Homemade Glazed Orange Rolls

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Fluffy, citrus-scented, and dripping with a sweet, zesty glaze — Homemade Glazed Orange Rolls are everything you love about cinnamon rolls but with a bright and refreshing twist. These rolls are the perfect way to start your morning on a high note. Each bite melts in your mouth with soft, pillowy dough, and the orange glaze brings a sunny burst of flavor that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Whether you’re making them for a weekend brunch, a holiday breakfast, or just to treat yourself midweek, these rolls are sure to bring smiles to the table. The combination of fresh orange zest, rich buttery layers, and silky glaze creates an irresistible experience that balances sweetness and citrus like a dream.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Glazed Orange Rolls

• Bursting with real orange flavor from zest and juice
• Soft, tender dough with buttery layers
• Perfect for brunch, breakfast, or dessert
• Can be made ahead for convenience
• A fun, citrusy twist on classic cinnamon rolls

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and Equipment, and the Importance of Each Tool)

To make these rolls flawlessly, having the right tools on hand is essential:

• Stand Mixer with Dough Hook: Speeds up the kneading process and ensures a smooth, elastic dough.
• Microplane Zester: Extracts fine zest from the orange without the bitter white pith.
• Rolling Pin: Helps roll the dough evenly for consistent baking and layering.
• 9×13 Baking Dish: Allows rolls to bake evenly while staying snug and soft.
• Pastry Brush: Perfect for spreading melted butter across the dough surface.
• Mixing Bowls: Needed for combining ingredients at various stages of the recipe.
• Thermometer (optional): Helps check that your liquid is the right temperature for activating yeast.

Preparation Tips

Make sure your yeast is fresh and active — this is key for a fluffy, well-risen dough. When zesting oranges, only grate the colored part of the peel to avoid bitterness. Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free space until doubled in size for the best texture. Don’t rush the resting or proofing stages; patience here leads to softer rolls. Lastly, drizzle the glaze while the rolls are still warm so it melts into every crevice.

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Ingredients for this Homemade Glazed Orange Rolls

For the Dough:

• 1 cup whole milk, warmed to 110°F (43°C)
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 standard packet)
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 to 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting

For the Orange Filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest (from about 2 oranges)

For the Orange Glaze:

• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 2–3 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest

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Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. This indicates the yeast is active and ready to work.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

Add the eggs, melted butter, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined. Gradually add in 4 cups of flour, one cup at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Add up to 1/2 cup more flour if needed. Knead with a dough hook or by hand for 8–10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Step 3: First Rise

Form the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Make the Filling

While the dough is rising, prepare the orange filling. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, sugar, and orange zest until well combined and creamy. Set aside.

Step 5: Roll Out the Dough

Once risen, punch down the dough and turn it onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it into a large rectangle, about 16×12 inches.

Step 6: Spread and Roll

Evenly spread the orange filling over the dough. Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seam to seal.

Step 7: Slice and Arrange

Cut the log into 12 equal pieces and place them cut side up in a greased 9×13 baking dish. Cover and let rise again for about 30–45 minutes until puffy.

Step 8: Bake the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. If the tops brown too quickly, cover loosely with foil halfway through.

Step 9: Make the Orange Glaze

While the rolls are baking, whisk together powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest until smooth and pourable. Adjust the consistency by adding more juice or sugar as needed.

Step 10: Glaze the Rolls

Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool for 5–10 minutes. Drizzle the orange glaze generously over the warm rolls. Serve immediately and enjoy!

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Notes

These orange rolls are best enjoyed fresh from the oven while the glaze is still warm and silky. If you’re preparing them for a special occasion or breakfast, you can make them the night before. After placing the sliced rolls in the pan, cover and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, allow them to come to room temperature and rise for about 30–45 minutes before baking. The use of freshly squeezed orange juice and zest gives these rolls their bright, natural flavor — avoid bottled juice for best results.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Not activating the yeast properly: If the milk is too hot or too cold, the yeast won’t activate. Aim for 105°F to 110°F.
• Adding too much flour: This can make the dough stiff and dry. Add flour gradually and only as much as needed to make the dough come together.
• Under- or over-proofing the dough: Rushing the rise time or letting it go too long can affect the texture. The dough should double in size before moving to the next stage.
• Rolling the dough unevenly: This leads to uneven rolls in size and baking. Try to roll the dough into as perfect a rectangle as possible.
• Overbaking: Rolls can dry out quickly. Check them at the 25-minute mark to avoid losing that soft, tender bite.

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Storage Instructions

To store leftover orange rolls, allow them to cool completely. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. For longer storage, freeze unglazed rolls in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and warm before glazing.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (1 roll, based on 12 servings)

• Calories: 320
• Total Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 65mg
• Sodium: 170mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 47g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 22g
• Protein: 5g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought dough for this recipe?

Yes, you can use pre-made dough in a pinch, but the flavor and texture of homemade dough are far superior.

Can I make these orange rolls vegan?

You can substitute plant-based milk, butter, and an egg replacer. Just note the texture may vary slightly.

Can I use orange extract instead of fresh juice/zest?

Orange extract can be used in small amounts (1/4 to 1/2 tsp), but fresh orange juice and zest give the best natural flavor.

How do I know when the rolls are done baking?

The tops should be golden brown, and the center rolls should be fully baked — check with a toothpick if unsure.

Can I prepare the dough in advance?

Yes. After the first rise, punch the dough down, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before continuing.

What if I don’t have a stand mixer?

You can knead the dough by hand for about 10–12 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Can I freeze the baked rolls?

Yes, allow them to cool completely, then freeze. Reheat and glaze just before serving.

What other glazes can I use?

Try cream cheese glaze, vanilla icing, or even a light lemon glaze for a different twist.

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Conclusion

Homemade Glazed Orange Rolls deliver a delightful burst of citrus wrapped in a soft, buttery roll that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any cozy gathering. With a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you’ll be rewarded with rolls that rival your favorite bakery’s. Whether it’s a lazy Sunday morning or a holiday brunch, these orange rolls bring a bright and comforting touch to the table. Enjoy every gooey, citrusy bite!

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