Description
Pillowy soft sweet rolls infused with aromatic cardamom and topped with a tangy orange glaze. These bakery-quality rolls are easier to make than you think and perfect for weekend breakfasts or brunches.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 3 to 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cardamom
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom (for filling)
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a stand mixer bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Mix the dough: Add melted butter, egg, salt, and 2 teaspoons cardamom to the yeast mixture. Mix on low. Gradually add flour until a shaggy dough forms. Knead on medium-low with a dough hook for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
- Shape the rolls: Punch down dough and roll into a 12×16 inch rectangle. Spread softened butter over the surface. Mix brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cardamom, and nuts (if using); sprinkle over butter. Roll dough tightly into a log, pinch seam, and cut into 12 pieces.
- Second rise: Place rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Cover and let rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Make glaze: While rolls cool for 10 minutes, whisk powdered sugar, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla.
- Finish: Drizzle glaze over warm rolls and serve.
Notes
Ensure milk is warm but not hot (110°F) to avoid killing the yeast. For make-ahead, assemble rolls and refrigerate overnight; let sit at room temperature for 45 minutes before baking. Use dental floss to cut rolls cleanly without squishing. Glaze while rolls are warm, not hot.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Cuisine: Scandinavian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22
- Sodium: 180
- Fat: 9
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 5
Keywords: cardamom rolls, orange sweet rolls, breakfast pastry, homemade cinnamon rolls, weekend baking, cardamom baking, orange glaze