Orange Glazed Butterflake Rolls

There’s something magical about warm, soft rolls fresh out of the oven, and when they’re covered in a sweet orange glaze? Absolute perfection. Orange Glazed Butterflake Rolls are a wonderful combination of fluffy, buttery goodness and a citrusy, sweet glaze that just elevates these rolls to a whole new level. Imagine biting into a golden, flaky roll that’s light as air, with that perfect citrusy sweetness coating every layer. Trust me, these are about to become your new favorite go-to roll!

Why You’ll Love Orange Glazed Butterflake Rolls

These rolls are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Here’s why they should make an appearance at your next meal:

Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re having a cozy family dinner, hosting a brunch, or making something special for the holidays, these rolls will steal the show. They’re the kind of dish that everyone will ask for the recipe.

Budget-Friendly: Simple ingredients, yet the result is far from simple. No need for fancy, expensive items—just good old pantry staples that work together to create pure magic.

Quick and Easy: These rolls come together fairly quickly, and while they require a little bit of patience for rising time, the actual prep work is simple. Plus, the glaze makes them feel so special, without extra hassle.

Customizable: Want to give them a different flavor twist? Try adding a hint of vanilla extract to the glaze, or swap out the orange zest for lemon or lime for a fresh citrus variation.

Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re feeding picky kids or sophisticated adults, these rolls will please every palate. They’re a guaranteed hit every time.

Ingredients for Orange Glazed Butterflake Rolls

Now, let’s get into what makes these rolls so irresistible. Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients:

For the Rolls:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The base of your soft, fluffy rolls. The flour helps create that tender texture we’re after.
• ¼ cup sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the dough, giving it a nice balance with the salty butter.
• 1 package active dry yeast: Yeast is the magic ingredient that helps these rolls rise beautifully, giving them that light, airy texture.
• 1 tsp salt: Just the right amount of salt to balance the sweetness and bring out the flavors of the butter.
• 1 cup warm milk: Warm milk helps activate the yeast and provides moisture to the dough.
• ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened): This butter makes the rolls soft, rich, and slightly flaky as they bake.
• 1 large egg: Helps bind the dough together and gives the rolls a beautiful golden color when baked.

For the Orange Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar: This is the base for the glaze. Sweet and smooth, it will coat the rolls beautifully.
• 2 tbsp fresh orange juice: Fresh orange juice is the star of the glaze, infusing it with a bright, zesty flavor that complements the buttery rolls.
• 1 tbsp orange zest: A little bit of orange zest adds extra citrusy zing and brings the flavor profile to life.
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted): Adds a rich, velvety texture to the glaze and helps it set perfectly on the rolls.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s dive into making these mouthwatering rolls:

1. Prepare the Dough:

• In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top, stir gently, and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, until it becomes frothy and bubbly. This means the yeast is active and ready to go!
• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, softened butter, and the egg. Mix until a dough begins to form.
• Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook if you prefer.

2. Let the Dough Rise:

• Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. Patience is key here!

3. Shape the Rolls:

• Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 12×18 inches.
• Brush the top of the dough with 2 tablespoons of melted butter, then cut it into strips (about 1-inch wide). Stack the strips and cut them into squares (about 2×2 inches).
• Place the dough squares into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layering them in a slight stack to create that signature “butterflake” effect.

4. Second Rise:

• Cover the baking dish with a towel and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes. They should puff up and fill in the gaps between the squares.

5. Bake the Rolls:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and cooked through.

6. Prepare the Glaze:

• While the rolls are baking, make the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, orange zest, and melted butter. Stir until the glaze is smooth and creamy.

7. Glaze the Rolls:

• Once the rolls are out of the oven, drizzle the warm orange glaze generously over the top of the rolls. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.

(Note: The full instructions, including times and temperatures, are provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12 rolls
Calories per serving: 250-280
Total Fat: 12g

• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
  Cholesterol: 30mg
  Sodium: 150mg
  Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 18g
  Protein: 3g
  Vitamin A: 8%
  Vitamin C: 20%
  Calcium: 6%
  Iron: 8%

(Note: These values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands and ingredient substitutions.)

How to Serve Orange Glazed Butterflake Rolls

These rolls are delicious on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a variety of dishes:

For Brunch: Serve them alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad for a well-rounded brunch spread.

With Roasts: They’re perfect for accompanying roast meats, like chicken, pork, or even a glazed ham. The sweetness of the glaze complements savory dishes so well.

With Coffee or Tea: These rolls are a delightful treat with a cup of hot coffee or tea. They’re perfect for a cozy afternoon snack.

As a Snack: They also make a wonderful snack on their own—fluffy, sweet, and just a little indulgent.

Additional Tips

• Make Ahead: If you want to prepare these ahead of time, you can refrigerate the dough after the first rise. Just punch it down and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature and complete the second rise before baking.
• Storage Tips: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. Reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds to bring back their soft texture.
• Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked rolls before the second rise. Place them in a freezer-safe dish, and once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, let them thaw and rise before baking as usual.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
A1: Yes, you can! All-purpose flour will still give you soft, fluffy rolls, though bread flour will make them a little chewier.

Q2: Can I skip the orange zest?
A2: While the orange zest adds a nice punch of flavor, you can skip it if you prefer. The orange juice in the glaze will still give it a lovely citrusy flavor.

Q3: How do I make these rolls dairy-free?
A3: You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative, and use plant-based milk instead of regular milk.

Q4: Can I double the recipe?
A4: Absolutely! Just be sure to use a larger baking dish and increase the baking time slightly if necessary.

Q5: Can I make the rolls without the glaze?
A5: Yes! The rolls are still incredibly delicious on their own, so feel free to skip the glaze if you prefer them without.

Q6: Can I make these rolls savory instead of sweet?
A6: Of course! You can leave out the sugar in the dough and glaze, and instead, add herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough for a savory version.

Q7: How can I make the glaze thicker?
A7: If you want a thicker glaze, just add a little more powdered sugar until it reaches your desired consistency.

Q8: How do I prevent the rolls from sticking to the pan?
A8: Make sure to grease the pan well before adding the dough, and you can line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Q9: Can I make the dough by hand instead of using a mixer?
A9: Yes, absolutely! Just knead the dough by hand for about 7-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Q10: How do I serve these rolls at a party?
A10: These rolls are perfect for sharing! Serve them in a large, beautiful dish, and let guests enjoy them as a sweet treat or part of a larger meal spread.

Conclusion

Orange Glazed Butterflake Rolls are the ultimate indulgence, offering a beautiful balance of light, fluffy dough and sweet citrusy glaze. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or a special occasion, these rolls will quickly become a favorite. So, go ahead and treat yourself—and your guests—to a batch of these mouthwatering rolls. Enjoy!

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