Introduction
There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked sweet rolls wafting through your home, and these Glazed Orange Sweet Rolls are no exception! Perfectly fluffy and bursting with the bright, citrusy flavor of orange zest, these rolls are a delightful treat for breakfast or brunch. Topped with a sweet, tangy glaze, they are sure to impress your family and friends. So roll up your sleeves, and let’s get baking!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F to 115°F)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- Zest of 1 large orange
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 tablespoon milk
- Zest of 1 orange
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes (including rising time)
Yield: 12 rolls
Directions and Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and granulated sugar, then sprinkle the yeast on top. Allow it to proof for about 5-10 minutes until bubbly and frothy.
- Stir in the melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour and salt to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours or until it has doubled in size.
- Once risen, roll out the dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
- Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface of the dough.
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and orange zest, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
- Starting from one edge, roll the dough tightly into a log, and slice it into 12 equal pieces.
- Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover them, and let rise for another 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and fragrant.
- While the rolls are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, milk, and additional orange zest to create a smooth glaze.
- Once the rolls are finished baking, let them cool for a few minutes before drizzling the glaze generously over the top.
Notes or Tips
- Make sure your milk is warm but not too hot, or it may kill the yeast.
- For an extra burst of flavor, you can add a bit of orange extract to the glaze.
- If you prefer a thicker glaze, simply add more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency.
Cooking Techniques
Here’s where the magic happens! Proper proofing of the yeast will ensure your rolls are light and fluffy. Kneading is essential; it develops the gluten, giving the dough its lovely structure. When rolling the dough, aim for a consistent thickness to ensure even baking. Lastly, be gentle when you glaze the rolls after baking; you want the glaze to drape beautifully without being overly heavy.
FAQ
- Can I make the dough ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, let it rise, and then refrigerate it overnight. Just allow it to come to room temperature and rise again before baking.
- What if I don’t have all-purpose flour? You can substitute with bread flour for a chewier roll, or cake flour for a more tender roll.
- How should I store leftover rolls? Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate to extend their freshness.
Conclusion
These Glazed Orange Sweet Rolls are a delightful combination of warm, fluffy dough, aromatic spices, and a refreshing citrus glaze that makes them stand out at any gathering. Easy to make and utterly delicious, they are sure to become a treasured favorite in your recipe collection. Share them with loved ones or savor them all to yourself—either way, they are perfection on a plate!