Soft Orange Rolls (Printable Version)

Fluffy rolls infused with bright citrus filling and creamy orange frosting for a sweet, tangy treat.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dough

01 - 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
02 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
04 - 1/2 tsp salt
05 - Zest of 1 large orange
06 - 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
07 - 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
08 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
09 - 2 large eggs, room temperature

→ Orange Filling

10 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
11 - 2 tbsp orange zest from approximately 2 large oranges
12 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

→ Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

13 - 4 oz cream cheese, softened
14 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
15 - 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
16 - 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
17 - 1 tsp orange zest
18 - 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
19 - Pinch of salt

# How To Make It:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, orange juice, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
02 - Add melted butter, orange zest, eggs, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix well to combine.
03 - Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Knead by hand or with a dough hook for 8–10 minutes, adding a little more flour as needed, until smooth and elastic.
04 - Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, approximately 1 hour.
05 - Mix sugar and orange zest together in a small bowl to release the essential oils. Set aside.
06 - Punch down the dough and roll out on a lightly floured surface to a 16x10-inch rectangle.
07 - Spread the softened butter over the dough. Sprinkle evenly with the orange sugar mixture.
08 - Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut into 12 equal rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss.
09 - Arrange rolls in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise until puffy, approximately 30–40 minutes.
10 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake rolls for 22–25 minutes, until golden brown.
11 - While rolls bake, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, orange juice, zest, vanilla, and salt; beat until creamy.
12 - Let the rolls cool for 10 minutes, then spread frosting generously over warm rolls.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Bright citrus flavor from both the dough and the frosting makes these rolls unique and refreshing.
  • Soft, fluffy texture with a sweet orange filling keeps every bite moist and flavorful.
  • Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert with its irresistible creamy orange cream cheese frosting.
  • Vegetarian-friendly and comforting, ideal for sharing with family and friends.
02 -
  • Use fresh orange zest for the most vibrant citrus flavor, avoiding the bitter white pith.
  • Warm the milk gently to about 100–110°F (37–43°C) to activate yeast without killing it.
  • Allow the dough to double in size during rising for optimal fluffiness.
  • Cover dough rises with a damp cloth or plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
  • Cool the rolls slightly before frosting to prevent the cream cheese from melting completely.
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