Easy Overnight Orange Rolls

Fluffy, tender rolls infused with fresh orange zest and topped with a zesty glaze make for an irresistible breakfast or brunch treat. By preparing the dough the night before, these easy overnight orange rolls require minimal effort in the morning, delivering fresh-baked warmth and bright citrus flavor right to your table.

Save

This recipe combines the comforting richness of tender rolls with the uplifting zest of fresh oranges. The overnight rise develops deep flavor and a perfect airy crumb, while the sweet glaze adds a final citrus burst that ties everything together.

Ingredients

• Dough
  • 3 1/2 cups (440 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet, 7 g) instant dry yeast
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 3/4 cup (180 ml) whole milk, lukewarm
  • 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • Zest of 2 large oranges
• Filling
  • 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • Zest of 1 large orange
• Glaze
  • 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tbsp fresh orange juice
  • 1 tsp orange zest

Instructions

1.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.

2.

In a separate bowl, combine milk, melted butter, eggs, and orange zest.

3.

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a sticky dough forms.

4.

Knead by hand or with a stand mixer (dough hook) for 7–8 minutes, until smooth and elastic.

5.

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours until doubled in size.

6.

Punch down the dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to a 10x16-inch (25x40 cm) rectangle.

7.

Spread softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle with sugar and orange zest for the filling.

8.

Roll up the dough tightly from the longer edge and cut into 12 even rolls.

9.

Arrange rolls in a greased 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

10.

In the morning, let the rolls sit at room temperature for 45–60 minutes, until puffy.

11.

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

12.

Bake for 22–25 minutes, until golden brown.

13.

While baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest until smooth.

14.

Drizzle glaze over warm rolls before serving.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Make sure the milk is lukewarm to help activate the yeast properly. When rolling out the dough, lightly flour your surface to prevent sticking without drying out the dough. Refrigerating the rolls overnight helps develop flavor and ensures a soft, tender crumb.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For extra richness, substitute half the milk with orange juice. Add a pinch of cardamom to the filling for a subtle spiced note, enhancing the citrus flavors with warmth.

Serviervorschläge

These orange rolls pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or a fragrant Earl Grey tea. Serve them warm with the zesty glaze drizzled on top for a delightful start to your day.

Save

Embrace the ease of overnight preparation with these bright and fluffy orange rolls. The combination of fresh zest, soft dough, and sweet glaze makes each bite a little celebration perfect for any morning gathering.

Recipe FAQs

→ How is the dough prepared for the rolls?

The dough combines flour, sugar, yeast, and salt with milk, melted butter, eggs, and fresh orange zest, kneaded until smooth and elastic before rising.

→ Why refrigerate the rolls overnight?

Refrigeration slows fermentation for a gentle rise, enhancing flavor and allowing convenient morning baking.

→ Can the milk be substituted?

Yes, replacing half the milk with orange juice adds extra citrus richness to the dough.

→ What gives the rolls their citrus flavor?

Fresh orange zest is added to both the dough and filling, while the glaze includes orange juice and zest for brightness.

→ What tools are needed for preparation?

A large mixing bowl, stand mixer or hand kneading method, rolling pin, baking dish, and whisk are helpful for this process.