Homemade Orange Rolls
These homemade orange rolls are a delightful treat, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon pick-me-up. Using thawed frozen bread dough makes them surprisingly easy to prepare, while a vibrant orange zest filling and a sweet citrus glaze infuse every bite with sunny flavor. Get ready for soft, fluffy rolls bursting with a sweet, tangy orange goodness that will have everyone asking for more!
There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, freshly baked roll, especially one that fills your kitchen with the irresistible scent of citrus. These aren’t just any rolls; these are Homemade Orange Rolls, a recipe that brings together the ease of store-bought dough with the incredible satisfaction of baking from scratch.
Imagine biting into a soft, pillowy swirl, where delicate layers of dough are generously coated with a sweet, zesty orange filling. Then, just when you think it can’t get any better, a luscious, tangy orange glaze cascades over the warm rolls, seeping into every nook and cranny. The result? A burst of sunshine in every bite that’s both elegant and utterly addictive.
Perfect for a lazy weekend brunch, a special holiday breakfast, or simply when you need a little something sweet to brighten your day, these orange rolls are surprisingly simple to make. We’re taking a clever shortcut with frozen bread dough, meaning less kneading and more enjoying! So, roll up your sleeves, grab some oranges, and let’s bring some sweet, citrusy magic into your home.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time? A: Yes! You can prepare the rolls and place them in the baking dish, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature and rise for about an hour before baking as directed.
Q: What if I don’t have fresh oranges for zest and juice? A: While fresh is best for flavor, you can use good quality orange extract for the zest (start with 1/2 tsp in the filling) and bottled orange juice for the glaze. However, the brightness of fresh zest is truly unmatched!
Q: My dough isn’t rising. What could be wrong? A: Dough needs warmth to rise. Ensure your kitchen isn’t too cold. Also, make sure your frozen dough was fully thawed according to package directions. If it’s old or wasn’t stored properly, the yeast might be inactive.
Q: Can I use different citrus fruits? A: Absolutely! Lemon or lime zest and juice would also be delicious for a different twist. Just swap the orange for your preferred citrus.
Q: How do I store leftover orange rolls? A: Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave for a few seconds or in a low oven for a few minutes to restore their warmth and softness.
Homemade Orange Rolls
Ingredients
The Rolls
- 1 Loaf of frozen bread dough thawed
- 1 stick Butter softened
- 1/2 cup Sugar
- 2 tbsp Orange Zest
The Orange Glaze
- 1/2 stick Butter melted
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar
- 2 tbsp Orange Juice
- A pinch of Orange Zest
Instructions
- Prepare Filling: In a small bowl, combine the 1/2 cup of sugar with the 2 tbsp of orange zest. Rub them together with your fingers to infuse the sugar with the bright orange oils. Set aside.
- Roll the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out your thawed frozen bread dough into a large rectangle, aiming for about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Add Butter and Filling: Spread the softened butter evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border (about 1/2 inch) around the edges. Generously sprinkle the orange sugar mixture over the buttered dough.
- Roll and Cut: Starting from one of the long sides, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Once rolled, use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to cut the log into 1 to 1.5-inch thick slices.
- Let the Dough Rise: Arrange the cut rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Make sure to leave some space between each roll, as they will expand. Cover the dish loosely with plastic wrap and let the rolls rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until they have visibly doubled in size and are puffy.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once preheated, bake the risen rolls for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare Glaze: While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, powdered sugar, orange juice, and the pinch of orange zest until completely smooth and creamy. If the glaze is too thick, add a tiny bit more orange juice; if too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.
- Glaze and Serve: As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, drizzle the prepared glaze generously over them. The warmth of the rolls will help the glaze melt slightly and soak in, creating an incredible flavor. Let them sit for a few minutes to absorb the glorious glaze before serving warm.
