“`html
There is nothing quite like biting into a warm, tangy, and sweet pastry to brighten your day, and this Quick Orange Rolls Recipe delivers exactly that magic in under 30 minutes. Imagine soft, pillowy rolls infused with zesty orange cream cheese filling and topped with a luscious orange glaze that perfectly balances sweetness and citrus. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful afternoon treat, these rolls come together fast and impress every time, making them a treasured favorite for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how just a handful of straightforward ingredients come together to create such a flavorful and textured delight. Each component plays its part, from the creamy tang of the cheese to the fragrant brightness of the orange zest that adds personality to these rolls.
- Cream cheese (½ 8-oz package, softened): This creamy base gives the filling its rich, velvety texture and mild tang.
- Brown sugar (¼ cup): Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness that pairs beautifully with the citrus notes.
- Orange zest (½ teaspoon): Bursts of fresh orange peel bring an invigorating aroma and flavor to the mix.
- Refrigerated French bread dough (1 11-oz can): A quick and easy dough option that yields soft but sturdy rolls with the perfect chew.
- Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons): Sprinkled inside, it adds a subtle crunch and extra sweetness beneath the glaze.
- Powdered sugar (½ cup): Key for the smooth glaze that finishes the rolls with a sweet, glossy sheen.
- Orange juice (1 to 2 tablespoons): It’s the secret weapon in the glaze for that punch of fresh citrus flavor and balance.
How to Make Quick Orange Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 375ºF to ensure it’s hot and ready to bake your rolls evenly. Lightly spray a 9-inch cake pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make clean-up a breeze—this pan will cradle your orange rolls as they rise and bake to golden perfection.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
Using an electric mixer at medium speed, beat the softened cream cheese, brown sugar, and orange zest until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This filling is where the magic starts, offering a luscious citrusy sweetness that melts into the dough during baking.
Step 3: Prepare the Dough
Unroll the refrigerated French bread dough carefully at the seam, then gently shape it into a rectangle on your work surface. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough, taking care to leave a ¼-inch border around the edges to prevent filling leakage.
Step 4: Add a Sweet Crunch
Sprinkle the granulated sugar over the cream cheese filling—this simple step adds a delightful texture contrast once baked, giving your rolls a little extra sparkle inside.
Step 5: Roll and Slice
Starting from one of the longer edges, roll the dough tightly into a log shape, carefully pinching the edges to seal the filling inside. Using a serrated knife, slice the log into 12 equal rolls to ensure even baking and perfect portion sizes.
Step 6: Bake the Rolls
Place the rolls snugly into the prepared cake pan and slide them into your preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until they’ve puffed up and turned a beautiful golden brown on top. The aroma at this point is simply irresistible!
Step 7: Finish with Orange Glaze
While the rolls cool slightly, whisk together the powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth. Spread this glossy glaze generously over the warm rolls so it seeps into every nook, adding a shiny sweet citrus finish that elevates these treats even further.
How to Serve Quick Orange Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra pizazz, top your orange rolls with a few thin slices of fresh orange or a sprinkle of finely grated orange zest. A light dusting of cinnamon can also add a warm spice note that complements the citrus flavor beautifully.
Side Dishes
These rolls pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or a fresh fruit salad for a balanced brunch. Creamy yogurt or a dollop of whipped cream also work nicely to round out the meal and balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these rolls on a pretty platter lined with parchment paper or wrap them individually for a thoughtful breakfast gift. Alternatively, layer them in a basket with colorful napkins to add a festive touch perfect for parties or holiday mornings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain their freshness. Storing them this way preserves the cake-like softness and keeps the glaze nice and tacky.
Freezing
If you want to save the joy for later, freeze the baked rolls wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and a layer of foil for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm gently before serving to bring back that fresh-baked feeling.
Reheating
To reheat, place a roll on a microwave-safe plate and warm for 20 to 30 seconds, or heat in a preheated 350ºF oven for about 10 minutes. This restores the soft, gooey texture without drying them out, making each bite taste freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use another type of dough for this Quick Orange Rolls Recipe?
Absolutely! While refrigerated French bread dough is perfect for convenience and texture, you can also try biscuit dough or croissant dough for a slightly different but still delicious result.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, this Quick Orange Rolls Recipe is very beginner-friendly because it uses store-bought dough and simple mixing steps, making it ideal for those new to baking or anyone wanting a fuss-free treat.
How can I make the rolls more citrusy?
To amp up the citrus flavor, add more orange zest to the filling or increase the amount of orange juice in the glaze. You can even drizzle a little fresh squeezed juice on top after baking for an extra bright note.
Can I make these rolls vegan or dairy-free?
You can try substituting the cream cheese with a plant-based alternative and ensure the dough you buy doesn’t contain dairy. Be mindful that this will alter the flavor and texture slightly but can still be quite tasty!
What is the best way to serve these rolls warm?
The rolls are best served slightly warm so the filling is soft and the glaze is glossy but not melted away. Simply reheat gently as described earlier or enjoy them fresh from the oven for maximum delight.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting and joyful about baking and sharing this Quick Orange Rolls Recipe. It’s a recipe that feels approachable yet special, perfect for brightening your mornings or impressing guests with minimal effort. I can’t recommend enough giving these sweet, citrusy rolls a try—once you do, they’ll become a go-to treat you’ll want to make again and again.
“`
Print
Quick Orange Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Quick Orange Rolls are a delightful twist on classic sweet rolls, featuring a creamy orange-flavored filling and a zesty orange glaze. Ready in just 30 minutes, they are perfect for a quick breakfast or an indulgent snack that combines the tang of orange with rich cream cheese and sweet brown sugar.
Ingredients
Filling
- ½ (8-oz) package cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ tsp orange zest
Dough
- 1 (11-oz) can refrigerated French bread dough
Topping and Glaze
- 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 to 2 Tbsp orange juice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375ºF (190ºC) and lightly spray a 9-inch cake pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Filling: Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat together the softened cream cheese, brown sugar, and orange zest until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Shape Dough: Unroll the refrigerated French bread dough carefully at the seam and gently form it into a rectangular shape on a clean surface.
- Apply Filling and Sugar: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a ¼-inch border around the edges. Then sprinkle the granulated sugar evenly over the cream cheese layer.
- Roll Dough: Starting from one of the long edges of the rectangle, roll the dough tightly into a log lengthwise. Pinch the edges to seal the roll and prevent filling from leaking out.
- Slice Rolls: Using a serrated knife, cut the dough log into 12 equal rolls and arrange them evenly in the prepared cake pan.
- Bake: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, until they are golden brown and cooked through. Then remove from oven and let cool slightly.
- Prepare Glaze: Mix the powdered sugar with 1 to 2 tablespoons of orange juice until smooth to create a sweet and tangy glaze.
- Glaze Rolls: Spread the orange glaze over the warm rolls to finish and serve them fresh for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use refrigerated French bread dough for convenience and a soft, fluffy texture.
- Adjust the orange juice quantity in the glaze to achieve your preferred consistency.
- You can add chopped nuts or raisins to the filling for extra texture and flavor if desired.
- These rolls are best served warm but can be reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
