Are you craving a warm, comforting treat that's also bursting with fresh, vibrant flavor? Look no further! This easy orange roll recipe is the perfect answer. Forget complicated baking techniques and long preparation times; this recipe is designed for even the busiest home cooks. It's a delicious and delightful homemade dessert that's perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful afternoon snack. Get ready to experience the sunshine in every bite!
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 ½ - 4 cups all-purpose flour
For the Orange Filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Zest of 2 large oranges
- ¼ cup orange juice
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons orange juice
Instructions:
Making the Dough:
- Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of the granulated sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This ensures your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic!
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the egg and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Whisk well to combine.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing with a wooden spoon or a stand mixer with a dough hook until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook for about 5 minutes.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Preparing the Orange Filling:
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Flavor: Stir in the cinnamon and orange zest. The zest adds a wonderful bright citrus note. Finally, mix in the orange juice.
Assembling and Baking the Orange Rolls:
- Roll Out the Dough: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a large rectangle (approximately 12x18 inches).
- Spread the Filling: Spread the orange filling evenly over the dough.
- Roll it Up: Tightly roll the dough from the long side into a log.
- Slice and Bake: Cut the log into 12 equal slices. Place the rolls in a greased 9x13 inch baking pan.
- Second Rise: Cover the pan with plastic wrap and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Making the Glaze:
- Whisk it Up: While the rolls are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth. Add more orange juice if needed to reach desired consistency.
- Glaze the Rolls: Once the rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled, drizzle the glaze over them.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor, use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar in the filling.
- Add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for added crunch.
- If you don't have orange juice, you can substitute with lemon juice or milk.
- These rolls are best served warm.
Nutritional Information (per roll, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 4g
This easy orange roll recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the delicious aroma and the delightful taste of sunshine in every bite! It's a perfect addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals. This quick dinner idea, or rather, quick dessert idea, is perfect for any occasion, big or small. Happy baking!