Easy Southern Homemade Orange Rolls Recipe

Published Dec 8, 2023 By Elle Ann

Image credit: Southern Living via YouTube

Cinnamon rolls are yummy, but these orange rolls are on a whole different level of delicious! It’s so good, soft, and addicting, and it’s very easy to make, I bet you can get this perfect even on your first try. So, if you want to indulge in a pastry that you’ll never get tired of eating, then you should check this recipe out, and give it a try today.

The steps to making these rolls are very easy to follow and you can serve these on special occasions, too. You can also bring this to potlucks or other gatherings that you’re attending. For now, read the written instructions down below, and while you’re at it be sure to watch this video tutorial by Southern Living on YouTube as well for more details.

Ingredients for Southern Orange Rolls:

Orange Rolls

1 cup of warm milk, 105-115°F
1 package of active dry yeast
1 cup of sugar
4 cups of all-purpose flour
¼ + 1/3 cup of melted butter
1 tsp of table salt
1 tsp of orange zest
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
Vegetable cooking spray
2/3 cup of orange marmalade
¾ tbsp of ground cinnamon

Glaze

1 cup of powdered sugar
2 tbsp of melted butter
1½ tbsp of milk
¼ tsp of orange extract

Directions:

Step 1

Add the milk, yeast, and 1 teaspoon of sugar in a measuring cup, stir everything until dissolved, and let it sit for 5 minutes until it blooms. In a mixing bowl, add the flour, ¼ cup of butter, salt, orange zest, eggs, and 3 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons of sugar, then beat them together until combined, and pour in the milk mixture. Beat them for about 1 to 2 minutes over low speed until blended, then increase the speed to medium-low, and keep beating for 5 more minutes or until the dough is smooth. Transfer the dough to a bowl lightly greased with nonstick cooking spray, then cover the bowl, and set aside in a warm place to rise for about 45 minutes to 1 hour or until double in size.

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Step 2

In another bowl, add the marmalade, remaining 1/3 cup of butter, cinnamon, and remaining ¾ cup of sugar, then mix everything until combined, and set the filling aside. Punch the dough to degas, then transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface, and roll it into a 15×12-inch rectangle at about ¼-inch thick. Spread the marmalade mixture over the dough leaving ½ inch border around the sides, then roll the dough as shown in the video, and cut the dough log into 15 slices at 1 inch thick each.

Easy Orange Rolls Recipe for Beginners — Image credit: Southern Living via YouTube

Step 3

Place the rolls in a 9×13-inch pan, then cover them, and allow them to rise for about 45 minutes or until double in size. In a separate bowl, add powdered sugar, melted butter, milk, and orange extract, then whisk everything together until combined and incorporated, and set the glaze aside. Preheat your oven to 350°F, then uncover the rolls, and bake them for about 20 to 25 minutes or until light golden brown. Once done baking, remove them from the oven, then allow them to cool slightly, and drizzle the glaze all over the warm rolls. Serve immediately and enjoy!