Save Enjoy waking up to the irresistible aroma of Easy Overnight Orange Rolls with Fresh Orange Zest. These fluffy, tender rolls are bursting with bright citrus flavor and topped with a sweet, zesty glaze. By preparing the dough the night before, you set yourself up for a stress-free morning treat that’s perfect for breakfast or brunch.
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The combination of sweet orange zest and buttery filling creates a deliciously comforting roll that's a fantastic alternative to traditional cinnamon rolls. These rolls fit nicely into any morning routine, whether it’s a cozy weekend brunch or a special holiday breakfast.
Ingredients
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- Dough: 3 1/2 cups (440 g) all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar, 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet, 7 g) instant dry yeast, 1/2 tsp salt, 3/4 cup (180 ml) whole milk (lukewarm), 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter (melted), 2 large eggs (room temperature), zest of 2 large oranges
- Filling: 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter (softened), 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar, zest of 1 large orange
- Glaze: 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar, 2–3 tbsp fresh orange juice, 1 tsp orange zest
Instructions
- 1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- 2. In a separate bowl, combine milk, melted butter, eggs, and orange zest.
- 3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a sticky dough forms.
- 4. Knead by hand or with a stand mixer (dough hook) for 7–8 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- 5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours until doubled in size.
- 6. Punch down the dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to a 10x16-inch (25x40 cm) rectangle.
- 7. Spread softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle with sugar and orange zest for the filling.
- 8. Roll up the dough tightly from the longer edge and cut into 12 even rolls.
- 9. Arrange rolls in a greased 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
- 10. In the morning, let the rolls sit at room temperature for 45–60 minutes, until puffy.
- 11. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- 12. Bake for 22–25 minutes, until golden brown.
- 13. While baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest until smooth.
- 14. Drizzle glaze over warm rolls before serving.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure perfect softness, knead the dough until it feels smooth and elastic. Using lukewarm milk activates the yeast efficiently, giving the rolls a proper rise. Refrigerating the rolls overnight allows flavors to develop and makes the morning bake hands-free for a fresh start.
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Varianten und Anpassungen
For richer rolls, substitute half of the milk with fresh orange juice. Adding a pinch of cardamom to the filling introduces a subtle, spiced aroma that enhances the citrus notes beautifully. These rolls are easily adapted by swapping in other zests or extracts according to your preference.
Serviervorschläge
These orange rolls pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or Earl Grey tea for a relaxing breakfast or brunch. They also make a lovely sweet treat alongside fresh fruit or yogurt, perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Save With simple ingredients and easy steps, these Easy Overnight Orange Rolls offer a deliciously fresh and convenient way to enjoy a homemade breakfast favorite. Their vibrant citrus twist and soft, buttery layers are sure to become a treasured recipe for any occasion.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I substitute orange zest with other citrus?
Yes, lemon or lime zest can be used to provide a different but complementary citrus flavor.
- → How long should the dough rise before refrigerating?
Let the dough rise about 1–2 hours at room temperature until doubled in size before chilling overnight.
- → Is it necessary to let the rolls sit before baking?
Yes, letting the chilled rolls rest at room temperature for 45–60 minutes helps achieve a tender, puffy texture.
- → Can I add spices to the filling?
Adding a pinch of cardamom or cinnamon can enhance the flavor with subtle warm spices.
- → What is the best way to cut the rolls evenly?
Use a sharp knife or dental floss to slice the rolled dough into 12 equal pieces cleanly.
- → How do I make the glaze smooth and easy to drizzle?
Whisk powdered sugar with fresh orange juice and zest until fully combined and smooth for an even glaze.
