The Best Glazed Orange Rolls: A Soft, Fluffy Citrus Delight for Any Occasion

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Best Glazed Orange Rolls bring together all the comforting qualities of classic cinnamon rolls but with a bright, refreshing citrus twist. Soft, pillowy dough is swirled with a fragrant orange filling, then topped with a luscious orange glaze that melts into every warm layer. These rolls feel special enough for holiday mornings yet simple enough for a weekend baking project. I once made them using freshly squeezed juice from blood oranges, and the color and aroma were truly remarkable. Whether you prefer your rolls subtly sweet or bursting with citrus, this recipe adapts easily. Their tender texture, balanced sweetness, and unmistakable orange fragrance make them a favorite among both seasoned bakers and beginners. Enjoy them warm from the oven, and you’ll understand why they become a family tradition quickly.

Print

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
This provides the structure for the dough. A high-quality flour ensures a soft, tender roll that still holds its shape. You may add an extra tablespoon if the dough feels too sticky.

Yeast
Active dry yeast or instant yeast helps the dough rise, creating the fluffy layers that define a great roll. Instant yeast speeds up the process slightly and blends easily into the dry ingredients.

Milk
Warm milk adds moisture and richness. It helps produce a soft dough and contributes to the tender crumb of the baked rolls.

Butter
Butter enriches both the dough and the orange filling. When melted into the dough, it makes the rolls soft; when spread inside, it gives the swirls flavor and moisture.

Sugar
Sugar sweetens the dough and helps activate the yeast. It also caramelizes lightly during baking, enhancing the flavor of the filling.

Eggs
Eggs create a richer dough with structure and tenderness. They contribute to the softness and golden color of the baked rolls.

Salt
Salt enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness without making the rolls salty.

Orange zest
Orange zest provides the vibrant citrus flavor that defines this recipe. It works especially well when mixed into both the filling and the glaze.

Orange juice
Freshly squeezed orange juice brightens the filling and glaze, giving the rolls their signature tang. Store-bought juice works if freshly squeezed is unavailable.

Powdered sugar
This ingredient creates the smooth, sweet glaze. It dissolves easily and blends well with the juice for a silky finishing touch.

Directions

Begin by warming the milk until it is just slightly warm to the touch. Add the yeast and a teaspoon of sugar, allowing the mixture to sit for several minutes until foamy. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and eggs. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead on a lightly floured surface for about 5–7 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour or until doubled. Once risen, gently punch down the dough and roll it out into a rectangle. Brush softened butter over the surface. Sprinkle generously with sugar and orange zest. Drizzle a small amount of orange juice over the filling.

Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice into even pieces. Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise again for 30–40 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes or until lightly golden and cooked through.

While the rolls bake, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, orange juice, and a bit of zest until smooth. When the rolls come out of the oven, pour the glaze over them while warm, allowing it to melt into the layers. Serve immediately for the softest texture.

Essential Equipment

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.

Servings and timing

This recipe typically yields 12–14 rolls. Preparation, including rising times, takes about 2 to 2½ hours. Baking requires 20–25 minutes. Total time: approximately 2½ hours.

Storage/reheating

Store leftover orange rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for up to four days. Reheat individual rolls in a 300°F oven for 8–10 minutes or warm briefly in the microwave, though the oven preserves their texture more effectively. You may also freeze the baked rolls without glaze for up to two months; thaw and glaze before serving.

Variations and Customizations

Orange Cream Cheese Glaze
Swap part of the powdered sugar glaze for softened cream cheese for a richer, tangy finish.

Blood Orange Rolls
Use blood orange zest and juice for vibrant color and deeper citrus flavor.

Cranberry-Orange Filling
Add dried cranberries to the filling for tart bursts of flavor.

Almond-Orange Rolls
Stir in almond extract or sprinkle slivered almonds on top for a nutty aroma.

Maple Citrus Glaze
Replace some of the orange juice with maple syrup for warmth and depth.

Lemon-Orange Swirl
Combine lemon zest with orange zest in the filling for a bright, layered citrus profile.

Honey-Sweetened Glaze
Use honey instead of powdered sugar for a lighter sweetness.

Chocolate-Orange Rolls
Add mini chocolate chips to the filling for a decadent dessert twist.

Vanilla Bean Glaze
Add vanilla bean paste to the glaze for floral notes that complement the citrus.

Brown Butter Filling
Use browned butter instead of melted butter inside the rolls for deeper caramel flavor.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough overnight after the first rise.

Can I use store-bought dough?

Yes, but homemade dough offers the best softness and flavor.

What type of yeast works best?

Both active dry and instant yeast are suitable.

Do the rolls need a second rise?

Yes, the second rise ensures they bake up fluffy.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, reduce slightly, though sugar helps with browning and texture.

Can I add spices like cinnamon?

Yes, a small amount blends well with the orange flavor.

Should I use fresh or bottled orange juice?

Fresh provides the best aroma, but bottled works in a pinch.

How do I prevent dense rolls?

Ensure proper rising time and avoid adding too much flour.

Can I freeze the unbaked rolls?

Yes, freeze after slicing and rise them before baking.

How do I know when they are done?

The tops should be lightly golden and the centers cooked through.

Conclusion

The Best Glazed Orange Rolls combine softness, citrus brightness, and comforting sweetness in every bite. Their tender layers and fragrant glaze make them an ideal centerpiece for brunch tables, holiday mornings, or weekend baking sessions. With adaptable flavors and straightforward steps, these rolls prove that homemade baked goods can be both impressive and approachable. Enjoy them warm and fresh, and they may quickly become one of your most treasured recipes.

Looking for more tasty recipes? Visit our website for full details and follow us on Pinterest for daily food ideas to save and share