Description
These warm, creamy orange rolls are designed for stress-free meal prep, featuring a soft dough that rises overnight in the fridge and a rich, tangy orange glaze. Perfect for Easter brunch or any special occasion, they offer homemade taste without the morning rush.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
- 2 packets active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 4 to 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp fine sea salt
- 2 tbsp orange zest (from 2 large organic oranges)
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
- 3–4 tbsp fresh orange juice
- 2 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp orange zest (for glaze)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Add eggs, melted butter, orange zest, and salt to the yeast mixture. Whisk until well combined.
- Add flour one cup at a time. Knead for 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky.
- Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until doubled.
- Punch down the dough and divide into 12-16 equal pieces. Roll into balls and place in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 8-12 hours (overnight proofing).
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove rolls from fridge and let sit for 20-30 minutes.
- Brush tops with beaten egg. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
- While rolls bake, whisk cream cheese, powdered sugar, orange juice, vanilla, and zest until smooth.
- Let rolls cool for 5-10 minutes, then drizzle with glaze and serve warm.
Notes
Ensure milk is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast. Use fresh orange juice for best flavor. The overnight fridge rise develops better flavor and texture. Do not over-knead the dough to prevent dense rolls. Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even browning.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 275
- Sugar: 22
- Sodium: 180
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 5
Keywords: orange rolls, easter brunch, meal prep, make ahead breakfast, creamy orange glaze, yeast rolls, holiday baking