Add a burst of citrus to your table with these Orange Dinner Rolls! Rolled into crescents and glazed with an orange butter, they’re the ideal balance of sweetness and zest.
These Orange Dinner Rolls are soft, fluffy yeast rolls infused with bright citrus flavor that makes them perfect for holidays or special meals. Fresh orange zest and a splash of juice are worked into the dough, giving each roll a subtle sweetness and fragrant aroma that pairs beautifully with butter or a light glaze.
For more orange inspired recipes you have to check out my Orange Cupcakes, Orange Cinnamon Rolls, and Orange Creamsicle Smoothie.
Table of Contents
Why I Love These Dinner Rolls
- The fresh orange zest in every bite adds a bright, citrusy flavor that’s just irresistible.
- Kids love them! That slight sweetness and orange flavor make them a hit with even the pickiest eaters.
- These homemade orange rolls are so soft and fluffy—perfect for soaking up gravy or just enjoying on their own.
Recipe Ingredients
Orange Zest – Infuses bright, fresh citrus notes that define these rolls.
Whole Milk – Adds moisture and a creamy taste, helping to keep the rolls soft and tender throughout.
Orange Juice – Provides a fresh, tangy sweetness that complements the zest and adds a delightful finishing touch.
For a full list of ingredients and amounts, see the recipe card below.
How to Make Orange Dinner Rolls
Step 1: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add milk, sugar, egg, and egg yolk. Sprinkle the yeast over top and allow it to sit until foamy, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 2: Add flour and salt, and mix until combined, about 2 minutes. Switch to the dough hook and knead on low for 1 minute. Add 8 tablespoons of softened butter, 1 tablespoon at a time. Knead until the dough forms a soft, sticky ball, about 5-6 minutes.
Step 3: Place the dough in a large, well-greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and allow to rise until doubled, about 1 to 1 ½ hours (if you live in a warm, humid climate, you can do this at room temperature. However, if your kitchen is cool, you may want to heat your oven to 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius), turn it off, and let the dough rise in there).
Step 4: Punch the dough to deflate, then place it onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a large 16-inch circle.
Step 5: In a medium bowl, combine the soft butter, sugar, orange zest, and orange extract or water (if using). Mix until smooth and creamy. Using a pastry brush or an offset spatula, spread the mixture over the surface of the dough circle.
Step 6: Using a pizza wheel or pastry wheel, cut 18 triangles or wedges. Roll each into a crescent shape, starting at the outer edge and rolling inward towards the tip.
Step 7: Place the rolls onto a well-greased baking sheet, with the tip tucked under (if it’s not tucked under well enough, it may unroll as it rises). Cover with plastic wrap and allow to rise for 40 minutes to 1 hour or until doubled in size (again, you may want to do this in the oven if your kitchen is cool).
Step 8: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius).
Step 9: When the rolls have risen, remove the plastic wrap and place them in the oven to bake for 18-22 minutes or until golden brown on top. Remove from the oven and brush with melted butter and orange juice. Remove from the pan and serve while warm.
FAQs
Definitely! Buttermilk makes the rolls even softer and fluffier. You can also try using half-and-half or a little cream if you want them extra rich.
You’ll know it’s right when the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl but is still slightly sticky. If it’s too sticky, add flour a little at a time. A dough scraper is great for gathering it into a ball without over-flouring.
Storage Info
STORE the Orange Bread Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, FREEZE the rolls after baking and cooling completely by placing them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
To REHEAT, thaw at room temperature, then warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes until soft and heated through. You can also microwave individual rolls for 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.
Orange Dinner Rolls Recipe
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 3/4 c. whole milk - warm (about 110 degrees F)
- 1/4 c. granulated sugar
- 1 egg + 1 egg yolk - room temperature and lightly beaten
- 1 tbsp. instant yeast
- 3 2/3 c. all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 teaspoon coarse kosher sea salt
- 8 tbsp. 1 stick butter, room temperature
For the Filling
- 4 tbsp. ½ stick butter, softened
- 2 tbsp. granulated sugar
- Zest of 3 medium oranges
- 1/4 tsp. orange extract or ½ tsp. orange blossom water - optional
For the Glaze
- 2 tbsp. melted butter
- 2 tbsp. orange juice
Instructions
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add milk, sugar, egg, and egg yolk. Sprinkle the yeast over top and allow it to sit until foamy, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add flour and salt, and mix until combined, about 2 minutes. Switch to the dough hook and knead on low for 1 minute. Add 8 tablespoons of softened butter, 1 tablespoon at a time. Knead until the dough forms a soft, sticky ball, about 5-6 minutes.
- Place the dough in a large, well-greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and allow to rise until doubled, about 1 to 1 ½ hours (if you live in a warm, humid climate, you can do this at room temperature. However, if your kitchen is cool, you may want to heat your oven to 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius), turn it off, and let the dough rise in there).
- Punch the dough to deflate, then place it onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a large 16-inch circle.
- In a medium bowl, combine the soft butter, sugar, orange zest, and orange extract or water (if using). Mix until smooth and creamy. Using a pastry brush or an offset spatula, spread the mixture over the surface of the dough circle.
- Using a pizza wheel or pastry wheel, cut 18 triangles or wedges. Roll each into a crescent shape, starting at the outer edge and rolling inward towards the tip.
- Place the rolls onto a well-greased baking sheet, with the tip tucked under (if it's not tucked under well enough, it may unroll as it rises). Cover with plastic wrap and allow to rise for 40 minutes to 1 hour or until doubled in size (again, you may want to do this in the oven if your kitchen is cool).
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius).
- When the rolls have risen, remove the plastic wrap and place them in the oven to bake for 18-22 minutes or until golden brown on top. Remove from the oven and brush with melted butter and orange juice. Remove from the pan and serve while warm.
These are out of this world delicious! Can’t wait to make them anon for Easter! Thank you!
These are perfect for our dinner tonight! I can’t wait to make these for Easter too! So excited to give these a try!
OMG these were incredible. I couldn’t stop eating them!
I’m so happy you enjoyed them! They are one of my favorite rolls. 🙂
These rolls are fantastic! I made them for Thanksgiving and they were such a hit I made another batch last weekend, putting some in the freezer. And I’m making another batch for an early family Christmas dinner next weekend. I put a confectioners’ sugar and orange juice glaze on them when they’re still warm.
Thank you Linda!
hey girl- these rolls look amazing! yummy!