Orange Glazed Butterflake Rolls Recipe
If you have a soft spot for tender, pull-apart breads that combine buttery richness with a bright citrus zing, you are absolutely going to fall in love with this Orange Glazed Butterflake Rolls Recipe. These rolls boast delicate layers of fluffy dough brushed with melted butter, baked to golden perfection, and then drizzled with a luscious orange glaze that brings a pop of fresh, sweet citrus to every bite. Ideal for brunch tables, holiday feasts, or just a special breakfast treat, these rolls are as much a delight to look at as they are to savor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Orange Glazed Butterflake Rolls Recipe comes together with straightforward ingredients that are easy to find but essential for delivering the perfect texture and flavor. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from creating the tender, airy dough to crafting that irresistible glaze with a fresh orange punch.
- All-purpose flour: The foundational base that gives the rolls structure and a tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness to balance the buttery and citrus notes.
- Active dry yeast: Responsible for the dough’s fluffy lift and airy texture.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors, keeping sweetness in check and brightening the overall taste.
- Warm milk: Activates the yeast while lending moisture and richness to the dough.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Used both in the dough and for layering, infusing the rolls with a rich, buttery taste and tender layers.
- Large egg: Binds ingredients together and contributes to the soft, golden crumb.
- Powdered sugar: The base of the glaze, ensuring a smooth and silky finish.
- Orange juice: Injects fresh, vibrant citrus flavor into the glaze with natural sweetness.
- Orange zest: Packs an aromatic punch, elevating the glaze with bright, zesty notes.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the glaze with subtle warmth and complexity.
How to Make Orange Glazed Butterflake Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Activate the yeast and mix the dough
Begin by combining warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl or your stand mixer. Letting this sit for 5 to 10 minutes activates the yeast, transforming it into a bubbly, foamy promise of soft rolls. Once foamy, add melted butter, the egg, salt, and flour. Mix everything until a soft dough forms and knead for about 5 to 7 minutes until it is perfectly smooth and elastic — this is the key to those tender, pull-apart layers you crave.
Step 2: First rise
Cover your dough and set it somewhere warm to rise for about one hour, or until it doubles in size. This slow expansion is where the light, fluffy texture develops, so patience here is your best friend.
Step 3: Shape the rolls
Roll the dough out onto a lightly floured surface until it reaches a large rectangle roughly 12 by 18 inches. Brush generously with melted butter — this is what creates those delicious layers inside the rolls. Cut the dough into strips, stack them up, then slice across to create squares that are stacked layers of buttery goodness.
Step 4: Second rise in muffin tin
Arrange these stacks vertically in a greased muffin tin, cover, and let them rise again for 30 to 40 minutes. This additional rise builds the delicate, flaky layers that make this recipe so special.
Step 5: Bake the rolls
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they’ve turned a beautiful golden brown. The aroma filling your kitchen at this stage is downright irresistible.
Step 6: Make and add the orange glaze
While the rolls are baking, whisk together powdered sugar, freshly squeezed orange juice, orange zest, and a hint of vanilla extract until silky smooth. Drizzle this glaze over the warm rolls as soon as they come out of the oven, allowing it to soak into every buttery fold.
How to Serve Orange Glazed Butterflake Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of elegance and flavor, sprinkle your rolls with finely grated orange zest or a few thin orange slices right after glazing. A few toasted chopped pecans or a dusting of powdered sugar can also add a lovely contrast and crunch.
Side Dishes
These rolls shine alongside scrambled eggs, smoked salmon, or a fresh fruit salad for a bright and balanced breakfast or brunch. They also partner beautifully with warm spiced tea or a glass of citrus-infused sparkling water.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Orange Glazed Butterflake Rolls on a lovely wooden board surrounded by fresh orange segments and sprigs of rosemary for a delightful centerpiece. For a party, consider placing a few rolls in small ramekins or mini cast iron skillets to highlight their pull-apart charm.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain their softness. Avoid refrigeration as it can dry out the bread.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these rolls later, freeze them after baking and glazing by wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. They will keep well for up to three months.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the rolls in a low oven (about 300°F) for 10 minutes or until heated through. Refresh the glaze by adding a bit more orange zest or juice mixture if needed to bring back that fresh, citrusy sparkle.
FAQs
Can I use orange extract instead of fresh orange juice?
While orange extract can boost flavor, fresh orange juice offers natural sweetness and acidity that balances the glaze perfectly. For best results, use fresh juice but a tiny splash of extract can complement it.
Can these rolls be made vegan?
Yes! Substitute the butter with vegan margarine, use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and replace the egg with a flax or chia egg to keep the dough tender and delicious.
What can I add to the dough for extra flavor?
Adding a pinch of ground cardamom or cinnamon to the dough introduces a warm spice note that pairs beautifully with the orange glaze. Feel free to experiment with these subtle flavor upgrades.
Why do my rolls sometimes turn out dense?
Dense rolls usually indicate that the yeast was not fully activated or the dough did not rise long enough. Make sure your yeast is fresh, the milk is warm but not hot, and allow the dough to double in size during the rises.
Can I prepare the dough the night before?
Absolutely! You can make the dough in the evening, let it rise once, punch it down, then refrigerate it overnight. Roll, cut, shape, and rise again in the morning before baking. This method enhances flavor and fits well into busy schedules.
Final Thoughts
This Orange Glazed Butterflake Rolls Recipe isn’t just a treat; it’s a lovely way to brighten any morning or celebration with its buttery layers and fresh citrus glaze. Once you try baking these rolls yourself, you’ll find they quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes to share with family and friends. Cozy, fragrant, and irresistibly delicious — they’re definitely worth a spot on your baking rotation!
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Orange Glazed Butterflake Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Orange Glazed Butterflake Rolls are soft, pull-apart rolls with delicate layers brushed in butter and topped with a sweet, citrusy glaze. Perfect for brunch, holidays, or special breakfasts, these tender rolls melt in your mouth and bring a bright pop of orange flavor to your table.
Ingredients
For the rolls:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 large egg
For layering:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp orange juice
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make Dough: Add melted butter, egg, salt, and flour to the yeast mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms, then knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape Rolls: Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a large rectangle about 12×18 inches. Brush with melted butter, cut into strips, stack these strips, then slice into squares.
- Prepare for Second Rise: Place stacks vertically into a greased muffin tin, cover, and let rise again for 30–40 minutes until puffy.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the rolls for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Make Glaze: While the rolls bake, whisk together powdered sugar, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract to make the glaze.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the orange glaze over the warm rolls before serving for a sweet, citrusy finish.
Notes
- You can make these a day ahead and reheat gently before glazing.
- Try adding a touch of cardamom or cinnamon to the dough for a spiced variation.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
