These Orange Cardamom Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on the classic cinnamon roll, infusing warm spices with a bright citrus note. Perfect for a weekend brunch or a cozy afternoon treat, they fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.
The backbone of our rolls is all-purpose flour, which provides the structure and texture. Sugar sweetens the dough subtly, while butter adds richness and flavor. The magic of yeast is what makes these rolls rise and become fluffy. Warm milk helps activate the yeast, ensuring a good rise.
Salt is essential for balancing the flavors, while the zest of a large orange introduces a bright, citrusy note. Ground cardamom adds warmth and a slight exotic flair, complementing the cinnamon we all know and love in traditional rolls. Brown sugar brings a deeper sweetness and slight molasses note to the filling, while softened butter ensures it melts into every layer.
For the glaze, powdered sugar provides the sweetness, with fresh orange juice contributing a zesty tang, balanced by a touch of milk for smoothness.
These rolls are delightful on their own, but for a special treat, pair them with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. They also pair beautifully with a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice, enhancing the citrus notes in the rolls.
Start by combining the warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl. Let it stand for about 5 minutes until it gets foamy — this means your yeast is active and ready to work its magic. Stir in the melted butter, salt, orange zest, and cardamom, infusing the mixture with flavor before gradually adding the flour. Mix until a dough begins to form.
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes. You want it to be smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour, or until it doubles in size.
Once risen, roll the dough out into a rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon and brown sugar mixture generously on top. Roll the dough up tightly from one long side to the other, then slice into rolls and arrange them in a greased baking dish. They need a second rise, so let them sit for about 30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes until they're golden brown and your kitchen smells divine. While they bake, mix together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and milk to form a smooth glaze. Drizzle this over the warm rolls just before serving.
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