Indulge in the delightful flavors of homemade orange sweet rolls, a perfect treat for breakfast or brunch. These rolls are infused with the vibrant essence of fresh oranges and enveloped with a sweet cinnamon filling, then topped with a luscious orange glaze.
When preparing these sweet rolls, you might need to pick up active dry yeast and confectioners’ sugar from the supermarket. Additionally, fresh orange zest is crucial for the recipe, so ensure you have fresh oranges on hand.
Ingredients for Homemade Orange Sweet Rolls
active dry yeast: Helps the dough rise and gives it a fluffy texture.
warm water: Activates the yeast.
fresh orange zest: Adds a fresh, citrusy flavor.
orange juice: Infuses the dough with orange flavor.
granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and filling.
salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
large egg: Provides structure and richness to the dough.
unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture to the dough and filling.
all-purpose flour: The base of the dough, providing structure.
ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy note to the filling.
confectioners’ sugar: Sweetens the glaze and creates a smooth texture.
pure vanilla extract: Adds depth of flavor to the glaze.
One reader, Kippar Hoppe says:
These homemade orange sweet rolls are a delightful treat! The dough is perfectly soft, and the orange zest adds a refreshing twist. The cinnamon-sugar filling is heavenly, and the glaze ties everything together beautifully. A must-try for any baking enthusiast!
Key Techniques for Making Homemade Orange Sweet Rolls
How to dissolve yeast: Dissolve the yeast in warm water for about 1 minute, stirring to ensure it is fully mixed. How to knead dough: Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 to 6 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. How to roll dough: Roll the dough into a 10×15-inch rectangle using a rolling pin on a lightly floured work surface. How to cut dough: Cut the rolled dough into 16 even rolls, each 1 inch in width, using a very sharp knife. How to prepare glaze: Mix together confectioners’ sugar, orange juice, fresh orange zest, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth.
How To Make Homemade Orange Sweet Rolls
Enjoy these orange sweet rolls with A new take on the classic cinnamon rolls, these rolls are bursting with orange flavors and gooey at the same time.
Serves:
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1pkgactive dry yeast,(2¼ teaspoons)
- ½cupwarm water
- fresh orange zest,from 1 medium orange
- ½cuporange juice
- ¼cupgranulated sugar
- 1tspsalt
- 1large egg
- 2tbspunsalted butter,softened to room temperature
- 3½cupsall-purpose flour,spoon & leveled
For the Filling:
- ¼cupgranulated sugar
- 2tspground cinnamon
- ¼cupunsalted butter,softened to room temperature
For the Glaze:
- 1cupconfectioners’ sugar,or more for a thicker glaze
- 3tbsporange juice
- fresh orange zest,from 1 orange
- 1tsppure vanilla extract
Instructions
Dough:
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Dissolve the yeast in ½ cup of warm water for about 1 minute. Stir the yeast or water around. Then add orange zest, orange juice, sugar, salt, egg, butter, and 1½ cups of flour.
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Beat everything together on low with a handheld mixer, scraping down the sides as needed. With a wooden spoon, stir in enough of the remaining flour to make dough easy to handle about 1½ to 2 more cups.
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Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it with your hands for about 5 to 6 minutes. Form the dough into a ball and transfer it to a lightly greased bowl.
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Cover the dough and let sit in a warm place until doubled in size for about 1½ hours.
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Line the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving room on the sides. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface and, using a rolling in, roll into a 10×15-inch rectangle.
Filling:
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In a small bowl, mix together sugar and cinnamon. Spread the dough rectangle with softened butter and sprinkle generously with all of the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
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Tightly roll up the dough and cut into 16 even rolls (1 inch in width each) with a very sharp knife. Arrange them in the prepared baking pan, cut sides up.
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Cover the rolls and let them rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes to 1 hour.
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Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (191 degrees C). Cover the rolls with aluminum foil and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes until they are lightly golden in color. Transfer the pan to a rack to cool for about 15 minutes.
Glaze:
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In a small bowl, mix together all of the glaze ingredients and drizzle over rolls before serving. Add more orange juice to thin out if needed.
Nutrition
- Calories: 223.13kcal
- Fat: 5.42g
- Saturated Fat: 3.09g
- Trans Fat: 0.19g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 1.45g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.36g
- Carbohydrates: 39.42g
- Fiber: 1.64g
- Sugar: 15.57g
- Protein: 4.54g
- Cholesterol: 24.60mg
- Sodium: 162.91mg
- Calcium: 13.56mg
- Potassium: 85.06mg
- Iron: 1.53mg
- Vitamin A: 45.35µg
- Vitamin C: 5.70mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Perfect Orange Sweet Rolls
When rolling out the dough, ensure it is evenly thick to avoid uneven baking. Use a ruler to measure the rectangle dimensions precisely, and if the edges are uneven, trim them with a sharp knife for a cleaner roll.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Orange Sweet Rolls
Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and set out all ingredients before starting. This streamlines the process and ensures you have everything you need.
Use a stand mixer: If you have a stand mixer, use it to mix and knead the dough. This saves time and effort compared to doing it by hand.
Preheat the oven early: Turn on the oven to preheat while the rolls are rising. This way, it's ready to go as soon as they are.
Make the glaze ahead: Prepare the glaze while the rolls are baking. This allows you to drizzle it on as soon as they come out of the oven.
Substitute Ingredients For Homemade Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe
active dry yeast - Substitute with instant yeast: Instant yeast can be used in the same quantity and does not need to be dissolved in water first.
warm water - Substitute with milk: Milk adds a richer flavor and softer texture to the dough.
fresh orange zest - Substitute with lemon zest: Lemon zest provides a similar citrusy aroma and flavor.
orange juice - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice offers a similar acidity and citrus flavor, though it will be slightly more tart.
granulated sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds a natural sweetness and moisture to the dough.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and provides a slightly different mineral flavor.
large egg - Substitute with flax egg: A flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water) is a good vegan alternative.
unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil provides a similar fat content and a slight coconut flavor.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with bread flour: Bread flour has a higher protein content, which can result in a chewier texture.
granulated sugar - Substitute with brown sugar: Brown sugar adds a deeper, molasses-like flavor to the filling.
ground cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: Pumpkin pie spice includes cinnamon along with other warm spices for a more complex flavor.
unsalted butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can be used as a non-dairy alternative with a similar texture.
confectioners’ sugar - Substitute with granulated sugar: Blend granulated sugar in a blender until it reaches a powdery consistency.
orange juice - Substitute with apple juice: Apple juice provides a different but still sweet and fruity flavor.
fresh orange zest - Substitute with dried orange peel: Dried orange peel can be rehydrated and used in smaller quantities for a similar flavor.
pure vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract offers a different but complementary flavor to the glaze.
How to Beautifully Present Orange Sweet Rolls
Serve smaller portion sizes: Cut the orange sweet rolls into smaller, bite-sized pieces to create an elegant presentation. This allows for a more refined and manageable tasting experience.
Use decoration: Garnish each sweet roll with a delicate twist of fresh orange zest on top of the glaze. This adds a pop of color and a hint of citrus aroma.
Plate with contrast: Serve the sweet rolls on a dark-colored plate to make the golden rolls and white glaze stand out. The contrast will enhance the visual appeal.
Add a sauce drizzle: Create a small pool of orange reduction sauce on the plate next to the sweet rolls. This adds an extra layer of flavor and sophistication.
Incorporate edible flowers: Place a few edible flowers, such as pansies or marigolds, around the sweet rolls for a touch of elegance and color.
Use a garnish of fresh herbs: Add a sprig of mint or basil next to the sweet rolls to introduce a fresh, aromatic element to the dish.
Serve with a complementary beverage: Pair the orange sweet rolls with a small glass of freshly squeezed orange juice or a light citrus tea. This enhances the citrus theme and provides a refreshing balance.
Highlight texture: Sprinkle a few crushed nuts or candied orange peel over the glaze to add a crunchy texture contrast to the soft rolls.
Create a layered presentation: Stack two or three sweet rolls slightly off-center to create height and dimension on the plate. This adds visual interest and sophistication.
Use a minimalist approach: Keep the plating simple and clean, focusing on the beauty of the sweet rolls themselves. Less is more when presenting to culinary professionals.
Essential Tools for Making Homemade Orange Sweet Rolls
Handheld mixer: Used to beat together the initial dough ingredients until well combined.
Wooden spoon: Helps to stir in the remaining flour to make the dough easy to handle.
Lightly floured surface: Provides a non-stick area to knead the dough.
Rolling pin: Used to roll the dough into a 10x15-inch rectangle.
Small bowl: For mixing the sugar and cinnamon for the filling.
Sharp knife: Essential for cutting the rolled dough into 16 even rolls.
9x13-inch baking dish: The pan where the rolls will be arranged and baked.
Parchment paper: Lines the baking dish to prevent the rolls from sticking.
Aluminum foil: Covers the rolls while baking to ensure even cooking.
Rack: Used to cool the baked rolls before glazing.
Small bowl: For mixing the glaze ingredients.
Spoon: To drizzle the glaze over the rolls before serving.
Storing and Freezing Homemade Orange Sweet Rolls
- Allow the orange sweet rolls to cool completely before storing or freezing.
- To store: place the rolls in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap. They will keep at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- To freeze: wrap the rolls tightly with aluminum foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place them in a heavy-duty freezer bag. Properly stored, they will maintain their best quality for about 1 to 2 months but will remain safe beyond that time.
- To reheat orange sweet rolls, place them on a baking sheet and cover with aluminum foil. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 10 minutes. You can also microwave individual rolls for 20-30 seconds until warm.
- If freezing, thaw the sweet rolls overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and serving.
- Pro tip: freeze the rolls without the glaze and add it after thawing and reheating for the best texture and flavor.
How To Reheat Leftover Orange Sweet Rolls
The best way to reheat leftover homemade orange sweet rolls is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover the rolls loosely with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out or browning too much. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through and the glaze is melted and gooey.
Another option is to reheat the rolls in the microwave. Place one or two rolls on a microwave-safe plate and heat them on high power for 15-20 seconds. Check the rolls and heat them for an additional 5-10 seconds if needed. Be careful not to overheat the rolls, as they can become tough and chewy.
If you want to reheat a larger batch of rolls, you can use a slow cooker. Place the rolls in the slow cooker and cover them with a lid. Set the slow cooker to low heat and let the rolls warm up for 30-45 minutes, or until they are heated through and the glaze is melted.
For a crispy exterior, you can reheat the rolls in a toaster oven. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the rolls on the wire rack. Toast the rolls for 5-7 minutes, or until they are heated through and the edges are slightly crispy.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat the rolls quickly and easily. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the rolls in the basket. Cook the rolls for 2-3 minutes, or until they are heated through and the glaze is melted.
Interesting Fact About Orange Sweet Rolls
A fun fact about this recipe is that the orange zest in the dough and glaze not only adds a burst of citrus flavor but also enhances the aroma, making these sweet rolls irresistible.
Is Making Homemade Orange Sweet Rolls Cost-Effective?
When analyzing the cost-effectiveness of this orange sweet rolls recipe, it scores a solid 8 out of 10. The ingredients are relatively affordable, with staples like flour, sugar, and butter being common pantry items. Fresh orange zest and orange juice add a delightful, zesty flavor without breaking the bank. For a household of 4, the approximate cost is around $10-$12 USD, making it a budget-friendly yet indulgent treat.
Are Homemade Orange Sweet Rolls Healthy or Unhealthy?
The homemade orange sweet rolls recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The dough contains a significant amount of sugar and butter, which are high in calories and saturated fat. The filling also consists of more sugar and butter, further increasing the calorie and fat content. Additionally, the glaze is made with confectioners' sugar, adding even more sugar to the recipe. While the orange zest and juice do provide some vitamin C, the overall nutritional value of these sweet rolls is relatively low.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of sugar in the dough, filling, and glaze by half to lower the overall calorie content
- Replace some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to increase the fiber content and nutritional value
- Use a sugar substitute, such as stevia or erythritol, in place of some or all of the granulated sugar to reduce the calorie and carbohydrate content
- Opt for a lower-fat butter alternative, such as coconut oil or Greek yogurt, to decrease the saturated fat content
- Incorporate more orange zest into the dough and filling to boost the citrus flavor without adding more sugar
- Experiment with adding other healthy ingredients, such as grated carrots or chopped nuts, to the filling for added nutrients and texture
Editor's Opinion on This Homemade Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe
This homemade orange sweet rolls recipe is a delightful twist on the classic cinnamon roll. The fresh orange zest and juice infuse the dough with a bright, citrusy flavor that pairs beautifully with the warm cinnamon filling. The dough is straightforward to prepare, and the instructions are clear and easy to follow. The orange glaze adds a perfect finishing touch, balancing sweetness with a hint of tang. Overall, this recipe is a refreshing and flavorful treat, perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Enhance Your Homemade Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Appetizers and Main Dishes to Serve with Orange Sweet Rolls
Why trust this Homemade Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe:
This recipe for homemade orange sweet rolls is a must-try because it combines the zesty freshness of orange zest and orange juice with the comforting warmth of cinnamon and butter. The dough is easy to handle and rises beautifully, ensuring fluffy and delicious rolls every time. The confectioners’ sugar glaze adds the perfect finishing touch, making these rolls irresistible. Trust this recipe for a delightful treat that brings a burst of citrus flavor to your breakfast or brunch table.
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