Baking up soft, pillowy rolls layered with citrusy filling and drizzled with a vibrant glaze makes mornings feel like a mini celebration, and that’s exactly what my Homemade Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe delivers every time! These rolls are a bright twist on the classic cinnamon roll, bursting with fresh orange flavor in each layer and crowned with a sweet-tart orange glaze. Whether you’re looking to surprise your family on a lazy weekend or impress guests at brunch, this fragrant and fluffy treat is sure to win hearts and spark smiles.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how a handful of pantry staples and a few zesty orange highlights come together to make something absolutely unforgettable. Each ingredient is chosen with care—contributing either delicate texture, vibrant color, or a burst of flavor that really makes this Homemade Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe shine.
- Warm Milk: The perfect temperature coax yeast to life, helping the dough rise beautifully light and fluffy.
- Active Dry Yeast: This is what gives the rolls their pillow-soft structure and essential rise.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps activate the yeast, showing up in both the dough and filling for layered flavor.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted in the dough for tenderness and softened for that can’t-miss, gooey filling.
- Large Egg: Lends richness and extra softness to the finished rolls.
- All-Purpose Flour: The sturdy base that brings all the ingredients together with just the right chew.
- Salt: Makes sure all the sweet and citrus notes pop—don’t skip it!
- Orange Zest: The key ingredient for vivid fragrance and seriously bold orange flavor in both filling and glaze.
- Powdered Sugar: Whisks up into a dreamy glaze that melts into every swirl of the roll.
- Fresh Orange Juice: Adds tang and brightness to the glaze, beautifully balancing the sweetness.
How to Make Homemade Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by combining the warm milk, active dry yeast, and a bit of sugar in a large mixing bowl. Let it sit and do its magic for 5 to 10 minutes—you’re looking for a foamy surface that signals your yeast is eagerly ready to help your rolls rise. Patience here turns into gorgeous, airy rolls later!
Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough
Once the yeast is nice and bubbly, blend in the melted butter, egg, all-purpose flour, and salt. Stir until a soft dough takes shape, then knead it—by hand or in a mixer—for about 6 to 8 minutes. When the dough turns smooth and elastic, tuck it into a greased bowl, cover it up, and let it rise somewhere cozy for an hour, or until doubled in size. The anticipation will only make the payoff sweeter!
Step 3: Whip Up the Filling
In a smaller bowl, stir together the softened butter, sugar, and that glorious orange zest. The zest will perfume your kitchen and add the tangy sparkle you want in every bite of this Homemade Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe.
Step 4: Roll Out and Fill
Punch down your risen dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it into a 14×9-inch rectangle—don’t worry about perfection! Then spread your orange filling right to the edges. This is where the magic happens: roll it up tightly from the long side, gently but firmly, and cut into 9 equal pieces for gorgeously even rolls.
Step 5: Second Rise and Bake
Nestle your cut rolls into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish, leaving a little space for them to puff up. Cover, and let them rise a second time for 30 to 45 minutes—this short wait makes the final bake extra tender. Preheat to 350°F (175°C), then bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown and the kitchen smells like a citrus grove in springtime.
Step 6: Prepare the Orange Glaze
While the rolls bake, whisk together the powdered sugar, fresh orange juice, and a touch more orange zest. The result: a sticky-sweet glaze just begging to be spooned over those warm rolls.
Step 7: Glaze and Serve
Once the rolls are gently golden, let them cool for a few minutes, then drizzle or pour that gorgeous orange glaze all over the top. For the freshest flavor explosion, enjoy the Homemade Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe while they’re still warm and inviting.
How to Serve Homemade Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
A bit of extra orange zest scattered over the top not only looks beautiful, but adds a punch of natural color and extra citrus fragrance. If you have them on hand, try a few thin slices of fresh orange or even a sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts for lovely contrast and crunch.
Side Dishes
Pair your Homemade Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe with a big bowl of seasonal fruit salad or a creamy, plain yogurt for balance. A piping-hot mug of coffee, tea, or a tall glass of cold milk makes the rolls even more satisfying, transforming breakfast or brunch into a true occasion.
Creative Ways to Present
For special get-togethers, arrange the orange sweet rolls on a tiered cake stand to create a delightful centerpiece. You can also bake them individually in muffin tins for charming single-serves, or nestle parchment paper squares beneath each roll for easy, grab-and-go portions at brunch buffets.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Homemade Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe will keep well covered at room temperature for up to two days. For the best texture and freshness, tuck them into an airtight container—if you manage to save any, that is!
Freezing
These rolls freeze beautifully before or after baking. Freeze the unbaked, shaped rolls on a tray, then transfer to a container. When ready to bake, let thaw and finish the second rise before baking as usual. Baked rolls can also be frozen—simply cool fully, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to a month. Save the glaze to drizzle fresh after reheating!
Reheating
To refresh your orange sweet rolls, a quick zap in the microwave (about 15 to 20 seconds) brings them back to their fluffy, just-baked glory. Alternatively, warm covered in a low oven at 300°F until heated through. Glaze again if needed for extra shine and sweetness.
FAQs
Can I make the dough a day ahead?
Absolutely! After shaping the rolls and placing them in the baking dish, simply cover and refrigerate overnight. Bring to room temperature in the morning and let them finish their second rise before baking. This makes the Homemade Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe perfect for holiday mornings or special brunches.
What’s the best way to zest an orange?
Use a microplane or fine grater and avoid the white pith underneath the peel, which can be bitter. Just run the orange over the grater, turning as you go, and you’ll have the fresh zest ready in seconds—perfect for this recipe!
Can I use store-bought orange juice instead of fresh?
Fresh orange juice gives a brighter, purer citrus flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, store-bought will do. For extra oomph, add a little extra zest or even a drop of orange extract to your Homemade Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe glaze.
Is it possible to double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe doubles easily! Just use a larger baking dish or two standard pans and keep an eye on rising and baking time. Your friends and family will love having a few extra sweet rolls on hand.
Can I use a different citrus fruit?
If you’re feeling adventurous, swap the orange for lemon, lime, or even grapefruit for a fun flavor twist. Each citrus brings its own personality, but the Homemade Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe is especially magical with that fresh, sunny orange flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing like sharing a tray of these vibrant, homemade pastries with the people you love. Whether you bake them for a special morning or just because you’re craving something cozy and bright, this Homemade Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe promises citrusy, fluffy happiness in every bite. Don’t just take my word for it—gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let your kitchen fill with the scent of sunshine!
Print
Homemade Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (includes rise time)
- Yield: 9 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the sweet, citrusy delight of Homemade Orange Sweet Rolls. These soft and fluffy rolls are filled with a zesty orange filling and topped with a fresh orange glaze, making them the perfect treat for breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
For the dough:
- ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 large egg
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the filling:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- ½ teaspoon orange zest
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Add the melted butter, egg, flour, and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead by hand or with a mixer for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Meanwhile, mix the filling by combining softened butter, sugar, and orange zest in a small bowl.
- After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 14×9-inch rectangle.
- Spread the filling evenly over the dough.
- Roll up tightly from the long side and cut into 9 equal pieces.
- Place rolls in a greased 9×9-inch baking dish, cover, and let rise again for 30–45 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.
- While baking, whisk together powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest to make the glaze.
- Drizzle glaze over warm rolls and serve.
Notes
- For stronger orange flavor, add a few drops of orange extract to the glaze.
- These rolls can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight before the second rise—bring to room temp before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
