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Sweet Zesty Orange Rolls

citrus breakfast roll

Ingredients

Scale
  • For the Dough:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1/2 cup warm milk (105-110°F)
  • 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1 large egg
  • For the Filling:
  • 4 tablespoons softened butter
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons additional orange zest
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • For the Glaze:
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 23 tablespoons fresh orange juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons cream cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, combine warm milk with 1 teaspoon sugar and sprinkle yeast on top. Let sit until foamy, about 5-10 minutes.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, remaining sugar, orange zest, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix orange juice, melted butter, and egg until well combined.
  4. Add the yeast mixture and wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms.
  5. Turn onto a floured surface and knead for 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  6. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
  7. Meanwhile, mix softened butter, brown sugar, additional orange zest, and cinnamon for the filling.
  8. Punch down the dough and roll into a 12×16-inch rectangle on a floured surface.
  9. Spread filling evenly over dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border along one long edge.
  10. Starting from the opposite long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seam to seal.
  11. Cut into 12 equal rolls and place in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  12. Cover and let rise until nearly doubled, about 30-45 minutes.
  13. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown.
  14. While rolls are baking, mix powdered sugar, orange juice, vanilla, and optional cream cheese for the glaze.
  15. Let rolls cool for 5 minutes before drizzling with glaze.

Notes

  • For extra orange flavor, rub the zest into the sugar with your fingertips before adding to the dough.
  • These rolls can be prepared the night before and refrigerated after shaping. In the morning, allow them to come to room temperature for 30-45 minutes before baking.
  • Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used, portion sizes, and preparation methods.

Nutrition

Keywords: sweet zesty orange rolls, orange pastry, citrus breakfast roll, fluffy orange rolls, morning orange bun