These homemade orange rolls with a sweet orange glaze are the perfect treat for a relaxed weekend brunch or any special occasion, like Easter or Christmas morning. The tangy citrus glaze adds a refreshing kick to the warm, fluffy rolls filled with cream cheese, making them a hit at any gathering!
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Below you will find tips, tricks and helpful hints for making this recipe including step by step instructions with pictures. If you would like to go directly to the recipe, scroll down to the recipe card or tap "Jump to Recipe" at the top of the page.
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Why You'll Love This Orange Roll Recipe
These orange rolls with orange glaze are a total treat, and here’s why you’ll love them! The dough is soft and pillowy, thanks to a mix of yeast, warm water, and flour, making each roll incredibly fluffy.
The tangy orange zest and juice in the filling add a refreshing citrus kick that balances perfectly with the sweet cream cheese and sugar. The creamy filling is rich and decadent, creating a smooth contrast to the soft dough.
And the best part? Even though they look impressive, these rolls are actually pretty easy to make, requiring just some basic baking skills.
Ingredients for Sweet Orange Rolls
*Ingredient amounts are located in the recipe card at the end of this post.
- Active Dry Yeast & Warm Water: The yeast is essential for the dough to rise and create a soft, fluffy texture. Using warm water helps activate the yeast and aids in the rising process.
- Vanilla Cake Mix: Cake Mix is used as the base of the sweet rolls as a short cut.
- All-Purpose Flour: This type of flour is best for creating soft and fluffy rolls.
- Salt: Salt is necessary to enhance the flavor of the dough.
- Eggs & Vanilla Extract: The eggs and vanilla extract add richness and flavor to the dough.
- Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese creates a creamy filling that perfectly complements the tangy orange flavor.
- Orange Zest & Juice: These ingredients are key for adding a refreshing burst of citrus to each roll. Use fresh orange juice for best results.
- Sugar: A little bit of white granulated sugar is added to the filling and glaze for sweetness.
- Butter: Melted butter is used in the filling to add richness and moisture to the rolls.
- Powdered Sugar, Milk & Vanilla Extract: These ingredients are used to create a simple orange glaze that perfectly complements the tangy orange flavor of the rolls.
How to Make Cream Cheese Orange Rolls
[Step 1] Proof the yeast by combining the warm water and yeast. Let the yeast mixture rest while preparing dry ingredients.
[Step 2] Combine cake mix, flour and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer then add the yeast mixture, beaten eggs and vanilla. Knead the dough for 4-5 minutes.
[Step 3] Place the dough in a large bowl that has been greased with cooking spray or oil, and loosely cover with greased plastic wrap. Let it rise 45-60 minutes until it doubles in size.
[Step 4] Zesty Orange Filling: While the dough is rising prepare the orange filling by beating the softened cream cheese until light and fluffy. Then add the fresh orange zest, sugar, orange juice, and the egg. Mix together until fully combined.
[Step 5] Punch down the dough and place on a lightly floured surface. Roll it into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Spread the melted butter over the dough then add spoonfuls the orange cream cheese mixture over the surface of the dough and spread evenly.
[Step 6] Carefully roll the dough up into a large roll, then cut it into 2-inch sections. I like to use dental floss to evenly cut the rolls. Spray two 9x13 baking dishes with nonstick cooking spray (or a large baking sheet) and place half of the rolls in each dish.
[Step 7] Cover the rolls and let them rise for 30 minutes, or overnight in the refrigerator. When ready to bake the next day, allow the rolls to come to room temperature while you preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
[Step 8] Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they begin to turn golden brown on top. If the centers are not baked fully after 30 minutes, place a sheet of foil over the rolls and continue to bake 5-10 more minutes. Remove from the oven and brush the tops of the rolls with 2 tablespoons of melted butter, then bake for an additional minute.
[Step 9] Sweet Orange Glaze: Whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, milk, and vanilla in a small bowl. Stir in the orange zest then drizzle the orange icing over the warm baked rolls. Serve immediately for best results.
Helpful Kitchen Tools
- Stand Mixer
- 9x13 Baking Dish
- Bench Scraper
- Pizza Cutter
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
How to Freeze Orange Rolls
To freeze the unbaked rolls, place the rolls in a disposable 9x13 baking pan and wrap tightly with plastic wrap and place in the freezer before the second rise. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight then follow steps 6-8 above.
How to Store Leftovers
Orange rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Warm the rolls before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different cake mix flavor? Yes, you can use any boxed cake mix flavor for this recipe. Some popular options include white, vanilla, yellow, and French vanilla.
- Can I substitute the orange zest and juice with another citrus fruit? Absolutely! You can try using lemon or lime instead of orange to add a different twist to the flavor of these rolls. Just make sure to adjust the amount of zest and juice accordingly as they may have a stronger or milder taste than orange.
- Can I use store-bought cinnamon roll dough instead? If you're in a pinch, you can use store-bought cinnamon roll dough for this recipe. However, the result may not be as fluffy and flavorful as making it from scratch. Use this recipe for cinnamon rolls here, but switch out the cinnamon filling for the orange filling.
- Can I use a dairy-free cream cheese for the filling? Yes, you can use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for this recipe if desired. Just make sure to follow the instructions on the packaging and adjust the amount of sugar accordingly.
Final Thoughts
These homemade orange sweet rolls are not only delicious but also a beautiful addition to any breakfast or brunch table. The combination of tangy orange filling with creamy cream cheese and soft dough makes these rolls an irresistible treat that is sure to please everyone. So go ahead and give this recipe a try, we promise you won't regret it!
More Sweet Roll Recipes
- Red Velvet Cake Mix Cinnamon Rolls
- Mickey Mouse Cinnamon Rolls
- Butter Pecan Sweet Roll Recipe
- Sticky Caramel Pecan Buns
- Cranberry Puff Pastry Danish with Orange Glaze
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Homemade Orange Rolls Recipe with Orange Glaze
Ingredients
Sweet Rolls
- 2 Packets Yeast 4 ½ teaspoons
- 2 ½ Cups Warm Water
- 1 Vanilla Cake Mix
- 5 ½ Cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 Teaspoon Salt
- 2 eggs beaten
- 1 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract
Orange Cheesecake Filling
- 2 8-ounce Packages Cream Cheese, softened
- ½ Cup Sugar
- 2 Tablespoons Orange Juice
- 1 Egg
- ½ Cup Salted Butter melted
- Zest of ½ Orange
Orange Glaze
- 2 Cups Powdered Sugar
- 1 Tablespoon Orange Juice
- ½ Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- ¼ Cup Milk
- Zest from ½ Orange
Instructions
- Proof the yeast by combining the warm water and yeast. Let the yeast mixture rest while preparing dry ingredients.
- Combine cake mix, flour and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer then add the yeast mixture, beaten eggs and vanilla. Knead the dough for 4-5 minutes. (It will take a minute or two for the ingredients to start to look like dough.)
- Place the dough in a large bowl that has been greased with cooking spray or oil, and loosely cover with greased plastic wrap. Let it rise 45-60 minutes until it doubles in size.
- Zesty Orange Filling: While the dough is rising prepare the orange filling by beating the softened cream cheese until light and fluffy. Then add the fresh orange zest, sugar, orange juice, and the egg. Mix together until fully combined.
- Punch down the dough and place on a lightly floured surface. Roll it into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Spread the melted butter over the dough then add spoonfuls the orange cream cheese mixture over the surface of the dough and spread evenly.
- Carefully roll the dough up into a large roll, then cut it into 2-inch sections. I like to use dental floss to evenly cut the rolls. Spray two 9x13 baking dishes with nonstick cooking spray (or a large baking sheet) and place half of the rolls in each dish.
- Cover the rolls and let them rise for 30 minutes, or overnight in the refrigerator. When ready to bake the next day, allow the rolls to come to room temperature while you preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
- Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they begin to turn golden brown on top. If the centers are not baked fully after 30 minutes, place a sheet of foil over the rolls and continue to bake 5-10 more minutes. Remove from the oven and brush the tops of the rolls with 2 tablespoons of melted butter, then bake for an additional minute.
- Sweet Orange Glaze: Whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, milk, and vanilla in a small bowl. Stir in the orange zest then drizzle the orange icing over the warm baked rolls. Serve immediately for best results.
ubaTaeCJ says
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