Glazed Orange Sweet Rolls are soft, fluffy, and bursting with fresh orange flavor. Topped with a sweet, tangy glaze, these rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a decadent dessert. With their citrusy aroma and pillowy texture, they’re a delightful twist on classic cinnamon rolls.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with bright, citrusy orange flavor.
- Soft, buttery rolls with a tender crumb.
- Easy to make ahead for special occasions or weekend mornings.
- Customizable with extra fillings or toppings.
- A refreshing and vibrant alternative to traditional sweet rolls.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Dough
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Instant yeast
- Salt
- Warm milk
- Unsalted butter (softened)
- Egg
For the Orange Filling
- Granulated sugar
- Orange zest
- Unsalted butter (softened)
For the Glaze
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh orange juice
- Orange zest
- Milk or cream (optional, for consistency)
Directions
Make the Dough
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Mix the dough: In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, egg, butter, and the yeast mixture. Knead until a soft, elastic dough forms.
- Let it rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Prepare the Filling
- Mix the filling: In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar and orange zest. Stir in softened butter to create a spreadable mixture.
Assemble the Rolls
- Roll out the dough: Roll the dough into a large rectangle on a floured surface, about 1/4-inch thick.
- Spread the filling: Evenly spread the orange filling over the dough.
- Roll and slice: Roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased baking dish.
- Final rise: Cover and let the rolls rise for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
Bake
- Bake the rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Make the Glaze
- Prepare the glaze: In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, orange juice, orange zest, and milk (if needed) until smooth. Adjust consistency as desired.
Finish and Serve
- Glaze the rolls: Drizzle the orange glaze over the warm rolls.
- Serve: Enjoy warm for the ultimate citrusy indulgence.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12 rolls
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Rising Time: 2.5 hours
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes
Variations
- Orange Cream Cheese Rolls: Add a layer of cream cheese frosting over the glaze.
- Nutty Delight: Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds over the filling for added crunch.
- Cranberry Orange Rolls: Add dried cranberries to the filling for a festive touch.
- Spiced Orange Rolls: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for extra warmth.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend designed for yeast baking.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: Warm rolls in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes or microwave for 10–15 seconds.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked rolls in the dish, tightly wrapped, for up to 2 months. Thaw and bake as directed.
FAQs
1. Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, dissolve it in warm milk with sugar and let it proof for 10 minutes before using.
2. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the rolls and refrigerate overnight. Let them rise at room temperature before baking.
3. What’s the best type of orange for this recipe?
Navel oranges or Valencia oranges work well for their sweetness and juiciness.
4. Can I use orange extract instead of zest?
Yes, but fresh zest gives a more vibrant flavor. Use 1/2 teaspoon of orange extract in the filling or glaze.
5. How do I prevent the filling from leaking?
Roll the dough tightly and ensure the butter in the filling is evenly spread.
6. Can I use plant-based milk?
Yes, almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk work well in this recipe.
7. What’s the best way to slice the rolls evenly?
Use dental floss or a sharp knife to cut through the dough cleanly.
8. Can I skip the glaze?
Absolutely! Dust with powdered sugar for a lighter option.
9. Can I add chocolate chips to the filling?
Yes, chocolate chips pair beautifully with the orange flavor.
10. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double the ingredients and bake in multiple pans or batches.
Conclusion
Glazed Orange Sweet Rolls are a bright, zesty take on classic sweet rolls, offering a refreshing burst of citrus flavor in every bite. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls are sure to delight. Try them today and enjoy the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess!
Print
The Best Glazed Orange Sweet Rolls
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Glazed Orange Sweet Rolls are soft, fluffy, and bursting with bright citrus flavor. Swirled with a sweet orange filling and topped with a tangy orange glaze, they’re a perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3 1/2 cups (440 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup (180 ml) warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the Orange Filling:
- 1/3 cup (75 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons orange zest (from about 2 oranges)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
For the Orange Glaze:
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1/2 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes, until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes, or in a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5–7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
2. Make the Orange Filling:
- In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, sugar, orange zest, and cinnamon (if using) into a smooth paste.
3. Assemble the Rolls:
- Punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a 12×16-inch rectangle.
- Spread the orange filling evenly over the dough.
- Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice into 12 equal rolls and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Second Rise:
- Cover the rolls with a clean towel and let rise for 30–40 minutes, or until puffed.
5. Bake the Rolls:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool slightly.
6. Make the Orange Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more orange juice for a thinner consistency.
7. Glaze and Serve:
- Drizzle the orange glaze over the warm rolls. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For an extra citrusy flavor, sprinkle additional orange zest over the glaze.
- These rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven for a fresh taste.
- Freeze unbaked rolls after the second rise, and bake from frozen, adding 5–7 minutes to the baking time.