Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The best glazed orange rolls are everything a sweet breakfast or brunch treat should be: soft, fluffy, fragrant, and generously coated with a bright citrus glaze. These rolls are similar to classic cinnamon rolls, but the orange flavor adds a fresh, uplifting twist that makes them feel extra special. They are perfect for holiday mornings, weekend brunch, or anytime you want a bakery-style treat at home.
What truly sets these orange rolls apart is their texture and balance of flavor. The dough bakes up pillowy and tender, while the orange filling melts into each swirl, creating layers of sweet citrus goodness. I tested these rolls multiple times to achieve a dough that stays soft even the next day. The glaze is smooth, vibrant, and not overly sweet, allowing the natural orange flavor to shine. If you love comforting baked goods with a fresh twist, these orange rolls are guaranteed to impress.
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The Best Glazed Orange Rolls – Soft, Fluffy, and Bursting with Citrus Flavor
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, fluffy sweet rolls infused with fresh orange zest and juice, baked until golden and finished with a glossy citrus glaze for the ultimate breakfast or brunch treat.
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp fresh orange juice (for glaze)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for glaze)
Instructions
- Dissolve yeast in warm milk with 1 tbsp sugar; let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, remaining sugar, salt, eggs, melted butter, and orange zest.
- Add yeast mixture and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead dough for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–1.5 hours until doubled.
- Roll dough into a rectangle and spread softened butter evenly.
- Sprinkle brown sugar and drizzle orange juice over the dough.
- Roll up tightly and slice into 12 rolls.
- Place rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise 30 minutes.
- Bake at 175°C (350°F) for 22–25 minutes until golden.
- Whisk powdered sugar, orange juice, and vanilla to make glaze.
- Drizzle glaze over warm rolls and serve.
Notes
- Use freshly squeezed orange juice for best flavor.
- Glaze rolls while warm so it melts into the tops.
- Rolls can be prepared the night before and baked in the morning.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
All-purpose flour
All-purpose flour provides structure while keeping the rolls soft and tender when properly kneaded.
Active dry yeast
Yeast gives the rolls their light, fluffy texture and helps them rise beautifully.
Granulated sugar
Granulated sugar sweetens the dough and helps activate the yeast.
Salt
Salt balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
Milk
Milk adds richness and creates a soft, tender crumb in the dough.
Butter
Butter adds flavor and moisture, making the rolls rich and soft.
Eggs
Eggs enrich the dough and contribute to its soft, bakery-style texture.
Orange zest
Orange zest delivers bright, concentrated citrus flavor throughout the dough and filling.
Orange juice
Orange juice adds moisture and reinforces the citrus profile.
Brown sugar
Brown sugar adds depth and a light caramel note to the filling.
Cream cheese
Cream cheese adds richness and smooth texture to the glaze.
Powdered sugar
Powdered sugar sweetens and thickens the glaze without graininess.
Vanilla extract
Vanilla rounds out the citrus flavor and adds warmth.
Directions
Warm the milk gently until just warm to the touch. Dissolve the yeast and a small amount of sugar in the milk and allow it to foam. In a large bowl, combine flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, eggs, orange zest, and orange juice. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, then place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover and let rise until doubled in size. Roll the dough out into a rectangle. Spread softened butter over the surface, then sprinkle evenly with brown sugar and additional orange zest.
Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice into equal rolls. Arrange them in a greased baking dish, cover, and allow to rise again until puffy. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C until lightly golden and cooked through.
While the rolls bake, prepare the glaze by mixing cream cheese, powdered sugar, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla until smooth. Spread the glaze over the warm rolls before serving.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 12 orange rolls. Preparation time is about 25 minutes, with rising time of about 1½ hours. Baking time is 25 minutes, bringing total time to roughly 2 hours and 20 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store glazed orange rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerated for up to four days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warm and soft.
Variations and Customizations
These orange rolls are very adaptable. For a stronger citrus flavor, add a small amount of lemon zest to the filling or glaze. If you prefer a lighter glaze, omit the cream cheese and use a simple orange powdered sugar glaze instead.
You can also add chopped nuts to the filling for texture or drizzle extra glaze over the top just before serving. For a make-ahead option, assemble the rolls the night before, refrigerate, and bake fresh in the morning.
FAQs
Can I make orange rolls ahead of time?
Yes, they can be assembled and refrigerated overnight.
Can I freeze orange rolls?
Yes, freeze baked rolls without glaze and glaze after reheating.
What makes these rolls soft?
Proper kneading, rising time, and milk-based dough ensure softness.
Can I use instant yeast?
Yes, instant yeast works with the same method.
Are these very sweet?
They are balanced, with bright citrus rather than heavy sweetness.
Can I substitute lemon for orange?
Yes, lemon can be used for a different citrus profile.
How do I keep rolls from drying out?
Store them airtight and reheat gently.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, it doubles well for larger gatherings.
What pan works best?
A rectangular baking dish works best for even baking.
Do these rolls taste good the next day?
Yes, they remain soft and flavorful when stored properly.
Conclusion
The best glazed orange rolls are a perfect blend of soft, fluffy dough and vibrant citrus flavor, finished with a smooth, irresistible glaze. Whether served for a special breakfast or a cozy weekend treat, these rolls bring warmth, freshness, and bakery-quality results to your table. Once you try them, they are sure to become a favorite you make again and again.
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