Orange Dinner Rolls Recipe

Orange bread rolls with fresh oranges in the background.

4.50 from 14 votes

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.

Prep Time30

Cook Time20

Additional Time2

Total Time2 50

Course: Breads & Muffins

Cuisine: American

Diet: Vegetarian

Servings: rolls

Calories: 290kcal

Author: Andrea

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. 1/2 stick butter, softened
2 tbsp. granulated sugar
Zest of 3 medium oranges
1/4 tsp. orange extract or 1/2 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 1/2 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.

Notes

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.

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