Orange Rolls Recipe

There’s something incredibly delightful about waking up to the smell of fresh, warm orange rolls wafting through the house. This Orange Rolls Recipe is a perfect blend of fluffy dough, sweet orange filling, and a creamy glaze that will have everyone begging for seconds. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or just treating yourself, these rolls are sure to brighten your day. Let’s dive in and discover how to create this citrusy delight from scratch!

Top Reasons to Make Orange Rolls Recipe

• Irresistible Aroma: The scent of orange and cinnamon baking in the oven is simply heavenly.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert.
• Customizable: You can add nuts, dried fruit, or even swap out the orange for other citrus fruits.
• Make Ahead: These rolls can be prepared in advance, making them perfect for busy mornings.

What You’ll Need

• 2 cups warm water (about 110°F)
• 4 1/2 teaspoons quick-rise yeast (2 packets)
• 6 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 6 cups all-purpose flour (give or take 1 cup, see NOTES below)
• 5 tablespoons butter, melted and cooled
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons orange zest
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 oz cream cheese
• 1/4 cup softened butter
• 1 teaspoon orange juice
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon corn syrup
• 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar

What’s in the Gear List

• Mixing Bowls: For combining your ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to success.
• Rolling Pin: Essential for rolling out the dough.
• Baking Sheet or Pan: To bake those beautiful rolls.
• Plastic Wrap: Useful for covering the dough while it rises.
• Whisk: Perfect for mixing the glaze ingredients smoothly.

Orange Rolls Recipe: From Prep to Plate

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of warm water and 4 1/2 teaspoons of quick-rise yeast. Add 6 tablespoons of granulated sugar and stir gently. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.

Step 2: Make the Dough

Once the yeast is activated, add 5 tablespoons of melted and cooled butter, 2 teaspoons of salt, and 6 cups of all-purpose flour (you may need to adjust the flour depending on the dough consistency). Mix until a soft dough forms.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, gradually incorporate more flour.

Step 4: Let It Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, approximately 1 hour.

Step 5: Prepare the Filling

While the dough is rising, mix together 1/2 cup of melted butter, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of orange zest, and 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon in a separate bowl.

Step 6: Roll Out the Dough

After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.

Step 7: Spread the Filling

Spread the orange filling evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

Step 8: Roll and Cut

Starting from one end, tightly roll the dough into a log. Slice the log into 12-15 equal pieces and place them in a greased baking pan.

Step 9: Second Rise

Cover the rolls with plastic wrap and let them rise again in a warm place for about 30-45 minutes until puffy.

Step 10: Bake the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 11: Make the Glaze

While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze. In a mixing bowl, combine 2 oz cream cheese, 1/4 cup softened butter, 1 teaspoon orange juice, 1 tablespoon orange zest, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon corn syrup, and 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar. Whisk until smooth.

Step 12: Glaze and Serve

Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes before drizzling the cream cheese glaze on top. Serve warm and enjoy!

Better-for-You Options

• Substitute whole wheat flour for a portion of the all-purpose flour for added fiber.
• Use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option.
• Reduce sugar in the filling by half for a less sweet roll.
• Incorporate nuts or seeds for added nutrition and crunch.

Behind-the-Scenes Notes

The key to perfect orange rolls is to ensure your yeast is fresh and activated properly. If your yeast does not foam, it may be expired, and you’ll need to start over. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky, so don’t be tempted to add too much flour. Adjusting the flour amount can be necessary, as humidity and temperature can affect dough consistency.

• For a richer flavor, let the dough rise in the refrigerator overnight for a slow fermentation.
• Feel free to experiment with different citrus zests, such as lemon or lime, for a unique twist.
• These rolls can also be frozen before baking; just thaw and bake when ready to enjoy!

Leftovers & Meal Prep

These orange rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to warm through.

Your Questions, Answered

Can I use regular yeast instead of quick-rise yeast?

Yes, but you will need to allow more time for the dough to rise, usually about 1-2 hours for the first rise.

What can I substitute for cream cheese in the glaze?

You can use Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for a similar texture and taste.

Can I make these rolls vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a non-dairy milk for the glaze.

How do I know when the rolls are done baking?

The rolls should be golden brown on top, and if you tap on the bottom, they should sound hollow. An internal temperature of about 190°F (88°C) is also a good indicator.

Wrap-Up

This Orange Rolls Recipe is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the senses. The combination of sweet, tangy orange flavor and soft, fluffy dough makes these rolls a favorite for any occasion. With a little patience and love, you can create a batch that will impress family and friends alike. So why wait? Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to bake the most delightful orange rolls you’ve ever tasted!

Orange Rolls Recipe

Wake up to the heavenly aroma of fresh Orange Rolls! Fluffy dough, sweet orange filling, and creamy glaze make this a must-try!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups warm water (about 110°F)
• 4 1/2 teaspoons quick-rise yeast (2 packets)
• 6 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 6 cups all-purpose flour (give or take 1 cup)
• 5 tablespoons butter (melted and cooled)
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 cup butter (melted)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons orange zest
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 oz cream cheese
• 1/4 cup butter (softened)
• 1 teaspoon orange juice
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon corn syrup
• 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rolling Pin
• Baking Sheet or Pan
• Plastic Wrap
• Whisk

Method

 

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of warm water and 4 1/2 teaspoons of quick-rise yeast. Add 6 tablespoons of granulated sugar and stir gently. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
2. Once the yeast is activated, add 5 tablespoons of melted and cooled butter, 2 teaspoons of salt, and 6 cups of all-purpose flour (you may need to adjust the flour depending on the dough consistency). Mix until a soft dough forms.
3. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, gradually incorporate more flour.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, approximately 1 hour.
5. While the dough is rising, mix together 1/2 cup of melted butter, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of orange zest, and 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon in a separate bowl.
6. After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
7. Spread the orange filling evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
8. Starting from one end, tightly roll the dough into a log. Slice the log into 12-15 equal pieces and place them in a greased baking pan.
9. Cover the rolls with plastic wrap and let them rise again in a warm place for about 30-45 minutes until puffy.
10. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
11. While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze. In a mixing bowl, combine 2 oz cream cheese, 1/4 cup softened butter, 1 teaspoon orange juice, 1 tablespoon orange zest, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon corn syrup, and 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar. Whisk until smooth.
12. Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes before drizzling the cream cheese glaze on top. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

• For a richer flavor, let the dough rise in the refrigerator overnight for a slow fermentation.
• Feel free to experiment with different citrus zests, such as lemon or lime, for a unique twist.
• These rolls can also be frozen before baking; just thaw and bake when ready to enjoy!