Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
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


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • 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

Scale

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