Name: Orange Glazed Yeast Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 3 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour, or as needed; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 1/4 teaspoons instant dry yeast (one 1/4-ounce packet); Pinch salt, to taste; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (1 stick); 1/2 cup buttermilk; 2 large eggs, lightly whisked; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, very soft (3/4 of 1 stick); 1 cup orange marmalade; 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed; 1/4 cup orange juice; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (orange extract may be substituted); 2 cups confectioners’ sugar; Pinch salt, optional and to taste; About 3 tablespoons milk or cream, or as needed for consistency; 3 teaspoons orange zest, divided

There’s something utterly irresistible about fresh, warm rolls kissed by a sweet citrus glaze. This Orange Glazed Yeast Rolls Recipe combines soft, fluffy dough with bright orange marmalade and a shiny, tangy glaze—perfect for mornings or any time you want a special treat.

A close-up of a single cinnamon roll on a white plate shows multiple soft dough layers spiraled tightly. The roll is covered in a shiny, sticky, golden orange icing that drips down the sides. Around the plate, there are small crumbs and bits of the roll. In the background, there is a white bowl filled with bright orange marmalade and a silver fork resting on a white marbled surface. A blurred orange slice adds a pop of color in the back. The scene is bright with natural light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Orange Glazed Yeast Rolls Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Orange Glazed Yeast Rolls Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Orange Glazed Yeast Rolls Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made many sweet rolls over the years, but this Orange Glazed Yeast Rolls Recipe always steals the show in my kitchen. The combination of light, fluffy rolls with that luscious fruit-forward glaze is simply unbeatable.

Bright Citrus Flavor: The orange marmalade and fresh zest bring a lively, tangy note that wakes up your taste buds.
Soft Yet Substantial Dough: Thanks to buttermilk and butter, these rolls stay tender and rich without being heavy.
Easy But Impressive: You don’t need fancy tools or techniques, just some patience and love—and you’ll impress everyone.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Breakfast, brunch, holiday feasts, or just a cozy coffee break—they always hit the spot.

A close-up of a metal baking tray filled with one layer of freshly baked orange rolls. Each roll is a spiral shape with a light golden-brown color, shiny with a thin layer of white glaze on top. The glaze is unevenly spread, giving a slightly shiny and smooth texture over the soft dough. The tray is placed on a surface with a white marbled texture, and there are pieces of orange visible around the tray, adding a fresh and bright feel to the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in this Orange Glazed Yeast Rolls Recipe come together to create a beautifully balanced sweet roll. Each one plays a crucial role—from the richness of butter to the tang of buttermilk and that vibrant orange flavor that keeps it fresh. Here’s a quick rundown of what’s going on with each:

Flat lay of a small mound of pale all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl of granulated sugar, a small pile of light brown sugar, two whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white ceramic bowl of melted golden unsalted butter, a small white ceramic bowl of warm buttermilk with a smooth texture, a small white ceramic bowl overflowing with glossy orange marmalade, a small white ceramic bowl filled with bright orange fresh orange zest, a small white ceramic bowl containing fresh orange juice, a small white ceramic bowl of pure white confectioners’ sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of creamy milk, and a pinch of coarse salt grains neatly arranged in a small heap, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

All-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough, giving it structure while still allowing for fluffiness when measured carefully.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps feed the yeast.
Instant dry yeast: My go-to is Red Star Platinum; it rises reliably and quickly, making the dough airy and tender.
Salt: Just a pinch to round out flavors and balance the sweetness.
Unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness and a tender crumb to the dough.
Buttermilk: The acidity tenderizes dough and works beautifully with the yeast to ensure soft rolls.
Eggs: Help enrich the dough and improve texture.
Orange marmalade: The fruity, slightly chunky spread that infuses the filling with bright citrus notes.
Light brown sugar: Adds depth and a little caramel flavor to the filling.
Orange juice: Creates the shine and tang in the glaze, essential for that “glazed” effect.
Vanilla extract: Balances the citrus with warm, sweet undertones.
Confectioners’ sugar: Gives the glaze its silky sweetness and smooth texture.
Milk or cream: Adjusts glaze consistency for drizzling.
Fresh orange zest: Sprinkled into the glaze for an extra punch of bright orange flavor and aroma.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love putting my spin on this Orange Glazed Yeast Rolls Recipe depending on the season or occasion. It’s a wonderfully flexible base for fun finishes and flavors. Don’t hesitate to make it truly yours!

Variation: One time, I swapped orange marmalade for apricot jam and added some cardamom to the dough—such an unexpected but delightful twist!
Dietary Tip: For a dairy-free option, substitute the butter and buttermilk with plant-based alternatives—coconut milk yogurt works surprisingly well to mimic tang.
Seasonal Touch: Try folding in some finely chopped candied ginger or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra layer of warmth during fall and winter holidays.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Orange Glazed Yeast Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Dough with Love

First things first, gather your dry ingredients — flour, sugar, yeast, and a pinch of salt — and mix them in your stand mixer bowl or a big mixing bowl if you’re going old-school. Then melt your butter gently in the microwave and warm up the buttermilk; it’s crucial here to get the temperature right! I usually rely on a kitchen thermometer—around 120 to 130°F if you’re using Red Star Platinum yeast like I do—because too hot and you’ll kill the yeast, too cool, and it won’t wake up properly. When it’s just right, combine the butter-buttermilk mix with the dry ingredients, and add your lightly whisked eggs.

Switch the mixer on low and let the dough hook work its magic for about 5 to 7 minutes until you get a soft but elastic dough. If it feels too wet and sticky, add a touch more flour, but be gentle—the dough should feel a little tacky for that perfect fluffy roll texture. Then, pop the dough into an oiled bowl, flip it once, and cover tightly with plastic wrap. I place mine inside my turned-off oven that I warmed for a minute—this creates a cozy 85°F warming spot perfect for rising, avoiding any chilly drafts that might slow things down.

Step 2: Rolling, Filling & Shaping

Once your dough has doubled in size (mine usually takes about 2 to 2 ½ hours), it’s time to punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface. Aim for a rectangle roughly 26-by-13 inches—eyeball it against your 9x13 pan. Spread softened butter evenly, then a thin layer of sweet, zesty orange marmalade—too much and the rolls get soggy, too little and they lack that signature zing. Sprinkle the brown sugar over, gently pressing it into the layer.

Roll the dough into a tight log starting from the long edge with the seam side down. Here’s a trick: mark out 20 equal slices using light hash marks—makes cutting much simpler—and slice the rolls with plain, unwaxed dental floss. Yes, floss! It cuts cleanly without squashing the dough. Arrange your rolls snugly in the prepared pan, cover, and let them rise another hour until puffy and nearly doubled.

Step 3: Baking & Glazing Perfection

Bake at 375°F for about 15 minutes or until just golden on top. Keep an eye on these, since oven variances can affect timing by a minute or two—overbake and they dry out. While baking, mix up your orange glaze by whisking orange juice, vanilla, powdered sugar, a pinch of salt, and milk until smooth. Fold in fresh zest for that burst of aroma.

The moment your rolls come out warm from the oven, drizzle that gorgeous glaze all over, letting it seep into the cracks and soak into every roll’s surface. Finally, sprinkle the remaining zest on top and serve warm. Trust me, the scent alone will have everyone rushing to the table!

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few little hacks that make this Orange Glazed Yeast Rolls Recipe foolproof and extra special. These tips have saved me from soggy rolls, inconsistent rising, and flavor flops. Hope they help you as much as they helped me!

Right Temperature for Yeast: Always use a digital thermometer when warming buttermilk and butter. Too hot, and you’ll kill that precious yeast. I aim for 120-130°F with my preferred yeast brand—trust me, it makes all the difference.
Floss for Cutting: Dental floss slices rolls like a dream without squishing, ensuring beautiful, even pieces every time.
Don’t Overbake: Literally watch the clock and the color—once they’re just golden, pull them out. Overbaked rolls lose their tenderness.
Keep Rolls Covered: After baking, store them in an airtight container at room temperature; refrigeration dries them out too quickly.

How to Serve Orange Glazed Yeast Rolls Recipe

orange glazed rolls - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping my rolls with just a bit of extra orange zest after glazing—it adds color and amps up the citrus aroma beautifully. Sometimes I also sprinkle finely chopped toasted pistachios for a subtle crunch and lovely contrast.

Side Dishes

This Orange Glazed Yeast Rolls Recipe pairs amazingly with simple scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad for breakfast. For brunch, I serve alongside a honey-glazed ham or roasted chicken to balance sweet and savory. Coffee or a fruity tea completes the experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, try placing these rolls in individual ramekins or muffin tins for mini servings that are perfect for parties—or drizzle extra glaze with edible flower petals for a stunning tablescape centerpiece. Gift boxes with a couple of warm rolls inside going out to friends? Always a winner!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. If they start to dry out, a quick zap in the microwave for about 5 seconds softens them again—freshly baked softness restored!

Freezing

These rolls freeze beautifully after baking. I wrap them tightly and stash them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 6 months. When I want a treat, I thaw them at room temp and drizzle fresh glaze before serving. Perfect for making ahead during busy holidays.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the rolls loosely with foil and warm them in a 300°F oven for 10-12 minutes. This method keeps them moist and tender without drying out. For a super quick fix, a few seconds in the microwave works in a pinch.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes! If using active dry yeast, dissolve it in the warm butter-buttermilk mixture first and let it activate for about 5-10 minutes before adding to the dry ingredients. Instant yeast can be mixed directly with the dry ingredients. Adjust rise times if needed.

What’s the best way to slice the rolls?

I highly recommend using plain, unwaxed dental floss to slice the rolled dough. It cuts cleanly without squishing or compressing the dough, ensuring perfectly shaped rolls that bake evenly.

Can I make the rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and shape the rolls the night before. Instead of letting them rise at room temperature after shaping, cover the pan and refrigerate overnight (up to 16 hours). Remove from fridge and let rise at room temperature for about an hour before baking.

How do I prevent the rolls from drying out?

The key is proper storage. Keep your orange glazed yeast rolls in an airtight container at room temperature and avoid the fridge, which dries them out quickly. Reheat gently to restore softness when needed. Also, don’t overbake!

Final Thoughts

This Orange Glazed Yeast Rolls Recipe is one of those timeless treats that never fails to brighten my mornings and bring smiles. I hope you find it as rewarding to make and enjoy as I do. Remember, baking is a journey—be patient with your dough, trust your senses, and savor those moments when the house fills with that vibrant orange aroma. You’ve got this, and I can't wait for you to share these warm, gooey rolls with the people you love.