Are you craving the warm, gooey goodness of homemade orange rolls? Look no further! This recipe, inspired by the ever-talented Ree Drummond (aka The Pioneer Woman), delivers a taste of pure comfort food that's surprisingly easy to make. These delightful rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon treat, making them a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals. Get ready to impress your family and friends with these delicious dishes!
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 ½ - 4 cups all-purpose flour
For the Orange Filling:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 2 large oranges
- ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-4 tablespoons orange juice
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This ensures your yeast is active and ready to work its magic.
Making the Dough:
-
Add the egg, melted butter, and salt to the yeast mixture. Whisk well to combine.
-
Gradually add flour, one cup at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until a soft dough forms. Don't be afraid to get your hands a little messy! This is where the fun begins.
-
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
Preparing the Orange Filling:
- While the dough is rising, prepare the orange filling. In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange juice.
Assembling and Baking the Rolls:
-
Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
-
Roll out the dough into a large rectangle (approximately 12x18 inches).
-
Spread the orange filling evenly over the dough.
-
Tightly roll the dough from the long side into a log.
-
Cut the log into 12 equal slices.
-
Place the rolls cut-side up in the prepared pan.
-
Cover the pan with plastic wrap and let the rolls rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, or until doubled in size.
Baking and Glazing:
-
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
-
Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
-
While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth. Add more orange juice if needed to achieve desired consistency.
-
Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool slightly before drizzling with the orange glaze.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor, use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar in the filling.
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the filling for an extra warm spice note.
- Use different citrus fruits, like lemon or lime, for a variation on the classic orange roll.
- These rolls are best served fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two.
Nutritional Information (per roll, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350 Fat: Approximately 15g Carbohydrates: Approximately 50g Protein: Approximately 5g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This Pioneer Woman-inspired orange roll recipe is a surefire way to bring joy to your kitchen and to your taste buds. Enjoy this simple yet impressive homemade cooking experience, creating quick dinner ideas or delightful breakfast treats with these best recipes. The perfect combination of sweet and tangy flavors makes these rolls a true crowd-pleaser!