If you’re craving a delightful treat that combines the bright zest of citrus with warm spices, you’re going to love this Easy Orange Cinnamon Rolls with Orange Cream Cheese Icing (No-Yeast) Recipe. These rolls skip the long wait times that traditional yeast recipes demand but still offer that soft, fluffy texture paired with a luscious orange cream cheese icing. It’s a perfect balance of fresh orange flavor and sweet cinnamon spice, making it an ideal weekend breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, everyday ingredients for this recipe is what makes it so approachable and satisfying. Each component plays a vital role: the flour and baking powder create tender, flaky rolls without yeast, while the orange marmalade and cinnamon deliver that signature fragrant sweetness and spice. Let’s break down the essentials that will bring these rolls to life.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The base of your dough, providing structure and softness.
- 4-1/2 tsp baking powder: This is what makes your rolls fluffy and light without any yeast.
- 3/4 tsp kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness perfectly.
- 3 Tbsp granulated sugar: Adds just a touch of sweetness to the dough.
- 1/2 cup cold butter (cut into small pieces): Ensures a tender, flaky texture with buttery richness.
- 1-1/4 cups cold buttermilk: Reacts with the baking powder to give the rolls their rise and adds a subtle tang.
- 1/2 cup orange marmalade: Brings vibrant citrus flavor with natural sweetness inside the rolls.
- 3 Tbsp melted butter: For brushing, creating moist, golden layers.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Mixed with cinnamon for that classic cinnamon roll swirl.
- 1 tsp cinnamon: The warm spice that makes cinnamon rolls irresistible.
- 4 ounces cream cheese (room temperature): The creamy base for the delicious, tangy orange cream cheese icing.
- 4 Tbsp butter (room temperature): Adds richness and smoothness to the icing.
- 2 cups confectioners sugar: Sweetens and thickens the orange cream cheese icing perfectly.
- 2 Tbsp orange juice: Boosts the fresh orange flavor in the icing.
- Pinch of kosher salt: Balances the sweetness in the icing.
- Optional: orange zest for garnish: Adds a pop of color and an extra hit of citrus aroma.
How to Make Easy Orange Cinnamon Rolls with Orange Cream Cheese Icing (No-Yeast) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by preheating your oven and preparing your baking pan. In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar. Then, cut in the cold butter pieces using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly pour in the cold buttermilk, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. The dough will be slightly sticky but manageable—this is key for tender rolls without yeast.
Step 2: Roll and Fill
Lightly flour a clean surface and roll your dough into a large rectangle about 12 by 8 inches. Spread the orange marmalade evenly over the surface, allowing that tangy citrus flavor to infuse every bite. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon, then sprinkle it generously on top of the marmalade layer. This mix creates that classic sweet and spicy swirl that cinnamon rolls are famous for.
Step 3: Shape the Rolls
Carefully roll the dough tightly from the long edge, like a jelly roll. Use a sharp knife to slice the roll into eight even pieces. Place your rolls cut side up in a greased baking dish, leaving some space between them so they can puff up beautifully during baking. This step sets the stage for light, fluffy rolls that are bursting with flavors.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Bake the rolls in your preheated oven for about 18 minutes, or until they’re golden brown on top. You’ll want to keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overbake — golden perfection is the goal, with soft and moist interiors. The aroma during baking will be heavenly, filling your kitchen with warm cinnamon and bright orange scents.
Step 5: Make the Orange Cream Cheese Icing
While the rolls are baking, whip up your icing by beating together the room temperature cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the confectioners sugar, orange juice, and a pinch of kosher salt. Mix until you get a luscious, pourable icing that complements the rolls perfectly without overpowering the delicate orange notes.
Step 6: Frost and Serve
Once the cinnamon rolls have cooled slightly but are still warm, generously spread the orange cream cheese icing on top. If you like, sprinkle some orange zest over the icing for an extra burst of color and citrus aroma. Serve these beauties warm for the best experience, and get ready for compliments!
How to Serve Easy Orange Cinnamon Rolls with Orange Cream Cheese Icing (No-Yeast) Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh orange zest or a light dusting of powdered sugar can elevate the presentation and add fresh, fragrant bursts of flavor. You can also toss a few thin slices of candied orange peel on top to impress your guests with a fancy touch that’s still easy to prepare.
Side Dishes
These cinnamon rolls are a wonderful accompaniment to a hot cup of coffee or freshly brewed tea. For a more substantial brunch, pair them with scrambled eggs and crispy bacon or fresh fruit salad. The rolls’ sweet and citrusy profile balances savory and fresh flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these rolls on a wooden platter lined with a colorful napkin for a rustic vibe or arrange them in a circle on a cake stand to make a stunning centerpiece. You can even drizzle extra orange cream cheese icing in a zigzag pattern for decorative flair. Personalizing each roll with a little edible flower or mint leaf can add elegance without fuss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover rolls (which might be difficult!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and fresh. For longer storage, refrigerate them, but be sure to warm them gently before serving to revive that tender texture.
Freezing
Easy Orange Cinnamon Rolls with Orange Cream Cheese Icing (No-Yeast) Recipe also freeze quite well. After baking and cooling, wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can stay frozen for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To bring your cinnamon rolls back to life, warm them in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes or microwave for 20 to 30 seconds. Add a little extra dollop of icing if desired to restore that fresh-from-the-oven experience. They’ll taste just as delightful the second time around!
FAQs
Can I make this recipe without buttermilk?
Yes! If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, simply mix 1-1/4 cups of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This homemade version works perfectly to react with baking powder for the fluffy texture.
Why does this recipe not require yeast?
This Easy Orange Cinnamon Rolls with Orange Cream Cheese Icing (No-Yeast) Recipe uses baking powder as a leavening agent, which means it doesn’t need the time-consuming rise that yeast requires. It’s a great shortcut for when you want fresh cinnamon rolls in under an hour.
Can I substitute orange marmalade with another filling?
Absolutely! While orange marmalade adds a unique citrus flavor, you can experiment with other fruit preserves like apricot, raspberry, or even a mix of cinnamon and sugar for a classic twist. Just be mindful of the moisture content to avoid soggy rolls.
Is it necessary to use cold butter and buttermilk?
Using cold butter and buttermilk helps create the tender, flaky layers in the dough. The cold butter pieces create pockets when they melt during baking. Warm ingredients won’t have the same effect, so it’s best to follow this tip for the best texture.
Can I make the rolls vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative, replace buttermilk with a mix of soy or almond milk and lemon juice, and use dairy-free cream cheese for the icing. The texture may vary slightly, but the orange cinnamon flavor will still shine through beautifully.
Final Thoughts
Making these Easy Orange Cinnamon Rolls with Orange Cream Cheese Icing (No-Yeast) Recipe is an absolute joy, especially when you want something fresh, flavorful, and ready in no time. They combine the comforting warmth of cinnamon rolls with a bright citrus twist that feels special but is totally achievable any day of the week. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and see how quickly it becomes a staple in your baking repertoire!
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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 favorite, featuring a tangy orange flavor and cinnamon spice without the need for yeast. Soft, fluffy, and topped with a luscious orange-infused cream cheese icing, they’re perfect for a quick breakfast or sweet 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: orange zest for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, kosher salt, and granulated sugar. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly add the cold buttermilk and stir until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix to keep dough tender.
- Roll out the dough: Lightly flour a clean surface and roll the dough into a 12×15 inch rectangle. Try to keep the thickness about 1/4 inch for best results.
- Add filling: Spread the orange marmalade evenly over the dough. In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the marmalade layer.
- Form the rolls: Starting from the long edge, gently roll the dough into a tight log. Pinch the seam to seal. Using a sharp knife, cut the roll into 8 equal slices.
- Bake the cinnamon rolls: Place the rolls cut side up into a greased or parchment-lined 9×13 inch baking dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 18 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the orange cream cheese icing: While the rolls bake, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the confectioners sugar, orange juice, and a pinch of kosher salt, mixing until creamy and spreadable. Add orange zest if desired.
- Ice the rolls: Once the cinnamon rolls are warm from the oven, generously spread the orange cream cheese icing over the top. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- To make a homemade buttermilk substitute, mix 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
- For best results, keep all cold ingredients chilled until ready to use to help create a flaky texture.
- Orange zest in the icing adds bright citrus flavor and decorative appeal but is optional.
- These cinnamon rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
