Description
Fluffy, sweet, and zesty Orange Rolls made with fresh orange zest and natural plant-based ingredients create a soft dough filled with a sweet orange-cinnamon blend and topped with a glossy plant-based cream cheese frosting. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an anytime treat that fills your kitchen with the warm aroma of citrus and sweetness.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm plant-based milk (about 110°F)
- 1/4 cup plant-based butter, melted
- 2 tbsp fresh orange zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (natural)
Filling
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cinnamon (natural)
- 1/4 cup plant-based butter, softened
- 3 tbsp fresh orange juice
Frosting
- 1/2 cup plant-based cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (natural)
- 1 tbsp natural gelling agent heated gently with 2 tbsp grape juice
- Optional: additional fresh orange zest for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Warm the plant-based milk to about 110°F and dissolve the active dry yeast with a pinch of granulated sugar. Let it proof for 5 to 7 minutes until foamy. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted plant-based butter, fresh orange zest, and natural vanilla extract. Knead the mixture until a smooth, elastic dough forms. Cover and let it rise until doubled in size, approximately 1 hour.
- Make the Filling: In a bowl, mix together brown sugar, cinnamon (natural), and softened plant-based butter until creamy. Stir in fresh orange juice to add moisture and enhance the zest flavor. This filling will be spread evenly over the rolled-out dough.
- Assemble the Rolls: Roll the risen dough into a rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the orange-cinnamon filling evenly on the dough. Roll it tightly from the long side into a log shape. Slice into equal pieces and arrange them in a greased baking pan. Let the rolls rise a second time for 30 minutes until soft and fluffy.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes or until they turn golden brown. Keep an eye on them to achieve an even bake and a beautiful color signaling readiness.
- Prepare and Apply the Frosting: While the rolls bake, combine the softened plant-based cream cheese, powdered sugar, natural vanilla extract, and the natural gelling agent mixed with grape juice until smooth and glossy. Spread this luscious frosting over the warm rolls immediately after baking for a melt-in-your-mouth finish.
Notes
- Use fresh orange zest, zested just before using for maximum fragrance.
- Ensure the plant-based milk is warm but not hot to aid yeast activation.
- Allow the dough to rise fully twice to achieve fluffy rolls.
- Slice rolls evenly with a sharp knife or dental floss for clean cuts.
- Apply frosting while rolls are still warm to make spreading easier and help absorption.
- Feel free to adjust filling sweetness and spices to taste.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: orange rolls, citrus rolls, plant-based rolls, vegan orange cinnamon rolls, breakfast rolls, homemade rolls, fluffy rolls