Mini Orange Rolls Soft Pillowy (Printable Version)

Soft pillowy mini rolls with zesty orange filling and citrus glaze, made 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 fresh orange zest
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

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a mini muffin tin.
02 - Unroll crescent dough on a clean work surface and pinch perforations together to seal, forming one large rectangle.
03 - In a small bowl, combine softened butter, granulated sugar, orange zest, and vanilla extract until well blended.
04 - Spread orange filling mixture evenly across the entire dough rectangle.
05 - Starting from the longer side, tightly roll dough into a log. Slice into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife.
06 - Place rolls cut-side up on prepared baking sheet or in mini muffin tin.
07 - Bake for 13 to 15 minutes until golden brown.
08 - While rolls bake, whisk powdered sugar with orange juice, adding juice gradually until mixture reaches pourable consistency. Stir in optional orange zest.
09 - Cool rolls for 5 minutes, then drizzle with orange glaze. Serve warm.

# Tips for Success:

01 -
  • Quick and Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy mornings or last-minute gatherings.
  • Minimal Ingredients: Uses simple pantry staples and one can of crescent dough—no yeast or rising time required.
  • Bright, Fresh Flavor: The combination of fresh orange zest and juice creates a vibrant citrus experience that feels both indulgent and refreshing.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Yields 12 perfect mini rolls that are ideal for serving at brunch, breakfast buffets, or as a sweet afternoon snack.
  • Versatile: Easily customizable with nuts, extra zest, or orange extract to suit your taste preferences.
02 -
  • Use Fresh Zest: Fresh orange zest provides the most vibrant flavor—avoid pre-packaged zest if possible.
  • Don't Overbake: Watch the rolls closely during the last few minutes of baking to prevent them from becoming too dark or dry.
  • Adjust Glaze Consistency: Add orange juice one tablespoon at a time to control the thickness of your glaze—it should be pourable but not watery.
  • Slice Evenly: For uniform rolls, measure and mark the log before slicing to ensure each piece is approximately the same size.
  • Check Crescent Dough Ingredients: Different brands may contain varying allergens including egg or soy, so always read the label if you have dietary restrictions.
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