Soft, zesty rolls filled with citrus sunshine
Get ready to wake up to a burst of sunshine with these Florida Orange Rolls soft, fluffy pastries infused with fresh citrus zest and drizzled in a sweet orange glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy weekend treat, these rolls taste like a tropical vacation in every bite. The dough is pillowy and buttery, while the bright orange filling adds the perfect tangy-sweet balance. Plus, they’re easy to make with simple pantry ingredients no fancy baking skills required! Whether you’re serving guests or treating yourself, these rolls are guaranteed to bring warmth, sweetness, and a little Florida magic to your table.
Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Rise Time: 1 hour
- Bake Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Servings: 12 rolls
Ingredients List
For the Dough
- 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- ½ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ tsp salt
For the Orange Filling
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp orange zest (from 2–3 Florida oranges)
- 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
- ½ tsp orange zest
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Rolling pin
- Sharp knife or dough cutter
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Zester or fine grater
- Small bowl (for glaze)
Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions
- Activate yeast: In a bowl, whisk together warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy. 🫧
- Make dough: Add melted butter, eggs, and salt. Gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms.
- Knead & rise: Knead for 6–8 minutes on a floured surface until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Prepare filling: Mix softened butter, brown sugar, orange zest, and juice in a small bowl.
- Shape rolls: Roll out dough into a rectangle (about 12×16 inches). Spread filling evenly, then roll tightly from the long side. Slice into 12 rolls.
- Arrange & rise again: Place rolls in a greased baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls. ✨
- Serve: Enjoy warm with a cup of coffee or tea — soft, sweet, and full of citrus bliss! ☕🍊
Pro Tips
- Make ahead: Prepare the rolls the night before, refrigerate, and bake fresh in the morning.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Flavor twist: Add a hint of vanilla extract or swap the glaze for cream cheese icing.
- Serving idea: Pair with coffee, tea, or a mimosa for the ultimate brunch treat.
Nutrition Table
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 roll | 260 | 5g | 38g | 9g | 1g | 18g |
Di