In this article, we will explore a delicious and easy-to-prepare recipe.
Irresistible Orange Rolls: A Citrus Delight
Orange rolls are a delightful twist on the classic cinnamon roll. Infused with the vibrant flavors of fresh oranges, these rolls boast a sweet, citrusy aroma that fills your kitchen, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or simply indulging in a weekend treat, these orange rolls are sure to impress. Follow this comprehensive recipe to create these delicious treats from scratch.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup orange juice
- ¼ ounce active dry yeast
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
For the Filling:
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons orange zest
- ½ tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the Frosting:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 3 tablespoons orange juice
- 2 teaspoons orange zest
Equipment
- Stand mixer
- Kitchen scale (optional)
- Rolling pin
- 9×13-inch baking pan
Instructions
1. Prepare the Yeast Mixture
In a glass measuring cup, combine the milk, orange juice, and active dry yeast. Stir well to dissolve the yeast completely. Allow the mixture to bloom for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy. This step ensures the yeast is activated and ready to work its magic.
2. Make the Dough
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the flour, sugar, butter, eggs, orange zest, and salt. Mix these ingredients until just combined. Gradually add the milk mixture, beating on low speed for 1-2 minutes until blended.
Switch to the dough hook attachment, increase the speed to medium-low, and beat for about 5 minutes. The dough should be smooth, soft, and slightly sticky.
3. Let the Dough Rise
Lightly spray the inside of a glass bowl with nonstick spray. Place the dough inside, flipping it once to coat. Cover the bowl and place it in a warm spot. Allow the dough to rise for 45-60 minutes, or until it doubles in size.
4. Prepare the Filling
While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a small bowl, mix together the sugar, softened butter, orange zest, and cinnamon until smooth and well combined.
5. Roll Out the Dough
Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a 20×14-inch rectangle, about ¼ inch thick.
6. Add the Filling and Roll
Spread the filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border on one long edge. Starting from the long edge with the filling, roll up the dough jelly roll style.
7. Cut and Arrange the Rolls
Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. Using unflavored dental floss, carefully slice the dough log into 12 large rolls. Place them side-by-side in the prepared baking pan. Cover and allow the rolls to rise for an additional 30-45 minutes, until doubled in size.
8. Bake the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Once the rolls have doubled in size, bake them for 20-25 minutes until they are lightly golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 190°F. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly.
9. Prepare the Frosting
While the rolls are baking, prepare the frosting. In a stand mixer bowl fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together the powdered sugar, cream cheese, softened butter, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth.
10. Frost and Serve
Spread the frosting over the warm rolls and serve. Enjoy the irresistible aroma and flavor of these citrusy delights!
Tips for Perfect Orange Rolls

- Fresh Oranges: You’ll need about 3 fresh oranges for the juice and zest in this recipe.
- Yeast Activation: Ensure the milk and orange juice are heated to 105-115°F for optimal yeast activation.
- Rising Time: The dough needs to rise twice, totaling about 1½ hours. Plan accordingly.
- Dental Floss Trick: Use unflavored dental floss to slice the rolls cleanly and easily.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the rolls the night before and refrigerate them. Bake fresh in the morning for convenience.
Storage
Store leftover orange rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze them for up to 2 months.
Nutrition Information
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 482 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 72 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Fat: 19 g
These orange rolls are a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of sugar and butter with the tangy zest of oranges. Perfect for any occasion, they’re sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy baking and savoring these delicious rolls!

Orange Rolls
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine the milk, orange juice, and yeast in a glass measuring cup, stirring to dissolve the yeast. Let bloom for 5 minutes, until foamy.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the flour, sugar, butter, eggs, orange zest, and salt. Mix until just combined.
- Add the milk mixture and beat on low for 1-2 minutes, or until blended. Switch to the dough hook attachment, increase speed to medium-low, and beat for 5 minutes, or until the dough is smooth, soft, and slightly sticky.
- Spray the inside of a glass bowl with nonstick spray, then place the dough inside, flipping to coat the ball. Cover the bowl, place it in a warm place, and allow the dough to rise for 45-60 minutes.
- While the dough rises, make the filling. Mix the sugar, softened butter, orange zest, and cinnamon in a small bowl until smooth.
- Once doubled in size, punch the dough down. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it into a 20×14-inch rectangle, about ¼ inch thick.
- Spread the filling in a thin, even layer over the dough, leaving a 1-inch gap at one long edge. Roll up the dough, jelly roll style, starting at the long end.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. Use a piece of unflavored dental floss to cleanly cut the dough log into 12 large rolls and place side-by-side in the prepared baking pan. Cover the baking pan and allow the rolls to rise for 30-45 minutes, or until doubled in size.
- While the rolls are rising, preheat oven to 350°F.
- Once doubled in size, bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until lightly golden brown and 190°F internally. Remove from the oven, and cool slightly.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the powdered sugar, cream cheese, softened butter, orange juice, and orange zest together until smooth.
- Spread frosting onto the warm rolls and serve.







