Some recipes feel like sunshine in edible form, and Orange Rolls with a Warm Sour Cream Butter Glaze absolutely fall into that category. These soft, tender rolls are bursting with bright citrus flavor, wrapped in buttery layers, and topped with a warm, velvety glaze that melts into every swirl. They have all the charm of a cinnamon roll, but with a refreshing twist that feels lighter, happier, and decidedly more special.
Orange rolls have a way of turning an ordinary morning—or evening—into something memorable. They remind many of childhood breakfasts, holiday gatherings, or lazy Sunday mornings when the kitchen smells like citrus and freshly baked dough. Whether you’re baking them for a brunch, gifting them to someone special, or simply treating yourself, these rolls bring a feeling of comfort wrapped in sweetness.
What makes this version stand out is the glaze. The warm sour cream butter glaze creates a luscious coating that sinks into every crevice, making each bite tender, creamy, and bright with orange flavor. This is a recipe that will quickly earn a permanent place in your baking rotation.
Recipe Overview
These Orange Rolls feature a rich, slightly sweet yeast dough rolled with an aromatic orange-sugar filling. After baking, they’re drenched in a glossy warm glaze made from butter, sour cream, sugar, and fresh orange juice. Soft, decadent, and bursting with citrus goodness, they’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Ingredients & Instructions
Below is everything you need to create these irresistible rolls from scratch.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 package active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 1 cup sugar, divided
- 1/2 cup butter, melted and divided
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
For the Filling:
- 2 tablespoons orange zest
- 3/4 cup sugar
- Remaining melted butter
For the Glaze:
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast
Combine the yeast with warm water, stir gently, and let it stand for about 5 minutes until foamy. This ensures the dough will rise beautifully.
2. Make the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the yeast mixture, 1/4 cup sugar, 6 tablespoons melted butter, eggs, sour cream, and salt. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add 2 cups of flour and continue beating until the mixture becomes silky. Add additional flour as needed until a soft, slightly tacky dough forms.
3. Knead & Rise
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for several minutes until smooth, soft, and elastic.
Place the dough into a greased bowl, turn to coat, cover, and let rise until nearly doubled—usually about 1 to 1 1/2 hours depending on the warmth of your kitchen.
4. Prepare the Filling
In a small bowl, mix the orange zest with 3/4 cup sugar. This creates a fragrant citrus-sugar blend that melts into the dough as it bakes.
5. Roll, Fill, and Shape
Grease a 13×9-inch baking pan.
Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two equal halves.
Working with the first half, roll it into a 12-inch circle. Brush with 1 tablespoon melted butter, then sprinkle with half of the orange-sugar mixture.
Cut into 12 wedges (like a pizza). Starting from the wide end, roll each wedge into a crescent and place it point-side down in the prepared pan.
Repeat with the second half of the dough and remaining filling.
6. Second Rise
Cover and let the shaped rolls rise until nearly doubled again—about 30–45 minutes.
Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
7. Bake
Bake the rolls until lightly golden and cooked through, typically 20–25 minutes depending on your oven.
8. Make the Warm Glaze
In a saucepan, combine:
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup butter
- Orange juice
- Pinch of salt
Bring to a boil, then cook for 3 minutes, stirring constantly. The glaze becomes silky, glossy, and slightly thickened.
9. Glaze the Rolls
While the rolls and glaze are still warm, pour the glaze evenly over the pan. Let it seep into the rolls, coating every layer.
The result is soft, citrusy, buttery perfection.
Cooking Tips & Variations
1. Add Extra Citrus Flavor
Boost the orange flavor by adding:
- A splash of orange extract to the dough
- Extra zest to the filling
- More zest into the glaze
2. Make Ahead
You can prepare the rolls ahead:
- Shape the crescents
- Cover the pan tightly
- Refrigerate overnight
Then bake fresh in the morning.
3. Swap the Citrus
Try lemon, grapefruit, or tangerine zest and juice for a fun twist.
4. Add Texture
Sprinkle in:
- Finely chopped nuts
- Dried cranberries
- Orange-infused sugar crystals
5. Use a Stand Mixer
It makes kneading easier and creates a beautifully smooth dough.
Storage & Serving Suggestions
Storage
- Room Temperature: Store covered for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps well for 4–5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze baked rolls (unglazed) for up to 3 months. Thaw and warm before glazing.
Serving
Orange rolls shine brightest when:
- Served warm
- Enjoyed with coffee, tea, or milk
- Paired with a savory breakfast dish like eggs or sausage
They’re a perfect brunch centerpiece or sweet afternoon treat.
These Orange Rolls with Warm Sour Cream Butter Glaze are pure baking joy. From the soft, fragrant dough to the swirl of citrus sugar and the velvety glaze that tops it all off, every step brings you closer to a batch of irresistible homemade goodness. Whether you’re making them for a holiday breakfast, a weekend treat, or just because you love citrus, these rolls promise comfort and delight in every bite.
Bring warmth, sweetness, and a little sunshine into your kitchen—you’ll be so glad you did.
FAQs
1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes—skip the proofing step and mix it directly into the dough ingredients.
2. Can I freeze the rolls before baking?
Yes! Freeze shaped rolls on a tray, transfer to a bag, then thaw and rise before baking.
3. Can the glaze be made ahead?
It’s best made fresh, but you can rewarm it gently if needed.
4. What if my dough doesn’t rise?
Make sure your yeast is fresh and the water is warm—not hot. A warm place in the kitchen helps too.
5. Can I make them less sweet?
Reduce the sugar in the filling or drizzle on only part of the glaze.
Soft, citrusy Orange Rolls topped with a warm sour cream butter glaze—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Easy, flaky, and bursting with fresh orange flavor!