Soft mini orange rolls (Printer-Friendly)

Pillowy mini rolls filled with zesty orange sugar and topped with citrus glaze, baked quickly with crescent dough.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dough

01 - 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough

→ Filling

02 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
03 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
04 - 1 tablespoon orange zest from 1 large orange
05 - 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

→ Glaze

06 - 1/2 cup powdered sugar
07 - 1 to 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
08 - 1/2 teaspoon orange zest, optional for garnish

# Direction Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a mini muffin tin for easy removal.
02 - Unroll the crescent dough on a clean work surface and pinch all perforations together to seal, creating one unified rectangle.
03 - In a small mixing bowl, combine softened butter, granulated sugar, orange zest, and vanilla extract until evenly incorporated.
04 - Spread the orange filling mixture uniformly across the entire surface of the sealed dough rectangle.
05 - Beginning from the longer edge, roll the dough tightly into a log shape. Using a sharp knife, slice into 12 equal pieces.
06 - Place the roll pieces cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet or into the mini muffin tin wells.
07 - Bake for 13 to 15 minutes until the rolls achieve a golden brown color.
08 - While rolls bake, whisk together powdered sugar and orange juice, adding juice gradually to achieve a smooth, pourable consistency. Stir in orange zest if desired.
09 - Cool the baked rolls for 5 minutes, then drizzle with the orange glaze and serve warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Quick and Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes using store-bought crescent dough—no yeast, no waiting.
  • Bright Citrus Flavor: Fresh orange zest and juice create a vibrant, tangy-sweet experience in every bite.
  • Perfect Portion Size: Bite-sized mini rolls are ideal for sharing, snacking, or serving at brunch gatherings.
  • Minimal Cleanup: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps mean less time scrubbing and more time enjoying.
  • Versatile Treat: Works beautifully as breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon pick-me-up.
02 -
  • Use Fresh Zest: Freshly grated orange zest delivers the brightest, most aromatic flavor—don't substitute with dried zest or extract alone.
  • Don't Overbake: Watch the rolls closely in the final minutes; they should be golden brown but still soft and pillowy.
  • Adjust Glaze Consistency: Add orange juice gradually to the powdered sugar until you reach your desired thickness—thinner for drizzling, thicker for spreading.
  • Make Ahead: You can prepare the rolls up to the point of baking, cover them tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bake them fresh in the morning for an easy make-ahead breakfast.
  • Double the Recipe: These disappear quickly, so consider making a double batch if you're serving a crowd.
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