Easy Overnight Orange Rolls (Printable)

Tender, fluffy rolls infused with orange zest and topped with a bright glaze, ready after an overnight rise.

# What You Need:

→ 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 It:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, yeast, and salt until evenly distributed.
02 - In a separate bowl, combine lukewarm milk, melted butter, eggs, and orange zest.
03 - Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a sticky dough forms.
04 - Knead by hand or with a stand mixer using the dough hook for 7 to 8 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
05 - Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 2 hours until doubled in size.
06 - Punch down the dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to a 10 by 16 inch rectangle.
07 - Spread softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle with sugar and orange zest.
08 - Roll up the dough tightly from the longer edge and cut into 12 even rolls.
09 - Arrange rolls in a greased 9 by 13 inch baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight.
10 - In the morning, let the rolls sit at room temperature for 45 to 60 minutes until puffy.
11 - Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
12 - Bake for 22 to 25 minutes until golden brown.
13 - While baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest until smooth.
14 - Drizzle glaze over warm rolls before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Make-ahead convenience: Prep the night before and bake fresh in the morning
  • Bright citrus flavor from fresh orange zest in the dough, filling, and glaze
  • Fluffy, tender texture that rivals any bakery
  • Perfect for breakfast, brunch gatherings, or special occasions
  • Simple ingredients you likely have in your kitchen
02 -
  • Use fresh orange zest, not bottled—the flavor difference is remarkable
  • Room temperature eggs and lukewarm milk ensure proper yeast activation
  • Don't skip the overnight refrigeration; it develops flavor and makes morning prep easy
  • Let rolls come to room temperature before baking for the fluffiest texture
  • Apply glaze while rolls are still warm so it soaks in slightly
  • A stand mixer makes kneading effortless, but hand-kneading works perfectly too
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