Orange Sweet Rolls

Orange Sweet Rolls are a change from your standard cinnamon sweet roll. These rolls use a buttery orange filling instead of the normal cinnamon and sugar filling that is usually used in sweet rolls.

These rolls bring back great memories from when I was a kid. A great aunt gave this recipe to my mom when I was in my teens. It instantly became a family favorite back then. I now make it for my family and it has become our family favorite also.

These rolls get their great flavor from the fresh orange zest that is used in the filling and the orange juice that is used in the frosting. I love cinnamon rolls, but it is nice to change things up once in a while.

Helpful Tips:

• Make sure that your yeast is fresh. Do not use yeast that has expired.
• Don’t overheat your milk. The temperature should be between 120 and 130 degrees F. If the milk is too hot it can kill the yeast.
• The dough should be slightly sticky when you are done kneading it. Adding too much flour will cause your rolls to be dry and tough.
• Once you are done kneading the dough, grease the bottom of the bowl with shortening, and flip the dough over to coat the other side as well.
• One trick that my mom taught me with dough is that if your kitchen is cold, add some warm water to the kitchen sink, and set the bowl of dough in the warm water to help it rise.
• I use scissors for cutting the dough into slices. It works really well.
• Instead of using flour on your work surface when rolling/patting out the dough use shortening. You won’t have any excess flour on the dough.
• These rolls freeze well. After they are cooled completely and they are frosted, place them in an airtight container and they are ready to freeze.
• To thaw the rolls, set them on the counter and let them come to room temperature.

Steps for making Orange Sweet Rolls

Step one

In a large mixing bowl combine 2 cups of flour, yeast, sugar, and salt; mix together. Combine the milk, water, and 1/4 cup of butter in a microwave container and heat.

Step two

Once the milk mixture is warmed add to the flour mixture and mix together. Add the eggs and mix them in.

Step three

Gradually add enough flour until you have a soft dough. Knead until the dough is smooth. Cover the dough with a cloth and set it in a place to rise.

Step four

While the dough is rising, make the orange filling. In a medium bowl add the 1/2 cup butter, 1 cup sugar, and orange zest. Mix until well combined. Set aside.

Step five

When the dough is doubled in size, divide it into two equal parts. Pat out into a rectangle that is 9 by 12-inches. Divide the orange filling in half and spread it over the top of the dough. Starting with the shorter side roll up tightly. Pinch the edge to seal.

Step six

Cut into six slices. Place them in a 13×9-inch baking pan. Let rise for 30 minutes. Bake in an oven that has been preheated to 375 degrees F for 20 to 25 minutes.

Step seven

Once the rolls are baked, remove them from the pan and set them on a cooling rack. Once the rolls are cooled make the frosting. Combine the powder sugar, dab of butter, and dash of salt together. Gradually add the orange juice until you have the consistency. Frost the rolls when cooled.

I have more recipes for sweet rolls and bread. Take a look at these:

• Skillet Pumpkin Monkey Bread
• Pepperoni Pull Apart Bread
• Caramelized Apple-Topped Buns
• Cinnamon Raisin Oatmeal Buns

If you make these orange sweet rolls I would love to hear about it! Please leave me a comment and a rating.

This recipe was originally published on September 10, 2011. It has been updated with new content and pictures on August 25, 2022