Soft, fragrant, and bursting with citrus flavor, glazed orange sweet rolls are the kind of treat that turns an ordinary morning into something special. With fluffy dough, a rich orange filling, and a velvety glaze, these rolls offer a homemade alternative to store-bought pastries. Inspired by traditional baking methods from nearly a century ago, this recipe brings old-fashioned comfort to the modern kitchen.
Perfect for weekend brunches or cozy mornings, these rolls are made from scratch with everyday ingredients. The steps are simple and rewarding, filling your kitchen with the warm scent of citrus and fresh bread.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These orange rolls are everything you want in a homemade pastry: soft, sweet, and full of flavor. The yeast dough rises beautifully, creating a light and airy texture. Real orange zest and freshly squeezed juice bring a natural brightness to both the filling and the glaze.
What makes this recipe stand out is the balance of flavors. The buttery dough and tangy citrus come together in every bite, and the smooth glaze on top finishes them with a touch of creaminess. They’re versatile too—you can prepare them the day before and bake them fresh in the morning.
Whether you’re serving a family breakfast, treating guests, or simply indulging on a quiet weekend, these rolls feel like something made with love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays an important role in building flavor and texture. Here’s a look at what you’ll need:
Active Dry Yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
This helps the dough rise, creating those fluffy layers. Make sure your yeast is fresh and activated in warm water.
Warm Water (½ cup)
Used to dissolve and activate the yeast. It should be warm to the touch—not too hot or cold.
Scalded Milk, Cooled (½ cup)
Milk is gently heated and cooled to improve the dough’s structure. It adds richness and softness.
Granulated Sugar (⅓ cup)
Feeds the yeast and adds sweetness to the dough.
Unsalted Butter, Softened (⅓ cup)
Butter adds moisture and depth of flavor to the rolls.
Salt (1 teaspoon)
Enhances the taste and balances the sweetness.
Large Egg (1)
Adds structure and richness, helping the dough hold its shape.
All-Purpose Flour (3 ½ to 4 cups)
Forms the base of the dough. Start with 3 ½ cups and add more as needed.
For the Filling and Glaze:
Powdered Sugar (3 cups)
Used for both the filling and the glaze. It blends smoothly for a creamy texture.
Soft Butter (6 tablespoons)
Gives the filling a rich and creamy consistency.
Finely Grated Orange Zest (2 tablespoons)
Packed with flavor, zest adds a burst of citrus freshness.
Fresh Orange Juice (4 tablespoons)
Adds natural sweetness and a bright tang to the filling and glaze.
Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon)
Provides a mellow, warm note to balance the citrus.
Heavy Cream (as needed)
Helps thin the glaze to a smooth, pourable consistency.
How to Make Glazed Orange Sweet Rolls
This recipe follows a traditional method for making sweet rolls: prepare the dough, let it rise, fill it with citrusy goodness, slice, bake, and finish with a glaze. The process takes time, but most of it is hands-off. The result is well worth the wait.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Proof the Yeast
In a large bowl, combine the yeast and warm water. Let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes, until bubbles form on the surface.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
Add the cooled milk, sugar, butter, salt, egg, and 2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Mix until smooth using a wooden spoon or a stand mixer.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Gradually add another 1 ½ cups of flour and knead for about 5 minutes. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour until it’s soft and workable.
Step 4: First Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning it to coat all sides. Cover with a towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 ½ hours or until it doubles in size.
Step 5: Prepare the Filling
In a medium bowl, blend together the powdered sugar, softened butter, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Reserve half the mixture for the glaze.
Step 6: Roll Out the Dough
Punch down the risen dough and roll it into a rectangle about 18 inches long and 12 inches wide on a lightly floured surface.
Step 7: Spread the Filling
Evenly spread half the orange filling across the surface of the dough, leaving a small margin around the edges.
Step 8: Roll and Slice
Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seam closed, then cut the roll into 12 equal slices using a sharp knife or dental floss.
Step 9: Second Rise
Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Cover and let them rise again for about 40 minutes until puffy.
Step 10: Bake the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 11: Glaze While Warm
Let the rolls cool slightly, then spread the reserved orange glaze over the top. Add a splash of heavy cream to the glaze if needed for a smoother finish.
Helpful Tips
Always use fresh orange zest and juice for the brightest, most natural citrus flavor. Make sure your liquids are not too hot when activating the yeast, or you risk preventing the dough from rising properly.
Cutting the rolls with floss instead of a knife helps keep their shape and makes cleaner slices. If you’re short on time in the morning, assemble the rolls the night before and refrigerate them overnight. Let them sit at room temperature before baking.
For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of ground cinnamon to the filling. The warmth of the spice pairs nicely with the citrus.
Details
Flavor: A sweet blend of fresh orange and vanilla with a buttery base
Texture: Soft, airy dough with a creamy filling and smooth glaze
Best Served: For breakfast, brunch, or a light afternoon treat
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (plus rising time)
Yields: 12 rolls
Notes
This recipe is adaptable. You can swap the orange for lemon if preferred, or try a citrus blend for more complexity. These rolls store well in an airtight container and are best enjoyed within a few days. Reheat gently before serving.
If making ahead, keep the unbaked rolls in the refrigerator overnight and bake them fresh in the morning. This makes them perfect for hosting or slow mornings with coffee.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Nutrient | Amount
Calories | 315 kcal
Total Fat | 11 g
Protein | 5 g
Carbohydrates | 49 g
Sugar | 22 g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What gives glazed orange sweet rolls their bright citrus flavor?
Fresh orange zest and juice are the key ingredients. The zest carries the essential oils that provide a powerful citrus aroma and taste.
Can orange sweet rolls be made ahead and baked later?
Yes. You can refrigerate the rolls after shaping them. Bring them to room temperature before baking the next day.
How do you keep sweet rolls soft after baking?
Cover the rolls loosely with foil or a kitchen towel while they cool. Store them in a sealed container to maintain moisture.
What type of glaze works best for orange sweet rolls?
A simple mixture of powdered sugar, fresh orange juice, butter, and vanilla makes a smooth, flavorful glaze that pairs perfectly with the filling.
Glazed Orange Sweet Rolls | Comforting, Citrusy, and Homemade
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft and fluffy glazed orange sweet rolls filled with real citrus zest and finished with a smooth vanilla-orange glaze. Perfect for brunch or special occasions.
Ingredients
1 package active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
½ cup warm water (105–115°F)
½ cup scalded milk, cooled
⅓ cup granulated sugar
⅓ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1 teaspoon salt
1 large egg
3 ½ to 4 cups all-purpose flour
Filling and Glaze:
3 cups powdered sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
2 tablespoons finely grated orange zest
4 tablespoons fresh orange juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Heavy cream (as needed)
Instructions
1. Stir yeast into warm water and let stand until foamy.
2. Add cooled milk, sugar, butter, salt, egg, and 2 cups of flour. Mix until smooth.
3. Switch to a dough hook, add remaining flour gradually, and knead for 5 minutes.
4. Place dough in greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled, about 90 minutes.
5. Beat filling ingredients together. Set aside half for glazing.
6. Roll dough into 18×12-inch rectangle and spread half of the filling.
7. Roll up the dough and slice into 12 equal rolls.
8. Place in greased baking dish. Cover and rise again for 40 minutes.
9. Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake rolls for 20–25 minutes until golden.
10. Glaze warm rolls with remaining filling, thinning with cream if needed.
Notes
For a variation, add lemon zest or a pinch of cinnamon to the filling.
To make ahead, refrigerate assembled rolls before second rise. Let them come to room temperature before baking.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 315
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Conclusion
These glazed orange sweet rolls bring together everything you love about home baking—comfort, flavor, and a sense of warmth. From the fluffy, fragrant dough to the citrusy center and creamy topping, each part of this recipe is designed to feel special without being complicated. Whether you’re preparing a weekend breakfast or simply want to enjoy something homemade with a cup of tea, these rolls deliver sunshine and sweetness in every bite. Give them a try and let their fresh, vibrant flavor brighten your table.