Orange Spice Rolls
Warm, fragrant orange spice rolls with a hint of cinnamon and ginger, perfect for breakfast or dessert, appealing to those who love citrus and warm spices.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons ground pecans ⓘ
- 1/4 cup round buttered cracker crumbs ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons grated orange rind ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 cups all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons baking powder ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 cup butter or margarine
- 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons orange juice ⓘ
- 1/4 cup milk ⓘ
- 1/4 c. butter or margarine ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine the dark brown sugar, ground pecans, cracker crumbs, ground cinnamon, grated orange rind, and ground ginger in a medium bowl, stirring well.
- Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of the cracker crumb mixture in a greased 1 1/2-quart microwave-safe ring mold; set the mold and remaining crumb mixture aside.
- Combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl; cut in 1/4 cup butter with a pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse meal.
- Add orange juice and milk to the flour mixture, stirring with a fork just until the dry ingredients are moistened.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead lightly 8 or 10 times.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using pecan flour instead of ground pecans. If you're out of butter, margarine can serve as a suitable substitute. When mixing the wet ingredients, ensure they are at room temperature for better incorporation. If you prefer a sweeter roll, add a little extra brown sugar to the dough.
Serving Suggestions
These rolls are delightful when served warm, drizzled with Honey Chocolate Sauce or paired with a cup of coffee or tea. They also make a perfect breakfast treat or a sweet addition to any brunch spread. For a complete meal, consider serving them alongside savory dishes from American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Orange Spice Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, place them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Orange Spice Rolls contains roughly 1135 calories, with 13g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 103g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (70% of the Daily Value), calcium (44% of the Daily Value), and iron (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2275mg per serving (99% of the Daily Value).
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 substitute the orange juice with another citrus juice?
Yes, you can use lemon or grapefruit juice as alternatives. However, keep in mind that these options will alter the flavor profile slightly. For a more balanced taste, consider mixing lemon juice with a bit of sugar to mimic the sweetness of orange juice.
What can I do if the dough feels too sticky?
If the dough is too sticky, gradually add more flour, one tablespoon at a time, while kneading until it reaches a manageable consistency. Be careful not to add too much flour, as it can make the rolls dense.
How can I enhance the orange flavor in the rolls?
To amplify the orange flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of orange extract to the dough or a bit of orange zest on top after baking. A light glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice can also add an extra burst of citrus.
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).