Description

This easy orange rolls recipe features fluffy, tender rolls topped with a vibrant Citrus Glaze Sunset. It’s perfect for special breakfasts, brunches, or as a delightful treat for any occasion, bringing sunshine and joy to your table.

Ingredients

Scale

4 cups (480g) all-purpose flour
0.5 cup (100g) granulated sugar (for dough)
0.25 cup (50g) granulated sugar (for filling)
0.5 cup (100g) granulated sugar (for glaze)
2.25 teaspoons (7g) or 1 packet active dry yeast
1 cup (240ml) warm milk, around 105-115°F (40-46°C)
0.5 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted (for dough)
0.25 cup (57g) unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
2 large eggs, at room temperature
2 medium fresh oranges, zest and juice (for both rolls and Citrus Glaze Sunset)
0.5 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for dough/glaze)
1.5 cups (180g) powdered sugar (for glaze)
0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for filling)

Instructions

Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm milk, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit until foamy.
Mix Dough: In a separate bowl, whisk flour and salt. In the yeast mixture, add melted butter, remaining dough sugar, eggs, and 1 tablespoon of orange zest. Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead on a lightly floured surface or with a stand mixer’s dough hook until smooth and elastic.
First Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, turning once to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm, draft-free place until doubled in size.
Prepare Filling: In a small bowl, mix 0.25 cup softened butter, 0.25 cup granulated sugar, and the remaining orange zest. (Optional: Add 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon.)
Roll and Shape Rolls: Gently punch down the risen dough. On a lightly floured surface, roll it into a 12×18-inch rectangle. Spread the filling evenly. Starting from a long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Using a sharp knife or dental floss, slice into 12 even rolls, about 1.5 inches thick. Arrange rolls in a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Second Rise: Cover the dish and let the rolls rise again in a warm spot until visibly puffy.
Bake Rolls: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18-22 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the rolls feel set to the touch.
Prepare Citrus Glaze: While rolls cool slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of fresh orange juice, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth. Add more juice a teaspoon at a time if too thick.
Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the bright, tangy Citrus Glaze generously over the warm orange rolls. Enjoy immediately.

Notes

For a (healthier) option, a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend can be used. Vegan butter can be substituted for (dairy-free). Almond milk for (plant-based) alternative. Powdered erythritol blend can be used for a (low-carb) glaze. Dough can be prepared the night before for a weeknight shortcut. If rolls brown too quickly during baking, tent with foil. Enjoy warm for best taste.

Prep Time: 50 minutes
Cook Time: 22 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 roll
Calories: 350 calories
Sugar: 21 g
Sodium: 150 mg
Fat: 14 g
Saturated Fat: 8 g
Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 50 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 6 g
Cholesterol: 35 mg

Keywords: easy orange rolls, citrus glaze, homemade, breakfast, brunch, sweet treat, family friendly, baking, yeast rolls, orange