Marmalade Cinnamon Rolls

Why You’ll Love Marmalade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

These cinnamon rolls bring together the comforting warmth of cinnamon and the sweet zing of orange marmalade in every bite. The combination of homemade marmalade and sticky icing makes them perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. The texture is soft and pillowy, and the bright citrus flavor balances the sweetness beautifully.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cinnamon Rolls
350g plain flour
45g caster sugar
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 egg
1 tbsp instant yeast
120 ml water
60 ml whole milk
1/2 tsp salt
2 tbsp cinnamon
6 tbsp icing sugar (for drizzling)

Orange Marmalade
1 kg preserving sugar
600g Seville oranges (or Jaffa oranges if you prefer less bitterness)
1 lemon (juice only)

Directions

Marmalade

1. Place the oranges and lemon juice in a large preserving pan and cover with about 2 litres of water. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer until the peel is tender and easily pierced with a fork.

2. Remove the oranges and set aside to cool. Halve them and scoop out the fruit, including pips and pith, then return this to the pan. Boil for about 6 minutes.

3. Strain the mixture through a sieve, pressing the pulp through and discarding pith and pips.

4. Return the liquid to the pan, add the cut orange peel and preserving sugar, stirring over low heat until dissolved. Bring to a boil and cook until the setting point is reached, about 20–25 minutes.

5. Allow the marmalade to cool in the pan for 20 minutes, then pour into sterilised jars.

Cinnamon Rolls

1. In a large bowl, mix the yeast, flour and salt.

2. Heat the caster sugar, butter, milk and water together until the butter has almost melted, then allow to cool slightly.

3. Add the cooled liquid and egg to the flour mixture and combine into a dough.

4. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 4 minutes.

5. Cover and rest for 15 minutes.

6. Roll the dough into a 30cm x 24cm rectangle, spread prepared marmalade over the surface and dust with cinnamon.

7. Cut the dough into 4cm strips, roll each strip up, and place in a lined 8‑inch springform cake tin with space between each roll. Cover and let rise for about 20 minutes.

8. Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C for 15–17 minutes.

9. Drizzle extra marmalade and icing sugar over the warm rolls before serving.

Servings and timing

Serves about 7 people.
Prep time: approximately 3 hours 5 minutes (including rising and marmalade preparation).
Cook time: about 15 minutes.

Variations

• Add a citrus glaze by whisking extra marmalade with a little warm water or orange juice.
• Mix chopped nuts (such as pecans) into the filling for extra crunch.
• Substitute lemon marmalade for orange for a different bright flavour.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a warm oven or microwave before serving to restore softness.

FAQs

How can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Prepare the dough and assemble the rolls, then refrigerate before the final rise. Bake when ready to serve.

Can I use store‑bought marmalade?

Yes, you can swap the homemade marmalade for a good‑quality store‑bought version if you prefer.

What type of yeast should I use?

Instant yeast works well for this recipe and doesn’t require pre‑activation.

Can I freeze the unbaked rolls?

Yes, freeze the assembled rolls before baking. Thaw and let rise before baking.

How do I tell when the rolls are done baking?

They should be golden on top and cooked through in the centre.

Can I make these dairy‑free?

Substitute your preferred plant‑based milk and vegan butter to make them dairy‑free.

Why are my rolls dense instead of fluffy?

Ensure your yeast is active and don’t skip the rising times.

Can I use marmalade with added flavours?

Yes, marmalade with ginger or other citrus works well for a unique twist.

How should I store leftover marmalade?

Keep marmalade in sterilised jars in the fridge and use within a few weeks.

Can I replace the icing sugar drizzle with frosting?

Yes, a cream cheese or orange‑flavoured frosting pairs nicely with these rolls.

Conclusion

These Marmalade Cinnamon Rolls are a delicious take on classic cinnamon buns, combining the warm spices of cinnamon with vibrant orange marmalade for a flavorful and comforting treat. Whether for a special breakfast or a sweet dessert, they’re sure to impress with their soft texture and bright citrus notes.