A Southern favorite, orange rolls are far easier to make than you might think.

Serve these sticky-sweet orange rolls at your next brunch, along with a traditionalquicheand bowl of fruit.

(Don’t forget themimosas.)

homemade orange rolls with frosting dripping and sitting on a teal cutting board

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Or save the orange rolls for a lazy weekend breakfast with the family.

Learn how to make orange rolls, and treat your family to this Southern favorite soon.

grated zest, divided and 3 to 4 Tbsp.

rough yeast dough in a stand mixer bowl

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Beat on medium speed until dough forms, 1 minute.

Switch to dough hook attachment.

Beat on medium speed until dough is smooth and elastic, about 6 minutes.

yeast dough formed in a stand mixer bowl

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(Dough should pull away from sides of bowl but stick to bottom.)

Let dough rise:

Spray a large bowl with cooking spray.

Place dough in bowl, turning to coat all sides.

yeast dough that has risen

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Roll out dough:

Lightly punch down dough.

Roll dough out on a lightly floured surface into a 19- x 13-inch rectangle.

Spread softened butter over dough.

yeast dough spread out with butter spread on it

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Sprinkle sugar mixture over buttered dough, gently pressing to adhere.

Turn log seam side down, and cut into 12 rolls.

Bake rolls:

Preheat oven to 350F.

sugar and orange zest mixture spread on yeast dough that’s rolled out

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Bake until golden brown and cooked through, about 20 minutes.

Transfer pan to a wire rack; let stand in pan 5 minutes.

Remove rolls to wire rack.

orange rolls rolled and sliced into 12 pieces

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Drizzle glaze over warm rolls.

Wrap and refrigerate overnight.

They’ll rise slowly in the refrigerator, and be ready to bake in the morning.

orange rolls in muffin pan

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Just bring to room temperature while the oven preheats.

you’ve got the option to also freeze the unbaked rolls.

After portioning the rolls into a muffin pan, freeze until solid.

orange rolls in muffin pan after rising

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Then transfer the rolls to a freezer bag or airtight container and freeze for up to two months.

Transfer back to a muffin pan, cover and thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Let rise at room temperature in the morning and bake as directed.

homemade orange rolls on wire rack before adding glaze

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Bring to room temperature or warm in the oven or microwave before serving, if desired.

Frequently Asked Questions

Refrigeration is optional for orange rolls.

They’ll keep for about two days at room temperature, or we recommend freezing for longer storage.

homemade orange rolls with glaze drizzled over each one

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

you’re able to also refrigerate in an airtight container if desired, for up to five days.

Serve orange rolls alongside any of yourbrunch favorites.

The primary difference between these two treats is the flavor of the filling.

ingredients for orange rolls

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Otherwise, the dough and method are very similar.

Less sugar in the filling will result in rolls that are less sweet.

it’s possible for you to also skip the glaze, if preferred.