Orange Glazed Butterflake Rolls Recipe
Get ready to meet your new favorite brunch treat: Orange Glazed Butterflake Rolls. Imagine soft, fluffy, buttery layers that pull apart effortlessly, each one kissed with a bright, sweet citrus glaze. These rolls strike that perfect balance between cozy bakery nostalgia and a zesty, homemade upgrade. Whether you’re baking for a holiday morning, a casual family breakfast, or just because you crave something special, these rolls promise to fill your kitchen with the aroma of fresh bread and sunshine. Trust me, one bite and you’ll want to make Orange Glazed Butterflake Rolls a permanent part of your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Orange Glazed Butterflake Rolls comes from a handful of familiar ingredients that each play a starring role. From rich dairy to fresh citrus, every component adds depth, flavor, and that irresistible golden color. Here’s what you’ll need and how they help create the ultimate pull-apart roll.
- Active dry yeast: This is the secret to those pillowy, airy layers—make sure it’s fresh for the best rise.
- Warm water (110°F): Just warm enough to activate the yeast without killing it; use a thermometer if you’re unsure.
- Whole milk, warmed: Adds richness and helps tenderize the dough for a soft, luxurious crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and gives the yeast a little snack to kickstart fermentation.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Brings signature buttery flavor right into the dough—don’t substitute with margarine for best results.
- Salt: Essential for balancing sweetness and enhancing every other flavor in the roll.
- Large egg: Adds moisture and binding power, giving the rolls structure and a gorgeous golden hue.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough, making it sturdy enough to layer yet soft enough to pull apart.
- Unsalted butter, softened (for layering): Spreads easily between layers, giving that decadent, flaky effect.
- Powdered sugar (for glaze): Dissolves smoothly into a creamy, pourable glaze—no graininess here.
- Orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred): Brightens the glaze with tart, natural citrus flavor that’s worlds better than bottled.
- Orange zest: Packs a punch of aromatic oils, infusing every bite and every drizzle with real orange essence.
How to Make Orange Glazed Butterflake Rolls
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start things off by dissolving the yeast in warm water. This step is crucial—let it sit for about 5 minutes until it looks foamy. That bubbly surface is your sign that the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic, ensuring your Orange Glazed Butterflake Rolls turn out ultra-light and fluffy.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
Pour in the warm milk, granulated sugar, melted butter, salt, and egg. Stir everything together until smooth. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. This is where the transformation happens as simple ingredients come together to create that dreamy, supple dough.
Step 3: Knead Until Smooth
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8 minutes, or until it’s smooth and elastic. Don’t rush this part; kneading builds the gluten, which gives the rolls their signature pull-apart texture. If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle a touch more flour as you go.
Step 4: Let It Rise
Place your kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and set it somewhere warm. After an hour, it should be doubled in size and springy to the touch. This first rise is where the dough develops that light, airy structure we love in Orange Glazed Butterflake Rolls.
Step 5: Shape and Layer
Punch down the dough and roll it into a large rectangle—about 12×16 inches. Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface. Then, cut the dough into 4-inch wide strips and stack them on top of each other. Cut this stack into 12 equal pieces, and place each one cut-side up in a greased muffin tin. This unique stacking method is what creates the iconic butterflake effect.
Step 6: Second Rise
Cover the shaped rolls and let them rise for another 30 minutes. This final rest gives your rolls the lift they need to become extra tender and fluffy in the oven. You’ll notice them puff up beautifully, getting ready for their golden transformation.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F and bake the rolls for 15–18 minutes. They should come out irresistibly golden brown, with visible flaky layers and a soft, buttery aroma filling your kitchen. Let them cool slightly in the pan while you whip up the glaze.
Step 8: Glaze and Serve
While the rolls are still warm, whisk together powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest until smooth. Drizzle the glaze generously over each roll, making sure it seeps into every crevice. The citrus glaze melts into the warm layers, creating that perfect sweet-tart finish that makes Orange Glazed Butterflake Rolls unforgettable.
How to Serve Orange Glazed Butterflake Rolls
Garnishes
For an extra pop of color and flavor, sprinkle a little extra fresh orange zest over the glazed rolls right before serving. You can also add a dusting of powdered sugar or a few candied orange peels for a bakery-worthy touch.
Side Dishes
These rolls shine alongside a savory brunch spread—think scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or a vibrant fruit salad. They’re also delightful with a cup of hot coffee or tea, making them a versatile star for breakfast or a sweet snack any time of day.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Orange Glazed Butterflake Rolls warm right from the muffin tin for a rustic, pull-apart experience, or arrange them on a platter with extra glaze on the side for dipping. For special occasions, tie a ribbon around a stack of rolls or place each in a decorative cupcake liner for a festive look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover rolls (a rare miracle!), keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The glaze helps lock in moisture, but a quick warm-up will revive them if they start to dry out.
Freezing
To freeze, let the rolls cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to two months. For best results, freeze without the glaze and add it fresh after reheating.
Reheating
To bring your Orange Glazed Butterflake Rolls back to life, pop them in a 300°F oven for about 8–10 minutes, or microwave individual rolls for 15–20 seconds. If you’ve stored them unglazed, add the citrus glaze after reheating for maximum flavor and that just-baked feel.
FAQs
Can I make the dough the night before?
Absolutely! Prepare the dough up through the first rise, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temperature before shaping, layering, and allowing the second rise in the morning.
What if I don’t have fresh oranges for the glaze?
You can use bottled orange juice in a pinch, but fresh orange juice and zest really make the glaze sing. If possible, grab a fresh orange for that unbeatable brightness.
Can I add nuts or dried fruit?
Definitely! Try sprinkling chopped pecans, walnuts, or dried cranberries between the buttery layers for a twist that adds crunch and extra flavor to your Orange Glazed Butterflake Rolls.
How do I know if the dough is kneaded enough?
The dough should be smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky. If you poke it gently, it should spring back. Under-kneaded dough can lead to dense rolls, so take your time during this step.
Can I use a bread machine or stand mixer?
Yes! A stand mixer with a dough hook makes kneading a breeze. If using a bread machine, set it to the dough cycle and follow the machine’s instructions for adding ingredients in order.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about baking Orange Glazed Butterflake Rolls from scratch—their citrusy aroma, gorgeously flaky layers, and sweet glaze are pure joy in every bite. If you’re looking to brighten up your breakfast table or surprise someone with homemade comfort, these rolls are a must-try. Give them a whirl, and watch your kitchen fill with smiles!
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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, sweet yeast rolls featuring a rich butter layering and a fresh citrus glaze. Perfectly golden and pull-apart tender, these rolls bring a bright orange flavor ideal for breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/4 cup warm water (110°F)
- 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for layering)
Orange Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
Instructions
- Activate Yeast and Mix Dough: In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm water (110°F) and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active. Add the warmed milk, granulated sugar, melted butter, salt, and the egg. Stir these together to create a uniform mixture before gradually adding the all-purpose flour until a soft dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This develops the gluten structure for a perfect rise. Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour until it doubles in size.
- Shape and Layer: After rising, punch down the dough to release excess air and roll it out into a large rectangle approximately 12 by 16 inches. Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface of the dough to create the signature layered texture of butterflake rolls. Cut the buttered dough into 4-inch wide strips, then stack these strips. Slice the stack into 12 equal pieces, which will become individual rolls.
- Second Rise: Place each stack piece cut-side up into a greased muffin tin to hold the shape. Cover the muffin tin and let the rolls rise again for about 30 minutes, allowing them to become puffy and ready for baking.
- Bake Rolls: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bake the rolls for 15 to 18 minutes, or until they turn golden brown on top. This ensures a fluffy interior with a beautifully browned crust.
- Prepare Orange Glaze: While the rolls bake, whisk together the powdered sugar, freshly squeezed orange juice, and orange zest until smooth. This glaze delivers the bright, citrus finishing touch.
- Glaze and Serve: Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly—warm enough to enjoy, but cool enough to handle. Drizzle the prepared orange glaze evenly over the top of the rolls and serve them warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a stronger citrus flavor, add extra orange zest to the glaze or sprinkle some into the dough before layering with butter.
- These rolls are best enjoyed the day they’re made but can be gently reheated in the oven the next day to restore softness.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 160 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
