Name: Orange Sweet Rolls
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h
Ingredients: Dough: 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting); ¼ cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons); ½ cup whole milk, warmed; ¼ cup water, warmed; 2 tablespoons butter, melted; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest; 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice; Filling: 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened; ½ cup brown sugar; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest; Glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar; 2-3 tablespoons fresh orange juice; 1 tablespoon butter, melted

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Introduction

There’s something about homemade sweet rolls that just makes the morning feel extra special, and these Orange Sweet Rolls are no exception. The bright, citrusy aroma wafting through your kitchen as they bake is pure magic. When you pull them out of the oven, golden-brown, pillowy-soft with that irresistible orange glaze, you’ll feel like you’ve just stepped into a bakery—only better because you made them yourself.

These rolls are soft, slightly tangy, and just sweet enough to make your mornings feel like a treat. The fresh orange zest and juice in the dough and glaze elevate them beyond your average cinnamon roll. They’re perfect for special occasions, holiday mornings, or when you just want to add a little sunshine to your breakfast routine.

I first tried these rolls during a family brunch, and they were an instant hit. Every bite felt like a hug on a plate, and I’ve been making them ever since. What I love most about this recipe is how the citrus flavor isn’t overpowering; instead, it’s subtle but so refreshing, giving a delightful twist to the classic sweet roll. If you’re a fan of breakfast pastries, these Orange Sweet Rolls are a must-try!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll adore these Orange Sweet Rolls for several reasons. Here’s why:

Easy to make: This recipe may seem like a bakery-quality treat, but it’s surprisingly simple to whip up. With basic pantry staples and some patience, you’ll have a batch of these delicious rolls ready in no time.
Perfectly sweet and tangy: The orange zest and juice provide a burst of citrus that balances the sweetness of the dough, making each bite bright and flavorful. And let’s not forget that rich, sweet orange glaze that takes these rolls to another level!
Ideal for family breakfasts or gatherings: Whether you’re baking them for a lazy Sunday morning, a holiday brunch, or a get-together with friends, these sweet rolls are sure to impress. They’re great for sharing!
Soft, fluffy texture: The dough rises beautifully, giving the rolls that perfect soft and airy texture that you crave in a homemade pastry. Plus, the crispy edges are the best part!

Preparation Time and Servings

Total Time: About 2 hours (including rising time)
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Servings: This recipe makes 12 delicious rolls, perfect for sharing with family or guests.

Nutrition Facts (per roll):

Calories: 300
Fat: 12g
Carbs: 45g
Protein: 4g
Sugar: 20g

Ingredients

Dough:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
- ½ cup whole milk, warmed
- ¼ cup water, warmed
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
Filling:
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest
Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted

Each of these ingredients plays an important role in making the rolls soft, sweet, and packed with orange flavor. The combination of fresh zest and juice in the dough and glaze is what makes these rolls stand out. I love using fresh ingredients because they make all the difference when you’re baking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the dough:
- Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, warm water, and sugar. Stir to dissolve the sugar, then sprinkle in the yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This means your yeast is active and ready to go!
- In a separate large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Once the yeast mixture is frothy, pour it into the flour mixture along with the melted butter, egg, orange zest, and orange juice.
- Mix everything together until the dough comes together. You can use a stand mixer with a dough hook or mix it by hand.
- Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If it feels too sticky, sprinkle in a little extra flour, but be careful not to add too much. The dough should be slightly tacky but manageable.
Let the dough rise:
- Once the dough is kneaded, shape it into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. This is the time when the dough does all the magic!
Prepare the filling:
- While the dough rises, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and orange zest in a small bowl until well combined. This will be the gooey, flavorful filling that swirls through the rolls.
Roll out the dough:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release any air bubbles. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and roll it out into a rectangle about 12×18 inches in size.
Assemble the rolls:
- Spread the orange-cinnamon filling evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving about an inch around the edges. Be generous here—it’s the best part!
- Starting from one of the long edges, carefully roll the dough up into a tight log. Pinch the seam to seal it.
Cut the rolls:
- Using a sharp knife or a piece of dental floss (my secret trick!), slice the dough log into 12 equal rolls. Arrange them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each one.
Second rise:
- Cover the rolls loosely with plastic wrap and let them rise for about 30-45 minutes until they puff up nicely. They’ll almost double in size, so don’t rush this step.
Bake the rolls:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and cooked through. The kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly while they bake!
Glaze the rolls:
- While the rolls are baking, make the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, orange juice, and melted butter. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more juice to reach your desired consistency.
- Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for just a few minutes before drizzling the glaze over the top. The warm rolls will soak up the glaze, making each bite sweet and citrusy.

How to Serve

These Orange Sweet Rolls are best served warm, fresh out of the oven. They’re perfect on their own, or you can serve them with a side of scrambled eggs or bacon for a more filling breakfast.
For an extra indulgent treat, pair them with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The rich orange glaze and soft, fluffy dough are the perfect complement to your morning beverage.
These rolls also make an amazing dessert, so feel free to serve them after a light meal or at your next brunch gathering.

Additional Tips

Don’t skip the rise: The dough needs time to rise, so be patient. A longer rise results in fluffier, lighter rolls.
Use room temperature butter: For the filling, the butter should be soft enough to spread easily, but not melted. This ensures the filling holds together and doesn’t ooze out of the rolls.
Make ahead: You can prepare the dough the night before and store it in the fridge overnight. In the morning, let it come to room temperature before rolling it out and baking.
Add more citrus: If you love orange flavor, you can add more zest to the dough or glaze for an even more vibrant citrus taste.
Roll tightly: When rolling up the dough, try to keep it as tight as possible without squashing the dough, as this helps the rolls bake evenly and hold their shape.

Recipe Variations

Lemon Sweet Rolls: Swap out the orange zest and juice for lemon for a tart, bright flavor.
Cream Cheese Filling: For a tangy twist, use cream cheese in the filling alongside the butter and sugar.
Add nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts can be sprinkled inside the roll for added texture and flavor.
Vegan Option: Substitute the butter with coconut oil, use almond milk, and an egg replacement to make these rolls dairy-free and vegan-friendly.

FAQ – Orange Sweet Rolls

1. Can I use a different type of flour for this recipe?

Yes! While all-purpose flour works best for these rolls, you can experiment with other flours like bread flour, which may give the rolls a slightly chewier texture, or whole wheat flour for a more hearty, slightly nutty flavor. If using whole wheat flour, consider substituting up to half of the all-purpose flour to keep the rolls soft.

2. Can I make these rolls without yeast?

These rolls rely on yeast for their soft, fluffy texture, but if you don’t have yeast or prefer not to use it, you could try using a baking powder dough as an alternative. However, the texture will be different, and you may not get the same rise and fluffiness as with yeast.

3. How can I make these rolls ahead of time?

You can prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate it overnight. Once the dough has risen, punch it down, then roll it out and assemble the rolls as instructed. Instead of the second rise, cover the rolls and refrigerate them overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.

4. Can I freeze the dough or baked rolls?

Yes! If you want to freeze the dough, follow the recipe up until the first rise. After shaping the rolls, place them on a baking sheet and freeze them individually. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, let them thaw and rise for about 30-45 minutes before baking as usual.

For baked rolls, allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1-2 months. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.

5. Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh?

Fresh orange juice is always preferred for the best flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, you can use bottled orange juice. However, fresh juice tends to have a brighter and more intense flavor, which really makes the rolls shine. The zest, however, is essential for the full citrus flavor, so make sure to use fresh oranges for that!

Conclusion

These Orange Sweet Rolls are the perfect treat to brighten up any morning. With their soft, buttery dough, zesty orange filling, and sweet glaze, they’re sure to become a family favorite. Whether you bake them for a special occasion or simply to enjoy with your morning coffee, they’ll bring a little sunshine to your day. And the best part? You can make them ahead and enjoy them fresh whenever you need a comforting breakfast.

I hope you give these rolls a try—once you do, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making them all along! Happy baking, and I’m sure these rolls will become a staple in your kitchen just like they are in mine. Enjoy!

Orange Sweet Rolls