Bake the Best Soft & Fluffy Gluten-Free Orange Rolls: Your Ultimate Holiday Breakfast Guide

Transform your holiday mornings with these irresistibly soft, fluffy gluten-free orange rolls! Crafted with a revolutionary gluten-free dough, bursting with a vibrant orange filling, and crowned with a sweet, zesty orange glaze, they are a true breakfast marvel. Say goodbye to missing out on classic sweet rolls and hello to a new tradition!

For many, homemade sweet rolls are a cherished memory, a rare and delightful treat reserved for special occasions. Growing up, the aroma of freshly baked orange rolls and cinnamon rolls filled our home about once a year, making them an anticipated highlight. When my family embraced a gluten-free lifestyle over a decade ago, I honestly wondered if those delicious moments were a thing of the past. The journey to recreate that perfect, tender, gluten-free sweet roll has been long and filled with countless experiments, but I’m thrilled to announce: we’ve finally perfected our homemade gluten-free orange sweet rolls!

The game-changing discovery behind this recipe lies in a specific flour blend. The introduction of King Arthur’s gluten-free bread flour revolutionized gluten-free baking for us, making sweet rolls SO much more accessible and delicious. After extensive testing, we’ve fine-tuned this recipe to ensure every bite of these gluten-free orange sweet rolls is pure joy. This soft, enriched dough is surprisingly simple to prepare, and when paired with its sweet, citrusy orange filling and a bright, zesty orange glaze, these rolls are nothing short of perfection.

I understand that homemade gluten-free bread can seem daunting. Visions of dense, crumbly dough might deter you, but please don’t let them! I’m here to guide you through every step, ensuring you achieve beautifully light and fluffy results. This detailed guide will equip you with all the knowledge and confidence you need to master these incredible gluten-free orange rolls. Let’s embark on this delicious baking adventure together!

Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Gluten-Free Orange Rolls

Creating these delightful gluten-free orange rolls starts with a selection of high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the desired taste and texture. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:

• King Arthur Gluten-Free Bread Flour. This is, without a doubt, the cornerstone of this recipe. Its unique blend and protein structure are specifically formulated for bread baking, yielding an elasticity and rise rarely seen in other gluten-free flours. It is absolutely critical that you use this specific brand and type of flour. Generic 1:1 or measure-for-measure gluten-free flour blends, or even other brands of gluten-free bread flour, will not produce the same results, so please do not substitute it. For the best price and convenience, I highly recommend ordering it online, often available through retailers like Amazon.
• Granulated Sugar. This common kitchen staple serves a dual purpose in our gluten-free orange rolls. It not only provides sweetness to the rich dough but also forms the delicious base of our vibrant orange filling, balancing the citrus notes beautifully.
• Instant Yeast. For this recipe, we rely on instant yeast (also known as rapid-rise yeast). Unlike active dry yeast, which typically requires proofing in warm water before being incorporated, instant yeast can be mixed directly with your dry ingredients. This simplifies the process and ensures a consistent rise. The instructions and rise times provided are tailored specifically for instant yeast, so make sure to grab a fresh 1/4-ounce packet.
• Baking Powder. This might seem unusual in a yeast-based dough, but it’s a secret weapon for enhanced texture! Similar to a technique I use in my gluten-free focaccia, a touch of baking powder provides an extra boost of puffiness and contributes significantly to the rolls’ incredible softness.
• Salt. A fundamental ingredient in all baking, salt is essential here for balancing the sweetness and enhancing the overall depth of flavor in the rolls. Don’t skip it!
• Butter. These are “enriched” dough rolls, meaning they benefit from the addition of fats and eggs for a tender crumb. Melted butter is incorporated directly into the dough, while softened butter is crucial for creating the luscious orange filling. Ensuring your butter is at the right temperature—either fully melted for the dough or very soft for spreading—is key to smooth incorporation.
• Warm Water. The warm water works alongside the warm milk to activate the instant yeast, kickstarting the fermentation process that gives our rolls their light and airy structure.
• Warm Whole Milk. This is one instance where full-fat whole milk truly shines. Its higher fat content adds richness and moisture to the dough, resulting in a more tender, pliable, and flavorful roll. The extra fat also helps to keep the gluten-free dough from drying out, contributing to that irresistible fluffy texture.
• Eggs. Another vital component for an enriched dough, eggs contribute to the dough’s structure, binding power, and overall tenderness. They also add a lovely richness and help achieve that beautiful golden-brown crust.
• Fresh Orange Zest & Orange Juice. The heart of our orange rolls’ flavor profile! Fresh orange zest delivers an intensely bright, aromatic orange flavor directly into the filling and glaze. Since you’ll have fresh oranges on hand for the zest, using fresh orange juice in the glaze is a natural choice, providing a vibrant citrus punch.
• Simple Orange Glaze or Orange Cream Cheese Frosting. The perfect grand finale! You have the delicious choice of finishing these gluten-free orange rolls with either a simple, sweet orange glaze or a decadent orange cream cheese frosting. Both options elevate the rolls beautifully, and you’ll find detailed instructions for both in the recipe card below.

Get The Right Flour!

For these exquisite gluten-free orange rolls, using King Arthur Gluten-Free Bread Flour is non-negotiable. No other flour blend, whether a 1:1 substitute or another brand of gluten-free bread flour, will yield the desired soft, fluffy texture. Trust us on this one!

SHOP THE FLOUR

How To Make Gluten-Free Orange Rolls: A Step-by-Step Guide for Fluffy Perfection

For precise ingredient amounts, detailed instructions, and handy tips, please refer to the complete recipe card provided below. This section offers a comprehensive walkthrough of the process.

First, Prepare the Tender Gluten-Free Dough

The foundation of these incredible orange rolls is a rich, soft dough. Despite being gluten-free, it’s surprisingly pliable and easy to work with when you follow these steps carefully:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add your gluten-free bread flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, salt, and baking powder. Gently pulse the mixer on low speed for about 30 seconds to ensure all dry ingredients are thoroughly combined and aerated. A stand mixer is essential here, as the dough will be quite thick; a hand mixer won’t be strong enough, and mixing by hand will be challenging.
2. Incorporate Wet Ingredients. With your stand mixer still running on LOW speed, gradually introduce the warm milk, warm water, melted butter, and eggs. Add them one at a time, allowing each to be partially incorporated before adding the next. This ensures an even mix and prevents lumps. The warmth of the liquids is vital for activating the yeast.
3. Beat to Perfection. Once all wet ingredients are added, increase the mixer speed to HIGH and beat the dough for a full 3 minutes. This step is crucial for developing the structure of gluten-free dough. You’ll notice the dough appears very sticky and wet—more akin to a thick cake batter than traditional bread dough. Do not be alarmed; this is exactly the normal consistency for this gluten-free sweet roll dough.
4. Cover & Chill for Manageability. After beating, use an oiled spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl, gathering the sticky dough into a cohesive ball. Make sure to scrape the bottom of the bowl as well, checking for any unmixed flour. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and transfer it to the refrigerator to chill for 20 minutes. This brief chilling period firms up the dough slightly, making it much easier to handle and roll out in the next steps.

Crafting the Zesty Orange Filling & Expertly Shaping Your Rolls

With your dough perfectly chilled, it’s time to infuse it with vibrant orange flavor and shape these beautiful rolls:

1. Infuse Sugar & Zest. In a small bowl, combine 1/3 cup of granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon of fresh orange zest. Using your fingertips, vigorously rub the orange zest into the sugar. This simple yet effective technique releases the essential oils from the orange peel, infusing the sugar with an incredibly fragrant and potent citrus flavor that will permeate your rolls.
2. Roll Out the Dough. Prepare your workspace by laying down a large sheet of parchment paper. Alternatively, you can very lightly flour your countertop, but parchment paper often makes handling sticky gluten-free dough much easier. Transfer the chilled dough from the bowl onto the prepared surface. Place another sheet of parchment paper on top of the dough. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough out evenly into a 15-inch square (approximately 15″x 15″). The parchment layers prevent sticking and help achieve a uniform thickness.
3. Layer the Flavorful Filling. Carefully remove the top sheet of parchment paper. Spread the very softened butter evenly over the entire 15-inch dough square. The butter needs to be exceptionally soft (but not melted, unless slightly cooled) to spread without tearing the dough. If your butter isn’t soft enough, you can gently melt it and allow it to cool slightly before spreading. Once the butter is spread, generously sprinkle the fragrant orange sugar mixture over it, creating an even layer of zesty sweetness.
4. Form The Rolls with Precision. Now for the shaping! Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, slice the dough into twelve (1.25-inch) strips. This precise cutting ensures uniform rolls. Take one strip and, starting from one end, tightly roll it up to form a spiral. This method, where each strip is rolled individually, is significantly more effective for gluten-free sweet rolls than the traditional approach of rolling the entire dough into a cylinder and then slicing. It helps maintain the structure and prevents the rolls from falling apart. Place the formed rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, arranging them snugly.
5. The Critical Rise. Once all the rolls are in the pan, cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap. Place the pan in a warm spot in your kitchen (like near a sunny window or on top of a preheating oven) to rise for 45-60 minutes. During this time, the rolls will become noticeably puffy, though they may not double in size like traditional gluten-containing dough. This is perfectly normal for gluten-free yeast dough. As the rolls rise, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
6. Baking to Golden Perfection. After the rising period, gently remove the plastic wrap from the pan. Transfer the pan to your preheated oven and bake the orange rolls for 30-35 minutes, or until their tops are beautifully golden brown. To ensure they are fully cooked through, use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature; the center of the dough should register at least 190-200 degrees Fahrenheit (88-93 degrees Celsius). Once baked, remove the rolls from the oven and set them aside to cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes. This cooling time is crucial before glazing, allowing the rolls to set while you prepare the glorious glaze.

The Grand Finale: Mixing Up the Glaze & Finishing Your Rolls

The final touch makes these soft, fluffy gluten-free orange rolls truly irresistible. Choose between a classic orange glaze or a rich cream cheese frosting:

1. Crafting the Sweet Orange Glaze. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the powdered sugar, heavy cream, fresh orange juice, vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon of fresh orange zest, and a tiny pinch of salt (less than 1/8 teaspoon is usually perfect). Whisk vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth and free of lumps. For a thicker glaze, gradually add more powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until you achieve your desired consistency. If you prefer a thinner glaze, add additional heavy cream, one teaspoon at a time, until it reaches your preferred pourable texture.
2. Glaze the Warm Rolls. While the orange rolls are still warm from the oven (but not piping hot, to avoid the glaze melting too quickly), generously pour the freshly made orange glaze evenly over their tops. The warmth of the rolls will help the glaze spread beautifully and soak in slightly, creating a moist and flavorful coating.
3. Serve & Store for Maximum Freshness. These gluten-free orange rolls are best enjoyed immediately, straight from the pan, when they are at their peak of warmth and tenderness. Any leftover rolls can be stored, covered tightly, at room temperature for 1-2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months (see freezing instructions below). If you opt for the orange cream cheese frosting, remember that rolls with cream cheese frosting should always be stored in the refrigerator due to the dairy content.

Craving Cream Cheese Frosting Instead? If you prefer a richer, tangier topping, I’ve included a delicious recipe and detailed instructions for an Orange Cream Cheese Frosting in the recipe card below!