Easy Overnight Orange Rolls (Printable)

Tender, zesty rolls made with fresh orange zest and an overnight rise for perfect fluffiness.

# What You 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, sugar, yeast, and salt until well combined.
02 - In a separate bowl, combine milk, melted butter, eggs, and orange zest.
03 - Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix until a sticky dough forms.
04 - Knead by hand or with a stand mixer using the dough hook for 7 to 8 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
05 - Place 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.
07 - Spread softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle with sugar and orange zest for the filling.
08 - Roll up the dough tightly from the longer edge and cut into 12 even rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss.
09 - Arrange rolls in a greased 9 by 13 inch baking dish. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
10 - In the morning, let the rolls sit at room temperature for 45 to 60 minutes until puffy.
11 - Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
12 - Bake for 22 to 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.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Overnight preparation means less time spent in the morning.
  • Fresh orange zest adds a bright, natural citrus flavor.
  • Perfectly soft and fluffy rolls with a sweet, tangy glaze.
  • Simple ingredients, easy steps, ideal for beginners.
02 -
  • Use a stand mixer with a dough hook to make kneading easier and more consistent.
  • Refrigerate the rolls overnight to develop flavor and make morning baking quick.
  • Let the rolls come to room temperature before baking to ensure a light, fluffy texture.
  • Use sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to cut rolls neatly without squishing them.
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