Slightly warm the milk, then add the sugar and yeast to it. Let the yeast mixture set for a couple of minutes until it starts to bubble.
In a large bowl beat the eggs. Add the melted butter, and yeast mixture. Mix well. Add the salt, orange zest, pumpkin spice and gradually start adding the flour. I add about 2 cups and give the mixture a stir, add more flour and stir, etc… Add enough flour until you get a nice dough that you can knead without it being too sticky, but not so much that the dough gets dry.
Knead the dough for 3 – 4 minutes. You can do this on a floured surface or if you have a large enough bowl, trying kneading it in the bowl for easier clean up. Add small amounts of flour as needed. Place dough in a greased bowl and let rest and double in size. This will probably take about 30 minutes to an hour.
Mix the brown sugar with the pumpkin spice to have the filling ready.
On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle that measures about 12″ x 15″. Spread the softened butter over the dough and sprinkle with the brown sugar mixture. Roll up the dough and cut into 12 rolls.
Place the rolls in a baking dish that has been sprayed with no-stick spray. At this point you can cover them with plastic wrap and place them in the refrigerator overnight. Or, you can cover them with a towel and let them double in size if you want to bake them sooner. Bake them in a 375 degree oven for 20 – 30 minutes, until golden brown.
If you are making the overnight rolls, in the morning, remove the rolls from the refrigerator. Let them set for 20 – 30 minutes or so to come to room temperature. Pre-heat the oven to 375 degrees, and then bake the rolls for 20 – 30 minutes until golden brown.
Finally, prepare the frosting by beating the cream cheese with an electric mixer. Add the powdered sugar, orange zest if using, and enough milk to come to your desired consistency. Drizzle or spread over rolls and serve. Yum!
Notes
To make your own Pumpkin Pie Spice mix together,1-Tablespoon Cinnamon1-teaspoon Nutmeg1-teaspoon ground Giner¾ teaspoon Allspice