Spiced Orange Rolls

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These spiced orange rolls are anything but ordinary. The aromatic spices add depth to the soft dough, while fresh orange zest and juice brighten each bite. The glaze ties everything together with a sweet, tangy finish. They’re perfect for special occasions, gift-giving, or whenever you’re craving something a little extra. Plus, the dough can be prepared the night before, making your morning baking effortless and stress-free.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Dough

• All-purpose flour
• Active dry yeast
• Warm milk
• Granulated sugar
• Unsalted butter, melted
• Large eggs
• Salt

For the Filling

• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Ground cloves or allspice (optional)
• Fresh orange zest
• Softened butter

For the Orange Glaze

• Powdered sugar
• Fresh orange juice
• Orange zest
• Vanilla extract

Directions

1. Activate the yeast by mixing it with warm milk and a bit of sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the activated yeast with flour, eggs, melted butter, sugar, and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, then place it in a greased bowl. Cover and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
4. Prepare the filling by mixing brown sugar, spices, and orange zest.
5. Roll the risen dough into a rectangle, spread softened butter over the surface, and sprinkle the spiced orange mixture evenly on top.
6. Tightly roll the dough into a log and slice into even rolls (about 12).
7. Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise for another 30–45 minutes.
8. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake rolls for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
9. While baking, prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar, orange juice, zest, and vanilla extract.
10. Drizzle the warm rolls with orange glaze just after baking and serve warm.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 12 spiced orange rolls.
Prep time: 25 minutes
Rise time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Bake time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Variations

• Make-Ahead Version: Prepare the rolls and refrigerate overnight after shaping. Let them come to room temperature before baking the next morning.
• Add Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts can be added to the filling for extra crunch.
• Cream Cheese Glaze: Replace the orange glaze with a tangy cream cheese frosting for a richer option.
• Vegan Version: Use plant-based butter, non-dairy milk, and egg replacers for a dairy-free, egg-free version.
• Extra Citrus: Add lemon or grapefruit zest for a more complex citrus profile.

Storage/Reheating

• Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• To reheat, microwave individual rolls for 15–20 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for 8–10 minutes.
• Freeze unglazed rolls for up to 2 months. Thaw and warm before adding fresh glaze.

FAQs

Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes. After placing the shaped rolls in the baking dish, cover and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature before baking.

Can I use store-bought dough?

You can, but homemade dough gives a much softer and more flavorful result. If using store-bought, choose a sweet yeast dough for best results.

What’s the best way to zest oranges?

Use a microplane or fine grater to zest only the orange part of the peel, avoiding the bitter white pith.

Can I add cream cheese to the glaze?

Absolutely. Mix softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest for a rich, tangy topping.

How do I know when the rolls are done?

They should be golden brown and sound slightly hollow when tapped. An internal temperature of 190°F ensures they are fully baked.

What kind of oranges work best?

Navel oranges or Cara Cara oranges are great for their sweetness and juice content. Blood oranges add a dramatic color and flavor twist.

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, freeze the dough after the first rise. Thaw in the fridge overnight, shape into rolls, and allow a second rise before baking.

What can I use instead of nutmeg or cloves?

Ground cardamom or ginger offers a unique spice alternative if you prefer a different flavor profile.

Why did my rolls not rise?

This could be due to expired yeast, liquid that was too hot or cold, or not allowing enough rising time in a warm environment.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, but it will require a gluten-free flour blend suitable for yeast doughs and some adjustments to hydration and texture.

Conclusion

Spiced Orange Rolls are a delightful twist on a breakfast favorite—perfectly soft, warmly spiced, and bursting with citrus flavor. Whether you’re serving them for a weekend treat or a festive holiday brunch, these rolls offer comfort, sweetness, and just the right touch of brightness. With simple ingredients and the option to make them ahead, they’re sure to become a seasonal (or year-round) staple in your kitchen.

Spiced Orange Rolls

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Spiced Orange Rolls are a citrusy twist on classic cinnamon rolls, filled with aromatic spices and fresh orange zest, then topped with a sweet orange glaze. Perfect for cozy mornings or holiday brunches, these rolls are soft, fragrant, and easy to make ahead.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 rolls
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Active dry yeast
• Warm milk
• Granulated sugar
• Unsalted butter, melted
• Large eggs
• Salt
• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Ground cloves or allspice (optional)
• Fresh orange zest
• Softened butter
• Powdered sugar
• Fresh orange juice
• Vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Activate the yeast by mixing it with warm milk and a bit of sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the activated yeast with flour, eggs, melted butter, sugar, and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, then place in a greased bowl. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
4. Prepare the filling by mixing brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves (if using), and orange zest.
5. Roll the dough into a rectangle, spread softened butter over the surface, and sprinkle the spiced orange mixture evenly on top.
6. Tightly roll the dough into a log and slice into 12 even rolls.
7. Arrange rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise for another 30–45 minutes.
8. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
9. While baking, prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar, orange juice, zest, and vanilla extract.
10. Drizzle the warm rolls with glaze and serve warm.

Notes

• Prepare the rolls the night before and bake in the morning for easy entertaining.
• Chopped nuts can be added to the filling for extra crunch.
• Use cream cheese glaze instead of orange glaze for a richer variation.
• Store unglazed rolls in the freezer and add glaze after reheating.
• Try using blood oranges for a more intense citrus flavor and color.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 roll
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 22g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 50mg