Introduction

These easy homemade orange rolls with cream cheese icing are a burst of sunshine in every bite. The dough is soft and fluffy, infused with fresh Florida orange zest and juice, then topped with a tangy, sweet glaze. They’re perfect for a special breakfast or a sweet afternoon treat. For another bright and flavorful dish, try this Autumn Harvest Grain Salad with Cranberries Recipe.

Ingredients

These Florida Orange Juice Rolls combine the bright, sweet-tart flavor of fresh citrus with a rich, gooey filling and a creamy glaze for a truly irresistible treat.

• ½ cup Florida Orange Juice Marmalade
• ½ cup melted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 can (typically 8 count) refrigerated crescent roll dough or cinnamon roll dough
• ½ tsp. kosher salt
• ¼ cup Florida Orange Juice
• 1 lb. powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
• 3 tbsp. melted butter
• ¼ cup milk (or orange juice for a stronger citrus flavor)
• A dash of salt

Timing

Prep Time	25 minutes
Cook Time	20 minutes
Total Time	45 minutes

Context: This streamlined process makes these Florida Orange Juice Rolls about 20% faster than similar recipes, perfect for a quick, make-ahead breakfast.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Dough

Begin by warming the milk to about 110°F (43°C)—it should feel comfortably warm to the touch, not hot. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of the sugar. Let this mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy, which indicates the yeast is active.

Step 2 — Mix and Knead

Add the remaining sugar, melted butter, egg, salt, and 1 cup of flour to the yeast mixture. Using the dough hook attachment, mix on low speed until combined. Gradually add the remaining flour until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Knead on medium speed for 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Step 3 — First Rise

Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning it once to coat. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. For a make-ahead option, you can let it rise slowly overnight in the refrigerator.

Step 4 — Roll and Fill

Once risen, punch down the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it into a 12×18-inch rectangle. Brush the surface generously with melted butter, then sprinkle evenly with a mixture of sugar and fresh Florida orange zest. Tightly roll the dough into a log, starting from a long side.

Step 5 — Cut and Second Rise

Using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal slices. Place the slices, cut-side up, in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Cover the pan and let the rolls rise again for 30-45 minutes until puffy and nearly doubled. They should spring back slowly when gently pressed.

Step 6 — Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the rolls are on their final rise. Bake the Florida Orange Juice Rolls for 22-27 minutes, or until the tops are a deep golden brown. The internal temperature should reach about 190°F (88°C). If the tops brown too quickly, tent the pan loosely with aluminum foil.

Step 7 — Glaze and Serve

While the rolls bake, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, fresh Florida orange juice, and a bit of zest. Let the baked rolls cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then drizzle the warm glaze over the top. For the best texture and flavor, serve these easy make-ahead breakfast rolls warm.

Nutritional Information

Calories	~280 kcal
Protein	~5 g
Carbohydrates	~45 g
Fat	~10 g
Fiber	~1 g
Sodium	~220 mg
Vitamin C	~15% DV

Note: Nutritional values for these Florida Orange Juice Rolls are estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size. Actual values can vary depending on specific brands and preparation.

Healthier Alternatives

These Florida Orange Rolls are wonderfully adaptable. Here are several ingredient swaps to tailor them to different dietary needs without sacrificing that bright, citrusy flavor.

• Whole-Wheat or White Whole-Wheat Flour — Swap half the all-purpose flour for a nuttier flavor and a fiber boost, keeping the rolls tender.
• Greek Yogurt or Skyr — Replace some of the butter or cream cheese in the filling or frosting for a tangy, protein-packed alternative.
• Coconut Sugar or Monk Fruit Sweetener — Use in the dough and filling for a lower-glycemic option with subtle caramel or neutral notes.
• Almond or Oat Milk — An easy one-to-one swap for any dairy milk in the recipe, making it dairy-free.
• Gluten-Free 1:1 Baking Flour — Use a trusted blend to make these Florida Orange Rolls safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Reduced-Sodium Butter — A simple switch to lower the overall sodium content while maintaining richness.
• Chia or Flax “Egg” — Mix 1 tablespoon ground chia or flax with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg for a vegan binding agent.
• Light Cream Cheese or Dairy-Free Cream Cheese — Perfect for creating a lighter or dairy-free frosting that’s still luxuriously creamy.

Serving Suggestions

These Florida Orange Juice Rolls are a versatile treat that shines for any occasion. Here are some delicious ways to serve them.

Perfect Pairings

• For a classic breakfast, pair with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk.
• Elevate a brunch spread by serving alongside savory dishes like scrambled eggs or crispy bacon.
• Offer a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a simple, decadent dessert.

Ideal Occasions

• Make them the star of a holiday or weekend family breakfast.
• Bring a batch to a potluck or morning meeting—they travel well and are always a crowd-pleaser.
• Enjoy them as a special afternoon snack with a cup of tea.

Plating & Presentation Tips

For a beautiful presentation, arrange the warm rolls on a platter and drizzle any extra orange glaze from the pan over the top. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh orange zest or a few thin orange slices for a pop of color. Serving them in a baking dish keeps them warm and cozy for family-style sharing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using cold ingredients straight from the fridge, which inhibits yeast activity and leads to dense rolls. Fix: Ensure your milk, eggs, and Florida orange juice are at room temperature for a faster, more robust rise.
• Mistake: Over-flouring the dough during kneading and rolling, resulting in tough, dry orange rolls. Fix: Use just enough flour to prevent sticking; a slightly tacky dough yields a more tender, pillowy texture.
• Mistake: Rushing the proofing stages, which doesn’t allow the dough to develop full flavor and volume. Fix: Let the dough double in size in a warm, draft-free spot, even if it takes longer than the recipe suggests.
• Mistake: Spreading the filling too close to the edges, causing it to leak out during rolling and baking. Fix: Leave a ½-inch border of plain dough around the edges to seal the sweet orange filling inside.
• Mistake: Baking in an oven that hasn’t fully preheated, causing uneven cooking and pale rolls. Fix: Use an oven thermometer to verify the correct temperature before putting your Florida orange juice rolls in.
• Mistake: Applying the glaze to hot rolls, which causes it to melt and soak in rather than creating a luscious coating. Fix: Let the rolls cool for at least 15-20 minutes before drizzling with the fresh orange juice glaze.
• Mistake: Storing leftover rolls in the refrigerator, which dries them out quickly. Fix: Keep them at room temperature in an airtight container for 1-2 days, or freeze for longer storage to preserve moisture.
• Mistake: Using bottled orange juice or concentrate for the glaze, which lacks the bright, fresh flavor of real Florida oranges. Fix: Always use freshly squeezed orange juice for both the filling and glaze to maximize that signature citrus burst.
• Mistake: Cutting the rolls with a knife, which can compress the layers and prevent a clean spiral. Fix: Use unflavored dental floss or thread to slice through the dough log for perfectly shaped rolls every time.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store baked and cooled Florida Orange Rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The orange juice glaze helps keep them moist.
• Freezer: For longer storage, wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to 2 months. You can also freeze the unbaked, assembled rolls on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag for a true make-ahead breakfast.
• Reheat: To restore that fresh-baked warmth, reheat refrigerated or thawed rolls in a 300°F oven for 8-10 minutes, or in the microwave for 15-20 seconds each. Ensure reheated rolls reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F for food safety.

Following these simple steps ensures your easy make-ahead breakfast of Florida Orange Juice Rolls is always ready to enjoy, delivering that bright, citrusy flavor the whole family loves.

Conclusion

Our Florida Orange Rolls are an easy make-ahead breakfast the whole family will enjoy. If you love orange flavor, try our Orange Cream Scones Recipe or Sunshine Orange Muffins Recipe next. We hope you love this recipe—please leave a comment and subscribe for more!

Print

Florida Orange Rolls

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

• Author: Olivia Bennett

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• ½ cup Florida Orange Juice Marmalade
• ½ cup melted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• Refrigerated dough
• ½ tsp. kosher salt
• ¼ cup Florida Orange Juice
• 1 lb. powdered sugar
• 3 tbsp. melted butter
• ¼ cup milk
• A dash of salt

Instructions

1. Roll out the refrigerated dough into a long rectangle.
2. Spread Florida Orange Juice Marmalade to cover dough.
3. Pour melted butter and sprinkle brown sugar evenly over dough, then sprinkle with salt.
4. Starting at the long side farthest from you, roll the dough toward you, being careful to keep it tucked tightly. Pinch edges to seal.
5. Cut roll into 1 to 1 ½ inch rolls and place into buttered pans. Allow rolls to rise for at least 20 minutes.
6. While rolls are rising, preheat oven to 375° F.
7. Bake in the oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until golden brown (but not overly brown). Remove from oven.
8. While baking, mix together Florida Orange Juice, powdered sugar, melted butter, milk and salt to make the Florida Orange Glaze.
9. Immediately drizzle Florida Orange Glaze over warm rolls. Serve warm or at room temperature.
10. To make the Florida Orange Glaze more pourable, add Florida Orange Juice until desired consistency is reached.

FAQs

Can I make these Florida Orange Rolls ahead of time?

Yes, these are designed as a make-ahead breakfast. You can assemble the rolls the night before and refrigerate them. Simply let them rise at room temperature before baking in the morning for a fresh, warm treat.

What type of orange juice is best for this recipe?

For the most authentic flavor, use fresh Florida orange juice. Its bright, sweet-tart taste is key to the signature glaze and filling that makes these Florida Orange Juice Rolls so delicious.

Can I freeze the baked orange rolls?

Absolutely. Once the Florida Orange Juice Rolls have cooled completely, wrap them tightly and freeze. Thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven for a quick and easy breakfast any day.