Homemade Glazed Orange Rolls

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Soft, pillowy, and bursting with citrusy brightness, these Homemade Glazed Orange Rolls are a sweet treat worth waking up for. Imagine the warm, zesty aroma of oranges mingling with a tender roll that melts in your mouth—all topped with a sticky, glossy glaze that glistens like sunshine. This recipe takes everything you love about classic cinnamon rolls and swaps in vibrant orange flavor for a

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refreshingly fruity twist.

Perfect for brunch gatherings, holidays, or slow weekend mornings, these rolls are proof that citrus and sweetness are a match made in heaven. The orange zest packs a punch in every bite, while the freshly squeezed juice in the glaze gives it that irresistible tang. If you’re craving a bakery-worthy pastry with homemade love, this is your go-to bake.


What Kind of Orange Should I Use?

Fresh navel oranges work beautifully here. They’re sweet, juicy, and easy to zest, making them ideal for both the dough and the glaze. You want to use both the zest and juice to layer the flavor throughout the entire roll. If you can find organic oranges, even better—you’ll avoid any wax on the skin and get the freshest citrus oils in your zest.


Ingredients for the Homemade Glazed Orange Rolls

All-purpose flour – Provides structure and fluff to the dough.

Active dry yeast – Helps the rolls rise and gives them that classic pillowy texture.

Whole milk – Adds richness and moisture to the dough.

Granulated sugar – Sweetens the dough and activates the yeast.

Egg – Binds the dough and enhances texture.

Unsalted butter – Adds buttery flavor to the dough and filling.

Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.

Fresh orange zest – Infuses the rolls with intense citrus aroma.

Fresh orange juice – Key for the glaze and additional flavor.

Powdered sugar – Forms the base of the smooth, sweet orange glaze.


How To Make the Homemade Glazed Orange Rolls

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Warm the milk until it’s just slightly warm to the touch. Stir in sugar and yeast, and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This step ensures the yeast is alive and ready to rise.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine the yeast mixture, egg, melted butter, orange zest, and salt. Gradually add flour and mix until a soft dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes or until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Step 3: Let It Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Roll and Fill

Roll the dough into a rectangle. Spread with softened butter, sprinkle with sugar and more orange zest. Roll tightly from one end and slice into even pieces.

Step 5: Second Rise

Place rolls in a greased baking dish. Cover and let rise again for about 30-40 minutes.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until the tops are lightly golden.

Step 7: Glaze Generously

While still warm, drizzle the rolls with a glaze made from powdered sugar and fresh orange juice. Let it soak in and set slightly before serving.


Serving and Storing These Rolls

Serve these orange rolls warm, fresh from the oven, when the glaze is still melty and the rolls are softest. If you’re prepping ahead, you can refrigerate the unbaked rolls overnight and bake them the next morning. Once baked, they store well in an airtight container for up to 3 days, and can be gently reheated in the microwave.


What to Serve With Homemade Glazed Orange Rolls?

Creamy Scrambled Eggs

The savory richness of eggs balances the sweet citrus rolls.

Crispy Bacon

Add a salty crunch to contrast the sticky softness.

Fresh Berry Salad

Brighten your breakfast plate with a mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries.

Vanilla Yogurt Parfait

Creamy, cool, and lightly tangy—a great pairing for the glaze.

Hot Coffee or Earl Grey Tea

Coffee enhances the sweetness, while Earl Grey echoes the citrus notes beautifully.


Want More Breakfast Ideas?

If these Homemade Glazed Orange Rolls made your morning better, check out more bright and cozy breakfast delights from SavorQueen.com:


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Save this delicious idea to your favorite Pinterest board so it’s easy to find when you’re ready to whip it up again.

Tried it with a twist? Maybe a splash of vanilla in the glaze or a hint of cardamom in the filling? I’d love to hear how it turned out—drop your tips or questions in the comments below.

Need more inspiration? Explore my daily kitchen creations on SavorQueen.com on Pinterest. Your next favorite might be waiting there.


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Homemade Glazed Orange Rolls

Homemade Glazed Orange Rolls


  • Author: Julia Walton
  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 rolls
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Brighten your mornings with these soft and fluffy Homemade Glazed Orange Rolls, infused with fresh orange zest and drizzled with a glossy citrus glaze. These irresistible rolls combine the tender texture of cinnamon rolls with the vibrant flavor of oranges—making them a refreshing pick for any breakfast table. Whether you’re after quick breakfast treats, easy baking recipes, or brunch food ideas, this zesty spin on a classic roll will win hearts and tastebuds alike.


Ingredients

1 cup whole milk

2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg

4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted

1/2 teaspoon salt

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons orange zest

1/2 cup granulated sugar (for filling)

2 tablespoons unsalted butter softened (for filling)

1 tablespoon orange zest (for filling)

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

3 tablespoons fresh orange juice


Instructions

1. Warm the milk until just warm to the touch. Stir in sugar and yeast. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.

2. Mix yeast mixture with egg, melted butter, orange zest, and salt. Gradually add flour and knead until smooth and elastic.

3. Transfer to greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled.

4. Roll dough into a rectangle. Spread with softened butter, sprinkle with sugar and orange zest. Roll up tightly and slice.

5. Arrange rolls in greased dish. Cover and let rise for 30–40 minutes.

6. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes until lightly golden.

7. Whisk powdered sugar with orange juice and drizzle over warm rolls.

Notes

Let the rolls rise fully both times for ultimate fluffiness.

Use fresh squeezed orange juice for the glaze—bottled juice won’t have the same brightness.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 roll
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 170mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: breakfast ideas, sweet rolls, citrus glaze, easy recipe, orange cinnamon rolls

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