Easy Overnight Orange Rolls (Printable)

Fluffy, tender rolls infused with fresh orange zest and topped with a zesty glaze for a bright morning treat.

# 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

# Directions:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, instant dry yeast, and salt until well combined.
02 - In a separate bowl, combine lukewarm milk, melted butter, room temperature eggs, and orange zest from 2 oranges.
03 - Add the wet ingredient mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until a sticky dough forms throughout.
04 - Knead by hand or with a stand mixer using the dough hook attachment for 7 to 8 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
05 - Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 2 hours until the dough doubles in size.
06 - Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 10 by 16 inch rectangle.
07 - Spread softened butter evenly over the rolled dough, then sprinkle with granulated sugar and orange zest for the filling layer.
08 - Roll up the dough tightly starting from the longer edge and cut into 12 even rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss.
09 - Arrange the cut rolls in a greased 9 by 13 inch baking dish in rows. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
10 - In the morning, remove rolls from refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for 45 to 60 minutes until visibly puffy.
11 - Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
12 - Bake the rolls for 22 to 25 minutes until they develop a golden brown exterior.
13 - While the rolls bake, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, fresh orange juice, and orange zest until smooth and pourable.
14 - Remove baked rolls from the oven and immediately drizzle the prepared glaze over the warm rolls before serving.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • Easy overnight preparation means a fresh-baked feel with minimal morning effort.
  • Bright, fresh orange zest adds a unique citrus flavor making it stand out from standard rolls.
  • Versatile for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert.
02 -
  • Use room temperature eggs and warm milk to activate the yeast effectively.
  • Cover the dough tightly when refrigerating overnight to prevent drying out.
  • Allow the rolls to come to room temperature before baking to ensure even rising and a tender crumb.
  • Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut rolls cleanly without squishing the dough.
  • Whisk the glaze vigorously to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth drizzle.
Return