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Orange Rolls Sour Cream Glaze

Emily Parker
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Rise Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 50 minutes
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Dough:

  • 1 packet active dry yeast about 2 1/4 tsp
  • 1/4 cup warm water 100–110°F
  • 1 cup sugar divided
  • 1/2 cup butter melted and divided
  • 2 large eggs lightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons orange zest from 2 large oranges

For the Glaze:

  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
  • Pinch of salt
  • Tip: Use freshly grated orange zest for the best flavor boost.

Instructions
 

Activate the Yeast

  • In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water with 1 tablespoon of the sugar. Let stand for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

Mix the Dough

  • In a large bowl, combine the remaining sugar, 1/4 cup melted butter, eggs, sour cream, salt, and orange zest. Add the yeast mixture. Gradually stir in flour to form a soft dough.

Knead and Let Rise

  • Knead dough on a floured surface for about 5–7 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1–1.5 hours.

Shape the Rolls

  • Punch down dough and roll out into a rectangle about 12x18 inches. Brush with remaining 1/4 cup melted butter and sprinkle with a little sugar and extra orange zest if desired.
  • Roll up tightly from the long side, slice into 12 rolls, and place in a greased 9x13 baking dish.

Second Rise and Bake

  • Cover and let rise again until puffy, about 30–45 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden.

Make the Glaze

  • While rolls are baking, combine sugar, sour cream, butter, orange juice, and salt in a saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook, stirring, until sugar is dissolved and mixture is smooth.

Glaze the Rolls

  • Pour warm glaze over hot rolls fresh from the oven. Let soak in slightly before serving.

Notes

  • Make Ahead Tip: Shape rolls and refrigerate overnight. Let come to room temperature before baking.
  • Extra Citrus Punch: Add a little orange extract or more zest to the glaze.
  • No Mixer?: This dough is easy to mix and knead by hand.
  • Use a Serrated Knife: For cleanly slicing the rolled dough.