Name: Glazed Orange Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 3 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour, or as needed; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 1/4 teaspoons instant dry yeast (one 1/4-ounce packet, Red Star Platinum recommended); Pinch salt, to taste; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (1 stick); 1/2 cup buttermilk; 2 large eggs, lightly whisked; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, very soft (3/4 of 1 stick); About 1 cup orange marmalade; 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed; 1/4 cup orange juice; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (orange extract may be substituted); 2 cups confectioners’ sugar; Pinch salt, optional and to taste; About 3 tablespoons milk or cream, or as needed for consistency; 3 teaspoons orange zest, divided

There’s something about the bright, sunny flavor of orange paired with soft, buttery dough that just makes mornings special. This Glazed Orange Rolls Recipe is a fresh twist on classic cinnamon rolls, packed with zesty marmalade and topped with a tangy glaze that’ll have guests asking for seconds.

The image shows a single cinnamon roll with a glaze on top, placed on a white plate. The roll is light brown with a shiny, sticky orange glaze that drips down the sides. The roll has a spiral shape with visible layers of dough and glaze. Around the plate, there are small crumbs and bits of glaze. In the background, there is a white bowl with more orange glaze and a slice of orange resting on its rim. A silver fork with some pieces of the cinnamon roll is partially visible to the left. The surface underneath the plate is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Glazed Orange Rolls Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Glazed Orange Rolls Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Glazed Orange Rolls Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I still remember the first time I made these glazed orange rolls – the whole kitchen filled with this inviting citrus aroma, and that first bite was pure joy. If you're looking to impress with a breakfast or brunch that feels both cozy and refreshing, you’re going to love this recipe.

Bright, Fresh Flavor: The orange marmalade and zest add a lively citrus zing that makes these rolls unique and irresistible.
Soft, Buttery Dough: The dough is tender and fluffy thanks to the right balance of buttermilk and butter, making every roll melt in your mouth.
Simple Yet Special Glaze: The orange glaze is easy to whisk up but adds that perfect sweet-tart finish you’ll crave.
Make Ahead Friendly: Perfect for prepping the night before or freezing for later, so you can enjoy fresh-tasting rolls anytime.

This image shows a baking tray lined with foil, filled with nine golden orange rolls arranged in three rows of three. Each roll has a smooth, shiny glaze, making the spirals of dough distinct, with a slightly sticky texture. The rolls have a soft, fluffy look under the glaze, and small bits of orange zest are visible on top, adding a speckled texture and bright color contrast. The tray is set on a white marbled surface with slices of fresh orange nearby, adding fresh and vibrant color to the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe is a wonderful harmony of classic baking ingredients with a citrus twist. You’ll want fresh orange zest and juice to really bring out that bright flavor, and good-quality buttermilk to keep the dough tender and moist.

Flat lay of a small mound of all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl filled with granulated sugar, a pinch of fine salt on the white marble, two whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white ceramic bowl holding melted unsalted butter, a small white ceramic bowl of warm buttermilk, a small white ceramic bowl of orange marmalade, a small white ceramic bowl packed with light brown sugar, a small white ceramic bowl containing fresh orange juice, a small white ceramic bowl filled with vanilla extract, a small white ceramic bowl of fine confectioners’ sugar, a small white ceramic bowl with fresh milk or cream, and fresh orange zest arranged neatly on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

All-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure without being too heavy; easy to find and versatile for these rolls.
Granulated sugar: Balances sweetness in the dough and helps yeast activation.
Instant dry yeast: Makes the dough rise beautifully with little fuss; I personally use Red Star Platinum for consistent results.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and controls yeast activity.
Unsalted butter (melted and softened): Adds richness to the dough and lusciousness to the filling—make sure it’s soft for easy spreading.
Buttermilk: Tenderizes the dough and adds a slight tang that complements the orange.
Eggs: Give the dough structure and richness.
Orange marmalade: The star ingredient for that signature citrus sweetness inside every roll; look for one with real fruit bits if possible.
Light brown sugar: Its molasses notes deepen the flavor in the filling beyond just sweetness.
Orange juice: Fresh-squeezed is best for the glaze to keep that zing alive.
Vanilla extract (or orange extract): Adds warmth and complexity to the glaze.
Confectioners’ sugar: For the smooth, sweet glaze that clings to every roll.
Salt (optional): A tiny pinch in the glaze can cut through the sweetness for balance.
Milk or cream: Adjusts glaze consistency to perfect drizzlability.
Orange zest: Gives bursts of fresh citrus flavor and a pretty finish on top.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Glazed Orange Rolls Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I like to experiment with the filling — sometimes swapping marmalade for fresh orange segments or even adding chopped pecans for crunch. It’s your sweet spot to personalize!

Variation: I’ve tried adding a bit of cinnamon or cardamom to the brown sugar filling to give it a warm spice layer that’s subtle but delightful.
Dairy-Free Option: Swap butter for coconut oil and use a plant-based milk with a squeeze of lemon for that buttermilk tang.
Less Sweet: For a lighter treat, reduce the sugar in the dough and glaze—you can always add more marmalade if you want a punch of sweetness.
Mini Rolls: Roll the dough tighter and slice thinner for adorable bite-sized portions that are perfect for parties or kids.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Glazed Orange Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough for That Perfect Rise

First things first, mix your dry ingredients in the stand mixer bowl — flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. I always pre-measure the temperature for my buttermilk-butter blend; it needs to be warm but never hot to prevent killing the yeast. Pour it in with your eggs, then let the mixer knead for about 5 to 7 minutes at low speed. The dough should be soft and tacky, a little sticky but pulling away from the bowl edges. If it’s too wet, sprinkle a bit more flour, but don’t overdo it—wet dough means softer rolls!

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise to Light and Fluffy

Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, flip it to coat all sides, cover with plastic wrap, and pop it in a warm spot. I like to use my powered-off oven, preheated to 400°F for a minute and then turned off—this creates a cozy rise environment around 85°F. It usually takes me 2 to 2 ½ hours to double. Patience here makes all the difference.

Step 3: Roll Out, Spread, and Fill

Once your dough has puffed up, punch it down gently and roll it out on a floured counter until it's roughly 26 by 13 inches. Use your pan as a measuring guide—easy! Now, spread the soft butter over most of the dough, leaving a little edge free. Next goes the orange marmalade — aim for a thin layer to keep the rolls juicy but not soggy — and sprinkle the brown sugar evenly. It’s a beautiful, sticky canvas of flavor.

Step 4: Slice, Arrange, and Let Them Rise Again

Roll the dough up tightly from the long edge, seam side down. To slice, I swear by plain, unwaxed dental floss—it cuts perfectly without squishing the delicate dough. Mark 20 equal pieces using light hash marks first for neatness. Lay them in your prepared pan, cover, and let them rise again for about an hour until almost doubled. This second rise is key for that pillowy texture we all love.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Glaze to Finish

Bake the rolls at 375°F for about 15 minutes, but keep a close eye—ovens vary and a minute too long can dry them out. While they bake, whisk together fresh orange juice, confectioners' sugar, a splash of vanilla (or orange extract if you like), and a pinch of salt. Adjust with milk until it’s smooth and pourable, then stir in most of the orange zest. Once the rolls are out and slightly cooled, drizzle the glaze generously and finish with the remaining zest for that gorgeous pop of color and flavor.

Top Tip

After making these rolls dozens of times, I’ve learned a few little tricks that really help them turn out perfect every time:

Perfect Dough Temperature: Always check that your milk-butter mixture is warm, not hot—my digital thermometer is a game changer here.
Floss Slicing: Don’t skip using dental floss to cut your rolls; it prevents squished dough and keeps edges neat.
Don’t Rush the Rise: Giving the dough and rolls enough time to rise fully really affects texture—plan ahead for this.
Glaze While Warm: Pour that orange glaze when rolls are still warm but not hot to soak them just right without melting away.

How to Serve Glazed Orange Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling extra fresh orange zest and sometimes a few chopped toasted almonds on top for texture and a hint of nuttiness. If I’m serving these for a brunch, adding a small dollop of whipped cream or mascarpone cheese on the side is a real treat too.

Side Dishes

These rolls pair beautifully with fresh fruit salad or a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the sweetness. For a heartier brunch, scrambled eggs or crispy bacon go surprisingly well alongside the citrus flavors — a true breakfast celebration!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged these rolls in a circular pattern on a pretty platter and drizzled the glaze in a swirling motion. Another favorite is making smaller rolls in cupcake tins for individual portions that look super cute and travel well for picnics or potlucks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, I store leftovers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature. They stay soft and delicious for up to 4 days. Anytime they feel a little firm, popping a roll into the microwave for just 5 seconds softens everything back up perfectly.

Freezing

I usually bake the rolls fully, let them cool, then freeze them in an airtight container for up to 6 months. When I want to enjoy them, I thaw overnight and warm gently before glazing. This method ensures I get fresh-baked taste without the fuss on busy mornings.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the roll with a damp paper towel and microwave it for about 12-15 seconds, which brings back moisture and softness. Then just add your glaze or a bit more orange marmalade if you want extra zest!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

You can substitute regular milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar added to it to mimic buttermilk’s acidity, which helps tenderize the dough and activate the yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes before using.

Why do you recommend dental floss for slicing the rolls?

Dental floss cuts through the roll log cleanly without squishing the soft dough, which happens when you use a knife. It helps maintain the shape and even size of each roll for uniform baking and presentation.

Can I make the rolls ahead of time?

Yes! After slicing and arranging the rolls in the pan, cover and refrigerate them overnight (up to 16 hours). When ready to bake, let them come to room temperature and rise until nearly doubled—usually about an hour—then bake as directed.

How can I prevent the rolls from drying out?

Store rolls in an airtight container at room temperature, and avoid refrigeration as it tends to dry them out. When reheating, use a damp paper towel in the microwave to restore moisture. Also, don’t overbake them — watch carefully during the last few minutes.

Final Thoughts

These glazed orange rolls hold a special place in my heart – they’re the perfect combination of bright, fresh citrus and cozy homemade goodness. Making them feels like a cozy, rewarding ritual, and sharing them with friends and family is a joy every time. I can’t wait for you to give this Glazed Orange Rolls Recipe a try and experience that same happiness first-hand. Trust me, once you do, this recipe will become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire too.