It doesn’t get much better than this.
Yield: Makes 20–22 rolls
Prep Time: 2 hours
Cook Time: 19 minutes
Approx. Calories: 227 per roll
Ingredients
For the Dough
4 to 4½ cups all-purpose flour, divided
½ cup granulated sugar, divided
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons fresh orange zest (from 1–2 oranges)
2 packets active dry yeast
1 cup whole milk
⅓ cup butter
1 large egg
For the Filling
1 cup powdered sugar
⅓ cup butter, softened
1 cup ground almonds
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the Glaze
3 tablespoons powdered sugar
¼ cup fresh orange juice
Preparation
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of the flour, ⅓ cup of the sugar, salt, orange zest, and yeast. Stir well and set aside.
In a small saucepan, gently heat the milk and butter over low heat until warm and the butter is melted. The mixture should be warm to the touch, not hot. Add the warm milk mixture to the flour mixture along with the egg, and beat with an electric mixer for 2 to 3 minutes until smooth. Gradually stir in the remaining flour by hand until a stiff but soft dough forms.
Cover the bowl and place it in a warm, draft-free area to rise for 35 to 50 minutes, or until doubled in size. While the dough rises, prepare the filling by mixing the powdered sugar, softened butter, ground almonds, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined. Set aside.
Once risen, roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface into a 22 × 12-inch rectangle. Spread the filling evenly over half of the dough lengthwise, then fold the dough over to cover the filling. Cut the dough crosswise into 20–22 short strips. Twist each strip 4 to 5 times, then coil it into a loose swirl.
Place the rolls on parchment-lined baking sheets. Cover lightly and let rise again for 30 to 45 minutes. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake the rolls uncovered for 9 to 12 minutes, until lightly set. While they bake, mix the glaze ingredients until smooth. Brush the glaze over the rolls, then return them to the oven for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, until lightly golden and fragrant.
Serve warm or at room temperature, with their bright orange aroma and tender, nutty filling making every bite irresistible.
