Citrus Poppy Seed Rolls

I adapted this recipe from my cinnamon roll recipe. If given the choice, these are what the family votes for.

4 to 4 1/2 c. all-purpose flour (you can also replace 1 cup whole wheat for 1 cup of all-purpose)

2 1/4 tsp. yeast

1 cup milk

1/8 tsp fiori di sicilia

1/3 cup sugar

1/3 cup butter

1/2 tsp. salt

2 eggs

3 tbsp butter, melted

1/2 cup sugar

6 tbsp poppy seeds

I use my KitchenAid Artisan 5-qt. Stand Mixer for this recipe. I also always make these the night before and put them in the fridge before the second rise. I pull them out first thing and let them sit on the counter for about 30 minutes while the oven preheats. If I am making the cream cheese icing I will set out a block of cream cheese as well.

In the mixer’s bowl combine 2 cups of flour and the yeast. In a medium saucepan heat and stir the milk, the 1/3 cup sugar and the 1/3 cup butter and salt just until warm and butter almost melts. (120-130 degrees). Add milk mixture to yeast mixture along with the eggs and fiori di sicilia. Put the paddle attachment on the mixer for this step. Beat on low for 30 second until well combined. Scrape sides and beat on medium speed for another 3 minutes. Replace paddle with the bread hook attachment and add as much of the remaining flour as you can.

Using the dough hook, knead the bread at low speed for 3-5 minutes, until elastic. Shape dough into a ball. Place dough into a lightly greased bowl and turn once to grease dough. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or doubled in size.

Punch dough down and let rest 10 minutes. Lightly grease two 9×1 1/2 in. round pans. Roll dough into a 12×8 rectangle. Brush with the melted 3 tbsp butter. Sprinkle the 1/2 cup sugar and the poppy seeds over the butter. Roll up jelly roll style starting from a long end. Slice into 12 equal pieces. Place into prepared pans. Cover and let rise 30 minutes or until doubled.

Bake in a 375 oven for 20- 25 minutes. Makes 12 large rolls.

For the icing;

1 block of cream cheese, softened.

2 cups powdered sugar

2-4 tbsp orange juice

Mix ingredients in the mixer at medium speed slowly adding orange juice until it reaches the desired consistency. Spread over cooked rolls.