cans
2 oz cream cheese, softened
3 tbsp butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2–3 tbsp fresh orange zest (about 1 orange)
1/4 cup orange juice
1 – 1.5 cups powdered sugar

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Butter a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and for easy removal.
Arrange Cinnamon Rolls: Open both cans of cinnamon rolls and space them evenly apart in the baking dish. Set the icing aside for later use in the frosting.
Make Brown Sugar Topping: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and 1.5 tablespoons fresh orange zest. Spoon this mixture evenly over the cinnamon rolls.
Prepare Cream Mixture and Pour: Whisk together the heavy cream, 1/4 cup orange juice, and 2 tablespoons orange zest. Pour this mixture around and over the rolls to create a soft and gooey texture as they bake.
Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through.
Prepare Orange Cream Cheese Frosting: While the rolls are baking, beat together the prepared icing from the cans, softened cream cheese, and softened butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, orange juice, and orange zest, mixing until silky and spreadable. Adjust consistency with more orange juice as needed.
Cool and Frost: When the rolls are done, let them cool for 5 minutes. Then generously spread the orange cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls, allowing it to melt into every swirl.
Serve: Serve the rolls warm and enjoy their delightful blend of cinnamon and citrus flavors.

Notes

For extra orange flavor, add more fresh zest to the cream mixture or frosting if desired.
If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the amount of brown sugar in the topping or powdered sugar in the frosting slightly.
Make sure the cream cheese and butter for the frosting are softened to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth texture.
Covering the rolls during the first part of baking helps keep them soft and moist.
You can substitute store-bought cinnamon rolls with homemade dough if desired, adjusting the baking time accordingly.