Bring Fresh Citrus to Your Table with These Irresistible Homemade Orange Rolls

If you’re a fan of cinnamon rolls, get ready to fall in love with homemade orange rolls! This delightful twist on a classic features a soft, fluffy dough infused with a refreshing citrus flavor, thanks to fresh orange zest and juice. Follow this easy recipe to create a batch of delicious, gooey rolls right at home.

Ingredients you’ll need:

For the dough:

• 500 gm all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 60 gm sugar
• 7 gm active dry yeast
• 240 ml warm milk (around 100°F or 38°C)
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 75 gm unsalted butter, melted

For the orange filling:

• 100 gm sugar
• Zest of 2 large oranges
• 60 gm unsalted butter, softened

For the orange glaze:

• 240 ml powdered sugar
• 60 ml fresh orange juice
• Zest of 1 orange

Step 1: Prepare the dough

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, mix the warm milk with the active dry yeast and 1 ts of sugar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy. This ensures that the yeast is active and will make the rolls rise well.
2. Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and remaining sugar.
3. Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the eggs and melted butter. Add the foamy yeast mixture and stir well.
4. Form the dough: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough begins to form. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about five to seven minutes or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, add a bit more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time.
5. Let the dough rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1-1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Prepare the orange filling

1. In a small bowl, combine the sugar and orange zest. Rub the zest into the sugar with your fingers to release the oils from the orange peel for a more intense flavor.
2. Add the softened butter and mix well to form a spreadable orange filling.

Step 3: Shape the rolls

1. Roll out the dough: Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle approximately 12x18 inches.
2. Add the filling: Spread the orange filling evenly over the rolled-out dough, reaching all the edges.
3. Roll and cut: Starting from one of the long edges, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Use a sharp knife to cut the log into 12 equal rolls.
4. Arrange in a baking dish: Place the rolls into a greased baking dish, leaving a bit of space between them for rising. Cover the dish with a cloth and let the rolls rise for another 30-45 minutes.

Step 4: Bake the orange rolls

1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
2. Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes or until they’re golden brown on top. Be careful not to overbake, as you want them to remain soft and tender.

Step 5: Prepare the orange glaze

1. Mix the glaze ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, fresh orange juice, and orange zest until smooth.
2. Glaze the rolls: Once the rolls have slightly cooled, drizzle the orange glaze over the top, letting it seep into the rolls for added sweetness and flavor.

Storage tips

• Room temperature: Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.
• Refrigerator: For longer storage, keep the rolls in the refrigerator for up to a week. Before serving, warm them up briefly in the microwave for that freshly-baked taste.

Homemade orange rolls add a refreshing twist to classic cinnamon rolls. The bright citrus flavor from fresh oranges, paired with the soft dough and sweet glaze, makes this a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. From brunch gatherings to weekend baking sessions, these rolls are sure to impress. If orange is your flavor we have some great dessert recipes for you to check out. For more unique and indulgent recipes using oranges, check out our webiste and get inspired by sweet treats that celebrate creativity in the kitchen.