Description
These soft and fluffy, gluten-free orange rolls are bursting with citrusy sweetness in every bite! Filled with buttery orange zest and sugar, then topped with a luscious orange glaze, they’re the perfect treat for breakfast or brunch. The dough is infused with fresh orange juice and zest for maximum flavor.
Ingredients
— The Dough —
2 1/2 cups gluten free flour blend (Authentic Foods Steve’s GF Bread Blend or Cup4Cup recommended)
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
3/4 cup warm milk or plant-based milk (approx. 110°F)
1 teaspoon cane sugar (for proofing yeast)
2 large eggs, room temperature
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup orange juice
2 tablespoons orange zest
— The Citrus Sugar Filling —
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup cane sugar
2 teaspoons orange zest
— The Glaze —
2 cups powdered sugar
3 tablespoons orange juice
2 teaspoons orange zest
Instructions
1. Prep: Line a 9×13 baking pan with parchment paper. Measure your gluten free flour (preferably using a scale).
2. Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, proof the active dry yeast in the warm milk with 1 teaspoon of cane sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until bubbly.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a stand mixer, combine the activated yeast mixture, eggs, 1/2 cup orange juice, and 1/4 cup melted butter. Mix on low until blended.
4. Make Dough: Add the gluten free flour, salt, and 2 tablespoons of orange zest to the mixer. Turn on low to incorporate, then increase speed and mix for 3-4 minutes until a smooth dough forms.
5. Roll Dough: Place the dough onto a silicone mat (lightly dust with gluten free flour if using a sticky blend like Cup4Cup). Roll the dough into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick.
6. Add Filling: In a small bowl, mix the filling ingredients (2 tablespoons melted butter, 1/2 cup cane sugar, and 2 teaspoons orange zest). Spread this mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border at the edges.
7. Shape: Roll the dough tightly into a log. Use sewing thread (slide under, cross over, and pull) to cut the log into 12 even rolls. This prevents squishing the dough.
8. Rise: Place the rolls into the prepared baking pan. Cover loosely and let rise in a warm, draft-free spot (like a slightly warmed oven turned off) for 45 minutes, or until doubled in size.
9. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 22-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
10. Glaze: While the rolls bake, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest for the glaze. Drizzle over the rolls immediately while they are still warm.
Notes
Flour Blend: The recipe specifically recommends ‘Authentic Foods Steve’s GF Bread Blend’ or ‘Cup4Cup’ for the best texture. If using a different blend, ensure it contains xanthan gum.
Cutting Tip: Using sewing thread or unflavored dental floss to cut the rolls ensures perfectly round shapes without crushing the soft dough.
Dairy Free: You can easily make this dairy-free by using plant-based milk and vegan butter.
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 38
- Sodium: 140
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 3
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 58
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 4
- Cholesterol: 45
