This recipe for Orange Rolls is simple and delicious! The pastry is filled with sugary orange goodness and topped with a sweet orange glaze. Perfect for breakfast or a treat to share!

My high school boyfriend actually introduced me to the wonderful flavor of Orange Rolls. Up until that point in my junior year, I did not know this wonderful pastry existed.

The pairing of pastry dough with citrus is addicting and the perfect way to mix up your classic cinnamon roll recipe! These homemade orange rolls are better than Pillsbury!

Recipe Features:

What You’ll Need:

What exactly do you need to make the best homemade orange rolls? The answer might surprise you. Most items are pantry staples! Let’s go over just a few – The full list and measurements are in the recipe card below.

Active dry yeast- Be sure your yeast is within date to get the best rise in your dough.
Butter- We really like salted but unsalted will work as well.
Sugar- Unlike cinnamon rolls, sweet orange rolls only use granulated sugar.
Milk- Try to use whole milk if possible.
Orange zest- Use a fine zester (affiliate). The one linked here is the one I use. It keeps you from getting big clumps in your dough and frosting.
Orange juice- Fresh is best, or use your favorite brand.
Vanilla extract- Always opt for pure vanilla extract.

Step by Step Instructions:

For the rolls:

Stir the yeast into the warm water. Allow to sit for 5-10 minutes or until the yeast has bloomed.
Combine the 1/2 cup butter and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer. Mix on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy and fully combined.
Whisk together the egg and milk. Stir into the butter mixture.
Add the yeast with one cup of flour. Stir on low slowly adding in the remaining flour 1/2 cup at a time. You want the dough to be playdough like texture.
Switch to the dough hook and mix on medium/low speed for 8 minutes or until the dough is smooth.
Lightly grease a medium glass bowl. Place the dough into the bowl. Turn once to coat in the oil. Cover with a clean dry towel and allow the dough to rest until it has doubled in size, about 1-2 hours.

For the filling:

While your dough is rising, combine the 1 cup of sugar with the orange zest. Stir until fragrant and combined.
Once the dough has doubled, punch down. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and roll into a 9×18 inch rectangle. Spread with 1/2 cup soft butter. Spread the sugar and orange zest mixture over the butter.
Roll the dough, starting at the long side. Gently slice into 12 equal pieces.
Lightly grease a 9×13 pan. Place the rolls, cut side down, into the pan. Cover with a clean towel and allow them to rest for 30 minutes to one hour, or until they have doubled in size.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Bake the rolls for 22-25 minutes, or until they are lightly browned.

For the frosting:

Combine the 1/4 cup butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla in a medium bowl. Whisk until combined. Add orange juice, one tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is achieved. Spread over your slightly cooled orange rolls.

Tips and FAQs:

Can you freeze Orange Rolls?

YES. You definitely can freeze sweet rolls. The best method for freezing your sweet rolls is to bake them, allow them to cool completely, and individually wrap in plastic wrap. Place in a labeled zip top bag and freeze solid.

When ready to eat, wrap in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Or until the roll is warmed through. Frost as normal and enjoy!

How to make sweet rolls the night before:

Cinnamon rolls are known as a fun breakfast or brunch recipe. However, the time it takes the dough to rise requires an early start to your day. Luckily, this recipe can be prepped and made the night before which makes it even more appealing! Here’s how:

Make the dough all the way through step 3 of the filling.
Once you have divided your dough into 12 pieces, place in a lightly greased 9×13 pan. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator overnight.
Remove the rolls from the refrigerator one hour prior to baking.
Bake per the instructions below.

How to know if your yeast is still active:

Using active yeast, or watching your yeast bloom, is a crucial part of any sweet roll recipe. So how exactly do you know if your yeast is still active? Easy, simply pour your yeast into a bowl or cup of warm water. Let the yeast sit for 5 to 10 minutes. If you see bubbles, or a foam, your yeast is alive and ready to go into the recipe!

Make sure to store your yeast in a cool dry place to keep it fresh longer.

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This post was originally published January 22, 2013. It has since been updated to include some of our favorite tips.

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