Best Homemade Orange Rolls

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked orange rolls wafting through your kitchen. These Best Homemade Orange Rolls are fluffy, sweet, and filled with bright citrus flavor. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a special treat, these rolls feature a soft dough swirled with orange sugar filling and topped with a creamy orange-infused glaze. They’re easy to make, beautifully golden, and guaranteed to impress anyone lucky enough to taste them.

Ingredients

For the Dough:
• 1/2 cup warm milk (100℉ to 110℉)
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1 tablespoon instant dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons salted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• 3 to 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

For the Filling:
• 1/2 cup salted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons orange zest

For the Orange Glaze:
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup salted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon orange extract (optional)
• 1 to 2 tablespoons orange juice

Instructions

1. In a stand mixer bowl, combine warm milk, orange juice, yeast, sugar, salt, butter, and egg. Add in flour gradually while mixing on low speed.
2. When the dough begins to come together, increase speed to medium and continue kneading until soft and tacky, but not sticky. Adjust flour as needed.
3. Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
4. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. Roll the dough out on a clean surface into a 12×18-inch rectangle.
5. Mix together butter, sugar, and orange zest in a small bowl. Spread evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border at the top.
6. Roll the dough tightly lengthwise into one long roll. Cut into 12 equal slices using a sharp serrated knife.
7. Arrange the rolls in the prepared pan, cover, and let them rise again for 30 to 45 minutes until puffy.
8. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 20 to 25 minutes, or until lightly golden on top.
9. While baking, prepare the glaze by beating cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy. Add powdered sugar, orange extract, and enough orange juice to make it smooth and spreadable.
10. Frost the warm rolls generously with the glaze. Serve immediately or store once cooled.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serve your Best Homemade Orange Rolls warm and freshly glazed for the ultimate flavor experience. The creamy orange glaze melts into the soft, fluffy layers, creating a deliciously sticky and citrusy treat. If you’re making them ahead, bake and cool completely before storing. Keep the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To reheat, microwave each roll for 10–15 seconds to restore that just-baked softness. For long-term storage, freeze the unglazed rolls for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, warm slightly, and top with fresh orange glaze.

Variations

1. Orange Cranberry Rolls – Add ½ cup dried cranberries to the filling for a tart-sweet contrast that enhances the orange flavor.
2. Chocolate Orange Rolls – Sprinkle ½ cup mini chocolate chips inside the filling for a dessert-style twist.
3. Orange Creamsicle Rolls – Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the glaze for that nostalgic orange creamsicle taste.
4. Orange Pecan Rolls – Add ½ cup chopped pecans to the filling for crunch and nutty richness.
5. Blood Orange Rolls – Substitute regular orange juice with blood orange juice for a deeper hue and bolder citrus flavor.
6. Coconut Orange Rolls – Sprinkle ¼ cup shredded coconut over the filling for tropical flair.
7. Lemon-Orange Rolls – Combine 1 tablespoon lemon zest with the orange zest for a bright, tangy flavor boost.
8. Spiced Orange Rolls – Mix 1 teaspoon cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon nutmeg into the filling for a cozy, warm aroma.
9. Orange Raspberry Rolls – Spread 2 tablespoons raspberry jam before the orange filling for fruity depth.
10. Maple Orange Rolls – Replace 2 tablespoons of sugar in the glaze with maple syrup for a caramelized sweetness.
11. Orange Almond Rolls – Add ½ teaspoon almond extract to the dough and top with slivered almonds for extra crunch.
12. Honey Orange Rolls – Drizzle warm honey over the baked rolls for glossy, natural sweetness.
13. Orange Blueberry Rolls – Add ½ cup fresh or frozen blueberries to the filling for a juicy burst of flavor.
14. Cardamom Orange Rolls – Add ½ teaspoon ground cardamom to the dough or filling for a fragrant, spiced aroma.
15. Savory Orange Herb Rolls – Reduce the sugar and add chopped rosemary and thyme for a subtle sweet-savory flavor blend.

FAQs

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, refrigerate it overnight after the first rise and shape it the next morning.
2. Can I use bottled orange juice? Fresh juice is preferred, but bottled works if freshly squeezed isn’t available.
3. Can I substitute active dry yeast for instant yeast? Yes, just proof it in warm milk and orange juice for 5–10 minutes before mixing.
4. Can I make these rolls without cream cheese? Yes, substitute mascarpone or make a simple powdered sugar and orange juice glaze.
5. Why did my dough not rise? The liquid may have been too hot or the yeast expired—ensure the temperature is 100–110°F.
6. Can I bake them in advance? Yes, bake, cool, and store them covered. Warm and glaze before serving.
7. Can I freeze the dough? Yes, freeze after shaping, then thaw and let rise before baking.
8. What can I use instead of orange extract? You can use extra orange zest or a splash of vanilla extract.
9. How do I prevent my rolls from becoming dry? Avoid overbaking and make sure to glaze them while still warm.
10. Can I double this recipe? Absolutely! Just use two 9×13-inch pans for even baking.

These Best Homemade Orange Rolls are the perfect blend of soft dough, sweet citrus filling, and creamy glaze. Whether served fresh from the oven for breakfast or shared during holidays and gatherings, they bring a burst of sunshine to any table. With simple ingredients and a foolproof method, you’ll have bakery-quality rolls that everyone will rave about.

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