Best Orange Rolls
These fluffy, warm orange rolls are infused with zesty citrus flavor and topped with a sweet glaze, making them a delightful breakfast treat.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast Ensure yeast is fresh
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Zest of 2 large oranges
Filling Ingredients
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Glaze Ingredients
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons orange juice (from the zested oranges)
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warmed milk and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.
- Add melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, orange zest, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix well until combined.
- Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until the dough begins to come together. You may need to adjust the amount of flour slightly.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean cloth. Let it rise in a warm area until it doubles in size, about 1-2 hours.
Cooking
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll it out into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
- Spread softened butter over the rolled-out dough, then sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon evenly on top.
- Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces.
- Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving some space between each one. Cover the dish and let the rolls rise again for about 30-40 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top.
Finishing
- While the rolls bake, mix your powdered sugar with orange juice in a small bowl until smooth to create the glaze.
- Once the rolls come out of the oven, drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
To achieve the lightest and fluffiest orange rolls, ensure your yeast is fresh and active. Kneading is essential for developing gluten. Let the rolls cool slightly before glazing to prevent melting.