Delicious Homemade Glazed Orange Rolls Recipe for Easy Baking
Homemade Glazed Orange Rolls are the warm hug you never knew your breakfast needed. Picture fluffy, buttery dough with a hint of citrus, and sweet glaze drizzling over the top, all highlighting the aromatic dance of orange zest. You can almost hear the rolls whispering, “Good morning!” as they rise beautifully in the oven, filling your kitchen with the smell of sweet confectionery magic.
These delightful rolls have a special place in my heart and repertoire, often made on cozy Sunday mornings or for special gatherings. Trust me, the moment you slice into their warm, gooey center, you won’t be able to resist the comforting sweetness that winks back at you. They are perfect for lazy brunches or when you’re impressing guests while simultaneously keeping the recipe as simple as possible. Get ready for a citrusy treat that will bring smiles to faces near and far.
Why You'll Love This Homemade Glazed Orange Rolls
- This incredible Homemade Glazed Orange Rolls transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
- Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
- Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
- Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.
Ingredients for Homemade Glazed Orange Rolls
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Homemade Glazed Orange Rolls:
3/4 cup warm whole milk – Warmed to about 110°F, this is essential for activating your yeast and ensuring a fluffy texture in your rolls.
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast – This is the magic ingredient that helps your dough rise and gives your rolls that perfect softness.
1 tablespoon granulated sugar – Not just for sweetness, this sugar helps feed the yeast, giving your dough the lift it needs.
3 cups all-purpose flour – The backbone of the rolls, all-purpose flour provides structure while keeping the dough soft and manageable.
1/4 cup granulated sugar – Added for flavor, this will also be combined with other ingredients to maintain that delightful sweetness.
1/4 cup melted unsalted butter – This butter brings richness to the rolls, making them tender and delicious.
2 large eggs – Eggs contribute moisture and stability, helping the dough hold together beautifully.
1/2 teaspoon salt – A pinch of salt enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.
1/3 cup softened unsalted butter (for filling) – Spreading this onto the dough adds layers of rich flavor throughout your rolls.
1/2 cup granulated sugar (for filling) – This sweet addition for the filling creates an irresistible sugary core in your rolls.
1 tablespoon orange zest (for filling) – This zest adds a burst of fresh orange flavor that harmonizes with the sweetness.
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (for glaze) – No roll is complete without a sweet, velvety glaze to put the finishing touch.
2 tablespoons fresh orange juice – Adds lively flavor that complements the sweetness of the glaze perfectly.
1 tablespoon orange zest (for glaze) – More zest means more flavor, giving your glaze a citrus kick.
How to Make Homemade Glazed Orange Rolls
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Homemade Glazed Orange Rolls:
Step 1: Activate Your Yeast
Warm your milk to about 110°F and combine it with 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar and the yeast in a bowl. Let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture is frothy—this means your yeast is happily activated and ready to work its magic.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of flour, the yeast mixture, 1/4 cup of sugar, melted butter, eggs, and salt. Mix everything together until a shaggy dough forms. It may look messy now, but knead that dough for about 8 to 10 minutes until it turns smooth and elastic. You might want to ask it about its favorite color or hobby as you knead—it’s just good manners.
Step 3: Let It Rise
Transfer your lovely dough to a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. Take this time to contemplate how amazing life’s about to get with your delicious rolls.
Step 4: Prepare the Filling
In a small bowl, mix 1/3 cup softened butter, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of orange zest. This buttery concoction will become the flavorful filling that will make your rolls irresistible.
Step 5: Roll and Slice
Roll out your dough on a floured surface into a rectangle about 14 inches by 9 inches. Spread the filling evenly over the dough. Roll it up tightly from one long side to the other, and slice it into 12 even rolls. They’ll look like little orange pinwheels ready to have their moment in the spotlight.
Step 6: Second Rise and Bake
Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch dish, cover them again, and let them rise for an additional 30 to 45 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) during this time. Once they’re puffy and inviting, bake those beauties for 22 to 25 minutes until lightly golden.
Step 7: Glaze Away
While those rolls are baking, mix together 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of fresh orange juice, and 1 tablespoon of orange zest for your glaze. This luscious drizzle will take your rolls to the next level of deliciousness. Once the rolls are out of the oven, drizzle the glaze over them while they’re still warm, allowing it to melt into every nook and cranny.
Enjoy the delightful Homemade Glazed Orange Rolls fresh and warm, perhaps with a cup of coffee or tea. These rolls have a way of enhancing even the simplest morning into something quite extraordinary.

You Must Know About Homemade Glazed Orange Rolls
- This showstopping Homemade Glazed Orange Rolls delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
- The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest.
- Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.
Perfecting Homemade Glazed Orange Rolls Cooking Process
To achieve the best results with Homemade Glazed Orange Rolls, start by activating your yeast with warm milk and sugar. While it bubbles up, you can whisk together the dry ingredients. Once your dough is ready, place it in a warm spot to rise while you prepare the gooey filling.
Add Your Touch to Homemade Glazed Orange Rolls
Put your personal spin on Homemade Glazed Orange Rolls by adding nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the filling for a delightful crunch. You can also substitute lemon or lime zest for a zingy twist or use cream cheese icing in place of the glaze for an extra creamy touch.
Storing & Reheating Homemade Glazed Orange Rolls
To store your Homemade Glazed Orange Rolls, cover them tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for 2-3 days. Reheat in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, ensuring they stay moist and delicious.
Chef's Helpful Tips for Homemade Glazed Orange Rolls
- This professional-quality Homemade Glazed Orange Rolls relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
- Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
- The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
- Pro tip: let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.
Sometimes, people ask me how I manage to make these rolls so fluffy. I tell them it’s all about letting the dough rise properly and not skipping the glaze – that swoon-worthy sweetness brings everyone back to the table for more!
FAQs About Homemade Glazed Orange Rolls
What are Homemade Glazed Orange Rolls?
Homemade Glazed Orange Rolls are delightful sweet rolls infused with refreshing orange flavor, perfect for breakfast or dessert. Made with a soft, yeast-based dough and filled with a rich mixture of butter, sugar, and orange zest, these rolls are then topped with a glossy orange glaze that brings everything together. They combine the comforting taste of traditional cinnamon rolls with the vibrant zest of citrus, creating an irresistible treat that’s ideal for sharing with family and friends.
How do I ensure my Homemade Glazed Orange Rolls are fluffy?
To achieve fluffy Homemade Glazed Orange Rolls, activating your yeast properly is key. Warm your milk to about 110°F before mixing in the yeast and sugar. Let it sit until foamy. Additionally, ensure that you knead the dough well until smooth. Don’t rush the rising times; a longer rise leads to a lighter texture. Finally, handle the dough gently when rolling and cutting to maintain air pockets for ultimate fluffiness.
Can I freeze Homemade Glazed Orange Rolls?
Yes, you can absolutely freeze Homemade Glazed Orange Rolls! After baking and allowing them to cool completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Store them in an airtight container or freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in the oven or microwave. This makes it easy to have fresh rolls any time you desire!
What variations can I try with Homemade Glazed Orange Rolls?
There are plenty of fun variations you can explore with Homemade Glazed Orange Rolls! Consider adding nuts like walnuts or pecans to the filling for a crunchy twist, or replace orange zest with lemon or lime for a different citrus flavor. For an indulgent option, try a cream cheese icing instead of the glaze or add chocolate chips for a sweet surprise. Embrace creativity while keeping the core aspects of the recipe intact!
Conclusion for Homemade Glazed Orange Rolls
Homemade Glazed Orange Rolls are a perfect blend of soft, fluffy dough and zesty orange flavor, topped with a delicious glaze. This recipe is approachable for both novice and experienced bakers, making it an excellent choice for family gatherings or leisurely brunches. Remember to give your dough plenty of time to rise, and feel free to experiment with different fillings or toppings. Whether enjoyed warm out of the oven or saved for later, these Homemade Glazed Orange Rolls will surely become a favorite in your recipe collection!

Homemade Glazed Orange Rolls
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Warm the milk to about 110°F and combine with yeast and 1 tablespoon sugar. Let it sit until foamy (5–10 minutes).
- In a large bowl, mix flour, yeast mixture, 1/4 cup sugar, melted butter, salt, and eggs until a shaggy dough forms. Knead until smooth (8–10 minutes).
- Transfer to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled.
- Mix softened butter, 1/2 cup sugar, and 1 tablespoon orange zest in a small bowl for the filling.
- Roll dough into a 14×9 inch rectangle. Spread filling evenly, then roll and slice into 12 rolls.
- Place rolls in a greased 9×13 dish. Let rise again 30–45 minutes.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 22–25 minutes until lightly golden.
- Make the glaze by whisking powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest. Drizzle over warm rolls.
