Oh my goodness, if there’s one thing that makes my heart skip a beat, it’s the warm, comforting smell of freshly baked Glazed Orange Sweet Rolls wafting through my kitchen. I first made these delightful rolls on a sunny Saturday morning, and let me tell you, they didn’t last long! My family gathered around the table, eagerly waiting for the first bite as I pulled them from the oven—soft, fluffy, and drizzled in a luscious orange glaze. They felt like a warm hug on a plate, and I couldn’t help but smile as they disappeared faster than I could keep up!
What I love most about this recipe is how approachable it is. You don’t need to be a master baker to pull it off—just a little patience and love. Plus, the vibrant flavor of orange gives these rolls a special twist that elevates them from your typical cinnamon roll to something truly extraordinary. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get started on these delightful treats that will surely brighten your day!
What’s in Glazed Orange Sweet Rolls?
- All-purpose flour: This is the backbone of our rolls. I usually grab the King Arthur brand for its reliability and quality.
- Granulated sugar: Just a little sweetness to help balance the flavors. You can adjust this based on your personal preference!
- Active dry yeast: This is our magic ingredient! It creates that beautiful, airy rise we love in sweet rolls. Make sure it’s fresh for the best results.
- Salt: A pinch of salt amplifies the sweetness and brings all the flavors together. Don’t skip it!
- Whole milk: Warmed to a cozy 110°F, milk helps activate the yeast and creates a tender crumb. I prefer organic for its creaminess.
- Unsalted butter: You’ll need this for both the dough and the filling. It adds richness and flavor. I simply adore the Land O’ Lakes brand.
- Egg: This adds moisture and richness, helping the rolls to rise beautifully.
- Orange zest: Fresh zest adds a burst of citrus flavor that’s just divine.
- Vanilla extract: A classic flavor enhancer; it pairs perfectly with the citrus in these rolls.
Are Glazed Orange Sweet Rolls a Healthy Choice?
Well, let’s be real—these sweet rolls are definitely more of an indulgence than a health food! The combination of butter, sugar, and flour make them a delightful treat, but not exactly a daily staple. However, the orange juice and zest do add some vitamin C, and if you use whole ingredients, they are definitely much better than store-bought options filled with preservatives. You could swap some ingredients to make them a tad healthier, like using whole wheat flour or substituting a portion of the sugar with honey, but honestly, sometimes you just have to embrace the deliciousness! Just savor these rolls in moderation, paired with a refreshing fruit salad or a nice cup of tea.
Ingredients List
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed to 110°F
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
How to Make Glazed Orange Sweet Rolls?
- Let’s kick things off by preparing the dough. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast, then let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy. It’s like magic happening right before your eyes!
- Add the melted butter, egg, orange zest, and vanilla extract to this lovely yeast mixture, giving it a good stir to combine everything.
- Gradually mix in the flour and salt until a soft dough forms. It can get a bit sticky—don’t panic! Just add a bit more flour if needed.
- Now comes the fun part—get your hands dirty! Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-8 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Place your dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean towel, letting it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour until it doubles in size.
- While the dough is rising, let’s prepare the delicious filling! In a small bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, orange juice, and orange zest. It’s going to be a heavenly concoction!
- Once your dough has risen, punch it down (it’s oddly satisfying!) and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle (about 12×18 inches).
- Spread the luscious orange filling evenly over the rolled dough, my dear chef, and then start from one long edge, rolling it tightly into a log. Don’t forget to pinch those seams to keep it all sealed up tightly!
- Cut the rolled dough into 12 equal slices and place them into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, cut side up.
- Cover the rolls with a towel and let them rise again for about 30 minutes until puffy. The anticipation is killing me!
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake those beauties for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Get ready for your kitchen to smell incredible!
- While the rolls are baking, mix together the powdered sugar and orange juice in a bowl until smooth. Adjust with more juice if needed to get that perfect glaze consistency.
- Once baked, remove the rolls from the oven and immediately drizzle them generously with the glaze. Don’t skimp on that sweetness! Garnish with additional orange zest for that pop of color.
- Allow them to cool slightly before serving. Or, if you’re like me, just dive right in!
Sweet Tips for Your Sweet Rolls!
- These rolls are best enjoyed warm. So, if you can, serve them fresh out of the oven!
- If you want to get creative, feel free to add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the filling for a delicious twist.
- Experiment with different types of citrus—like lemon or grapefruit—for a fun flavor variation!
Trust me when I say, these Glazed Orange Sweet Rolls will quickly become a beloved recipe in your household. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a sweet afternoon snack. I can’t wait for you to try them! And if you do, please let me know how they turn out. Happy baking, my fellow food lovers!
