Orange rolls, with their soft, fluffy dough and tangy orange filling, are a delightful treat that can brighten up any day. This classic recipe, made from scratch, is easier than you might think.
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk
2. 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
3. 1/4 cup granulated sugar
4. 1 large egg
5. 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
6. 3 cups all-purpose flour
7. 1 teaspoon salt
Filling
- . 1/2 cup granulated sugar
2. 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
3. 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4. 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
5. 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
6. 1/4 cup orange zest
7. 1/4 cup orange juice
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
2. 1 tablespoon milk
3. 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Activate the yeast
In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and 1 teaspoon sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the yeast is foamy.
Prepare the dough
In a large bowl, whisk together the remaining 1/4 cup granulated sugar, egg, melted butter, and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture and stir to combine. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a dough forms.
Knead the dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
Let the dough rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Make the filling
In a small bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, orange zest, and orange juice.
Assemble the rolls
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to a 12×18-inch rectangle. Spread the filling evenly over the dough. Roll up the dough tightly, starting from the long side.
Cut and rise
Cut the roll into 12 slices. Place the slices in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan and let rise for 30 minutes, or until doubled in size.
Bake
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Make the glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Glaze the rolls
While the rolls are still warm, drizzle with the glaze.
Tips
Use fresh oranges
For the best flavor, use fresh oranges for the zest and juice.
Don’t over mix the dough:
Over mixing can lead to tough dough.
Let the dough rise in a warm place:
A warm place, such as near a sunny window or in a slightly heated oven, will help the dough rise quickly.
Don’t over bake the rolls:
Over baking can result in dry rolls.
Serve warm
Orange rolls are best enjoyed warm and fresh.