Easy Overnight Orange Rolls (Printable format)

Tender orange rolls with fresh zest and a bright glaze, ideal for breakfast or brunch.

# List of ingredients:

→ Dough

01 - 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 2 1/4 teaspoons instant dry yeast
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 3/4 cup whole milk, lukewarm
06 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
07 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
08 - Zest of 2 large oranges

→ Filling

09 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
10 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
11 - Zest of 1 large orange

→ Glaze

12 - 1 cup powdered sugar
13 - 2 to 3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
14 - 1 teaspoon orange zest

# How to make it:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
02 - In a separate bowl, combine milk, melted butter, eggs, and orange zest.
03 - Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a sticky dough forms.
04 - Knead by hand or with a stand mixer using the dough hook for 7 to 8 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
05 - Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 2 hours until doubled in size.
06 - Punch down the dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to a 10 by 16 inch rectangle.
07 - Spread softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle with sugar and orange zest.
08 - Roll up the dough tightly from the longer edge and cut into 12 even rolls.
09 - Arrange rolls in a greased 9 by 13 inch baking dish. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
10 - In the morning, let the rolls sit at room temperature for 45 to 60 minutes, until puffy.
11 - Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
12 - Bake for 22 to 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.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Make-ahead convenience: prep the night before and bake fresh in the morning
  • Bright citrus flavor from fresh orange zest and juice
  • Soft, fluffy texture that melts in your mouth
  • Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert
  • Impressive presentation with minimal morning effort
02 -
  • Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut rolls cleanly without deflating them
  • Don't skip the room temperature rest in the morning—it ensures fluffy, tender rolls
  • Drizzle the glaze while the rolls are still warm so it soaks in slightly
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently for best texture
  • Fresh orange zest makes all the difference—avoid dried zest for optimal flavor
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