If you’re craving a warm, buttery treat with a delightful citrus pop, this Orange Glazed Butterflake Rolls Recipe is exactly what you need. These soft, fluffy rolls layered with butter and topped with a luscious orange glaze are pure comfort on a plate. Whether you’re baking for a holiday brunch or a weekend indulgence, these rolls combine that tender, flaky texture with a bright, zesty finish that will have everyone asking for your secret. The magic lies in their flaky layers and the irresistible orange glaze, making this a recipe you’ll want to keep coming back to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Orange Glazed Butterflake Rolls Recipe plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of soft texture, buttery richness, and vibrant citrus flavor. They’re simple staples, yet when combined, they produce something wonderfully special.
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for a tender, fluffy dough with the right structure.
- 1/4 cup sugar: Adds subtle sweetness to the rolls, balancing out the citrusy glaze perfectly.
- 2 tsp active dry yeast: Essential for the dough to rise beautifully and gain that airy texture.
- 1 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1/2 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C): Provides moisture and helps activate the yeast gently.
- 1/4 cup warm water (about 110°F / 43°C): Also aids in yeast activation and hydration of the dough.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds rich buttery flavor and tenderness to the dough.
- 2 large eggs: Contribute to the dough’s structure and richness.
- 2 tbsp butter, melted (for brushing): Brushed on top for golden, glossy rolls with extra buttery goodness.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: The base of the sweet, smooth orange glaze.
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice: Infuses bright, zesty flavor that makes this recipe stand out.
- 1 tsp orange zest: Intensifies the citrus aroma and taste in the glaze.
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract: Adds warming depth to the glaze, rounding out the citrus notes.
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted: Blended into the glaze for a silky finish and rich flavor.
How to Make Orange Glazed Butterflake Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by mixing warm water, warm milk, and sugar in a bowl, then sprinkle yeast over the top. Let it sit until frothy—that’s your sign the yeast is happily waking up, ready to create those light, fluffy rolls we love. Next, combine flour and salt in a large bowl. Add the yeast mixture, softened butter, and eggs, stirring gently until the ingredients just start coming together. Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic, either by hand or with a mixer. This kneading step is key to developing the gluten, which gives your rolls that perfect chewy-yet-soft bite. Let the dough rest and rise until it doubles in size—a cozy nap that’s essential for fluffiness.
Step 2: Shape the Rolls
Once your dough has risen nicely, punch it down to release the air. Divide it into 12 equal portions—this ensures each roll is evenly sized for consistent baking. Roll each piece into a ball and place them close together in a greased baking dish. This snug arrangement encourages the sides to rise up and create those buttery layers that define butterflake rolls. Cover them lovingly with a towel and allow another rise until puffed and nearly doubled. This second rise primes the rolls for a spectacular oven spring.
Step 3: Bake the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F and brush the tops with melted butter to ensure a golden, melt-in-your-mouth crust. Bake the rolls until they’re perfectly golden brown, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. The baking time allows the layers inside to set just right, maintaining their tender, flaky texture while offering a slight crisp on top. Once out of the oven, give them a few minutes to cool slightly before moving on.
Step 4: Make the Orange Glaze
While your rolls bake, whip up the star of the show: the orange glaze. Mix powdered sugar, freshly squeezed orange juice, orange zest, vanilla extract, and melted butter until smooth and glossy. This glaze is where the magic truly happens—pour it generously over warm rolls so it melts into every buttery layer. The tang from the oranges balances the richness, brightening each bite wonderfully.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve these rolls warm or at room temperature to enjoy that tender, buttery, flaky goodness paired with the zesty glaze. The blend of textures and flavors will make it impossible not to reach for another!
How to Serve Orange Glazed Butterflake Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly grated orange zest over the glazed rolls adds a pop of color and an extra burst of citrus aroma that makes every bite feel fresh and vibrant. For a touch of elegance and texture, try finely chopped toasted pecans or sliced almonds for a subtle crunch that complements the rolls’ softness perfectly.
Side Dishes
These rolls shine alongside savory breakfast dishes like scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or a fresh fruit salad. Their sweet and citrusy profile pairs especially well with creamy spreads like mascarpone or a dollop of honey butter, balancing the flavors beautifully and creating a brunch everyone will adore.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your rolls in a circular pattern on a beautiful serving platter for a stunning centerpiece that invites sharing and conversation. For a fun twist, serve the rolls with small bowls of extra orange glaze or honey butter for dipping. Another great idea is to turn them into slider buns for mini sandwiches filled with ham and cheese—sweet, savory, and utterly delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and prevents the glaze from drying out. If you prefer them warm, pop them in the oven for a few minutes or microwave gently to revive that soft, fresh-baked feel.
Freezing
Orange Glazed Butterflake Rolls Recipe is perfect for freezing! Wrap the rolls well in plastic wrap and then in foil or place them in a freezer bag to avoid freezer burn. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator for best results before reheating.
Reheating
To enjoy your rolls fresh again, reheat them in a 300°F oven wrapped in foil for about 10-15 minutes until they’re warm throughout. This gentle reheating keeps the rolls moist and soft without over-drying, while waking up the buttery aroma and bringing back that freshly glazed feel.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of flour?
All-purpose flour works best for this recipe to achieve the right texture and rise. Using whole wheat or gluten-free flours will change the dough’s elasticity and may result in denser rolls, but you can experiment if you like denser textures.
How important is the temperature of the milk and water for yeast activation?
It’s very important. If the liquid is too hot, it can kill the yeast; too cold, and it may not activate properly. Aim for warm, around 110°F, to ensure your dough rises perfectly.
Can I make the dough the night before?
Absolutely! You can let the dough rise once then refrigerate it overnight. Just bring it back to room temperature before shaping your rolls for the second rise and baking.
What if my rolls didn’t rise enough before baking?
They might turn out denser and less fluffy. Make sure your yeast is fresh and that the dough rises in a warm, draft-free spot. Patience during rising is key to perfect rolls.
Can I replace orange juice with another citrus juice?
You can try lemon or lime juice for a different citrus twist, but this will change the flavor profile. Orange juice gives a nice balance of sweetness and acidity that pairs beautifully with the buttery rolls.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting and joyous about baking these Orange Glazed Butterflake Rolls Recipe and sharing the warm, buttery, and citrus-kissed results with loved ones. This recipe brings together simple ingredients to create a loaf of layered happiness, perfect for any occasion or just because. Give it a try and watch these rolls become a fast favorite in your kitchen—trust me, they’re worth every bite!
Print
Orange Glazed Butterflake Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Soft, buttery orange glazed butterflake rolls featuring a tender layered texture and a sweet citrus glaze. Perfect for breakfast or a delightful snack, these rolls combine fluffy yeast dough with a vibrant orange-flavored finish.
Ingredients
Dough
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 1/4 cup warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
For Brushing
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
Orange Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp orange juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, warm milk, and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and stir to dissolve. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, eggs, and softened butter to the bowl. Stir with a wooden spoon until the dough begins to come together.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook on low speed for 5-6 minutes.
- First Rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, until doubled in size.
- Shape the Rolls: Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and arrange them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, close but not touching.
- Second Rise: Cover the dish with a kitchen towel and let the rolls rise for 30-45 minutes, until puffed and nearly doubled in size.
- Bake the Rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown on top. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
- Prepare the Orange Glaze: While the rolls bake, whisk together powdered sugar, orange juice, orange zest, vanilla extract, and melted butter in a small bowl until smooth and well combined.
- Glaze the Rolls: Drizzle the orange glaze over the warm rolls, allowing it to soak into the layers for enhanced flavor.
- Serve: Serve the rolls warm or at room temperature for a deliciously buttery and citrusy treat.
Notes
- Ensure the milk and water are warm, not hot, to activate yeast without killing it.
- Kneading by hand will take longer but develops better texture; a mixer saves time.
- Cover dough properly during rising to prevent drying out.
- The glaze can be adjusted in sweetness or citrus intensity to taste.
- These rolls are best enjoyed the same day but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
