Orange Rolls | Homemade Orange Breakfast Roll Recipe

PUBLISHED December 18, 2025· MODIFIED December 17, 2025 · by the author listed in the recipe card 1332 words. · About 7 minutes to read this article.· This post may contain affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases· Leave a Comment

If you love the sweet citrusy flavor of fresh oranges combined with soft, pillowy dough, these homemade Orange Rolls will be your new favorite treat. Similar to cinnamon rolls but with a bright and zesty twist, these rolls are filled with a buttery orange-sugar mixture and topped with a luscious orange glaze. They are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as an indulgent dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Brilliant Breakfast

Soft and fluffy texture. These rolls are light, tender, and melt in your mouth.
Bursting with citrus flavor. Fresh orange zest and juice make every bite bright and refreshing.
Perfect for any occasion. Great for holiday mornings, special breakfasts, or weekend baking.
Make-ahead friendly. Prepare the night before and bake fresh in the morning.

Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or as a special brunch centerpiece, orange rolls are a sweet, citrusy delight that brings joy with every bite.

What Do Orange Rolls Taste Like?

Yes, Orange Rolls are absolutely delicious and a wonderful alternative to classic cinnamon rolls. They have a delicate balance of sweet and citrusy flavors that complement the buttery dough.

The filling has just the right amount of orange zest to give a refreshing pop of flavor, and the glaze adds a smooth, sweet finish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For The Dough

All-Purpose Flour – Provides the structure and foundation of the rolls, giving them a soft but sturdy texture.
Active Dry Yeast– Leavens the dough, allowing it to rise and become fluffy.
Warm Milk– Activates the yeast and keeps the dough moist and tender.
Granulated Sugar– Adds a touch of sweetness to the dough and helps feed the yeast for better rising.
Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
Unsalted Butter– Adds richness, moisture, and tenderness to the dough.
Egg– Binds the ingredients together and contributes to a soft, slightly rich texture.

Filling

Unsalted Butter– Ensures a smooth, rich filling that melts into the dough while baking.
Granulated Sugar– Sweetens the filling, complementing the bright citrus flavor.
Orange Zest– Infuses the rolls with a bold, fresh orange flavor.
Orange Juice– Adds natural citrusy brightness and moisture to the filling.

For The Glaze

Powdered Sugar– Creates a smooth, sweet glaze that perfectly coats the warm rolls.
Orange Juice– Provides the perfect amount of tangy citrus flavor.
Vanilla Extract– Enhances the glaze with a warm, subtle depth of flavor.

How To Make Orange Rolls

Prepare the Dough. In a bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Add sugar, salt, melted butter, and egg. Mix until combined. Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours until doubled in size.
Make the Orange Filling. In a small bowl, mix softened butter, sugar, orange zest, and orange juice until well combined.
Shape the Rolls. Roll out the dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle. Spread the orange filling evenly over the dough. Roll up tightly from the long side and slice into 12 equal pieces. Place rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30-45 minutes.
Bake the Orange Rolls. Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake rolls for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Make the Orange Glaze. Whisk together powdered sugar, orange juice, and vanilla extract. Drizzle over warm rolls before serving.

Tips And Tricks

Orange rolls are a delightful citrusy twist on classic sweet rolls, and with a few expert tips, you can ensure they turn out soft, flavorful, and perfectly glazed every time:

Use fresh orange zest and juice for the best citrus flavor. Bottled juice won’t have the same brightness.
Knead the dough properly to ensure soft and fluffy rolls. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour.
Let the dough rise until doubled to achieve the best texture. Rushing the process may result in dense rolls.
Slice the rolls evenly to ensure they bake at the same rate.
Pour the glaze while warm so it soaks into the rolls slightly for extra moisture.

Variations

Orange rolls are already a delicious treat, but there are many ways to customize them to fit your preferences. Whether you want to add more citrus, incorporate different spices, or create a richer filling, here are some creative variations to try:

Orange Cream Cheese Frosting– Swap the glaze for a creamy orange cream cheese icing.
Nutty– Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for a crunchy texture.
Cinnamon– Sprinkle cinnamon into the filling for a warm, spiced twist.
Chocolate– Mix in mini chocolate chips for a sweet citrus-chocolate combo.

What To Enjoy With Orange Rolls

Orange rolls are a sweet, citrusy delight that pair well with a variety of sides and beverages. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, here are some delicious ways to enjoy them:

Fresh fruit– A side of berries or citrus slices complements the bright orange flavor.
Scrambled eggs– A savory contrast to balance the sweetness.
Coffee or tea– A warm drink enhances the comforting flavors of the rolls.
Yogurt and granola– Adds protein and crunch to complete your breakfast.

How Long Do They Last?

Orange rolls can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days in an airtight container to keep them soft and fresh.

If you need them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to 5 days, but be sure to warm them slightly before serving to restore their soft, fluffy texture.

Can You Freeze Them?

For extended storage, orange rolls freeze well—wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.

When ready to enjoy them, thaw the rolls at room temperature or warm in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes. Adding a fresh drizzle of glaze after reheating can help bring back their just-baked flavor and moisture.

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