Sweet, citrusy, and irresistibly fluffy, Glazed Orange Sweet Rolls are a delightful twist on the classic cinnamon roll. These rolls are infused with vibrant orange flavor, generously glazed, and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with bright, fresh orange flavor.
- Soft and pillowy texture with a sticky-sweet glaze.
- Perfect for special occasions or everyday indulgence.
- Easily customizable with variations for fillings and toppings.
- Make-ahead friendly, making your mornings stress-free.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Instant yeast
- Salt
- Milk
- Unsalted butter
- Eggs
- Orange zest
- Orange juice
- Powdered sugar
Directions
- Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Warm the milk and butter until slightly melted, then mix with the dry ingredients along with the eggs. Knead until smooth.
- First Rise: Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1–1.5 hours.
- Prepare the Filling: Combine orange zest, sugar, and softened butter.
- Assemble Rolls: Roll out the dough into a rectangle, spread the orange filling evenly, then roll it up tightly. Slice into even rolls.
- Second Rise: Arrange the rolls in a baking dish, cover, and let rise until puffed, about 30–40 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
- Make the Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar and fresh orange juice until smooth.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls and serve.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12 rolls
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Rise Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: Approximately 3 hours
Variations
- Cranberry-Orange Rolls: Add dried cranberries to the filling for a tart twist.
- Cream Cheese Glaze: Substitute the glaze with a rich cream cheese frosting.
- Lemon Rolls: Replace orange zest and juice with lemon for a zesty variation.
- Nutty Delight: Sprinkle chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, over the filling.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based milk, butter, and egg substitutes.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store cooled rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–10 minutes.
- Freezing: Freeze unglazed rolls in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and glaze before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate it after the first rise.
2. What if I don’t have instant yeast?
You can use active dry yeast; just activate it in warm milk with a teaspoon of sugar before mixing.
3. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, but the texture will be denser. Consider using a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour.
4. How do I prevent the rolls from sticking to the pan?
Line the pan with parchment paper or grease it thoroughly with butter.
5. Can I use bottled orange juice for the glaze?
Freshly squeezed orange juice provides the best flavor, but bottled juice works in a pinch.
6. What’s the best way to evenly slice the rolls?
Use dental floss or a sharp serrated knife for clean cuts.
7. Can I add spices to the filling?
Yes, cinnamon or cardamom pairs beautifully with the orange flavor.
8. How can I speed up the rising time?
Place the dough in a warm, draft-free area, or use the oven’s proofing setting if available.
9. What should I do if my glaze is too runny?
Add more powdered sugar to thicken it.
10. Can I skip the glaze?
The glaze adds sweetness and moisture, but the rolls are delicious on their own or with a light dusting of powdered sugar.
Conclusion
Glazed Orange Sweet Rolls are a vibrant and delightful treat that adds a citrusy burst of flavor to any occasion. Whether you’re serving them fresh out of the oven or reheating leftovers, they’re sure to bring a smile to your table. With easy customization options and make-ahead possibilities, these sweet rolls are a must-try for any home baker.
PrintGlazed Orange Sweet Rolls
Glazed Orange Sweet Rolls are soft, fluffy pastries filled with a zesty orange-sugar mixture and topped with a sweet orange glaze. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful treat any time of day.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2¼ teaspoons instant dry yeast (one ¼-ounce packet)
- Pinch of salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup buttermilk, warmed to 110°F
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- Zest of 1 orange
For the Filling:
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup orange marmalade
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
For the Orange Glaze:
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- ¼ cup fresh orange juice
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt (optional)
- 1–2 tablespoons milk or cream, as needed for consistency
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine 3 cups of flour, granulated sugar, yeast, and a pinch of salt.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Add warmed buttermilk (ensure it’s about 110°F) to the melted butter.
- Pour the butter-buttermilk mixture into the dry ingredients. Add the beaten eggs and orange zest. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5–6 minutes until smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead with a dough hook on medium speed for about 5 minutes.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a bowl, mix the softened butter, orange marmalade, and brown sugar until well combined.
- Assemble the Rolls:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it onto a floured surface. Roll it into a 15×9-inch rectangle.
- Spread the orange filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seam to seal.
- Cut the log into 12 equal slices and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and let the rolls rise for another 30–45 minutes, or until doubled in size.
- Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown. If they are browning too quickly, cover with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Prepare the Glaze:
- In a bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, orange juice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Add milk or cream as needed to achieve the desired consistency. Stir in the orange zest.
- Glaze the Rolls:
- Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for about 10 minutes. Drizzle the orange glaze over the warm rolls.
Notes
- For a more pronounced orange flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of orange extract to the dough or filling.
- These rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.