Easy Overnight Orange Rolls (Printable Version)

Fluffy rolls infused with bright orange zest and a zesty glaze, made with a simple overnight rise.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dough

01 - 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 2 1/4 teaspoons instant dry yeast
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 3/4 cup whole milk, lukewarm
06 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
07 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
08 - Zest of 2 large oranges

→ Filling

09 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
10 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
11 - Zest of 1 large orange

→ Glaze

12 - 1 cup powdered sugar
13 - 2 to 3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
14 - 1 teaspoon orange zest

# How to Make It:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, instant dry yeast, and salt until evenly distributed.
02 - In a separate bowl, combine lukewarm milk, melted butter, room temperature eggs, and orange zest, stirring until well incorporated.
03 - Add the wet ingredient mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until a sticky dough forms.
04 - Knead by hand or with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for 7 to 8 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
05 - Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 2 hours until doubled in size.
06 - Punch down the dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to a 10 by 16 inch rectangle approximately 1/4 inch thick.
07 - Spread softened butter evenly over the dough surface, then sprinkle with granulated sugar and orange zest for the filling.
08 - Roll up the dough tightly from the longer edge to form a log, then cut into 12 equal rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss.
09 - Place the rolls cut-side up in a greased 9 by 13 inch baking dish, spacing them evenly. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
10 - In the morning, remove the rolls from refrigeration and let them sit at room temperature for 45 to 60 minutes until noticeably puffy.
11 - Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
12 - Bake the rolls for 22 to 25 minutes until they achieve a golden brown color.
13 - While the rolls bake, whisk together powdered sugar, fresh orange juice, and orange zest in a small bowl until smooth and pourable.
14 - Drizzle the glaze evenly over the warm rolls immediately after removing them from the oven and allow to set before serving.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Prepare the dough the night before, allowing the rolls to rise slowly and develop depth of flavor.
  • Fresh orange zest and juice brighten the dough, filling, and glaze for a lively citrus experience.
  • Perfectly tender and fluffy texture thanks to a simple yet effective kneading and rising process.
  • Fun and satisfying recipe that is both beginner-friendly and impressive for guests.
02 -
  • Use room temperature eggs to help the dough rise evenly.
  • Cover the rolls tightly with plastic wrap in the fridge to prevent drying out overnight.
  • Allow rolls to reach room temperature before baking to ensure a soft and tender crumb.
  • Use dental floss or a sharp knife for clean cuts to keep the rolls neatly shaped.
  • Adjust glaze thickness by varying orange juice amount – more juice for a thinner drizzle, less for a thicker finish.
Go Back