Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. This initial step is crucial as it prepares the environment for our rolls to bake perfectly. A well-preheated oven ensures even cooking and that golden-brown finish we all crave.
In the bowl of your electric mixer, combine 2 cups of the flour, sugar, and yeast. Stir these dry ingredients together gently, allowing the yeast to mix evenly with the flour and sugar. This blend will act as the foundation for your dough.
In a small saucepan, combine milk and unsalted butter, heating over low heat just until the butter melts. It should be warm but not boiling—this temperature helps activate the yeast. Once melted, remove from heat and let sit for 2 to 3 minutes.
Next, stir in water and vanilla extract into your milk and butter mixture. This will add moisture and flavor to your dough. Make sure to give it a good stir so everything is combined nicely.
With the dough hook attached to your mixer, pour the milk mixture into the flour mixture. Stir until all the ingredients come together, forming a sticky dough. Add in orange zest, salt, and cinnamon, along with the eggs one at a time. Beat well after each addition to ensure everything is well incorporated.
The dough will be quite sticky; this is what we want! Gradually add in the remaining 3/4 cup of flour, mixing for 2 to 3 minutes until the dough forms a cohesive ball. It should still be slightly tacky but not overly wet. Transfer it to a greased bowl and cover it. Let it sit for 10 minutes to allow the yeast to work its magic.
After 10 minutes, generously flour your work surface and roll the dough out into a rough 14 by 10 inch rectangle. The dough should feel soft and pliable. Use a rolling pin to achieve a nice even thickness.
Now for the filling! Spread the melted butter over the rolled-out dough. In a bowl, whisk together sugar, orange zest, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the buttered dough. This is where the magic happens—each bite will be filled with flavor!
Starting from one of the long sides, roll the dough tightly into a log. Make sure to keep it snug but not overly tight, as this will help the rolls rise. Once rolled, slice the log into 1-inch pieces. You should have lovely little rolls ready to go!
Place the sliced rolls into a greased baking dish. You can use a round dish, square dish, or even arrange them on a baking sheet in a fun shape. Just ensure they’re close but not overcrowded. Allow them to sit for 5 minutes to rest before baking.
Now it’s time for baking! Place the rolls in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you're looking for a beautiful golden brown on top. The smell will fill your kitchen—it's divine!
Once baked, take the rolls out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Meanwhile, you can whisk together the glaze ingredients until smooth. If it’s too thick, gradually add more orange juice; if too thin, whisk in more powdered sugar until you achieve the desired consistency.
Finally, drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls and serve them fresh. You’ll want to enjoy them while they’re still warm for the ultimate experience—a bite of cozy flavor!
