Easy Overnight Orange Zest Rolls (Printable Version)

Tender rolls with orange zest and glaze, perfect for a bright breakfast or brunch treat.

# Ingredient List:

→ 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

# How to Make:

01 - Whisk together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, instant dry yeast, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
02 - Blend milk, melted butter, eggs, and orange zest in a separate bowl.
03 - Add wet mixture to dry ingredients and mix until a sticky dough forms.
04 - Knead the dough by hand or using a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook for 7 to 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
05 - Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise for 1 to 2 hours in a warm environment until doubled in size.
06 - Punch down the dough, then roll out on a lightly floured surface to a 10 x 16-inch rectangle.
07 - Spread softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle with granulated sugar and orange zest for the filling.
08 - Roll the dough tightly from the long edge and slice into 12 even rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss.
09 - Arrange rolls in a greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight.
10 - Remove rolls from the refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 45 to 60 minutes until puffy.
11 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake rolls for 22 to 25 minutes until golden brown.
12 - Whisk powdered sugar, fresh orange juice, and orange zest together until a smooth glaze forms.
13 - Drizzle glaze over warm rolls immediately before serving.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • This recipe lets you greet the morning with bright, homemade rolls and almost no effort—the dough rises while you sleep.
  • The zesty citrus flavor feels like sunshine on your plate—it’s become our go-to whenever we need a mood boost.
02 -
  • If you rush the rise, your rolls will be dense—I once made this mistake and regretted skipping the wait.
  • Using fresh zest rather than bottled makes the glaze truly shine; it’s a tiny effort with big payoff.
03 -
  • Let your dough rest fully before rolling—it makes shaping much easier.
  • Add a pinch of cardamom to the filling for a spiced undertone that surprises guests.
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