Homemade Orange Rolls Recipe

Imagine biting into a warm, pillowy-soft roll, bursting with the bright, zesty flavor of fresh oranges, and generously coated in a sweet, creamy glaze. These homemade orange rolls are more than just breakfast; they’re a sensory experience. Perfect for weekend brunch, a holiday treat, or simply a delightful indulgence, this recipe walks you through every step to achieve bakery-worthy results right in your own kitchen.

The Magic of Homemade Orange Rolls

Orange rolls are a timeless classic, and this recipe elevates them to new heights. We’re not just talking about a quick bread with a hint of citrus; we’re talking about melt-in-your-mouth dough, layers of vibrant orange filling, and a glaze that perfectly complements the tangy sweetness. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked citrus!

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe uses a combination of time-tested techniques and carefully selected ingredients to ensure consistently delicious results. We’ll focus on:

• The Dough: A rich, enriched dough that provides the perfect balance of tenderness and structure.
• The Filling: A vibrant orange filling bursting with fresh citrus flavor.
• The Glaze: A creamy, sweet glaze that perfectly complements the tangy orange.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to create these delectable orange rolls. Fresh, high-quality ingredients will make all the difference!

• For the Dough:
  • 1 cup (240ml) warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
  • ⅓ cup (67g) granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ⅓ cup (67g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg
  • 4 cups (480g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• For the Orange Filling:
  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • ⅔ cup (133g) granulated sugar
  • Zest of 2 large oranges
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of ground nutmeg
• For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
  • 4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup (60ml) milk or orange juice
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create perfect orange rolls every time!

1. Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to use. Do not skip this step! If the yeast doesn’t foam, it’s likely old and needs to be replaced.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the sugar, salt, melted butter, and egg to the yeast mixture. Whisk until well combined.
3. Add Flour: Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable. If it’s too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it reaches the desired consistency. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment and knead on medium speed for the same amount of time.
5. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. Patience is key! A longer rise will result in a lighter, more flavorful roll.
6. Prepare the Filling: While the dough is rising, prepare the orange filling. In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter, sugar, orange zest, cinnamon, and nutmeg until light and fluffy.
7. Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has doubled, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches.
8. Spread the Filling: Spread the orange filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border along one of the long edges.
9. Roll and Slice: Starting from the opposite long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal. Using a sharp, serrated knife or unflavored dental floss, slice the log into 12 equal rolls. For clean slices, use the dental floss method. Simply slide the floss under the log, cross the ends, and pull to slice.
10. Second Rise: Place the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, or until puffy.
11. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. Keep a close eye on them! If the tops start to brown too quickly, cover the dish with foil.
12. Cool Slightly: Let the rolls cool in the baking dish for about 10 minutes before frosting.
13. Prepare the Glaze: While the rolls are cooling, prepare the cream cheese glaze. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until well combined. Stir in the milk or orange juice and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
14. Glaze and Serve: Generously frost the warm rolls with the cream cheese glaze. Serve immediately and enjoy the warm, gooey goodness!

Cooking Tips for Orange Roll Perfection

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature ingredients, especially butter and cream cheese, is crucial for a smooth and creamy glaze.
• Don’t Overbake: Overbaking will result in dry, tough rolls. Check for doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center roll; it should come out clean.
• Warm Place for Rising: A warm place for rising can be achieved by placing the dough in a slightly warmed oven (turned off), near a sunny window, or in a warm room.

Make-Ahead Instructions

Want to get a head start? You can prepare the rolls ahead of time! Assemble the rolls in the baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking as directed.

Variations and Substitutions

• Vegan Orange Rolls: Substitute the milk with plant-based milk (almond, soy, or oat), the butter with vegan butter, the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water), and the cream cheese with vegan cream cheese.
• Gluten-Free Orange Rolls: Use a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. You may need to add a binder like xanthan gum to improve the texture.
• Cranberry Orange Rolls: Add ½ cup of dried cranberries to the orange filling for a festive twist.
• Nutty Orange Rolls: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the orange filling before rolling up the dough.

A Taste of Sunshine in Every Bite

These homemade orange rolls are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a delightful combination of textures and flavors. From the soft, yielding dough to the tangy filling and creamy glaze, every bite is a celebration of citrus. So, gather your ingredients, follow the instructions, and prepare to indulge in a truly unforgettable treat!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Q: Can I use orange extract instead of fresh orange zest?A: While you can, fresh orange zest provides a much brighter and more vibrant flavor. If you must use extract, start with ½ teaspoon and adjust to taste. Keep in mind that extract can sometimes taste artificial.
• Q: My rolls are browning too quickly. What should I do?A: If your rolls are browning too quickly, tent the baking dish with aluminum foil. This will help to prevent the tops from burning while the inside continues to bake.