Can I make orange rolls ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare these rolls up to the second rise. After shaping the rolls and placing them in the baking pan, cover them tightly and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, let them come to room temperature before baking. This makes them perfect for a hassle-free holiday breakfast or brunch.

Can I use a different glaze for the orange rolls?

While the cream cheese glaze is a favorite for these rolls, you can also use a simple powdered sugar glaze if you prefer a lighter option. For a slightly tangier glaze, you could even try using a lemon glaze instead.

How should I store leftover orange rolls?

Store leftover orange rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. They’re best enjoyed fresh but will still taste delicious for a couple of days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months — just reheat in the microwave or oven.

Orange Rolls – Easy & Delicious Homemade Recipe

Description

These homemade orange rolls are soft, citrusy, and topped with a smooth cream cheese glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

½ cup warm milk (between 100-110°F)
⅓ cup fresh orange juice
2 ¼ tsp instant yeast
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ tsp salt
¼ cup butter (softened)
1 large egg
1 tbsp orange zest
3 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup butter (very soft)
½ cup granulated sugar
½ tsp ground cardamom (or cinnamon, optional)
4 oz cream cheese (very soft)
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp orange juice
½ tbsp orange zest

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Instructions

In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm milk, orange juice, yeast, sugar, salt, butter, egg, and orange zest. Add flour and mix on low speed until just combined. Then increase speed to medium and mix until the dough pulls away from the bowl and is soft but not sticky.
Transfer the dough to a lightly greased mixing bowl. Cover with a towel or place inside a warm oven (light on, oven off). Let the dough rise until doubled in size, 1 to 2 hours.
Mix the softened butter, sugar, and cardamom (or cinnamon) until smooth and well combined.
On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle. Spread the filling over the dough evenly. Starting from the long edge, carefully roll up the dough into a log.
Trim uneven ends, then slice the log into 12 equal rolls using dental floss or a sharp knife.
Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch pan. Cover with a towel and let them rise again for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for 20-22 minutes, or until lightly golden on top.
In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese, powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth. Spread the glaze over the warm rolls and serve immediately.

Notes

If your dough isn’t rising as expected, allow it more time to rise, especially during the first proofing stage.
For a more intense citrus flavor, add extra orange zest to both the dough and glaze.
These rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored at room temperature for 2-3 days in an airtight container.
If preparing the rolls ahead of time, assemble them and refrigerate overnight after the second rise, then bake the next morning.

Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 22 minutes
Category: Breakfast & Brunch
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 roll
Calories: 300
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 41g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 45mg