Homemade Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe

If you have a soft spot for sweet, tangy pastries that fill your kitchen with a citrusy aroma, then this Homemade Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe is about to become your new obsession. These rolls strike the perfect balance between fluffy, buttery dough and a bright, zesty orange filling, all topped off with a luscious cream cheese frosting bursting with fresh orange flavor. Every bite is like a warm hug paired with a burst of sunshine, making these sweet rolls ideal for brunch, a comforting breakfast, or a delightful afternoon treat with tea or coffee.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, familiar ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Each one contributes crucial elements to the recipe: the milk and butter enrich the dough, sugar adds sweetness, and the fresh orange zest brings that vibrant, irresistible zing.

• Milk (1 cup, whole or 2%): Provides creaminess and moisture, perfect for soft rolls.
• Salted Butter (1/4 cup for dough and 1/2 cup for filling, plus 6 tablespoons for frosting): Adds rich buttery flavor and tender texture.
• Granulated Sugar (1/4 cup for dough and 3/4 cup for filling): Sweetens the dough and filling without overpowering.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon for dough and a pinch for frosting): Enhances flavors and balances sweetness.
• Instant Yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons): The magic behind the fluffy rise of your sweet rolls.
• Large Egg (1): Binds the dough and contributes to richness.
• All-Purpose Flour (3 to 4 cups): The foundation of the roll’s structure.
• Fresh Orange Zest (2 to 3 tablespoons for filling, 1 to 2 teaspoons for frosting): Infuses a natural citrus brightness that shines through.
• Cream Cheese (3 tablespoons, softened): Creates a tangy, creamy frosting that perfectly complements the sweet rolls.
• Milk or Heavy Cream (1 tablespoon, or substitute with fresh orange juice): Adjusts the frosting’s consistency while adding a bit of richness or extra orange flavor.
• Powdered Sugar (1 1/4 cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting into a luscious glaze.

How to Make Homemade Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Scald the Milk

Begin by heating your milk until it is just steaming with tiny bubbles around the edge. This process, called scalding, is essential to improve the final texture of your dough and to kill any unwanted bacteria, ensuring your yeast works perfectly.

Step 2: Mix Base Ingredients

Next, add the butter, sugar, and salt directly to the hot milk and stir until the butter has melted completely. Let the mixture cool until it is just warm so it will not kill your yeast.

Step 3: Add Yeast and Egg

Once the milk mixture is at a safe temperature, add your yeast and egg and mix until everything is just combined. This step starts activating your yeast and bringing the dough together.

Step 4: Add Flour and Knead

Gradually add the all-purpose flour, about a cup at a time. Stop when the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl but still feels soft and slightly sticky. Knead the dough gently for a few minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic — this will give you those beautifully light rolls.

Step 5: First Rise

Transfer your dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot. It should double in size in about an hour. This rise is critical to develop the airy texture that makes these rolls so delightful.

Step 6: Prepare Filling

While the dough is rising, blend softened butter, sugar, and fresh orange zest. This mixture will spread a fragrant, flavorful layer inside the rolls that gives each bite a burst of citrus sweetness.

Step 7: Shape the Rolls

Roll your dough into a 14 by 10-inch rectangle on a floured surface, then spread the orange filling evenly. Roll it tightly from one long edge into a log, sealing the seam well to keep the filling inside during baking.

Step 8: Cut and Form Rolls

Slice the log into 12 equal pieces using a serrated knife. For traditional rolls, arrange them in a greased 9×13 pan. For a twist on the classic, stretch each piece into an oval and twist before placing them on a parchment-lined sheet — either way, they bake beautifully.

Step 9: Second Rise

Cover your rolls and let them puff up again until nearly doubled in size. This second rise makes the crumb softer and ensures the rolls bake into light, pillowy perfection.

Step 10: Bake

Pop the rolls into a preheated 350°F oven and bake for roughly 18-22 minutes until the tops are just golden. The smell wafting through your kitchen at this point is absolute heaven.

Step 11: Make the Frosting

While the rolls cool slightly, whip up the frosting by creaming together the cream cheese and butter until silky. Stir in salt, your choice of milk, cream, or orange juice, plus orange zest for a true citrus kick. Beat in powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy.

Step 12: Frost and Serve

Spread that luscious frosting over the warm rolls so it melts deliciously into every nook. Serve immediately for a melt-in-your-mouth experience or cool to room temperature — either way, pure joy awaits.

How to Serve Homemade Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra fresh orange zest on top adds a beautiful pop of color and intensifies that vibrant citrus note. You can also add a few finely chopped toasted nuts or a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant finishing touch.

Side Dishes

These sweet rolls pair wonderfully with fresh fruit salad or creamy yogurt for breakfast or brunch, balancing the sweetness with light freshness. For a cozy afternoon, a hot cup of spiced chai or coffee complements the citrus flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving these rolls in individual ramekins for a charming single-serve treat, or assemble them in a pull-apart style in a beautiful round pan. You can also drizzle a complementary orange glaze over the frosting to make the presentation even more striking and flavorful.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to preserve their freshness. For best results, bring them to room temperature or warm gently before enjoying again.

Freezing

You can freeze the unbaked shaped rolls after the first rise by wrapping the pan tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge, let them complete their second rise, then bake as directed. Alternatively, freeze fully baked and frosted rolls in a sealed container for up to three months.

Reheating

To bring your rolls back to life, warm them gently in a 300°F oven for 10-12 minutes or microwave a single roll for about 15 seconds. This will refresh their softness and melt the frosting slightly, just like freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use orange juice instead of milk in this Homemade Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe?

While orange juice can be used in the frosting to boost the citrus flavor, the dough requires milk to achieve the right texture and tenderness. Milk helps create that soft crumb, so it’s best to stick to milk for the dough.

How important is the second rise for the rolls?

The second rise is very important as it makes the rolls lighter and more tender. Skipping it may result in denser rolls that don’t have that fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth quality we all love.

Can I make this recipe using whole wheat flour?

Whole wheat flour can be substituted in part for all-purpose flour, but keep in mind it will make the rolls denser and change the flavor slightly. For the best texture, it’s recommended to use all-purpose flour or a blend with no more than 25% whole wheat.

How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

When properly risen, the dough should double in size. A good test is to gently press two fingers into the dough — if the indent remains and doesn’t spring back immediately, it’s ready for the next step.

Is it necessary to use instant yeast, or can I use active dry yeast?

You can use active dry yeast but you’ll need to proof it first in warm water before adding it to the milk mixture. Instant yeast can be mixed directly with the dough ingredients, which simplifies the process.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Homemade Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe highly enough if you want to fill your home with the kind of warmth and comfort that only fresh-baked treats can deliver. With every fluffy bite bursting with sweet and tangy orange flavor, these rolls are sure to become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire. So grab those ingredients and enjoy the delicious journey from dough to divine!

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