If you’re searching for a bright and cheerful treat to start your day or to share with loved ones, look no further than Homemade Orange Sweet Rolls. These pillowy, citrus-kissed rolls are the perfect marriage of buttery dough, sweet orange zest, and a luscious glaze that melts right into the warm spirals. Each bite bursts with sunny flavor, making these sweet rolls an irresistible addition to brunch tables, coffee breaks, or even as an indulgent dessert. There’s something extra special about making them from scratch—your kitchen will be filled with the most inviting aroma, and the smiles from everyone who tastes them will be all the reward you need.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in these Homemade Orange Sweet Rolls plays a starring role, from the rich dough to the zesty, aromatic filling and the creamy glaze on top. Simple pantry staples come together to create a treat that’s truly greater than the sum of its parts.
- Warm whole milk: Helps activate the yeast and keeps the dough incredibly tender and moist.
- Active dry yeast: The key to those fluffy, lofty rolls—make sure it’s fresh for the best rise.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps feed the yeast, ensuring a beautifully risen dough.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Used in both the dough and filling for a melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor.
- Salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances all the citrus notes.
- Large eggs: Give the dough structure and a lovely golden color.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for your dough—measure carefully for the softest rolls.
- Light brown sugar (packed): Melts into a caramel-like layer in the filling, perfectly complementing the orange zest.
- Orange zest: The heart of the recipe, lending bright, fresh citrus flavor to both the filling and glaze.
- Powdered sugar: Creates that silky, irresistible glaze that drips down the sides of the rolls.
- Fresh orange juice: Gives the glaze a zingy, natural sweetness—use freshly squeezed for the best taste.
How to Make Homemade Orange Sweet Rolls
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Begin by combining the warm milk and active dry yeast in a small bowl. Allow this mixture to sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy on top. This step is absolutely crucial—if you don’t see bubbles, your yeast may be expired, and it’s worth starting over. A good foamy mixture is the secret to fluffy, cloud-like sweet rolls.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, blend together the granulated sugar, softened butter, salt, eggs, and the now-activated yeast mixture. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, stirring until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Don’t be afraid to get your hands in there! Once the dough starts coming together, you’re well on your way to bakery-level Homemade Orange Sweet Rolls.
Step 3: Knead and First Rise
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic. You’ll know it’s ready when it bounces back under your fingers. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 2 hours, or until it’s doubled in size. This is the perfect time to prep your filling and maybe brew a cup of coffee!
Step 4: Roll Out and Fill
Once your dough has doubled, punch it down gently and roll it into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches. Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface, then sprinkle on the brown sugar and, most importantly, the fresh orange zest. This step is where the Homemade Orange Sweet Rolls start to take on their signature citrusy magic.
Step 5: Shape and Second Rise
Roll the rectangle tightly, starting from the long side, to form a log. Slice the log into 12 equal rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss for neat spirals. Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, cover, and let them rise for another 30 to 45 minutes until puffed and cozy. This second rise ensures ultra-soft rolls that bake up beautifully.
Step 6: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have risen, bake them for 25 to 30 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and your kitchen smells like citrus heaven. If you peek and see the tops browning too quickly, tent the rolls loosely with foil for the last few minutes.
Step 7: Glaze and Serve
While the rolls are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, fresh orange juice, and extra orange zest to make the glaze. As soon as the rolls emerge from the oven, drizzle the glaze generously over the warm rolls so it melts right in. The result: irresistible Homemade Orange Sweet Rolls with a sweet, tangy finish.
How to Serve Homemade Orange Sweet Rolls
Garnishes
For a picture-perfect finish, sprinkle a little extra orange zest over the warm, glazed rolls. You can even add a dusting of powdered sugar or a few thin orange slices on the side for an extra pop of color and brightness.
Side Dishes
These rolls are delightful alongside fresh fruit salad, creamy Greek yogurt, or even a savory egg dish. The zesty sweetness balances beautifully with coffee or a tall glass of cold milk for a classic breakfast pairing.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Homemade Orange Sweet Rolls family-style in the baking dish for a cozy, help-yourself vibe, or plate each roll individually with a drizzle of extra glaze and a twist of orange peel. For special occasions, stack them in a pyramid on a cake stand and let guests pull them apart.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerated for up to five days. The key is to keep them tightly covered so they stay soft and moist—no one wants a dry sweet roll!
Freezing
If you want to enjoy Homemade Orange Sweet Rolls later, freeze the unglazed rolls in a freezer-safe container or tightly wrapped in foil and plastic wrap. They’ll keep well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm and glaze just before serving for that fresh-from-the-oven experience.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop a roll in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or warm a tray in the oven at 300°F until just heated through. Add a little fresh glaze if you like—the rolls will taste as if you just baked them!
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast in this recipe. Skip the proofing step and add the yeast directly to the dough ingredients, but keep an eye on your dough as it may rise a bit faster.
What’s the best way to zest an orange?
Use a microplane or fine grater to zest only the bright orange part of the peel, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath. Fresh zest gives Homemade Orange Sweet Rolls their signature aroma and flavor.
Can I prepare these rolls the night before?
Absolutely! After shaping the rolls and placing them in the baking dish, cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature and rise before baking for a stress-free morning treat.
How do I keep the rolls from sticking to the pan?
Make sure to generously grease your baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. You can also line the dish with parchment paper for extra insurance and easy removal.
Can I add nuts or dried fruit to the filling?
Definitely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even dried cranberries can be sprinkled over the orange-sugar filling before rolling up the dough for a delicious twist on classic Homemade Orange Sweet Rolls.
Final Thoughts
If you love a touch of sunshine in your baking, you simply have to give these Homemade Orange Sweet Rolls a try. They’re soft, fragrant, and filled with vibrant citrus flavor—guaranteed to brighten any morning or gathering. Gather your ingredients, invite someone you love to help, and enjoy every sweet, sticky bite!
Print
Homemade Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These homemade orange sweet rolls are soft, fluffy, and bursting with fresh citrus flavor. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, the rolls feature a tender dough filled with a buttery, brown sugar and orange zest filling, topped with a sweet orange glaze that adds a refreshing finish.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm whole milk
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons orange zest
For the Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3–4 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk and active dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is activated.
- Mix Dough Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, softened butter, salt, eggs, and the yeast mixture. Mix well until fully incorporated.
- Add Flour and Knead: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for 1–2 hours or until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare Filling and Shape Rolls: Roll the risen dough into a 12×18 inch large rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the brown sugar and orange zest evenly on top. Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log.
- Slice and Second Rise: Slice the rolled dough into 12 equal rolls and arrange them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let the rolls rise for another 30–45 minutes until puffy.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown on top.
- Make Glaze: While the rolls are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, fresh orange juice, and orange zest to create a smooth glaze.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the fresh orange glaze over the warm rolls just before serving for a shiny, sweet finish.
Notes
- For an overnight preparation, complete the rolls up to the second rise. Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. Bring them to room temperature and let them rise before baking the next day.
- Enhance the glaze by adding a touch of vanilla extract for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
