Oh, let me tell you about these Christmas orange rolls! They’re absolutely divine—fluffy, sweet, and bursting with that bright citrus flavor that just screams holiday cheer. Every year, my family gathers in the kitchen, and the aroma of freshly baked rolls fills the air, creating the perfect festive atmosphere. Making these rolls has become a cherished tradition for us, and I can’t imagine Christmas without them. Trust me, once you take a bite of these warm, orange-glazed delights, you’ll understand why they’re a must-have on our holiday table. Get ready to spread some joy with these Christmas orange rolls!
Ingredients for Christmas Orange Rolls
Gather these simple, yet essential ingredients to create your delicious Christmas orange rolls. Trust me, having everything ready to go makes the process so much smoother!
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F or 43°C)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated orange zest
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for the glaze)
Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results. Fresh orange zest and juice add so much flavor, so don’t skip those! And while I love the sweetness of the glaze, you can always adjust the powdered sugar to suit your taste. Happy baking!
How to Prepare Christmas Orange Rolls
Alright, let’s dive into the magical process of making these Christmas orange rolls! I promise you it’s easier than it sounds, and the payoff is *so* worth it. First, grab a bowl and combine your warm milk with the packet of active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it gets all frothy—this means your yeast is happy and ready to work its magic!
While that’s happening, melt your butter in a separate bowl and mix it with the granulated sugar, eggs, salt, and freshly grated orange zest. Oh, the scent of that orange zest is heavenly! Once your butter mixture is combined, add in the frothy yeast mixture along with the freshly squeezed orange juice. Stir it all together until it’s well blended.
Now comes the fun part—gradually add the flour. I like to start with a wooden spoon, and then switch to my hands once it gets a bit too thick. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. You might need to sprinkle in a bit more flour if it’s too sticky, but be careful not to overdo it!
Place your kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. This is the perfect time to set the holiday mood with some festive tunes!
Once it’s risen, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick. Cut it into rolls and place them in a greased baking dish. Let those beauties rise for another 30 minutes before baking them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes. They should be golden brown and smell absolutely irresistible by the time they’re done!
While they’re baking, whip up your orange glaze by mixing the powdered sugar with a splash of orange juice. Drizzle it over the warm rolls right before serving. Your kitchen will smell like a holiday dream, and everyone will be lining up for these festive treats!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s simply irresistible
- Deliciously sweet orange flavor that captures the essence of Christmas
- Easy-to-follow steps make it perfect for bakers of all levels
- Quick preparation time means more moments to enjoy with loved ones
- Perfect centerpiece for holiday brunch or dinner
Trust me, once you try these Christmas orange rolls, they’ll become a festive favorite you’ll look forward to every year!
Tips for Success with Christmas Orange Rolls
To achieve the fluffiest Christmas orange rolls, don’t rush the kneading process. I recommend kneading for a solid 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If it feels too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour, but avoid overdoing it—this helps keep the rolls tender.
Make sure to let your dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot; this is crucial for that lovely texture. If your kitchen is cool, preheating the oven for a minute and then turning it off can create a cozy rising environment. Lastly, glaze the rolls while they’re still warm—this ensures that sweet orange goodness seeps in perfectly!
Variations of Christmas Orange Rolls
If you want to switch things up with your Christmas orange rolls, there are so many fun variations to try! For a cozy twist, add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for that warm holiday spice flavor. You could also fold in some chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch. Feeling adventurous? Swap the orange glaze for a creamy cream cheese frosting or drizzle them with a simple vanilla glaze instead. Adding dried cranberries or candied ginger into the filling can elevate those festive vibes even more. The possibilities are endless—get creative and have fun!
Nutritional Information
Please note that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. The information provided here is an estimate and not exact. For a single roll, you can expect approximately 250 calories, but remember to adjust based on your own ingredients for the most accurate results!
FAQ Section
Can I substitute ingredients in this recipe?
Absolutely! If you don’t have all-purpose flour, bread flour works great too for added chewiness. For the milk, buttermilk is a lovely alternative that adds richness. You can even swap out the granulated sugar for brown sugar if you want a deeper flavor.
How do I store the Christmas orange rolls?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, I recommend freezing them. Just wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and pop them in the freezer!
Can I reheat the rolls?
Yes! To reheat, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave them for about 15-20 seconds, but be careful not to overdo it, or they might get a bit dry!
Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
You sure can! Prepare the dough and let it rise, then shape the rolls and place them in the baking dish. Cover and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature and rise for about 30 minutes before baking. Easy peasy!
For more delicious recipes, check out our blog for inspiration!
And if you’re interested in learning more about the health benefits of oranges, visit Healthline for detailed information.
Print
Christmas Orange Rolls that Will Brighten Your Holidays
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and fluffy Christmas orange rolls with a sweet orange glaze.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Melt butter and mix with sugar, eggs, salt, and orange zest.
- Add the yeast mixture and orange juice to the butter mixture.
- Gradually add flour and knead until smooth.
- Let dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
- Roll out the dough and cut into rolls.
- Place rolls in a greased baking dish and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes.
- Mix powdered sugar with orange juice for glaze.
- Drizzle glaze over warm rolls before serving.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use buttermilk instead of regular milk.
- You can add chopped nuts or dried fruit for extra texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Christmas Orange Rolls, Orange Rolls, Holiday Baking