Citrus Bliss Cinnamon Rolls
Indulge in the soft, fluffy layers of our Citrus Bliss Cinnamon Rolls, a decadent treat that combines sweet yeast dough with the vibrant flavors of blood orange. Using a sponge method for the dough, these rolls rise three times for a perfectly airy texture. The unique touch of blood orange juice in the frosting not only adds a pop of color but also elevates the flavor profile, creating an irresistible breakfast or dessert option. Ideal for gatherings or cozy family mornings, you’ll find these rolls hard to resist right from the oven. With hints of cinnamon and pecans, every bite offers a delightful balance of sweetness and citrus, promising to make your mornings truly blissful.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
water
1/2 cup (lukewarm)
honey
4 tablespoons
active dry yeast
2 (1/4 ounce) packets
milk
1 1/2 cups (heated)
shortening
3/4 cup (melted)
salt
2 teaspoons
flour
8 cups (divided, plus some for the board)
blood orange zest
1 tablespoon
granulated sugar
1 cup
eggs
3 (slightly beaten)
light brown sugar
1 1/2 cups (divided)
ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons
butter
1/4 lb (melted)
pecans
6 ounces (chopped)
butter (frosting)
6 tablespoons (melted)
blood orange juice
1/4 cup
blood orange zest (frosting)
1 tablespoon
powdered sugar
4 cups
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, combine lukewarm water, honey, and yeast. Stir gently to dissolve and allow the mixture to sit until foamy, about 5-10 minutes.
2
In a saucepan over medium heat, warm the milk until it's almost boiling. Remove from heat and stir in the shortening until melted. Let the mixture cool to lukewarm, about 5-10 minutes.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the lukewarm milk mixture, salt, and 3 cups of flour. Add the yeast mixture and beat thoroughly until well combined. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place for 20 minutes, until the mixture is thick and bubbly.
4
In a separate bowl, slightly beat the eggs. Add the eggs, granulated sugar, 4 additional cups of flour, and the blood orange zest to the yeast mixture. Mix until combined, then turn the dough onto a floured surface. Knead the dough, adding just enough extra flour to prevent sticking, until it becomes smooth and elastic, about 5-7 minutes.
5
Shape the dough into a ball and place it back in the bowl. Cover with a damp cloth and allow it to rise for an additional 30 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
6
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it onto a floured board. Divide the dough in half and roll out each half into a rectangle approximately 12x18 inches.
7
Brush each rectangle with half of the melted butter. Evenly sprinkle half of the brown sugar and chopped pecans over the buttered surface, followed by half of the ground cinnamon.
8
Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Carefully shape the roll into a long, uniform shape. Use a sharp buttered knife to cut each roll into 15 equal pieces.
9
Arrange the rolls spiraled side up in two greased 9x13 pans, leaving a little space between each roll for them to rise.
10
Cover pans and let the rolls rise again until they fill the pans, approximately 30 minutes.
11
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
12
Bake the rolls in the center of the oven for 22 minutes or until they are golden brown on top.
13
While the rolls are baking, prepare the frosting. Melt the remaining butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the blood orange juice and mix well.
14
Gradually add in the powdered sugar, about one cup at a time, mixing with a hand mixer until fully combined and smooth.
15
Remove the frosting from heat, stir in the remaining orange zest, and mix thoroughly. Spread the frosting over the warm rolls immediately after they come out of the oven.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Citrus Bliss Cinnamon Rolls?
They are a decadent treat featuring soft, fluffy layers of sweet yeast dough combined with the vibrant flavors of blood orange and pecans.
What is the signature flavor of these cinnamon rolls?
The signature flavor comes from blood orange zest in the dough and blood orange juice and zest in the frosting.
How many times does the dough need to rise?
The dough rises three times: once for the sponge (20 minutes), once after kneading (30 minutes), and once after shaping (30 minutes).
What is the sponge method used in this recipe?
The sponge method involves mixing the yeast with milk, salt, and a portion of the flour to rise until thick and bubbly before adding the remaining ingredients.
How do I activate the yeast?
Combine lukewarm water, honey, and active dry yeast in a small bowl and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
How long does the yeast take to become foamy?
It typically takes about 5 to 10 minutes for the yeast mixture to become foamy.
What preparation is needed for the milk and shortening?
Warm the milk until almost boiling, stir in the shortening until melted, and then let it cool to lukewarm.
What goes into the initial dough sponge?
The sponge is made by combining the lukewarm milk mixture, salt, 3 cups of flour, and the activated yeast mixture.
How long does the first rise take?
The first rise, or the sponge stage, takes 20 minutes in a warm place.
At what stage is the blood orange zest added to the dough?
One tablespoon of blood orange zest is added after the initial sponge rise, along with the eggs and sugar.
When should I add the eggs?
Add three slightly beaten eggs to the yeast mixture after the first 20-minute rise.
How long should the dough be kneaded?
Knead the dough for approximately 5 to 7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
How long is the second rise?
The second rise lasts 30 minutes, or until the dough has doubled in size.
How should the dough be divided after rising?
Punch the dough down and divide it into two equal halves before rolling.
What are the dimensions for rolling the dough?
Each half of the dough should be rolled into a rectangle approximately 12x18 inches.
What is the first layer applied to the rolled dough?
The first layer is melted butter, which is brushed over the surface of the dough rectangles.
What nuts are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 6 ounces of chopped pecans in the filling.
How many rolls does this recipe produce?
The recipe produces 30 rolls in total, with 15 pieces cut from each of the two dough logs.
What size baking pans are required?
The recipe requires two greased 9x13 inch baking pans.
How long is the third rise?
The final rise takes approximately 30 minutes, until the rolls fill the pans.
What is the baking temperature for the rolls?
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
How long should the rolls bake?
Bake the rolls for 22 minutes or until they are golden brown on top.
How do I prepare the frosting base?
Melt 6 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan and mix in 1/4 cup of blood orange juice.
How is the powdered sugar added to the frosting?
Gradually add 4 cups of powdered sugar, about one cup at a time, mixing with a hand mixer until smooth.
When is the frosting applied to the rolls?
Spread the frosting over the rolls immediately after they are removed from the oven while they are still warm.
How much flour is used in total for the dough?
The recipe uses 8 cups of flour in total, plus extra for the kneading board.
What type of orange juice is used for the frosting?
The frosting uses 1/4 cup of blood orange juice.
How much yeast is required?
The recipe calls for two 1/4-ounce packets of active dry yeast.
What is the total amount of blood orange zest used?
Two tablespoons total: one tablespoon in the dough and one tablespoon in the frosting.
Why use the sponge method for these rolls?
The sponge method is used to create a perfectly airy and light texture in the dough.