Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed (110°F/43°C)
- 2 tablespoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
For the Filling:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest
For the Orange Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- A pinch of salt
Ingredient Highlights
- Orange Zest and Juice: The zest and juice of the orange provide a fresh citrus flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of the dough and filling.
- Butter: Both the dough and filling include butter, which adds richness and contributes to the rolls’ soft, fluffy texture.
- Active Dry Yeast: The yeast is key to creating a light and airy dough, allowing the rolls to rise beautifully while baking.
- Brown Sugar and Cinnamon: The filling’s brown sugar and cinnamon give the rolls a warm, comforting sweetness and spiced flavor that pairs perfectly with the orange.
- Powdered Sugar: The glaze is made with powdered sugar, which ensures a smooth, sweet finish for the rolls.
Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
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Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and granulated sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
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Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the softened butter, eggs, orange zest, and orange juice until well combined.
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Add Yeast Mixture: Add the activated yeast mixture to the wet ingredients and stir to combine.
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Incorporate the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt to the wet ingredients, stirring until the dough begins to come together.
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Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much.
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First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and allow it to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
Prepare the Filling:
- Mix the Filling: While the dough is rising, prepare the filling by combining the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and orange zest in a small bowl. Stir until it forms a smooth, spreadable mixture.
Roll Out the Dough:
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Roll the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll it out into a large rectangle, approximately 16×12 inches in size.
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Spread the Filling: Spread the prepared cinnamon-orange filling evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
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Roll the Dough: Starting from one of the long sides, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Pinch the seams to seal.
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Cut the Rolls: Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut the dough into 12-16 even slices, depending on how large you want your rolls to be.
Bake the Orange Sweet Rolls:
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Prepare the Baking Pan: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and place the rolls inside, making sure they are close together but not overcrowded.
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Second Rise: Cover the pan with a clean towel and let the rolls rise for another 30-45 minutes, until they puff up and fill the pan.
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Preheat the Oven: While the rolls are rising, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Bake: Once the rolls have risen, bake them for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and cooked through. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overbake.
Prepare the Glaze:
- Make the Orange Glaze: While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, fresh orange juice, melted butter, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Add vanilla extract if you prefer.
Glaze and Serve:
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Glaze the Rolls: Once the rolls are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Drizzle the warm orange glaze over the rolls while they’re still slightly warm.
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Serve: Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving. These rolls are best enjoyed warm, with a cup of coffee or tea.
- Prep Time: 20minutes
- Cook Time: 25minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 4g