Orange Rolls

These soft, buttery, and lightly sugared Orange Rolls will melt in your mouth. The ultimate holiday orange roll recipe!

I adore these Orange Rolls. There’s another amazing recipe that comes from my Mom. Doesn’t it seem that the recipes handed down from family are always the best? I think so! These are buttery, soft, lightly sugared, citrus rolls of heaven. No joke. And if you make them correctly, they will melt in your mouth and leave you wanting more! These orange rolls are perfect for special occasions, birthdays, and holiday gatherings. They’re a favorite for brunch, breakfast, or anytime you’re in the mood for a sweet treat.

ORANGE ROLLS

I posted these on my blog a couple of years ago, but the picture just didn’t do them justice. This picture may not be either, but it’s a lot better than the last one. If this new one doesn’t sell you on them, then just take my word for it. They are worth every bit of time and energy you put into them!

Find my expert tips on how to make orange rolls below! Don’t forget to tag me in all of your creations @lifeinthelofthouse on Instagram or Facebook. Let’s stay connected. ❤️

Why You’ll Love This Easy Orange Rolls Recipe:

• Soft & Fluffy Texture: The enriched dough, made with milk, butter, and eggs, bakes up light, tender, and melt-in-your-mouth soft.
• Bright, Citrusy Flavor: Fresh orange zest in the filling gives each roll a refreshing, sunny flavor that pairs perfectly with the buttery sweetness.
• Perfectly Portioned: Baked in muffin tins, these rolls are easy to serve and ideal for brunches, breakfast spreads, or special occasions.
• Sweet, Indulgent, But Not Overwhelming: The balanced sugar and butter filling delivers just the right amount of sweetness, making them irresistible any time of day.
• Great For Large Gatherings: Whether for holidays, birthdays, or weekend brunch, these rolls are a crowd-pleasing treat that looks as good as they taste.

Ingredients

Rolls

• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon active-dry yeast
• 1/4 cup warm water
• 1 Tablespoon sugar
• 2 eggs beaten
• 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Filling

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter softened
• Zest of 2 small oranges or 1 large

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, over medium heat, add the milk, butter, sugar, and salt. Stir until butter melts. Remove from heat and let stand until lukewarm.

In a large bowl, mix the yeast, warm water and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let stand 10 minutes or until foamy.

Once milk/butter mixture is lukewarm, add to the foamy yeast mixture. Stir. Next add in the beaten eggs, and slowly stir in all 4 1/2 cups of flour.

Cover and let rise until doubled in size. (For about 1 – 2 hours).

Once the dough has risen, mix together the filling ingredients. Set aside.

Punch down dough, and divide in half. Take one half of dough out of bowl, and place onto a floured counter top. (Make sure to flour your hands up good. The dough is very sticky).

With first half of dough, roll out into a rectangle. Spread half of the filling mix over the dough. Roll up dough lengthwise (like you would with cinnamon rolls) Cut into 12 pieces. Place pieces in greased muffin tins.

Repeat with other half of dough.

Cover the muffin tins with kitchen towels and let rise until doubled.

Bake at 325 F° for 15 minutes. Enjoy!

Servings

Yields: 24 orange rolls.

Storage and Reheating

Store cooled Orange Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze fully cooled rolls for up to 2 months and thaw before serving. To reheat, warm individual rolls in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or cover with foil and heat in the oven at 300°F for 8–10 minutes. Brushing with a little melted butter after reheating helps keep them soft and flavorful.

Holly’s Tips for The Best Orange Rolls:

• Use Lukewarm Liquids: Make sure the milk and butter mixture is lukewarm before adding to the yeast. Too hot will kill the yeast, too cold will slow the rise.
• Proof The Yeast Properly: Let the yeast and warm water mixture sit until foamy to ensure active yeast and a good rise.
• Flour Your hands & Surface Well: The dough is sticky, so generously flouring your hands and counter will make rolling and shaping easier.
• Don’t Rush The Rise: Letting the dough rise until doubled in size ensures soft, fluffy rolls.
• Shape Carefully: Rolling the dough lengthwise and cutting evenly helps create uniform rolls that bake evenly.
• Use Muffin Tins For Perfect Portions: Baking in muffin tins gives each roll structure and helps them rise nicely.
• Serve Warm: These homemade orange rolls are best enjoyed slightly warm, straight from the oven, or reheated briefly to revive their soft, buttery texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Similar Recipes

Craving something similar? Try my Glazed Orange Rolls next.

Wanting another fruity twist on rolls? My Raspberry Orange Rolls are both sweet and tart rolls, packed with fresh raspberries and orange zest.

Searching for something seasonal? My Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for fall. They are warm, homemade rolls full of cinnamon spice and pumpkin.

In the mood for something different? My S’mores Crescent Rolls are flaky, buttery crescent rolls stuffed with marshmallows and chocolate, topped with a chocolate drizzle.

Looking for something tropical? My Sticky Lemon Rolls with Lemon Cream Cheese Glaze are out-of-this-world zesty breakfast rolls that will bring your mornings to life.

Have you made this Orange Rolls recipe? 🍊

Leave a review, and don’t forget to tag me in your creations on Instagram and Facebook! @lifeinthelofthouse! #OrangeRolls #HolidayRolls #BrunchRecipes #LifeInTheLofthouse

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