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 9x13 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.