Looking for a special treat on a Thanksgiving or Christmas morning? These citrus-y rolls make a nice alternative to traditional cinnamon. For best flavor, use juice and zest from a Hale Groves Navel Orange. To make these rolls ahead of a special occasion, prepare, shape and place the rolls in a baking pan as directed, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature before baking and glazing. Be sure to refrigerate any leftovers (if there are any, which we doubt!).
Ingredients:
For the rolls:
2 packages (1/4 oz. each) active dry yeast
¾ c. warm water
1¾ c. warm milk
1 c. sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
3 Tbsp. butter, melted
1½ tsp. salt
7-8 cups all-purpose flour
For the filling:
1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, softened
½ c. sugar
1 Tbsp. orange juice concentrate, thawed
½ tsp. vanilla extract
For the glaze:
2 c. confectionary sugar
3 Tbsp. orange juice
1 tsp. orange zest, grated
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°F.
- For the rolls: In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add milk, sugar, eggs, butter, salt and 5 cups flour. Beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a firm dough. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
- For the filling: In a small bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, orange juice concentrate and vanilla until smooth. Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide in half. Roll 1 portion into an 18×7-in. rectangle. Spread half the filling to within 1/2 in. of edges. Roll up jelly-roll style, starting with a long side; pinch seam to seal. Cut into 12 slices; place cut side down in a greased 13×9-in. baking pan. Repeat with remaining dough and filling. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes. Bake rolls until golden brown (25-30 minutes).
- For the glaze. Combine confectionary sugar, orange juice and zest; drizzle over warm rolls.