Orange Glazed Butterflake Rolls Recipe
Orange Glazed Butterflake Rolls are the ultimate treat for breakfast or brunch, offering tender layers of buttery, pull-apart bread infused with bright citrus flavor and finished with a sweet, tangy glaze on top. Light, fluffy, and absolutely irresistible, these rolls are a showstopper that always bring smiles and requests for seconds. Whether you’re making them for a special gathering or just to brighten up a weekend morning, Orange Glazed Butterflake Rolls capture the essence of comfort and celebration in every luscious bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these Orange Glazed Butterflake Rolls is that each ingredient serves a unique purpose—working together to create that soft, golden crumb and the perfect citrus-kissed glaze. Most are baking basics, but they come alive in this festive, pull-apart treat!
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure and softness essential for the fluffy, pull-apart texture.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the citrus and enrich the dough.
- Active dry yeast: Gives your rolls their heavenly rise, making them light and airy.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and ensures the rolls aren’t too sweet.
- Whole milk: Lends richness, moisture, and a tender crumb to the dough.
- Unsalted butter (plus more for brushing): Brings silky texture and classic buttery flavor to every bite.
- Large eggs: Help bind the dough and contribute to the delicate, light texture.
- Zest of 1 orange: Infuses vibrant citrus fragrance and flavor into both the dough and glaze.
- Powdered sugar (for the glaze): Creates that luscious, smooth finish to pour over the warm rolls.
- Fresh orange juice (for the glaze): Makes the glaze zesty, tangy, and totally craveable.
- Extra orange zest (for the glaze): Doubles down on brightness and provides those gorgeous flecks of color.
How to Make Orange Glazed Butterflake Rolls
Step 1: Make the Dough
Start by whisking together 2 cups of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Meanwhile, gently heat milk and butter in a small saucepan just until the butter melts—then let the mixture cool so it’s warm but not hot. Pour this into your dry ingredients, add the eggs and orange zest, and mix until everything comes together smoothly. Gradually stir in the remaining flour until you have a soft, slightly sticky dough.
Step 2: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 6–8 minutes, until it becomes silky, elastic, and just springy to the touch. A good knead ensures those beautiful pull-apart layers! After that, pop the dough into a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a cozy, warm place for about 1 to 1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 3: Shape the Butterflake Rolls
Once your dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide it into 12 equal portions (a kitchen scale makes this easy, but eyeballing works too!). Roll each piece into a ball, then cut three slits into each one—almost like making flower petals—without slicing all the way through. This clever technique helps create the butterflake effect once the rolls bake up.
Step 4: Arrange and Second Rise
Lightly brush each dough ball with melted butter to lock in moisture and flavor. Place them snugly into a greased muffin tin so the layers puff up together. Cover loosely and allow them to rise again, this time for 30–40 minutes, until puffy and almost doubled.
Step 5: Bake the Rolls
While the rolls finish their rise, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slide the muffin tray in and bake for 15–18 minutes, until the tops are golden brown and your kitchen smells like heaven. The rolls should sound hollow when tapped lightly—another sign they’re perfectly baked.
Step 6: Make and Apply the Orange Glaze
While the Orange Glazed Butterflake Rolls are still warm, whisk together powdered sugar, fresh orange juice, and a bit more zest to make the glaze. Drizzle generously over the rolls right after baking so it soaks into the buttery layers. The glaze will set slightly as it cools, giving each roll a sweet, citrusy crown.
How to Serve Orange Glazed Butterflake Rolls

Garnishes
For a lovely finishing touch, sprinkle a little extra fresh orange zest or even a dusting of powdered sugar over the glazed tops. A delicate spiral of thinly sliced orange peel also adds a decorative (and edible) flourish.
Side Dishes
Serve these rolls alongside a fresh fruit salad, crispy bacon, or a soft scrambled egg dish to create a balanced breakfast spread. They’re equally wonderful with brunch favorites like yogurts and seasonal preserves, making Orange Glazed Butterflake Rolls a versatile centerpiece.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the rolls on a beautiful cake stand or rustic bread basket lined with a linen napkin for a special occasion. For a fun twist, offer a selection of glazes—maybe lemon or vanilla bean—for guests to drizzle themselves. You might also break the rolls apart at the table for a dramatic, communal presentation that’s both fun and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Orange Glazed Butterflake Rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate them, but be sure to warm before serving to restore that delightful softness.
Freezing
These rolls freeze beautifully. Let them cool completely, then wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and stash them in a zip-top freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight and warm gently before applying fresh glaze.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the rolls in a low oven (about 300°F or 150°C) for 10 minutes, or microwave for just a few seconds. If you’re glazing after reheating, the glaze will sink slightly into the warm layers, making every bite extra moist and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I make Orange Glazed Butterflake Rolls the night before?
Absolutely! Prepare the shaped rolls and place them in the muffin tin, then cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, let them come to room temperature and rise before baking—perfect for a fuss-free breakfast.
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, instant yeast works just as well! Simply skip the step of blooming and mix it directly with the flour and other dry ingredients. The rising time may be slightly shorter, so keep an eye on the dough.
What if I don’t have a muffin tin?
No worries! You can place the shaped rolls in a greased baking dish, spaced apart slightly. They may bake together a bit more, creating a pull-apart loaf effect, but the texture and flavor will still be wonderful.
Can I use another type Bread, Breakfast
Absolutely—lemon, lime, or even grapefruit zest and juice will bring their own unique zing to the glaze. Feel free to make Orange Glazed Butterflake Rolls your own special creation with whatever citrus you have on hand.
Should I serve these warm or at room temperature?
They’re outstanding both ways! Straight-from-the-oven warmth makes the glaze even gooier and the rolls extra tender, but they remain moist and flavorful at room temperature for brunch buffets or midday treats.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a little sunshine on your breakfast table, dive in and give these Orange Glazed Butterflake Rolls a try. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture and bright, zesty finish are sure to win over every citrus lover and bread fanatic alike. Share them with family, serve them at your next brunch, or treat yourself—no special occasion required!
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Orange Glazed Butterflake Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Orange Glazed Butterflake Rolls are a delightful treat perfect for breakfast or brunch. The soft, fluffy rolls are infused with orange zest and topped with a sweet orange glaze, making them a citrusy delight.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs
- Zest of 1 orange
Orange Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- ½ teaspoon orange zest
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 to 1½ hours.
- Punch down the dough and divide into 12 equal portions.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
In a small saucepan, heat the milk and butter just until warm and the butter is melted. Let cool slightly if hot. Add the warm milk mixture to the flour mixture. Beat in the eggs and orange zest until smooth. Gradually stir in the remaining flour until a soft dough forms.
Roll each portion into a ball, then cut 3 slits into each ball without cutting all the way through (to create the “butterflake” effect). Lightly brush with melted butter and place into a greased muffin tin. Cover and let rise again for about 30–40 minutes.
While the rolls bake, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest to make the glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls right after baking. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- For extra richness, brush the rolls with orange-infused butter before baking.
- These rolls freeze well—just reheat and glaze before serving.
- You can also add a touch of vanilla extract to the glaze for a smoother flavor.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes (plus 1.5–2 hours rising time)
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Bread, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg