Name: Homemade Glazed Orange Rolls
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup whole milk; 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast; ⅓ cup granulated sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and divided; 2 large eggs; 4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons orange zest; ⅓ cup orange juice, divided; ¾ cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Soft, fluffy, and bursting with citrusy brightness, these homemade glazed orange rolls are like sunshine on a plate. Whether you’re waking up on a lazy weekend morning or treating someone special to a sweet surprise, these rolls bring warmth and comfort in every gooey bite. The tender dough is swirled with a zesty orange-sugar filling, then drizzled with a luscious glaze that melts right into the warm rolls.

There’s a reason orange rolls often steal the spotlight from even the most beloved cinnamon buns. The citrus zing cuts through the richness, creating a perfectly balanced treat that’s sweet without being too heavy. Plus, the scent of orange zest and vanilla wafting through your kitchen while these rolls bake? Pure joy.

Why You’ll Love These Homemade Glazed Orange Rolls

These rolls are a delightful twist on classic breakfast buns, bringing a fresh, vibrant flavor to your table. The dough is incredibly pillowy thanks to a simple rise, and the filling packs real orange flavor without artificial extracts. It’s all about bright, homemade goodness that feels just a little extra special. Plus, they reheat beautifully, making them perfect for both weekend brunch and weekday indulgence.

What Kind of Oranges Should I Use?

You want oranges that are sweet and full of juice. Navel oranges are perfect for this recipe because they’re seedless and easy to zest. If you want something a little more aromatic, Cara Cara oranges have a hint of berry-like flavor that takes these rolls to the next level. Fresh-squeezed juice and zest are key here—don’t skip them or swap in bottled juice. That fresh citrus makes all the difference.

Ingredients for the Homemade Glazed Orange Rolls

To get the perfect pillowy texture and that zesty burst of orange in every bite, you’ll want to use fresh, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

All-purpose flour: The backbone of your dough, providing structure and softness.
Whole milk: Adds richness and helps activate the yeast when warmed.
Instant yeast: Speeds up the rise while keeping the rolls tender.
Granulated sugar: Used in the dough and the orange filling for sweetness.
Unsalted butter: Brings richness and moisture to both the dough and the filling.
Eggs: Help create a soft, enriched dough.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors.
Fresh orange zest: Packs bright citrus flavor right into the filling and glaze.
Fresh orange juice: Adds tang and moisture to the glaze and filling.
Powdered sugar: The base of the sweet glaze that finishes the rolls.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the glaze.

How To Make the Homemade Glazed Orange Rolls

Step 1: Make the Dough

Warm the milk just until it’s slightly warm to the touch. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm milk, sugar, yeast, melted butter, and eggs. Mix until combined. Gradually add flour and salt, and knead with a dough hook until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Cover and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

Step 2: Prepare the Orange Filling

While the dough is rising, mix together softened butter, granulated sugar, fresh orange zest, and a splash of juice in a bowl. It should form a fragrant, spreadable paste.

Step 3: Roll and Fill

Punch down the dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle, roughly 16×12 inches. Spread the orange filling evenly over the dough. Starting from the long edge, roll up the dough into a tight log and slice into 12 rolls.

Step 4: Second Rise

Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover lightly, and let them rise again for 30-40 minutes until puffy.

Step 5: Bake

Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 22-25 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. Let cool slightly before glazing.

Step 6: Make the Glaze

Whisk together powdered sugar, orange juice, zest, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. Drizzle over the warm rolls generously.

How to Serve and Store These Glazed Orange Rolls

These orange rolls are best served warm, right after the glaze soaks into the fluffy layers. They make the perfect companion to your morning coffee or a sweet afternoon treat. This recipe feeds about 10 to 12 people, depending on how generous your slices are.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for 4-5 days. Reheat individual rolls in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore that soft, just-baked texture. You can also freeze the unglazed baked rolls and add the glaze after thawing and warming.

What to Serve With Homemade Glazed Orange Rolls?

Fresh Berries

A bowl of strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries brings a refreshing balance to the sweetness of the rolls.

Crispy Bacon

The salty crunch of bacon makes a great savory contrast to the soft, citrusy buns.

Greek Yogurt with Honey

Creamy and tangy, this pairing rounds out your breakfast spread with protein and texture.

Soft Scrambled Eggs

Light and buttery scrambled eggs balance the sweetness without overpowering the meal.

Sparkling Orange Juice

Double down on the citrus with a chilled glass of bubbly orange juice or a mimosa.

Toasted Nuts

Add a crunchy side of toasted pecans or almonds for texture and richness.

Herby Breakfast Sausage

A savory sausage patty offers a hearty bite to balance the sweetness.

Want More Breakfast Ideas with a Twist?

If you’re smitten with these homemade glazed orange rolls, here are a few more recipes to try next:

Try the Ooey Gooey Butter Cake for a melt-in-your-mouth classic.
Whip up a batch of Lemon Truffles if you’re a citrus fan.
Don’t miss the One Bowl Banana Chocolate Muffins for an easy, satisfying bake.
For a savory brunch twist, check out the Cheesy Ranch Potatoes.
Looking for comfort food? These Buffalo Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowls deliver protein-packed flavor.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest brunch or dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

I’d love to hear how yours turn out. Did you go classic or add a little extra orange zest? Maybe a cream cheese drizzle? Drop a comment and share your take!

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and cozy sweet recipes on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and find your next favorite treat.

Conclusion

Homemade glazed orange rolls are the kind of treat that make an ordinary morning feel a little more special. With their bright citrus filling and soft texture, they’re a joyful alternative to the usual cinnamon rolls. Give them a try, and don’t be surprised if they become a new favorite in your baking rotation.