Ah, the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through the house—it’s like a warm hug on a chilly day. There’s something inherently comforting about the process of making bread, kneading the dough, watching it rise, and finally, pulling those golden, soft, fluffy rolls out of the oven. It’s almost like magic.
This recipe for Orange Glazed Dinner Rolls is a personal favorite, a little twist of citrusy sweetness that adds a zing to the traditional roll. I stumbled upon this concoction during a brunch mishap where orange juice was accidentally spilled into the dough mix—what a delightful accident! The rolls turned out so irresistible, they became a family staple.
Imagine biting into a roll that’s as soft as a cloud, with a delicate glaze that’s reminiscent of the sunniest summer day. Perfect for any occasion—or no occasion at all, just because, why not indulge in a little joy? Plus, they pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or even a hearty stew.
And speaking of tea, did you catch that new series that everyone’s raving about? It’s the perfect backdrop to enjoy these rolls. Anyway, back to baking—let’s roll up our sleeves and get started!
Steps
- In a stand mixer, combine warm milk, sugar, egg, and egg yolk, then sprinkle yeast on top and let it sit until foamy, about 5-7 minutes. Add flour and salt, mixing until combined for 2 minutes, then switch to the dough hook and knead on low speed for 1 minute.
- Gradually incorporate 8 tablespoons of softened butter, one tablespoon at a time, kneading until the dough forms a soft, sticky ball, approximately 5-6 minutes. Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise until it doubles in size, about 1 to 1 ½ hours.
- Punch down the dough to release air, then roll it out on a floured surface into a large 16-inch circle. In a separate bowl, blend softened butter, sugar, orange zest, and orange extract or orange blossom water until smooth.
- Spread the orange filling over the dough using a pastry brush or spatula. Cut the dough into 18 wedges using a pizza cutter, then roll each piece into a crescent shape starting from the wide end.
- Arrange the rolls on a greased baking sheet, ensuring the tips are tucked underneath, and cover with plastic wrap. Let them rise for another 40 minutes to 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Once the rolls have risen, remove the plastic wrap and bake them for 18-22 minutes until they turn golden brown.
- After baking, brush the hot rolls with melted butter mixed with fresh orange juice. Serve them warm for the best taste and texture.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup whole milk, warmed to about 110°F
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg, plus 1 egg yolk, at room temperature and lightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast
- 3 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 teaspoons coarse kosher sea salt
- 8 tablespoons (1 stick) butter, at room temperature
- 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- Zest of 3 medium oranges
- 1/4 teaspoon orange extract or 1/2 teaspoon orange blossom water (optional)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
FAQ
- Can I substitute buttermilk in the orange dinner rolls recipe?
- Yes, you can replace regular milk with buttermilk to achieve softer and fluffier rolls.
- How can I thicken the glaze for the orange dinner rolls?
- To make the glaze thicker and sweeter, you can whisk in some powdered sugar, which will also give it more body.
- What’s a quick shortcut for making these orange rolls?
- You can use pre-made crescent roll dough and simply add your own orange filling before rolling them up.
- How should I store leftover orange dinner rolls?
- Store the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days, or refrigerate them for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the rolls in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- What is the best way to reheat the orange dinner rolls?
- To reheat, thaw the rolls at room temperature if frozen, then warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, or microwave individual rolls for 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.
Tips
- Warming the Oven for Rising: In cooler climates, consider warming your oven to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, turning it off, and letting the dough rise inside. This helps ensure the dough rises properly in a cooler kitchen environment.
- Enhancing the Glaze: For a sweeter and thicker glaze, whisk in some powdered sugar with the orange juice and melted butter. This will give the glaze more body and a dessert-like quality.
- Using a Stand Mixer: If you have a stand mixer, use it to mix and knead the dough. This can significantly reduce the time and effort needed compared to doing it by hand.
- Prevent Unrolling: When rolling the dough into crescents, make sure the tip is well tucked under on the baking sheet. This prevents the rolls from unrolling as they rise and bake.
Equipment
- Stand Mixer with Paddle and Dough Hook Attachments
- Pizza Cutter or Pastry Wheel
- Offset Spatula
- Pastry Brush
- Large Mixing Bowl (if not already owned)
