The Pioneer Woman’s Famous Orange Rolls Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide

Orange rolls are a quintessential comfort food, perfect for weekend brunches or a sweet treat any day of the week. When it comes to iconic orange rolls, the Pioneer Woman’s recipe stands out as a beloved classic. Known for her approachable and delicious home cooking, Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman, has shared a recipe that consistently delights bakers of all skill levels. This guide will walk you through creating these soft, fluffy, and citrusy sweet rolls, ensuring your baking experience is as rewarding as the final delicious result. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of warm orange and sweet icing!

These Pioneer Woman orange rolls are more than just a breakfast item; they are a delightful experience. Imagine waking up to the smell of freshly baked dough infused with orange zest, topped with a luscious, sweet icing. These rolls are soft, pillowy, and bursting with citrus flavor, making them an ideal treat for special occasions, holiday mornings, or simply to brighten up a regular day. They are also surprisingly versatile, perfect alongside a savory breakfast dish or as a standalone dessert with a cup of coffee. The recipe is straightforward, even for novice bakers, promising a rewarding outcome that will impress family and friends alike.

Crafting the Dough: The Foundation of Fluffy Rolls

The journey to perfect orange rolls begins with the dough. This recipe utilizes a yeast dough, which, while requiring a bit of patience for rising, is the secret to achieving that signature fluffy texture.

Ingredients for the Dough:

• 2 cups Whole Milk: Provides richness and moisture to the dough.
• 1/2 cup Sugar: Sweetens the dough and feeds the yeast.
• 1/2 cup Vegetable Oil: Adds tenderness and keeps the rolls soft.
• 2 1/4 tsp Yeast (Active Dry): The leavening agent, crucial for the rise and airy texture.
• 4 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour: The base structure of the rolls. King Arthur Flour is a reliable choice for consistent results.
• 1/2 tsp Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These provide extra lift and lightness.
• 2 tsp Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.

Step-by-Step Dough Instructions:

1. Warm the Liquids: In a large saucepan, gently warm the milk, sugar, and vegetable oil over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Ensure the mixture is warm to the touch, not hot, before proceeding to the next step. This temperature is ideal for activating the yeast.
2. Activate the Yeast: Remove the pan from the heat and sprinkle the yeast over the warm milk mixture. Let it sit for 10 minutes. You’ll know the yeast is active when it becomes foamy or bubbly on the surface.
3. Combine Initial Flour: In a large mixing bowl, add 4 cups of flour. Pour the milk and yeast mixture over the flour and stir to combine. This initial mixture will be somewhat loose.
4. First Rise: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for at least one hour. This allows the yeast to work its magic, creating air pockets and developing flavor.
5. Add Remaining Ingredients: After the first rise, stir in the remaining 1/2 cup of flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms.
6. Roll Out the Dough: Lightly flour a work surface and roll the dough out into a large rectangle, approximately 30×10 inches.

Building Flavor with the Orange Filling

The filling is where the magic of orange flavor truly comes alive. This simple yet flavorful combination creates the signature citrusy swirl in each roll.

Ingredients for the Filling:

• 1/2 cup Butter, Melted: Adds richness and helps the filling spread evenly.
• 8 Tbsp Orange Marmalade: Provides the distinct orange flavor and a touch of sweetness.
• 1 cup Brown Sugar: Adds a caramel-like sweetness and moisture to the filling.
• 1/4 tsp Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.

Creating and Assembling the Filling:

1. Prepare the Dough Surface: Once the dough is rolled out, drizzle the melted butter evenly over the entire surface.
2. Spread Marmalade: Spoon the orange marmalade over the melted butter, spreading it in an even layer.
3. Sprinkle Sugar and Salt: Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the marmalade, followed by a dash of salt.

Rolling, Rising, and Baking to Golden Perfection

The next steps involve shaping the rolls, allowing them a final rise, and baking them to a beautiful golden brown.

Shaping and Baking Instructions:

1. Roll into a Log: Starting from one long side, tightly roll the dough and filling into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it closed.
2. Slice into Rolls: Slice the log into individual rolls. For generously sized rolls, aim for about 12 rolls from this recipe.
3. Second Rise: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter a baking dish (a 9×13 inch pan works well) and place the rolls in the dish, spacing them slightly apart. Allow them to rise for an additional 20 minutes in a warm place. This second rise contributes to their final light and airy texture.
4. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown on top.
5. Cool Slightly: Let the baked rolls cool slightly on the counter before icing.

The Grand Finale: Zesty Orange Icing

No orange roll is complete without a luscious icing. This citrus-infused icing perfectly complements the sweet rolls, adding a final layer of flavor and moisture.

Ingredients for the Icing:

• Zest and Juice of 2 Oranges: Provides fresh, vibrant orange flavor.
• 1 cup Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the icing.
• 1/2 cup Whole Milk: Creates the right consistency for pouring and spreading.
• 4 Tbsp Butter, Melted: Adds richness and a smooth texture to the icing.

Making and Applying the Icing:

1. Whisk Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the orange zest, orange juice, powdered sugar, milk, and melted butter until smooth.
2. Ice the Rolls: Pour the icing generously over the warm sweet rolls, allowing it to drizzle down the sides and into the crevices.
3. Serve Immediately: For the ultimate indulgence, slice and serve the Pioneer Woman orange rolls immediately while they are still warm and gooey.

These Pioneer Woman orange rolls are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Their soft texture, vibrant orange flavor, and sweet icing make them irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself and your loved ones, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. Enjoy the delightful process of baking and the even more delightful experience of savoring these homemade orange sweet rolls!

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