There’s something undeniably uplifting about the scent of freshly baked orange sweet rolls wafting through the kitchen. The sweet aroma of cinnamon and citrus is enough to brighten anyone’s day. These Orange Sweet Rolls are soft, fluffy, and bursting with flavor, making them the perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or even a sweet afternoon snack. Paired with a creamy orange glaze, they are not just a delight to eat but a feast for the eyes as well. Let’s dive into why you’ll want to make these irresistible rolls!
Top Reasons to Make Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe
- Bright Flavor: The combination of orange zest and cinnamon creates a refreshing twist on traditional sweet rolls.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering, a brunch with friends, or just a cozy Sunday morning, these rolls are a hit.
- Easy to Make: With a straightforward recipe and simple ingredients, you can whip these up with minimal effort.
- Make Ahead Option: You can prepare these rolls in advance and bake them fresh when you’re ready.
The Essentials
To get started on your Orange Sweet Rolls, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 4-½ to 5 cups (558g-620g) all-purpose flour: This will give the rolls their structure.
- ½ cup (67g) granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the dough.
- Zest of one orange: Infuses the dough with a bright citrus flavor.
- 2 packets (14g) Fleischmann’s® RapidRise Yeast (4-1/2 tsp): Essential for that perfect rise.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness.
- 1 ½ cups (355ml) water: Activates the yeast and brings the dough together.
- 6 tablespoons (84g) unsalted butter: Provides richness and flavor.
- 1 large egg: Adds moisture and structure.
- ½ cup (134g) packed brown sugar: For the filling, enhancing the sweetness and moisture.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice to the filling.
- 2 tablespoons (28g) butter, melted: For brushing on the dough before adding the filling.
- 2 cups (226g) powdered sugar: For the glaze, making it sweet and creamy.
- 2-3 tablespoons (30-45ml) orange juice: To add flavor to the glaze.
- Zest of 1 orange: To enhance the glaze with citrus notes.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: For a hint of depth in the glaze.
Before You Start: Equipment
- Mixing bowls: For combining your ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Precision is key when baking.
- Rolling pin: Essential for rolling out the dough.
- Baking dish: To hold your sweet rolls while baking.
- Whisk: For mixing the glaze smoothly.
- Kitchen towel: To cover the dough while it rises.
Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe Made Stepwise
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine 4-½ cups of all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, orange zest, yeast, and salt. Mix well to combine the dry ingredients. In a small saucepan, heat the water and butter together until the butter is melted and the mixture is warm (about 110°F or 43°C). Add this to the dry ingredients, along with the egg. Mix until a dough forms.
Step 2: Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes, until it is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, gradually add more flour, up to the remaining ½ cup.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Step 4: Make the Filling
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Brush the melted butter over the dough, then sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture evenly on top.
Step 5: Roll and Cut the Dough
Starting from one edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces. Place these rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving space between each roll for expansion.
Step 6: Second Rise
Cover the rolls with the kitchen towel again and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, until they have puffed up.
Step 7: Bake the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.
Step 8: Prepare the Glaze
While the rolls are cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more orange juice if needed.
Step 9: Glaze the Rolls
Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls before serving. Enjoy the burst of flavor in every bite!
Substitutions by Diet
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the dough.
- Vegan: Replace unsalted butter with vegan butter and the egg with flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water).
- Dairy-Free: Use non-dairy milk in place of water and substitute butter with coconut oil.
- Lower Sugar: Replace granulated and brown sugar with coconut sugar or a sugar substitute of your choice.
Avoid These Mistakes
- Using water that is too hot can kill the yeast. Always aim for lukewarm water.
- Not allowing the dough to rise enough will yield dense rolls. Be patient!
- Skipping the second rise will prevent your rolls from being fluffy.
- Overbaking can lead to dry rolls; keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time.
Refrigerate, Freeze, Reheat
If you have leftovers or want to make these rolls ahead of time, here are some tips:
- Refrigerate: Store the rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: You can freeze unglazed rolls for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
- Reheat: Warm the rolls in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.
Troubleshooting Q&A
What if my dough doesn’t rise?
If your dough doesn’t rise, it could be due to expired yeast or water that was too hot or too cold. Always check the expiration date on your yeast and ensure that the water temperature is between 100°F and 110°F.
Can I make the dough the night before?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and let it rise in the fridge overnight. The next morning, let it come to room temperature before proceeding with the recipe.
Why are my rolls dense?
Dense rolls can result from not kneading the dough enough or not allowing it to rise adequately. Make sure to give the dough enough time to develop its structure.
How can I make the glaze thicker?
If your glaze is too thin, add more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency. For a thinner glaze, simply add a bit more orange juice.
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Baking these Orange Sweet Rolls is not just a culinary activity; it’s a celebration of flavors and warmth. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself and your loved ones to these delightful, citrusy rolls that are sure to bring smiles. Enjoy every bite and the process of creating something wonderful!
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Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 4-½ cups of all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, orange zest, yeast, and salt. Mix well to combine the dry ingredients. In a small saucepan, heat the water and butter together until the butter is melted and the mixture is warm (about 110°F or 43°C). Add this to the dry ingredients, along with the egg. Mix until a dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes, until it is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, gradually add more flour, up to the remaining ½ cup.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Brush the melted butter over the dough, then sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture evenly on top.
- Starting from one edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces. Place these rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving space between each roll for expansion.
- Cover the rolls with the kitchen towel again and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, until they have puffed up.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.
- While the rolls are cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more orange juice if needed.
- Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls before serving. Enjoy the burst of flavor in every bite!
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
- Make these rolls vegan by substituting the egg with flaxseed meal and using vegan butter.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
