There’s something undeniably magical about a tray of freshly baked Orange Sweet Rolls wafting citrusy fragrance through your kitchen. Imagine soft, pillowy dough swirling with a bright, zesty orange filling, all crowned with a sweet and tangy glaze that sparkles like morning sunshine. These homemade sweet rolls are the perfect treat for brunch, a cozy breakfast, or really any time you want a bite of pure joy. Each bite delivers a delicious burst of orange flavor that will have everyone reaching for seconds—or thirds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The list of ingredients for these Orange Sweet Rolls is remarkably simple, but every element plays a crucial role in making them irresistible. From buttery dough to dazzling orange zest, each ingredient adds its own magic to the final result.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of the rolls, giving them their soft, tender texture.
- Granulated sugar: Brings just the right amount of sweetness to both the dough and filling.
- Instant yeast: Guarantees the rolls rise tall and fluffy without a long wait.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and keeps the sweetness balanced.
- Whole milk (warm): Adds moisture and richness that gives the dough a silky crumb.
- Unsalted butter (melted & softened): Provides richness in both dough and filling—don’t skip it!
- Orange juice: Fresh citrus flavor in the dough and glaze makes every bite pop.
- Large egg: Binds the dough together and gives the rolls a delightfully tender texture.
- Orange zest: Packs big citrus punch in both the filling and the glaze for double the orange goodness.
- Powdered sugar: The secret to that luscious, drizzle-worthy glaze.
How to Make Orange Sweet Rolls
Step 1: Make the Dough
Start by whisking together 2 1/2 cups of flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Add the warm milk, melted butter, orange juice, and egg, then mix until everything comes together. Gradually add the remaining flour as needed—the dough should be soft but not too sticky. Knead it by hand or with a dough hook for about 5-7 minutes, until it feels smooth and elastic under your fingers. Place the dough into a greased bowl, cover it up, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour, or until doubled in size. The anticipation is part of the fun!
Step 2: Make the Filling
While your dough is rising, whip up the orange filling. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, granulated sugar, and that aromatic orange zest until completely smooth. This mixture is where the rolls get their juicy, citrusy swirl—don’t be shy with the zest!
Step 3: Roll, Fill, and Slice
Once the dough has risen, give it a gentle punch to deflate, then roll it out on a floured surface into a large 12×18-inch rectangle. Spread the orange filling generously from edge to edge. Now, starting from the long side, roll the dough up tightly into a log—think cinnamon roll style! Using a sharp knife or a piece of unwaxed dental floss, slice the log into 12 beautiful, even rolls.
Step 4: Second Rise and Preheat
Arrange your Orange Sweet Rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, with a bit of space between each so they can expand. Cover and let them rise once more, about 30 minutes, while you preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). By the time the oven’s ready, your rolls will look puffy and eager for baking.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden and the scent filling your kitchen is pure heaven. Don’t overbake—you want that tender, pull-apart softness that sets sweet rolls apart from the rest.
Step 6: Glaze the Rolls
While the rolls are cooling slightly, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest until you have a gorgeously smooth glaze. Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm Orange Sweet Rolls so it seeps into every swirl. You can add a splash of vanilla extract to the glaze for extra depth, if you like. The hardest part is waiting just a few minutes before digging in!
How to Serve Orange Sweet Rolls
Garnishes
Enhance the sweet, citrusy beauty of your rolls with a sprinkle of extra orange zest right before serving. You can also dust with a touch more powdered sugar for a delicate finish, or even add a few candied orange slices to the platter for an eye-catching splash of color.
Side Dishes
Pair your Orange Sweet Rolls with a platter of fresh berries, a lively fruit salad, or even a yogurt parfait for a balanced brunch spread. For heartier fare, serve alongside crispy bacon, creamy scrambled eggs, or a big pot of hot, strong coffee—everyone will thank you.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving these at a brunch or party, try arranging the Orange Sweet Rolls in a decorative circular pattern on a cake stand. For individual servings, tuck each roll into a festive cupcake liner. You can even set up a DIY glaze station so everyone can drizzle their own rolls to taste!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Orange Sweet Rolls covered tightly at room temperature for up to 2 days. If your kitchen is particularly warm, pop them in the fridge to maintain ultimate freshness—they’ll stay moist and flavorful for up to 4 days chilled.
Freezing
Want to enjoy these citrusy treats days or weeks later? Freeze the baked, unglazed rolls in an airtight container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for a sweet pick-me-up, let them thaw overnight in the fridge, then glaze and warm as desired for a bakery-fresh experience.
Reheating
To revive that just-baked softness, warm individual Orange Sweet Rolls in the microwave for 10-20 seconds or in a 300°F oven for about 7-10 minutes. Add the glaze after reheating if possible to keep it deliciously drippy and glossy.
FAQs
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Absolutely! Simply dissolve the active dry yeast in the warm milk (with a pinch of sugar) and let it sit until bubbly, about 5-10 minutes. Then continue with the recipe as directed.
What’s the best way to zest an orange for these rolls?
Use a microplane or fine grater to remove just the bright orange part of the peel. Avoid the bitter white pith underneath, and always zest your oranges before juicing for maximum flavor.
Can I make Orange Sweet Rolls the night before?
Yes! Prepare the rolls up to the point of slicing and placing them in the baking dish. Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature and rise for about 30 minutes before baking as usual.
How do I keep my rolls from drying out?
Make sure to store them covered (plastic wrap or a tight-fitting lid works well). Reheating briefly before serving also restores their softness and moisture.
Can I add nuts or dried fruit to the filling?
Of course! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even golden raisins mix beautifully with the orange-sugar filling for extra texture and flavor. Just sprinkle them over the filling before rolling up the dough.
Final Thoughts
If you love the sunny, vibrant flavor of citrus, these Orange Sweet Rolls are calling your name! Whether you bake them for a special brunch or just to treat yourself, every swirl is a little moment of homemade happiness. Gather your favorite people, preheat your oven, and experience just how delightful baking (and eating) these rolls can be!
Print
Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful citrus flavor of these homemade Orange Sweet Rolls. Soft, fluffy dough filled with a sweet orange-infused buttery filling and topped with a zesty orange glaze, these rolls are perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk (warm)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 large egg
For the filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, combine 2 1/2 cups of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add warm milk, melted butter, orange juice, and egg. Knead until smooth. Let rise.
- Make the filling: Mix softened butter, sugar, and orange zest. Roll out dough, spread filling, roll up, slice, and arrange in a baking dish.
- Rise and bake: Let the rolls rise, then bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Glaze and serve: Whisk powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest. Drizzle over warm rolls.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a splash of vanilla extract to the glaze.
- Store leftovers tightly covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
