Orange Rolls

Orange Rolls are a delightful treat that brightens any occasion. These soft, fluffy rolls infused with fresh orange juice and zest are perfect for brunches, family gatherings, or simply enjoying with your morning coffee. The sweet aroma and vibrant flavor of oranges make these rolls truly irresistible. Plus, they can be easily made ahead of time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of fresh orange juice and zest creates a refreshing and vibrant taste that elevates these rolls.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can master this recipe.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them warm as a breakfast item or serve them at parties as a sweet treat.
• Perfectly Sweetened: The balance of sugar in the dough and glaze provides just the right amount of sweetness without being overwhelming.
• Make Ahead Option: Prepare the dough in advance, and bake fresh rolls whenever you’re ready.

Tools and Preparation

To make Orange Rolls successfully, you’ll need some essential tools that will simplify the process and ensure great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer with dough hook
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowls
• Rolling pin
• 13×9 inch baking pan
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer with dough hook: This tool saves you time and effort by kneading the dough evenly for you.
• Rolling pin: Ensures your dough is rolled out to the perfect thickness for even baking.
• Baking pan: A good quality baking pan promotes even cooking, resulting in perfectly baked rolls every time.

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 30g or ¼ cup all purpose or bread flour
• 120g or ½ cup water
• 7g or 1 packet instant yeast
• 60g or ¼ cup warm water
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 520 g or 4 cups all purpose flour
• 125g or ½ cup greek yogurt (vanilla or plain)
• 50g or ¼ cup canola oil (or other flavorless oil)
• 50g granulated sugar (optional, sweetens the dough)
• 175g or scant ¾ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• Zest of two large oranges
• 1-2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract or paste
• ½ tsp fine sea salt

For the Filling

• 145g or ⅔ cups brown sugar
• 75g or ⅓ cup butter (softened, salted or unsalted)
• Zest of 2 oranges
• 8g or 1 tablespoon all purpose flour
• Pinch fine sea salt

For the Glaze

• 120g or ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons cream cheese
• 2-4 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• 195g or 1 ½ cups organic powdered sugar
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract or paste
• Pinch fine sea salt

How to Make Orange Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a small pot, add half a cup of water and quarter cup of flour. Turn heat to low and cook while whisking until it becomes a thick paste. Set aside.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, add the quarter cup of warm water. Sprinkle yeast over it and add a sprinkle of sugar. Mix briefly then let it foam for a couple of minutes.
3. Add flour along with remaining dough ingredients including the roux from above into the bowl.
4. Knead on low speed for about 7-10 minutes until smooth and cleans the bowl.
5. Transfer to an oiled bowl, coat with oil, cover, and let rise for 2-3 hours until almost doubled.

Step 2: Shape the Rolls

1. Once risen, punch down the dough on a floured surface.
2. Mix softened butter with brown sugar and orange zest in a bowl; add pinch of salt and tablespoon of flour.
3. Roll out dough into a rectangle about 12×16 inches; spread filling over leaving half-inch border on one long side.
4. Roll up tightly into a log from filled side; seal edges.
5. Grease a 13×9 inch baking pan; slice log into approximately eleven 1-inch rolls using dental floss or knife.
6. Place rolls on pan in rows; cover with tea towel to rise for another 45 minutes.

Step 3: Bake & Glaze

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Pour heavy cream around rolls just before baking.
3. Bake for about 30 minutes until golden brown; internal temperature should read about 190°F (88°C).
4. For glaze: whisk cream cheese with orange juice; add vanilla, salt, powdered sugar until smooth—adjust consistency if needed.
5. Spread glaze over warm rolls before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Orange Rolls!

How to Serve Orange Rolls

Orange rolls are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re having them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls can be paired with different accompaniments to elevate their flavor.

With Fresh Fruit

• Berries – Serve your orange rolls with a side of fresh strawberries or blueberries for a refreshing contrast.
• Citrus Slices – Complement the orange flavor by adding slices of grapefruit or tangerines.

With Creamy Spreads

• Cream Cheese Frosting – Spread extra cream cheese icing on top for an indulgent touch.
• Nut Butter – A dollop of almond or peanut butter adds a nutty flavor that pairs well with the sweetness.

As Part of a Brunch Spread

• Egg Dishes – Pair with scrambled eggs or an omelet to create a balanced meal.
• Salads – A light salad with citrus dressing provides a fresh counterpart to the rich rolls.

How to Perfect Orange Rolls

Perfecting orange rolls takes some attention to detail, but these helpful tips will guide you along the way!

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Ensure your yeast is active and your oranges are fresh for the best flavor and rise.
• Knead Properly – Knead the dough until it’s smooth; this helps develop gluten for better texture.
• Let Dough Rise Fully – Allow enough time for the dough to rise; this enhances the fluffiness of the rolls.
• Monitor Baking Time – Keep an eye on the rolls while baking to prevent over-browning; they should be golden, not dark brown.
• Adjust Icing Consistency – Customize your glaze by adding more juice or powdered sugar until you achieve your desired thickness.

Best Side Dishes for Orange Rolls

Pairing side dishes with orange rolls can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Greek Yogurt Parfait – Layer Greek yogurt with granola and berries for a nutritious side.
2. Fruit Salad – A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits complements the sweetness of orange rolls beautifully.
3. Avocado Toast – The creaminess of avocado on toasted bread offers a savory balance to sweet rolls.
4. Spinach Salad – A simple spinach salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette provides a fresh crunch.
5. Cheese Platter – Include mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese to contrast against the sweetness of the rolls.
6. Vegetable Quiche – A slice of quiche filled with vegetables adds heartiness and pairs nicely with orange flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common pitfalls can greatly enhance your experience making Orange Rolls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Incorrect yeast activation: Not allowing the yeast to foam properly can lead to dense rolls. Always let it sit with warm water and sugar for a few minutes until bubbly.

• Over-kneading the dough: Kneading for too long can make the rolls tough instead of soft. Aim for 7-10 minutes until smooth, but don’t overdo it.

• Not letting the dough rise enough: Skipping or shortening the rising time will yield smaller, denser rolls. Allow the dough to rise until it’s almost doubled in size for the best result.

• Using cold ingredients: Cold butter or yogurt can hinder proper mixing and texture. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting.

• Skipping the glaze: The glaze adds essential flavor and moisture. Don’t skip this step; it’s what makes Orange Rolls truly irresistible!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Orange Rolls in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Orange Rolls

• Freeze unglazed rolls by placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be stored for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating Orange Rolls

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat rolls for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual rolls on medium power for about 20-30 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Wrap rolls in foil and place in a skillet on low heat, warming them gently for about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Orange Rolls that may help you on your baking journey:

How do I make Orange Rolls fluffy?

To achieve fluffy Orange Rolls, ensure your yeast is fresh and allow adequate rising time. This helps the dough develop air pockets, resulting in light and airy rolls.

Can I use whole wheat flour for Orange Rolls?

Yes, you can substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, but be aware that it may yield denser rolls. Start with half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour.

What if I don’t have Greek yogurt?

If you don’t have Greek yogurt, you can use regular yogurt or even a dairy-free yogurt alternative as a substitute in equal amounts.

How do I customize my Orange Rolls?

Feel free to add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or include dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for extra flavor and texture!

Can I prepare Orange Rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it overnight before rolling and baking the next day.

Final Thoughts

Orange Rolls are delightful treats that pair perfectly with breakfast or brunch. Their bright citrus flavor is universally appealing, making them a versatile option for any occasion. Experiment with fillings or glazes to suit your taste preferences!