Soft Orange Rolls (Print version)

Fluffy, citrus-flavored orange rolls with a sweet filling and creamy frosting, perfect for breakfast or brunch.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dough

01 - 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
02 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - Zest of 1 large orange
06 - 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
07 - 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
08 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
09 - 2 large eggs, room temperature

→ Orange Filling

10 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
11 - 2 tablespoons orange zest from about 2 large oranges
12 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

→ Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

13 - 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
14 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
15 - 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
16 - 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
17 - 1 teaspoon orange zest
18 - 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
19 - Pinch of salt

# Directions:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, orange juice, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
02 - Add melted butter, orange zest, eggs, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix well until incorporated.
03 - Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Knead by hand or with a dough hook for 8 to 10 minutes, adding a little more flour if needed, until smooth and elastic.
04 - Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, approximately 1 hour.
05 - Mix sugar and orange zest together in a small bowl to release the aromatic oils. Set aside.
06 - Punch down the dough and roll out on a lightly floured surface to a 16 by 10 inch rectangle.
07 - Spread the softened butter over the dough. Sprinkle evenly with orange sugar mixture. Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log.
08 - Cut the rolled dough into 12 equal rolls. Arrange rolls in a greased 9 by 13 inch baking dish.
09 - Cover the rolls and let rise until puffy, approximately 30 to 40 minutes.
10 - Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake rolls for 22 to 25 minutes, until golden brown.
11 - While baking, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, orange juice, zest, vanilla, and salt; beat until creamy and spreadable.
12 - Let the rolls cool for 10 minutes, then spread frosting generously over warm rolls.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Bursting with fresh citrus flavor from real orange zest and juice
  • Soft, pillowy texture that rivals any bakery-style roll
  • Gorgeous golden color and irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen
  • Versatile enough for breakfast, brunch, or dessert
  • Can be prepared ahead for stress-free entertaining
02 -
  • Add a few drops of orange extract to the frosting for an extra boost of citrus intensity
  • Prepare rolls the night before: shape, place in baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate; let rise at room temperature 45-60 minutes before baking
  • Use organic oranges when zesting to avoid pesticide residue in your dough
  • Freeze unfrosted baked rolls for up to 2 months; thaw, warm, and frost fresh before serving
  • For even more tender rolls, replace 1/4 cup of flour with cornstarch
  • Brush rolls with melted butter immediately after baking for extra richness and shine
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