I’d say our first Sunday bake of 2021 was a success. This yeasty dough is a fluffy, perfect base for orange or cinnamon rolls (or both, in our case). I especially loved that I could have the dough ready for the oven and perfectly plump in under two hours — it allows for spontaneity on a weekend morning and doesn’t require you to plan too far in advance. I find that to be one of my cooking/baking faults — I don’t always want to commit to a recipe until day-of or right beforehand! In this case, you’re good to go.
Yields 30-36 rolls
DOUGH
2 tablespoons active dry yeast
1 3/4 cups very warm water
1 stick unsalted butter
2 eggs
1/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
5 cups all purpose flour
ORANGE ROLLS
Filling:
1 stick unsalted butter, softened
1/3 cup granulated sugar
Zest of 2 large oranges
Glaze:
2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon orange zest
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
CINNAMON ROLLS
Filling:
1 stick unsalted butter, softened
1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon
Glaze: Cream Cheese Frosting
1. In a large bowl of a stand mixer, stir yeast and water and allow to activate for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy on top. Microwave the stick of butter in a small glass bowl to melt. Add eggs to bowl and lightly beat with a fork.
2. Add butter and eggs to the large mixing bowl, followed by salt, sugar and flour. Turn on stand mixer with a dough hook. Knead for 3 minutes. Lift hook from bowl and cover bowl with a dish towel to rest/rise for 20 minutes. Return dough hook to mixer and knead 3 minutes more. Repeat resting process once more.
3.Turn out dough onto a floured surface. Knead into a ball and divide into 3 smaller balls. Roll into 15x8” rectangles. Spread filling of choice, tightly roll, and slice with a sharp knife. Place rolls in greased baking dishes one inch apart. Cover with plastic wrap and allow to rise 30 minutes more!
4. Bake at 400 degrees for 18 minutes, or until just golden. Finish with glaze or frosting.
To store, place un-frosted rolls in freezer Ziploc bags and enjoy up to three days before freezing.
