If you’re craving a delightful treat that bursts with bright citrus flavor and cozy cinnamon warmth, you’re in for a real treat with this Easy Orange Cinnamon Rolls with Orange Cream Cheese Icing (No-Yeast) Recipe. These rolls are perfect for when you want that fresh-baked goodness without the wait for yeast to rise, combining tender, flaky dough swirled with sweet cinnamon and orange marmalade, all topped with a luscious, tangy orange cream cheese icing that makes each bite melt in your mouth. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become your new go-to for breakfast, brunch, or anytime you need a sweet pick-me-up!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Easy Orange Cinnamon Rolls with Orange Cream Cheese Icing (No-Yeast) Recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that come together beautifully. Each component is carefully chosen to create the perfect balance of flavor and texture — from the tangy buttermilk that keeps the rolls tender to the orange marmalade adding a natural citrus sparkle.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of your dough, providing structure and softness.
- 4-1/2 tsp baking powder: Your no-yeast secret to fluffy, quick-rising rolls.
- 3/4 tsp kosher salt: Enhances flavor by balancing the sweetness.
- 3 Tbsp granulated sugar: Adds subtle sweetness to the dough.
- 1/2 cup cold butter (cut into small pieces): Creates tender, flaky layers when folded into the dough.
- 1-1/4 cups cold buttermilk: Keeps the rolls moist and adds lovely tanginess; you can easily make your own by mixing milk with vinegar or lemon juice.
- 1/2 cup orange marmalade: The star ingredient inside the rolls, delivering sweet citrus bursts.
- 3 Tbsp melted butter: For brushing the rolls and adding richness.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Combines with cinnamon to create the gooey filling.
- 1 tsp cinnamon: Brings that classic warm spice everyone loves in cinnamon rolls.
- 4 ounces cream cheese (room temperature): Gives the icing its creamy, tangy texture.
- 4 Tbsp butter (room temperature): Adds smooth richness to the icing.
- 2 cups confectioners sugar: Sweetens and thickens the icing perfectly.
- 2 Tbsp orange juice: Infuses fresh citrus flavor right into the icing.
- Pinch of kosher salt: Balances the sweetness in your icing.
- Optional: orange zest for garnish: Adds a beautiful, fresh aroma and color contrast.
How to Make Easy Orange Cinnamon Rolls with Orange Cream Cheese Icing (No-Yeast) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar in a large bowl. Cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients using your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This ensures the rolls will be tender and flaky, creating that dreamy texture. Then, stir in the cold buttermilk just until a soft dough forms — be careful not to overmix, as that can make the rolls tough.
Step 2: Roll and Layer
On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle about 12 by 14 inches. Spread the orange marmalade evenly over the dough, then brush with melted butter to keep the filling moist. Next, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle it evenly over the top to create that perfect cinnamon swirl. Now, carefully roll up the dough starting from the long side, forming a tight log.
Step 3: Slice and Arrange
Using a sharp knife or dental floss, cut the log into 8 equal rolls. Arrange them snugly in a greased baking dish or pan. The rolls should be close enough to rise into each other, creating soft edges without losing their spiral shape. This step is where the magic starts to happen visually and texturally.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the rolls in a preheated 375°F oven for about 18 minutes, or until they are golden brown and tempting. The quick bake ensures these rolls are soft on the inside while having a lightly caramelized exterior from the brown sugar and butter mixture. You’ll know they’re done by the irresistible aroma filling your kitchen.
Step 5: Prepare the Orange Cream Cheese Icing
While the rolls bake, beat together the cream cheese and softened butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the confectioners sugar, orange juice, and a pinch of kosher salt, mixing until the icing is fluffy and velvety. This icing is the showstopper, blending tangy citrus notes with creamy sweetness to elevate the rolls to pure indulgence.
Step 6: Glaze the Warm Rolls
Right after the rolls come out of the oven, generously spread the orange cream cheese icing on top. The warmth will slightly melt the icing, allowing it to seep into every cozy swirl. If you’d like, sprinkle some fresh orange zest on top for a zesty finishing touch. Serve immediately for the best ooey-gooey experience.
How to Serve Easy Orange Cinnamon Rolls with Orange Cream Cheese Icing (No-Yeast) Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling vibrant orange zest on top of your rolls adds an inviting burst of citrus aroma and a pop of color that makes these rolls look as delightful as they taste. If you want a little extra sparkle, a light dusting of cinnamon or a few thin slices of fresh orange alongside can turn your dish into a work of art.
Side Dishes
Balance the sweetness of the cinnamon rolls with a refreshing side like a crisp green salad or a yogurt parfait with fresh berries. These sides will add texture and a hint of acidity, rounding out your meal beautifully and keeping it light enough for breakfast or brunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, consider serving these Easy Orange Cinnamon Rolls with Orange Cream Cheese Icing (No-Yeast) Recipe on a beautiful wooden board or a tiered dessert stand. You can even add small bowls of additional orange marmalade and extra icing nearby for guests to customize their rolls. Serving warm with a cup of fragrant tea or fresh coffee perfects the cozy vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For best texture, bring them to room temperature before eating or lightly warm them in the oven. This keeps that soft, tender crumb without drying out your delicious rolls.
Freezing
These rolls freeze beautifully! Wrap individual or whole batches tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge to preserve freshness and softness.
Reheating
To revive the freshness and gooey icing, warm your rolls in a 350°F oven for about 8 to 10 minutes if thawed, or around 20 minutes if frozen. You can also microwave a single roll for 20-30 seconds for a quick fix, though oven reheating is preferred to keep that perfect texture.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can swap the butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives and use a dairy-free milk mixed with lemon juice for the buttermilk. The baking powder works just as well for rising, so you can enjoy these rolls vegan-style.
Do I have to use orange marmalade?
Orange marmalade gives these rolls their signature citrus kick, but feel free to experiment with any fruit preserves you love, such as apricot or lemon curd, for a tasty twist.
Why didn’t my rolls rise as expected?
Since this is a no-yeast recipe, the rise depends solely on the baking powder. Make sure your baking powder is fresh and that you handle the dough gently without overworking it to preserve the light, tender texture.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes! Doubling the ingredients works well if you’re feeding a crowd. Just be sure to bake the rolls in batches or use a larger pan, and keep an eye on baking time as it may vary slightly.
What’s the best way to make homemade buttermilk?
Simply add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly with a tangy flavor. This is an easy substitute that works perfectly in this recipe.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting about pulling fresh cinnamon rolls from the oven, especially when they’re bursting with bright orange flavor and topped with creamy orange icing. This Easy Orange Cinnamon Rolls with Orange Cream Cheese Icing (No-Yeast) Recipe is perfect for those mornings when you want a delicious homemade treat without waiting hours for dough to rise. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and add your own little touches to make it uniquely yours—happy baking!
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Easy Orange Cinnamon Rolls with Orange Cream Cheese Icing (No-Yeast) Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 43 minutes
- Yield: 8 rolls
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Easy Orange Cinnamon Rolls with Orange Cream Cheese Icing are a delightful twist on the classic cinnamon roll, made with a no-yeast dough for quick preparation. Infused with fresh orange marmalade and cinnamon, then topped with a zesty orange cream cheese icing, these rolls are perfect for a sweet breakfast or brunch treat.
Ingredients
Dough
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 4–1/2 tsp baking powder
- 3/4 tsp kosher salt
- 3 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces (1 stick)
- 1–1/4 cups cold buttermilk (see notes on how to make your own buttermilk)
Filling
- 1/2 cup Orange Marmalade
- 3 Tbsp melted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Orange Cream Cheese Icing
- 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 4 Tbsp butter, room temperature
- 2 cups confectioners sugar
- 2 Tbsp orange juice
- Pinch of kosher salt
Optional garnish
- Orange zest
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, kosher salt, and granulated sugar. Cut in the cold butter pieces using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the cold buttermilk and mix until a soft dough forms, being careful not to overwork it.
- Roll Out the Dough: Lightly flour a clean surface and roll the dough into a rectangle approximately 12×9 inches. Spread the orange marmalade evenly over the dough.
- Make the Filling and Apply: In a small bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the orange marmalade layer on the dough.
- Roll and Slice: Starting from the longer edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Using a sharp knife, cut the roll into 8 equal pieces.
- Bake the Rolls: Place the rolls cut side up in a greased baking dish or on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving some space between them. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 18 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare the Orange Cream Cheese Icing: While the rolls bake, beat together the cream cheese and softened butter until smooth. Gradually add the confectioners sugar, followed by the orange juice and a pinch of kosher salt. Mix until the icing is creamy and spreadable.
- Ice and Garnish: Once the rolls have cooled slightly, spread the orange cream cheese icing over the top. Garnish with orange zest if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor.
Notes
- If you don’t have buttermilk, make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1-1/4 cups of milk and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes.
- For extra orange flavor, add some orange zest into the dough or filling.
- These rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving for a fresh-baked experience.
