Orange Dinner Rolls

Prep: 20 min Cook: 12 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

Sweet and tangy orange-flavored dinner rolls with a soft texture, perfect for family dinners or special occasions, offering a delightful citrus twist on classic bread.

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Ingredients

  • 2 pkg. yeast
  • 1/4 tsp. sugar
  • 1/4 cup warm water
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup shortening
  • 1 cup hot water
  • 3 eggs, well beaten
  • 2 tsp. salt

Instructions

  1. Dissolve yeast and 1/4 teaspoon sugar in 1/4 cup warm water; set aside until foamy.
  2. Combine 1/2 cup sugar, shortening, 1 cup hot water, well beaten eggs, salt, and 1 cup flour in a mixing bowl.
  3. Stir in the dissolved yeast mixture and then add remaining flour gradually to form a dough.
  4. Cover the dough and refrigerate overnight.
  5. Turn the chilled dough onto a floured surface; roll out to 1/4-inch thickness.
  6. Spread with orange filling (not specified in ingredients, assumed to be added separately).
  7. Roll up the dough and slice into 1 1/2-inch thick slices.
  8. Place slices in buttered muffin pans and let rise for 1 to 2 hours.
  9. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 to 12 minutes until golden brown.

Tips & Substitutions

For best results, ensure your water temperature is warm but not hot when activating the yeast; this prevents killing it. You can substitute butter for shortening if desired for a richer flavor. If you don't have orange filling, consider using a mixture of orange juice and zest with a bit of sugar for a quick alternative.

Serving Suggestions

These Orange Dinner Rolls are perfect for breakfast or as a side for dinner, particularly with savory dishes. They pair beautifully with Mushroom-Stuffed Pork Chops or can be enjoyed on their own with a little butter and marmalade. A light salad, like Corn, Tomato And Rice Casserole, complements them for a balanced meal.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed bag for up to three months. To reheat, simply place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their softness.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Orange Dinner Rolls contains roughly 208 calories, with 6g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (13% of the Daily Value), protein (12% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 693mg per serving (30% of the Daily Value).

208 kcal 10% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 5.8g 12% DV
Total Fat 6g 8% DV
Carbs 33.5g 12% DV
Fiber 2.7g 10% DV
Sugar 0.2g

Electrolytes

Sodium 692.7mg 30% DV
Potassium 367.9mg 8% DV
Cholesterol 25.8mg 9% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 6.3mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 12.1mg 13% DV
Calcium 41.8mg 3% DV
Iron 1.7mg 10% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Egg

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use active dry yeast instead of packaged yeast?

Yes, you can substitute active dry yeast for packaged yeast. Just ensure you proof it with warm water and sugar before mixing it into your dough. This helps activate the yeast and ensures your rolls rise properly.

How can I make these rolls ahead of time?

You can prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it overnight. After shaping the rolls, you can either bake them right away or let them rise and bake later. Just make sure they are covered to prevent drying out.

What can I use if I don't have orange filling?

If you don't have orange filling, you can create a simple one by mixing orange juice and zest with a bit of sugar. This will add a delightful citrus flavor to your rolls. Alternatively, try a cinnamon-sugar mixture for a different but delicious twist.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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