Alabama Orange Rolls Recipe: a Sweet Citrus Bread Perfect for Dinner | America's Test Kitchen

butter

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil provides a dairy-free option while margarine is often less expensive.

cream cheese

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: ricotta cheese

Greek yogurt reduces calories and adds protein, while ricotta is often less costly.

Combine 3 cups of flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, 2 1/4 teaspoons of instant yeast, and 1 teaspoon of salt in a bowl and whisk together.

Microwave 1/2 cup of orange juice to 110 degrees Fahrenheit.

Add the warm orange juice, 1/4 cup of heavy cream, 6 tablespoons of softened butter, 1 whole egg, and 1 egg yolk to the flour mixture and mix for about 2 minutes on medium speed.

Increase the mixer speed to medium high and mix for about 8 more minutes until the dough is elastic and smooth.

Flour the counter and knead the dough for about 30 seconds until it is a little smoother.

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm area until doubled in size, about 1.5 to 2 hours.

Prepare the sugar mixture by whisking together 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons of orange zest.

Roll the dough into a 16 by 8-inch rectangle on a floured surface.

Spread 2 tablespoons of softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle the sugar mixture evenly on top.

Roll the dough tightly into a log, pinching the seam to secure it.

Cut the log into 8 pieces, each 2 inches thick, using a serrated knife.

Place the rolls in a greased 9-inch dark cake pan with the seam side facing inward and cover with plastic wrap to rise again for 60 to 90 minutes until doubled in size.

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and bake the rolls for 40 to 45 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 195 degrees.

While the rolls cool, make the glaze by combining 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of heavy cream, 2 tablespoons of orange juice, 2 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter, and 1/8 teaspoon of salt in a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat for about 4 minutes.

Glaze the rolls generously with the butter cream mixture after they have cooled.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens