This recipe for my Mom’s Orange Rolls is one of my absolute favorite roll recipes. I’m not sure where she got it, but she’s been making them as long as I can remember.

These rolls too often make it to the Thanksgiving and Easter dinner table. So, if you are looking for something to make for a holiday dinner, these would be wonderful. I just made these orange rolls a few weeks ago for Easter dinner. Now, these rolls aren’t hard to make. However, they do take time to let the dough sit in the fridge, and the rolls rise. Let me tell you, though, they are well worth the wait. These rolls turn out so tender and delicious you’ll be in heaven!

This recipe is good to use for a holiday dinner because you make the dough the night before and put it in the fridge. Then in the morning you can roll them, put on your orange mixture, shape them, and leave them. These babies have to sit for 3-4 hours to raise. I can usually cook them after 3 hours.

These orange rolls are also great to serve at a luncheon, baby shower, or breakfast. They aren’t quite as tender on the second day, but they still taste fabulous.

Ingredients to Make Mom’s Orange Rolls

• ACTIVE DRY YEAST
• WATER
• BUTTER OR MARGARINE
• GRANULATED SUGAR
• SALT
• EGGS
• ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR
• ORANGE ZEST
• POWDERED SUGAR
• ORANGE JUICE

Directions for Mom’s HOmemade Orange Rolls

In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and yeast, letting it sit until foamy. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter, then add sugar and hot water, stirring until dissolved. Pour the butter mixture into the yeast mixture, then add the eggs and flour, mixing until a smooth dough forms. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough overnight.

The next day, divide the dough into two equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion into a 9×13-inch rectangle. Prepare the filling by mixing the ingredients, then spread the butter/sugar mixture evenly over both rectangles of dough. Starting from one long side, roll up each rectangle tightly to form a log. Slice each log into 12 rolls and place them in greased muffin tins. Let the rolls rise at room temperature for 3 to 4 hours.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown. While they bake, prepare the frosting by mixing the ingredients until smooth. Once the rolls are slightly cooled, spread the frosting over the tops of the warm rolls. This recipe makes 24 delicious orange rolls. Enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don’t have muffin tins?
If you don’t have muffin tins, you can use a regular baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Arrange the rolls a few inches apart to allow space for them to rise and bake.

How long should I let the rolls rise after shaping?
After shaping, allow the rolls to rise for 3 to 4 hours or until they’ve doubled in size. If you’re in a hurry, you can place them in a warm area of your kitchen to speed up the rising process.

What’s the best way to cut the rolls without squishing them?
Using a sharp knife or dental floss works well. For the floss method, slide a long piece under the rolled dough, cross the ends over the top, and pull tight to make a clean cut.

Can I freeze the rolls before baking?
Yes! After shaping the rolls, you can freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, let them thaw and rise for 4-5 hours before baking.

What if I don’t have orange zest for the filling?
If you don’t have fresh orange zest, you can substitute a small amount of orange extract for orange flavor. About 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon should give you a similar taste.

How long do these rolls stay fresh?
These rolls are best enjoyed fresh but will stay soft for about 1-2 days if stored in an airtight container. You can also reheat them briefly in the microwave for a warm, just-baked taste.

Can I make the sweet orange glaze ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the frosting ahead and store it in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before spreading on warm rolls.

FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:

• Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
• Quick Cinnamon Rolls
• Mini Toffee Rolls
• Homemade Orange Sweet Rolls

Additionally, I’ve been tagged by Stephanie at Fun Foods On a Budget!

This is something new and fun. It’s the Seven Random Things tag. So here are The Rules:

Link the person that tagged you and post the rules on your blog.
Share 7 random and/or weird facts about yourself.
Tag 7 random people at the end of your post and include links.
Let each person know that they’ve been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

1. Years ago, I lost 40 pounds by doing Weight Watchers. It hasn’t been easy keeping the weight off with my love for cooking. However, I may go up and down slightly, but for the most part, I have learned proper portion control and made a few lifestyle changes so I can keep the weight off.
2. At one point in my life, I worked part-time for a local newspaper covering city government.
3. My youngest child and only daughter has a genetic disorder called Turner syndrome. In addition to that, she was recently diagnosed with high-functioning autism and ADHD. Every day is a challenge with her, but there is also not a day that she doesn’t bring joy into our lives.
4. I love the Twilight books and movies.
5. Utah has been my home my entire life.
6. I am a huge Country music fan. My favorites include Rascal Flatts (been to their concert), Keith Urban (been to his concert), Diamond Rio (been to their concert), Taylor Swift, and Carrie Underwood.
7. I love Dancing with the Stars. If I could be anything else in this life, it would be a Professional Ballroom Dancer. I love to dance and think that it would be a blast. However, I would never trade being a mom to my kids for that. I’ll just have to follow my other passion for cooking.

I am tagging:

• Melanie at My Kitchen Cafe
• Tina at Mommy’s Kitchen
• Amy at The Sisters Dish
• Emily at The Open Pantry
• Christy at Southern Plate
• Sara and Rachel at My Sisters Cucina
• Deanna at Deanna’s Corner Cooking

This is what the dough looks like before it goes in the fridge. I also always mix it by hand with a wooden spoon.

Here is what they look like after baking.
Here’s the finished product, icing, and everything else.