Homemade Orange Sweet Rolls: Zesty Classic Delight
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Homemade Orange Sweet Rolls: Zesty Classic Delight
These zesty orange sweet rolls are a delightful twist on classic sweet rolls, featuring a citrusy filling and cream cheese frosting for a sweet and tangy treat perfect for brunch or dessert.
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 12 1x
Ingredients
✓ 2 cups all-purpose flour
✓ 1 packet active dry yeast
✓ 1/4 cup granulated sugar
✓ 1/2 teaspoon salt
✓ 1/2 cup milk (warm)
✓ 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
✓ 2 large eggs
✓ Zest of 2 oranges
✓ 1/2 cup orange juice
✓ 1/2 cup butter (softened, for filling)
✓ 1/2 cup sugar (for filling)
✓ 4 oz cream cheese
✓ 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
✓ In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
✓ Add the melted butter, eggs, 1/4 cup of sugar, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until well combined.
✓ Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms.
✓ Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
✓ Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
✓ Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
✓ Roll the dough into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick.
✓ In a separate bowl, mix the softened butter, 1/2 cup sugar, orange zest, and orange juice to make the filling.
✓ Spread the filling evenly over the rolled dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
✓ Roll the dough tightly from one long side to form a log.
✓ Cut the log into 12 equal pieces and place them cut-side up in a greased baking dish.
✓ Cover and let the rolls rise again for 30 minutes.
✓ Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.
✓ While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting by mixing the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
✓ Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool slightly, then drizzle with the cream cheese frosting.
✓ Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
For best results, use fresh oranges for zest and juice. The rolls can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes.
Nutrition
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 400
- Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 15
There’s something magical about the combination of citrus and buttery, pillowy soft rolls. These Homemade Orange Sweet Rolls are the perfect balance of zesty flavor and rich, creamy texture. They’re ideal for brunch, dessert, or even a light afternoon snack. The aroma of fresh orange zest and warm cinnamon fills the kitchen as you prepare these rolls, making them a delightful treat for any occasion.
The secret to these sweet rolls lies in the vibrant orange filling, made with the zest and juice of fresh oranges, which gives the rolls an intoxicating citrusy essence. The creamy cream cheese frosting ties everything together with its smooth, slightly tangy sweetness. This recipe is rich, satisfying, and incredibly easy to follow—perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned cooks alike.

Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk (warm)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 large eggs
- Zest of 2 oranges
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup butter (softened, for filling)
- 1/2 cup sugar (for filling)
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
- Add the melted butter, eggs, 1/4 cup of sugar, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll the dough into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick.
- In a separate bowl, mix the softened butter, 1/2 cup sugar, orange zest, and orange juice to make the filling.
- Spread the filling evenly over the rolled dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Roll the dough tightly from one long side to form a log.
- Cut the log into 12 equal pieces and place them cut-side up in a greased baking dish.
- Cover and let the rolls rise again for 30 minutes.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.
- While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting by mixing the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool slightly, then drizzle with the cream cheese frosting.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes:
- For best results, use fresh oranges for zest and juice.
- The rolls can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, place in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes.
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
25 minutes
Servings:
12 rolls

Cuisine:
American
Category:
Dessert
Difficulty:
Medium
Description:
These zesty orange sweet rolls are a delightful twist on classic sweet rolls, featuring a citrusy filling and cream cheese frosting for a sweet and tangy treat perfect for brunch or dessert.
Keywords:
orange sweet rolls, citrus rolls, breakfast pastry, cream cheese frosting, homemade rolls





















































