Description

These Orange Rolls combine fluffy, sweet dough with a fresh burst of natural orange flavor, creating a delightful breakfast treat that is easy to make and perfect for brightening any morning. Infused with fresh orange juice, zest, and a subtle umami note from vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, these rolls are tender, aromatic, and customizable for various tastes.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup warm plant-based milk
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1 tbsp fresh orange zest (natural)
1/4 cup fresh orange juice (natural)
1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
1/4 cup plant-based butter, melted (for dough)

Filling and Topping

1/4 cup plant-based butter, softened (for spreading)
2 tbsp granulated sugar (for filling)
1 tsp fresh orange zest (natural) (for filling)
Additional plant-based butter (for brushing top before baking)

Glaze

1/3 cup fresh orange juice (natural)
2 tbsp granulated sugar
Pinch of natural gelling agent

Instructions

Prepare the Dough: Warm the plant-based milk until it feels pleasantly warm to the touch. Whisk in the active dry yeast and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Let the mixture sit until frothy, about 5-10 minutes. In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, remaining sugar, salt, and orange zest. Gradually add the frothy yeast mixture, fresh orange juice, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, and melted plant-based butter. Stir until a rough dough forms.
Knead and Let Rise: Transfer the dough onto a clean surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough back into the bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
Roll and Fill: After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Roll the dough out into a large rectangle. Evenly spread softened plant-based butter over the dough, then sprinkle granulated sugar and orange zest on top to enhance the citrus flavor. Carefully roll the dough tightly from the long edge. Slice into equal-sized rolls and arrange them in a lightly greased baking dish.
Second Rise and Bake: Cover the rolls again with a cloth or plastic wrap and let them rise for another 30-40 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden and fragrant.
Glaze with Orange Icing: While the rolls bake, prepare the glaze by warming fresh orange juice and sugar with a pinch of natural gelling agent over low heat until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy. Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm rolls for an extra burst of brightness and shine.

Notes

Use fresh orange zest, zesting before juicing to retain aromatic oils without bitterness.
Warm milk carefully; too hot will kill the yeast, too cold will delay rising.
Allow adequate time for dough rising to develop soft texture and flavor.
Roll the dough tightly to prevent filling leakage and create distinct swirls.
Brush the rolls with plant-based butter before baking for a tender crust and beautiful color.

Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 roll
Calories: 210
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 180mg
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 3.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 34g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Orange rolls, citrus breakfast, plant-based rolls, vegan orange rolls, sweet rolls, homemade breakfast