If you’re craving a sweet breakfast treat that bursts with bright, citrusy flavor, let me introduce you to the magic of my Homemade Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe. These rolls are soft, tender, and packed with fresh orange zest in both the filling and frosting, creating a morning indulgence that’s truly unforgettable. From the pillowy dough caramelized to a delicate golden hue to the luscious cream cheese frosting with just the right tang, every bite invites smiles and satisfied sighs. Perfect for a cozy weekend brunch or an impressive gathering, these rolls prove that homemade bakery delights are easier to make than you think—and oh, so worth it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how a handful of simple ingredients come together to create such a flavorful and tender sweet roll. Each component serves a purpose, whether it’s the richness of butter, the uplifting zest of fresh orange, or the tangy cream cheese frosting that ties it all together.
- Milk: Provides the rich, tender base for the dough, with whole or 2% giving the best flavor and texture.
- Salted butter: Adds depth and moisture both in the dough and the sweet filling, balancing richness with saltiness.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough moderately and fuels the yeast for a perfect rise.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors while keeping balance.
- Instant yeast: The secret to fluffy rolls that rise beautifully.
- Large egg: Adds structure and richness for that tender crumb we adore in sweet rolls.
- All-purpose flour: Builds the dough’s body—added gradually for precision.
- Fresh orange zest: The star ingredient, infusing every bite with bright citrus aroma and flavor.
- Cream cheese: Creates a smooth, tangy frosting that contrasts perfectly with the sweet orange filling.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to just the right creamy consistency.
How to Make Homemade Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Scald the Milk
Start by heating the milk until it’s steaming with tiny bubbles around the edges—this helps soften the butter later and prepares the perfect environment for your yeast. Just be careful not to boil it, or it could ruin the texture of your dough.
Step 2: Combine Base Ingredients
Mix in the butter, sugar, and salt while the milk is still warm to melt everything together. Let this mixture cool until it’s warm but not hot, as high heat could kill the yeast in the next step.
Step 3: Add Yeast and Egg
Gently stir in the instant yeast and egg. This step starts forming that tender structure of your rolls, setting the stage for fluffiness and richness.
Step 4: Add Flour and Knead
Slowly add in the flour, one cup at a time, until the dough is soft but only slightly sticky—usually around 3.5 cups. Knead it for a few minutes until smooth and elastic, which helps create that light interior we all crave.
Step 5: Let Dough Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it. A warm, draft-free spot will help it double in size in about an hour, transforming it into fluffy dough ready for shaping.
Step 6: Prepare the Orange Filling
Mix equal parts softened butter and sugar with the fresh orange zest until fragrant and well combined. This vibrant filling is what makes these rolls so unforgettable.
Step 7: Shape the Rolls
Roll your dough out into a 14 by 10-inch rectangle on a floured surface, then spread the orange filling evenly across it. Carefully roll up the dough tightly and seal the edge to keep that juicy filling inside.
Step 8: Cut and Arrange
Using a serrated knife, cut the roll into 12 equal slices. For a classic look, arrange them in a greased 9×13 pan. If you want an elegant twist, stretch each slice into an oval, twist once in the center, then place them spaced out on a parchment-lined sheet.
Step 9: Second Rise
Cover the shaped rolls again and leave them in a warm spot until puffy and almost doubled—about 1 to 1.5 hours. This step ensures they bake up light and airy.
Step 10: Bake to Perfection
Pop your rolls into a preheated 350°F oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes until they are just golden on top. The aroma alone is enough to make your heart race in anticipation.
Step 11: Make the Creamy Frosting
While the rolls cool slightly, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add salt, milk or cream (or fresh orange juice), and more fresh zest for a punch of flavor before beating in the powdered sugar to create a luscious frosting.
Step 12: Frost and Enjoy
Spread that gorgeous frosting over warm rolls and serve immediately, or let them cool to room temperature or slightly warmed for a melt-in-your-mouth bite. This finishing touch takes your Homemade Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe to the next level.
How to Serve Homemade Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
The finishing touch matters, so sprinkle some extra fresh orange zest over the frosting right before serving for a spark of color and a burst of fragrance. If you want to get fancy, a thin orange slice perched atop each roll makes a charming presentation that’ll wow your guests.
Side Dishes
These bright orange rolls pair wonderfully with hot coffee, fragrant teas, or even a chilled glass of milk. To make a really satisfying brunch, offer them alongside savory items like scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or a colorful fruit salad—a perfect dance of sweet and savory.
Creative Ways to Present
Try laying the twisted rolls on a beautiful platter sprinkled with edible flowers or delicate mint leaves for an elegant touch. You can also stack classic rolls into a spiral on a round pan to create a stunning centerpiece that’s as eye-catching as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If the rolls stick around after your first round of indulgence, store them completely cooled in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for up to five days to keep them fresh.
Freezing
These rolls freeze beautifully! Freeze the unfrosted rolls in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag, preserving their fluffiness for up to two months. Frosted rolls can be frozen individually after being set on a baking sheet, then wrapped and bagged to avoid freezer burn.
Reheating
When you’re ready for another treat, warm refrigerated rolls in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. For frozen rolls, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes for that fresh-baked feel.
FAQs
Can I make these rolls without a stand mixer?
Absolutely! Mixing and kneading by hand works perfectly. It takes a bit more elbow grease—knead for 8 to 10 minutes on a lightly floured surface—but you’ll still get those amazing, fluffy rolls that everyone will love.
Why didn’t my dough rise properly?
Your yeast needs the right temperature and fresh ingredients to work its magic. If the milk mixture was too hot, the yeast could’ve been killed. If too cold, it won’t activate. Make sure you use fresh yeast and find a warm, draft-free place for rising.
Can I substitute bottled orange juice for fresh zest?
I don’t recommend it. Bottled juice adds extra moisture that can interfere with the dough’s texture, while fresh zest delivers pure, concentrated orange flavor without any change to your dough consistency. If you’re out of fresh oranges, try a teaspoon or two of orange extract.
How do I know when the rolls are perfectly baked?
Look for just a hint of golden color on top. Overbaking can dry them out, so aim for a soft, slightly golden finish. If you have a thermometer, the internal temperature should be around 190°F.
Can I make the rolls ahead of time?
Yes! Shape the rolls and refrigerate them overnight. The next morning, let them come to room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes before baking. This makes for a convenient and impressive breakfast treat.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Homemade Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe that fills your kitchen with warmth and irresistible aromas, then delights your taste buds with each soft, sweet bite. Whether you’re making them for a festive brunch or simply treating yourself, these rolls bring a little sunshine and joy to any table. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a beloved favorite you’ll want to bake again and again!
Print
Homemade Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These homemade Orange Sweet Rolls are soft, fluffy, and bursting with vibrant citrus flavor. Featuring a tender, enriched dough swirled with a bright orange-sugar filling and topped with a creamy orange-infused frosting, these rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. With easy-to-follow instructions and tips for perfectly risen rolls, this recipe is a delightful twist on classic cinnamon rolls.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2% recommended)
- 1/4 cup (57 g) salted butter
- 1/4 cup (53 g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 large egg
- 3 to 4 cups (426 to 568 g) all-purpose flour
Filling
- 1/2 cup (113 g) salted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (159 g) granulated sugar
- 2 to 3 tablespoons fresh orange zest (from about 2–3 medium oranges)
Frosting
- 3 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
- 6 tablespoons (85 g) salted butter, softened
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon milk or heavy cream (can substitute fresh orange juice)
- 1 to 2 teaspoons fresh orange zest (or more, to taste)
- 1 1/4 cups (143 g) powdered sugar
Instructions
- Scald the Milk: Heat the milk in a medium saucepan or microwave until steaming with small bubbles around the edges but not boiling. Transfer to a stand mixer bowl fitted with a dough hook, or use a large mixing bowl if mixing by hand.
- Mix Base Ingredients: Add butter, sugar, and salt to the warm milk. Stir until the butter melts, then let the mixture cool until just warm (not hot).
- Add Yeast and Egg: Add the instant yeast and large egg to the cooled milk mixture and mix until combined.
- Add Flour and Knead: Gradually add flour one cup at a time, mixing until the dough begins to come together and clears the sides of the bowl. Knead for 2-3 minutes until the dough is soft, slightly sticky, and smooth.
- First Rise: Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover with greased plastic wrap or a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Prepare Filling: In a small bowl, mix softened butter, granulated sugar, and fresh orange zest until well combined.
- Shape the Rolls: Roll or pat the dough out on a lightly floured surface into a 14×10-inch rectangle. Spread the orange filling evenly over the dough. Starting from a long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seam to seal.
- Cut and Form Rolls: Use a serrated knife to cut the log into 12 even slices, about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. For classic rolls, arrange them in a greased 9×13-inch pan in three rows of four. For twisted rolls, stretch each slice into an oval, twist in the center, and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Second Rise: Cover the rolls and let them rise again in a warm place until puffed and nearly doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 18-22 minutes or until they are just slightly golden on top.
- Make the Frosting: While the rolls bake or cool slightly, beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add salt, milk or cream (or orange juice), and orange zest mixing well. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until the frosting is light and creamy.
- Frost and Serve: Spread frosting evenly over slightly warm rolls. Serve immediately or let cool to room temperature or slightly warmed.
Notes
- Whole milk or 2% milk works best to create a rich, tender dough.
- If using active dry yeast instead of instant, dissolve in 1/4 cup warm water with a pinch of sugar before adding and reduce milk slightly.
- Flour amount may vary due to humidity and brand; add gradually until dough is soft and barely sticky.
- Stretching and twisting dough pieces creates a bakery-style roll, but classic shape is also great.
- Do not over-bake; rolls should be just barely golden to maintain soft texture.
- Store leftover rolls covered at room temperature up to 2 days or refrigerated longer.
