If you’re anything like me, you know that nothing quite beats the warm, zesty embrace of a freshly baked orange pastry first thing in the morning. That is exactly why I’m beyond excited to share this delightful Homemade Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe with you. Soft, fluffy rolls infused with bright orange zest and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting make these sweet rolls a perfect treat for any time you crave a citrusy, comforting indulgence. Whether it’s brunch with loved ones or a special weekend breakfast, this recipe is bound to become your new favorite go-to!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, quality ingredients is the secret to achieving the perfect texture and rich flavor in this Homemade Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe. Each element plays a crucial role — from the creamy butter adding softness to the dough, to the fresh orange zest delivering that unmistakable citrus aroma and brightness.
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2% recommended): Provides moisture and a tender crumb for the rolls.
- 1/4 cup (57 g) salted butter: Adds richness and flavor to the dough.
- 1/4 cup (53 g) granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough just right without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all flavors.
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast: Helps the dough rise beautifully and become fluffy.
- 1 large egg: Adds structure and richness.
- 3 to 4 cups (426 to 568 g) all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the dough for structure and chew.
- 1/2 cup (113 g) salted butter, softened: For the sweet orange filling — rich and gooey.
- 3/4 cup (159 g) granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling for perfect balance.
- 2 to 3 tablespoons fresh orange zest (from about 2-3 medium oranges): Provides that fresh citrus punch.
- 3 tablespoons cream cheese, softened: Base for the creamy frosting with a tangy touch.
- 6 tablespoons (85 g) salted butter, softened: Gives the frosting its silky, spreadable texture.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances the complexity of the frosting.
- 1 tablespoon milk or heavy cream (can substitute fresh orange juice): Thins the frosting to a creamy consistency and adds a subtle flavor note.
- 1 to 2 teaspoons fresh orange zest (or more, to taste): Infuses the frosting with bright citrus flavor.
- 1 1/4 cups (143 g) powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting to a smooth, pourable finish.
How to Make Homemade Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Scald the Milk
Begin by heating the milk gently until it just steams with small bubbles around the edges but does not boil. This step ensures the milk will blend beautifully with yeast and butter later on, lending a tender softness to the dough.
Step 2: Mix Base Ingredients
Add butter, sugar, and salt to the warm milk and stir until the butter melts completely. Allow this warm mixture to cool to just warm, making a cozy environment perfect for activating the yeast without killing it.
Step 3: Add Yeast and Egg
Whisk in your instant yeast and egg into the milk mixture until everything is fully combined. This creates the foundation for a dough that’s both light and rich in flavor.
Step 4: Add Flour and Knead
Gradually incorporate flour, one cup at a time, mixing until the dough pulls away from the bowl’s sides but remains slightly sticky. Knead for a few minutes until the dough feels smooth and elastic — literally the perfect texture for sweet rolls that melt in your mouth.
Step 5: First Rise
Transfer your dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover it up, and place it somewhere warm. Let it rise and double in size over the next hour. This rise is essential for those soft, fluffy rolls bursting with airy goodness.
Step 6: Prepare Filling
While the dough is rising, blend softened butter, granulated sugar, and fresh orange zest in a small bowl. This aromatic filling will get rolled inside the dough, offering gooey pockets of bright citric sweetness with every bite.
Step 7: Shape the Rolls
Roll out your risen dough into a 14 by 10-inch rectangle and spread the orange filling evenly across the surface. Beginning with a long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log shape, sealing the edge as you go.
Step 8: Cut and Form Rolls
Using a serrated knife, cut the roll into 12 equal slices, about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. You can opt for classic round rolls arranged snugly in a greased pan or twist each slice into a lovely knot for a fun variation, then place them on a baking sheet.
Step 9: Second Rise
Cover your shaped rolls and let them rise again until puffy and nearly doubled in size — this usually takes 1 to 1.5 hours. This second rise guarantees the soft, cloud-like texture that makes these rolls irresistible.
Step 10: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius), then bake the rolls for about 18 to 22 minutes until they turn a dreamy golden hue on top.
Step 11: Make the Frosting
While your rolls bake or cool, whip together cream cheese and butter until smooth, then add a pinch of salt, your choice of milk or orange juice, and fresh orange zest. Once combined, beat in powdered sugar until the frosting is light, creamy, and bursting with citrus flavor.
Step 12: Frost and Serve
Spread this luscious frosting over the warm rolls so it melts into every crevice. Serve immediately for the best experience or enjoy at room temperature — either way, these sweet rolls are a heartfelt treat.
How to Serve Homemade Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of additional fresh orange zest or finely chopped candied orange peel brightens the presentation and adds an extra burst of citrus aroma to your rolls. For a bit of texture and sparkle, consider a light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving.
Side Dishes
These rolls pair magnificently with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a vibrant green tea to balance the rich sweetness. You can also serve them alongside a fresh fruit salad or a simple yogurt parfait for a well-rounded breakfast or brunch spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, arrange your rolls in a circular pattern on a platter to create a beautiful pull-apart centerpiece. Alternatively, serve individual rolls in cute mini-ramekins or wrap them in parchment for delightful grab-and-go treats at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once fully cooled, place leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep them soft. If you live in a warmer climate, refrigeration is fine but be aware it may slightly dry out the rolls, so reheating is recommended.
Freezing
Wrap individual rolls tightly with plastic wrap or foil and freeze for up to two months. This way, you can enjoy fresh-tasting Homemade Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe whenever the craving strikes. Simply thaw at room temperature before reheating.
Reheating
To revive the tender texture, warm rolls in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 15 minutes or microwave on low power for 20 to 30 seconds. Add a tiny dab of butter or extra frosting after warming for that just-baked feel.
FAQs
Can I use other types of citrus zest in this recipe?
Absolutely! While the Homemade Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe shines with fresh orange zest, lemon or grapefruit zest can add delightful variations. Just be sure to adjust zest quantity to taste as some citrus can be more intense.
What can I substitute for cream cheese in the frosting?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using a plant-based cream cheese or even a thick coconut cream. These alternatives maintain the creamy texture while giving a slightly different but still delicious flavor.
Is it necessary to use instant yeast, or can I use active dry yeast?
You can use active dry yeast, but you’ll need to proof it first in warm water or milk until foamy before adding it to the dough. Instant yeast is a bit more convenient because it can be mixed directly with other ingredients.
Can I make these rolls without eggs?
Yes, though eggs add richness and help with structure. For an egg-free version, consider substituting with a flax egg or increasing the milk slightly to maintain dough moisture, but the texture may be slightly different.
How do I know when the rolls are fully baked?
Look for a light golden color on top and a slight springiness when gently pressed. The aroma of baked orange and butter will fill your kitchen, signaling these perfect Homemade Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe are ready to enjoy!
Final Thoughts
Making these Homemade Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe is such a rewarding experience — from the moment you mix the dough to the first bite bursting with fresh citrus and sweet frosting. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again, turning ordinary mornings into something truly special. Give it a go and share with those you love, because some recipes aren’t just food — they’re warm memories in the making.
Print
Homemade Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Homemade Orange Sweet Rolls are soft, fluffy, and filled with a bright, zesty orange sugar butter mixture. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, these rolls are topped with a creamy orange-flavored cream cheese frosting that complements the citrus filling perfectly. The dough is enriched with butter and egg, with a tender crumb and a lovely golden crust.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2% recommended)
- 1/4 cup (57 g) salted butter
- 1/4 cup (53 g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 large egg
- 3 to 4 cups (426 to 568 g) all-purpose flour
Filling Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (113 g) salted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (159 g) granulated sugar
- 2 to 3 tablespoons fresh orange zest (from about 2–3 medium oranges)
Frosting Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
- 6 tablespoons (85 g) salted butter, softened
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon milk or heavy cream (can substitute fresh orange juice)
- 1 to 2 teaspoons fresh orange zest (or more, to taste)
- 1 1/4 cups (143 g) powdered sugar
Instructions
- Scald the Milk: Heat the milk in a medium saucepan or microwave until it is steaming with small bubbles around the edges but not boiling. Transfer the hot milk to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook or to a large mixing bowl if mixing by hand.
- Mix Base Ingredients: Add the 1/4 cup butter, granulated sugar, and salt to the hot milk. Stir until the butter melts completely, then let the mixture cool until it is just warm to the touch, not hot.
- Add Yeast and Egg: Stir in the instant yeast and the large egg into the warm milk mixture. Mix until fully combined and smooth.
- Add Flour and Knead: Gradually add 3 to 4 cups of all-purpose flour, one cup at a time, mixing after each addition until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and feels soft and slightly sticky. Knead the dough for 2 to 3 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with greased plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and place it in a warm spot. Let it rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Prepare Filling: In a small bowl, mix the softened 1/2 cup butter, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, and 2 to 3 tablespoons fresh orange zest until evenly combined and creamy.
- Shape the Rolls: On a lightly floured surface, roll or pat the dough into a 14 by 10-inch rectangle. Spread the prepared orange filling evenly over the dough. Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log, sealing the seam by pinching it closed.
- Cut and Form Rolls: Use a serrated knife to slice the log into 12 equal slices, each about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. For classic rolls, place the slices cut side up in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan in 3 rows of 4. For twisted rolls, stretch each slice into an oval shape, twist in the center, and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Second Rise: Cover the prepared rolls loosely and let them rise in a warm place until they become puffy and nearly doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the tops are just slightly golden and the rolls are cooked through.
- Make the Frosting: While the rolls bake or cool, beat softened cream cheese and 6 tablespoons softened butter together with a mixer until smooth. Add a pinch of salt, milk or cream (or fresh orange juice) and 1 to 2 teaspoons fresh orange zest, mixing well. Gradually add 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar and beat until the frosting is light and creamy.
- Frost and Serve: Spread the orange cream cheese frosting evenly over the rolls while they are still slightly warm. Serve immediately or let cool to room temperature or slightly warm before enjoying.
Notes
- Use fresh orange zest for the best citrus flavor in your filling and frosting.
- Ensure the milk mixture is warm but not hot when adding yeast to avoid killing the yeast.
- Adjust the flour amount depending on humidity and flour brand; the dough should be soft but not sticky.
- For twist-shaped rolls, handle gently when stretching and twisting to maintain the shape.
- Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
