Easy Orange Sweet Roll Recipe

Close-up of a glossy, orange-glazed Sweet Roll spiral on a white plate, showcasing vibrant citrus zest and fluffy layers.

There’s nothing like waking up to a tray of warm, citrus-scented spirals that make your kitchen smell like sunshine. Enter the Copycat Pillsbury Orange Sweet Rolls of your dreams—soft, fluffy, and bursting with fresh zest. These aren’t your average morning treat; they’re a Sweet Roll Recipe upgrade that turns any weekday into a celebration. Seriously, who needs a fancy bakery when your oven can turn out magical spirals of joy?


My secret weapon? Potato flakes. Yep, you heard me right: instant potato flakes mixed with water replace traditional mashed spuds to create the dreamiest dough. Inspired by my mom’s legendary Cinnamon Rolls Recipe, this trick yields rolls so pillowy they practically float off the pan. Bold Tip: When your dough feels extra tender, you know the potato magic is working.


Here’s the game plan: knead the dough until it’s smooth, then let it rest. Roll it out into a rectangle, brush on a thin layer of softened butter, and dust it with a sugar–zest blend. This isn’t just any filling—it’s the heart of what makes these rolls shine among other Breakfast Sweets. Rhetorical Question: Who can resist that pop of orange in every bite?


To get that perfect swirl—thick spirals hugging each other—use unflavored dental floss instead of a knife. It slices cleanly without squishing your precious log. Cover your rolls for a second rise so they puff up like little clouds. Bold Tip: Don’t skip this step; it’s what gives you the soft, airy texture that sets these apart from every other Sweet Roll you’ve tried.


I bake mine on a rimmed baking sheet rather than in a snug pan. This extra elbow room lets each roll expand without crowding, ensuring even cooking and those lofty centers we all crave. No dough battlefield over here—just perfect, distinct rounds ready for their sticky finish.


Speaking of sticky finishes, the glaze steals the show. A simple mix of powdered sugar, fresh orange juice, and zest creates a glossy, tangy topping that seeps into every crevice. It’s like a hybrid of Orange Recipes and icing that makes you question why you ever settled for plain old vanilla glaze.


These rolls deserve a place among top-tier Breakfast Dishes. Serve them alongside scrambled eggs or a dollop of yogurt for brunch, or treat them as the star of a weekend spread. Heck, pair them with a cup of coffee and call it a Coffee Cake substitute—no one will complain.


If you’re feeling adventurous, try drizzling honey and chopped pistachios on top to give a nod to Baklava—just a hint of the exotic to wow your guests. These orange rolls adapt beautifully to creative twists, making them a must-add to your recipe box.


Whether you’re gearing up for Easter morning or simply need a cheerful start to your day, these No-Knead Orange Rolls deliver. They’re easy enough for novice bakers, yet impressive enough to earn you accolades at any brunch table. Go ahead—embrace the potato-flake dough, and watch these beauties vanish faster than you can say “pass the butter.”

Close-up of a glossy, orange-glazed Sweet Roll spiral on a white plate, showcasing vibrant citrus zest and fluffy layers.
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Close-up of a glossy, orange-glazed Sweet Roll spiral on a white plate, showcasing vibrant citrus zest and fluffy layers.

Easy Orange Sweet Roll Recipe


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  • Author: Vivienne Hale
  • Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 12 orange rolls

Description

Fluffy potato-enriched dough spirals loaded with a bright, zesty sugar filling and finished with a tangy orange–cream cheese drizzle. Ideal for leisurely weekend mornings, holiday brunches, or anytime you need a citrusy pick-me-up.


Ingredients

For the Yeast Starter

  • ¼ cup (60 ml) warm water
  • 1 packet (7 g) instant yeast
  • 2 Tbsp granulated sugar

For the Milk Blend

  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
  • ¾ tsp fine salt
  • ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • 4 Tbsp (57 g) unsalted butter

For the Dough

  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • ⅓ cup (18 g) instant potato flakes
  • ⅓ cup (80 ml) very hot water
  • About 4 cups (480 g) all-purpose flour

For the Orange Filling

  • 3 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • ½ tsp ground ginger
  • 2 tsp fresh orange zest
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) fresh orange juice

For the Cream Cheese Glaze

  • 4 oz (113 g) block-style cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
  • 2 tsp orange zest
  • 2 Tbsp fresh orange juice


Instructions

  1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, whisk together warm water, yeast, and 2 Tbsp sugar. Set aside until foamy (about 5 minutes).
  2. Prepare the Milk Mixture: Warm milk until steamy but not boiling. Stir in salt, ¼ cup sugar, and 4 Tbsp butter until fully melted. Let cool to lukewarm.
  3. Make the Potato Mash: In a separate bowl, combine potato flakes with hot water. Stir until smooth and thick. Add more water if it seems too stiff.
  4. Form the Dough: Fit your mixer with a dough hook. Add the beaten egg, the yeast mixture, cooled milk mixture, and potato mash. Gradually incorporate about 4 cups flour until the dough clings to the hook and cleans the bowl’s sides. Knead for 5–10 minutes until elastic.
  5. First Rise: Transfer the sticky dough to an oiled bowl. Cover with a towel and let it rest in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled.
  6. Prep the Citrus Sugar: While the dough proofs, mix 1 cup sugar, ginger, and zest in a bowl. Once the dough is ready, stir in orange juice until the sugar forms a damp, crumbly paste.
  7. Shape the Rolls: Lightly flour your countertop. Gently deflate the dough and roll it into a roughly 10×15″ rectangle. Spread 3 Tbsp softened butter over the surface, then sprinkle the orange sugar evenly on top.
  8. Roll & Slice: Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seam to seal. Use unflavored floss or kitchen twine to cut the log into 12 even pieces.
  9. Second Rise: Arrange the rolls on a greased baking sheet, placing cut sides up and ends tucked inward to prevent unrolling. Cover with a lightly damp cloth and let rise another 30–60 minutes, until puffy.
  10. Bake: Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Bake rolls for 20–25 minutes, or until the centers reach 190 °F (88 °C) or spring back when gently pressed.
  11. Make the Glaze: While the rolls bake, beat cream cheese until smooth. Mix in powdered sugar, zest, and orange juice until silky.
  12. Finish & Serve: As soon as the rolls come out, spread the cream cheese glaze over them. Serve warm for the best melt-in-your-mouth experience.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Additional Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 roll
  • Calories: 399kcal
  • Sugar: 34g
  • Sodium: 255mg
  • Fat: 11g
  • Carbohydrates: 67g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 44mg

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