Florida Orange Rolls – Soft, Fluffy & Bursting with Sunshine

Wake up to the taste of sunshine with these Florida Orange Rolls — soft, buttery, and filled with zesty citrus sweetness.
Each bite feels like a warm morning in Florida: golden light, sweet orange glaze, and the aroma of freshly baked dough filling your kitchen.

At inasrecipes.com, this is more than just a breakfast treat — it’s a Florida tradition turned into the perfect brunch centerpiece. Whether for holidays, Sunday mornings, or special gatherings, these rolls never fail to impress.

What Are Florida Orange Rolls?

Florida Orange Rolls are soft, yeast-based sweet rolls infused with fresh orange zest, juice, and a creamy citrus glaze. They’re a bright twist on classic cinnamon rolls — trading spice for sunshine.

Made famous in Southern kitchens, these rolls celebrate the Florida orange harvest, turning simple ingredients into a fragrant, citrusy delight that melts in your mouth.

🔗 Love citrus? Try our No-Bake Mini Key Lime Pie Recipe for a tangy twist!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fresh Florida flavor: Real orange zest and juice deliver unmatched brightness.
• Soft & buttery texture: Tender dough that stays fluffy for days.
• Make-ahead friendly: Perfect for prepping the night before brunch.
• Crowd-pleasing: Elegant enough for guests, easy enough for family breakfasts.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Dough

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup sugar
• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup whole milk (warm)
• ¼ cup butter (softened)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tbsp fresh orange zest

For the Filling

• ½ cup butter (softened)
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 tbsp orange zest

For the Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp fresh Florida orange juice
• ½ tsp orange zest
• 1 tbsp cream cheese (optional, for creamy finish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1 – Activate the Yeast

In a bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until bubbly.

2 – Make the Dough

Add softened butter, eggs, orange zest, and flour. Mix and knead until the dough is smooth (about 5 minutes). Cover and let rise for 1 hour.

3 – Roll & Fill

Roll dough into a rectangle. Spread with butter and sprinkle the sugar-orange zest mixture evenly. Roll tightly and cut into 12 rolls.

4 – Second Rise

Place rolls in a greased 9×13 pan. Cover and rise again for 30 minutes.

5 – Bake

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.

6 – Glaze

Whisk glaze ingredients and drizzle over warm rolls. The orange aroma will fill your kitchen! 🍊

🔗 Pair it with our Spiked Apple Cider Recipe for the perfect cozy morning combo.

How Long to Bake Orange Rolls

Bake Florida Orange Rolls at 350°F (175°C) for about 20–25 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the centers are cooked through.

If your rolls brown too quickly, loosely cover them with foil during the last few minutes.

Pro Tips for Perfect Orange Rolls

• Use fresh Florida orange juice — bottled juice just doesn’t have the same punch.
• Add cream cheese to the glaze for extra richness.
• Knead dough until smooth for the fluffiest rolls.
• Let them rise in a warm, draft-free spot.

What Are Florida Oranges Used For?

Florida oranges are prized for their sweet, juicy flavor and are used in:

• Fresh juice and smoothies
• Desserts and pastries
• Salad dressings and marinades
• Glazes, jams, and sauces

Their natural sweetness makes them perfect for baked goods like these rolls.

Where Do Orange Rolls Come From?

Orange rolls originated in Southern kitchens, especially in Florida and Alabama, as a bright twist on cinnamon rolls.

They became popular at church gatherings, holiday breakfasts, and brunch tables, celebrated for their soft texture and refreshing citrus glaze.

💡 Did You Know? The original orange roll recipes date back to the early 1900s and often used fresh-squeezed Florida orange juice straight from local groves.

What’s Going On With Florida Oranges?

In recent years, Florida’s orange industry has faced challenges due to citrus greening, a disease that affects the trees’ health and fruit yield. Despite that, local farmers continue producing some of the sweetest, juiciest oranges in the world.

Buying local or Florida-sourced juice supports these growers and keeps the tradition alive.

🔗 Read more about sustainable ingredients in our Seitan Meaning article.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Store: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerate: Up to 5 days — reheat before serving.
• Freeze: Wrap baked rolls and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Make-Ahead: Prepare the night before, refrigerate, and bake in the morning.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long to bake orange rolls?

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden.

What are Florida oranges used for?

They’re perfect for juice, desserts, and glazes — naturally sweet and full of vitamin C.

Where do orange rolls come from?

Southern bakers in Florida and Alabama created them as a citrusy version of cinnamon rolls.

What’s going on with Florida oranges?

Florida’s orange industry faces citrus greening challenges but continues to produce delicious fruit.

Serving Suggestions

• Top with candied orange peel or zest for extra flair.
• Serve warm with coffee or hot cider.
• Add a drizzle of honey-orange glaze for a glossy finish.

🔗 After breakfast, try our Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler for dessert!

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