Name: Homemade Glazed Orange Rolls
Prep time: 2 h
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast 1 cup warm milk (110°F) ½ cup granulated sugar ½ cup unsalted butter, melted 2 large eggs 1 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons orange zest ½ cup granulated sugar (for filling) ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling) 1 cup powdered sugar 3 tablespoons fresh orange juice

Soft, sweet, and bursting with fresh citrus flavor, Homemade Glazed Orange Rolls are like a sunny morning in pastry form. These pillowy rolls are swirled with a vibrant orange filling and finished with a glossy citrus glaze that drips into every swirl and cranny. The result is irresistibly fluffy and fragrant—a brunch table showstopper or a bright dessert option.

Whether you’re hosting a spring brunch, celebrating a holiday morning, or simply craving something sweet and tangy, these rolls deliver that just-right balance of zest and sweetness. You can make the dough from scratch or use shortcuts, but either way, that orange glaze takes things to a new level.

What Kind of Dough Should I Use for Orange Rolls?

While many people opt for classic cinnamon roll dough (enriched with butter, milk, and eggs), you can use refrigerated crescent dough or pizza dough if you’re short on time. Homemade dough will always yield the fluffiest results, but even the shortcut versions taste amazing once baked and glazed.

Ingredients for the Homemade Glazed Orange Rolls

All-Purpose Flour – Forms the structure of your rolls and keeps them fluffy but sturdy.

Yeast – Active dry or instant yeast helps your dough rise and gives it that classic bread-like texture.

Milk – Warm milk activates the yeast and adds richness.

Butter – Melted into the dough and used generously in the filling and glaze for that indulgent, tender crumb.

Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the dough and filling without overpowering the orange.

Orange Zest – Packs the punchy citrus flavor into every layer.

Fresh Orange Juice – Used in the glaze to enhance the natural brightness and tang.

Powdered Sugar – The key to that smooth, shiny glaze.

Salt – Balances out the sweetness and strengthens the dough structure.

Eggs – Adds richness and helps with the dough’s elasticity and structure.

How To Make the Homemade Glazed Orange Rolls

Step 1: Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, warm your milk to about 110°F. Add in the yeast and a pinch of sugar, stirring lightly. Let it sit until foamy, about 5 to 10 minutes. Once activated, mix in the eggs, melted butter, sugar, and salt. Gradually add the flour until a soft, slightly tacky dough forms. Knead the dough for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Let it rise in a greased bowl, covered, until doubled in size (about 1 to 1.5 hours).

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

While the dough is rising, mix softened butter, granulated sugar, and orange zest in a small bowl. This will be your fragrant, citrusy filling.

Step 3: Roll and Fill

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle (about 12×18 inches). Spread the orange butter mixture evenly across the surface. Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log and slice into 12 even pieces.

Step 4: Second Rise

Place the rolls into a greased baking dish, spacing them slightly apart. Cover with a clean towel and let them rise again for about 30 to 45 minutes, until puffy.

Step 5: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden on top and cooked through. If they brown too quickly, cover loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes.

Step 6: Make the Glaze

In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and freshly squeezed orange juice until smooth. Add a bit of zest if you love extra citrus punch.

Step 7: Glaze and Serve

Drizzle the orange glaze over warm rolls right out of the oven so it seeps into all the layers. Serve immediately while gooey and fragrant!

How to Serve and Store Homemade Glazed Orange Rolls

Serve these orange rolls fresh and warm, ideally just after glazing when they’re soft and sticky with citrusy goodness. They pair beautifully with a hot cup of tea or coffee, making them perfect for brunch, breakfast gatherings, or sweet treats after dinner.

To store, keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days, but warm them slightly before serving for the best texture. You can also freeze the unglazed rolls for up to 2 months. Simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven before adding glaze.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

The dough should double in size and look puffed. A good test is to gently press your finger into the dough—if the indentation stays, it’s ready.

Can I make these orange rolls ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the rolls and place them in the baking dish. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature and rise slightly before baking.

What can I use instead of fresh orange juice?

Bottled orange juice works in a pinch, but fresh is best for a brighter flavor. You can also try a mix of lemon and orange juice for a tangier twist.

Why are my rolls too dense?

Under-kneading the dough or not allowing enough time to rise can lead to dense rolls. Make sure the yeast is fresh and activated properly.

Can I add nuts or raisins?

Absolutely. Chopped pecans or walnuts add a lovely crunch, and golden raisins bring a chewy sweetness. Sprinkle them over the filling before rolling.

Is it okay to use a stand mixer?

Yes, a stand mixer with a dough hook makes the kneading process easier and more consistent. Mix until the dough is smooth and pulls away from the sides.

Want More Breakfast Pastry Ideas?

If you love these Homemade Glazed Orange Rolls, you’ll definitely enjoy these other citrusy and cozy morning favorites:

Try the Blueberry Lemon Dutch Baby for a puffy skillet treat with a berry twist.
These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups are great for handheld brunch bites.
Add a refreshing zing with the Lemon Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake Cups.
For something creamy and cozy, go with the Old-Fashioned Egg Custard Pie.
Or, explore warm, pillowy textures with the Amish Applesauce Cake.

Each of these recipes adds a different kind of comfort and joy to your mornings.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest breakfast or dessert board so you can revisit it whenever the craving strikes.

And don’t forget to share your version in the comments! Did you add a cream cheese glaze? Maybe swap in blood orange for a fun twist?

I love seeing how others put their own spin on these rolls. Got a question or a tip? Drop it below—let’s bake together!

Explore more of my daily baking adventures over on Pinterest: Life with Jam.