There’s something magical about the aroma of warm, citrus-infused bread drifting through the kitchen. It’s the kind of scent that brings back memories of cozy weekends, holiday brunches, or slow mornings when baking is the highlight of the day. Orange Rolls with a Warm Sour Cream Butter Glaze capture all of that comfort—and then some.
These rolls strike the perfect balance between soft, fluffy dough and bright, sun-kissed orange flavor. Add a silky, buttery glaze made with sour cream and fresh orange juice, and you’ve created a treat that tastes like a cross between a cinnamon roll and a melt-in-your-mouth pastry.
Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or just because you feel like baking something special, these orange rolls deliver pure joy. They look impressive, taste indulgent, and fill your home with the kind of citrusy sweetness that makes everyone wander into the kitchen asking, “What smells so good?”
Recipe Overview
These Orange Rolls with Sour Cream Butter Glaze start with a soft yeast dough enriched with eggs, butter, and sour cream. Each roll is swirled with a bright orange-sugar mixture, baked until golden, and finished with a warm, creamy glaze that melts into every crevice. The result is tender, zesty, buttery perfection in every bite.
Ingredients & Instructions
Let’s walk through the process step-by-step to ensure your rolls turn out perfectly soft, fluffy, and flavorful.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 pkg active dry yeast
- ¼ cup warm water
- 1 cup sugar (divided)
- ½ cup butter, melted (divided)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3¼ cups all-purpose flour
Filling
- 2 tablespoons orange zest
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon butter (per rolled dough half)
Warm Sour Cream Butter Glaze
- ¾ cup sugar
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast
Combine the yeast with warm water and stir gently. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy. This step ensures your yeast is alive and ready to help your dough rise.
2. Make the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the yeast mixture with:
- ¼ cup sugar
- 6 tablespoons melted butter
- Eggs
- Sour cream
- Salt
Stir until smooth. Gradually add 2 cups of flour, mixing until the batter becomes smooth and slightly sticky. Add additional flour—up to the full amount—until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead and First Rise
Transfer the dough to a floured surface. Knead until smooth and elastic, about 5–7 minutes. Place it in a greased bowl, turn to coat, cover, and let rise until almost doubled. This usually takes 1–1½ hours depending on temperature.
4. Make the Orange Filling
In a small bowl, combine the orange zest and ¾ cup sugar. The zest releases oils that perfume the sugar, creating an aromatic filling.
5. Shape the Rolls
Grease a 13×9-inch pan. Punch down the risen dough and divide it in half.
For each half:
- Roll into a 12-inch circle.
- Brush with 1 tablespoon melted butter.
- Sprinkle with half the orange sugar mixture.
Cut the circle into 12 wedges (like a pizza). Roll each wedge from the wide end to the point, creating a crescent shape. Place rolls point-side down into the pan.
6. Second Rise
Cover the pan and allow the rolls to rise again until almost doubled. This gives them their signature fluffiness.
7. Bake the Rolls
Bake at 350°F (175°C) until golden and fully baked through—usually about 18–22 minutes depending on your oven.
8. Make the Warm Glaze
In a saucepan, combine:
- ¾ cup sugar
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup butter
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- Pinch of salt
Bring to a boil, then cook while stirring for 3 minutes. The mixture becomes silky, glossy, and beautifully fragrant.
9. Glaze the Rolls
Pour the warm glaze evenly over the warm rolls. The heat allows it to soak into the layers, creating moist, tender, flavor-packed pastries.
Cooking Tips & Variations
1. Use Fresh Orange Zest
Fresh zest provides far more flavor than bottled. For the best citrus punch, zest the orange just before mixing it with sugar.
2. Keep Dough Soft
Avoid adding too much flour. A slightly sticky dough makes softer rolls after baking.
3. Make Ahead
Prepare the dough the night before, shape the rolls, and refrigerate. In the morning, let them come to room temperature and rise before baking.
4. Add Fillings
Try mixing in:
- A sprinkle of cinnamon
- Finely chopped nuts
- A little vanilla extract in the glaze
5. Make Them Extra Fluffy
Place a small oven-safe dish of water in the oven while baking. The steam keeps the rolls soft.
Storage & Serving Suggestions
Storage
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Lasts 4–5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze baked rolls (without glaze) for up to 2 months. Add fresh glaze after reheating.
Reheating
Warm in the microwave for 10–12 seconds or reheat in a low oven for 5–7 minutes. The glaze remelts beautifully.
Serving Ideas
These orange rolls are perfect with:
- A cup of hot tea
- Fresh fruit
- A brunch spread with eggs and sausage
Serve warm so the glaze melts into each bite.
Soft, tender, and shining with citrusy sweetness, Orange Rolls with Warm Sour Cream Butter Glaze are the kind of treat that turns an ordinary morning into something special. The combination of fluffy dough, bright orange filling, and a buttery soft glaze makes these rolls unforgettable.
Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a weekend breakfast, or just to bring a little sunshine into your home, these rolls always deliver. So grab your oranges, warm that butter, and enjoy the sweet aroma of homemade citrus bliss filling your kitchen.
FAQs
1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry?
Yes. Use the same amount and skip the 5-minute proofing step—mix directly with the dough ingredients.
2. Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely. After shaping the rolls, freeze them on a sheet pan, then transfer to a bag. Thaw and rise before baking.
3. Are these rolls very sweet?
They’re sweet but balanced, thanks to the tangy glaze and citrus zest.
4. Can I add cream cheese to the glaze?
Yes! Add 2–3 tablespoons of softened cream cheese for a richer topping.
5. What kind of orange works best?
Navel oranges are ideal, but any sweet, juicy variety will do.
Soft, sweet, and full of citrus flavor, these Orange Rolls with Warm Sour Cream Butter Glaze are perfect for breakfast or brunch. Easy dough, bright orange filling, and a silky glaze make them irresistible.
