In the coziness of my quaint kitchen and with morning light spilling over the countertops, a nostalgic yearning takes hold of me. It’s a craving rooted in the warmth of family traditions and the comfort of familiar flavors blending in celebration. This is where my story with Chocolate Orange Sweet Rolls starts—combining the zest of citrus groves with the decadence of smooth chocolate, all swirled into a soft, golden dough that bakes to perfection.
These sweet rolls are a playful twist on the classic cinnamon bun, infused with the bright, cheerful notes of orange and the rich, velvety caress of chocolate. It’s a marriage of flavors that beckons to be shared, a treat designed to delight the senses and foster connection at the breakfast table.
As I tie my apron string and gather the ingredients, I think of the countless times my family gathered around the table, the air filled with a medley of laughter and the aroma of sweet treats in the oven. In these moments, the kitchen transforms into a sanctuary where worries fade and joy takes center stage.
And so, with eager hands and a heart full of memories, I set out to create Chocolate Orange Sweet Rolls. Not only to satiate a sweet tooth but to capture that elusive essence of home in every bite. It’s a way to pay homage to the past while creating new memories, and a perfect excuse to let the gentleness of a slow morning envelop you, one delightful, citrus-kissed morsel at a time.
The journey of kneading the dough is as therapeutic as it is magical, a process that bridges time and tradition. Interweaving tangy orange zest into the dough is like weaving dreams into reality, while folds of luscious chocolate evoke an indulgence that is both comforting and exciting.
Whether you’re looking for an enchanted beginning to your day or a sweet capstone to a family brunch, these Chocolate Orange Sweet Rolls are set to warm hearts and brighten mornings with their irresistible charm and joyful flavors. Let’s embark on this culinary adventure together.
Chocolate Orange Sweet Rolls Recipe
Chocolate Orange Sweet Rolls
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour unbleached
- 1⅛ – 1¼ cups buttermilk
- 1 large egg slightly beaten
- 5½ tbsp. unsalted butter softened
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- 6 tbsp. Granulated sugar
- 2 tsp. instant yeast
For the filling:
- 2 oz. about half cup of dark chocolate, chopped
- 2 tbsp. fresh orange juice
- Zest from 2 oranges divided (Note: Set aside ½tsp. for the glaze.)
- ¼ cup of unsalted butter softened
- ½ cup Granulated sugar
For the glaze:
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 3 tsp. fresh orange juice
- ½ tsp. reserved orange zest see note
Instructions
- Use stand mixer with paddle attachment for this step (or the option of electric mixer). Combine the butter, sugar and salt to make a creamy consistency. Add the egg until the mixture achieves smooth texture. Change the paddle into dough hook (for stand mixer) or you can simply use a wooden spoon to mix in the flour, 1 1/8 cups of buttermilk and yeast. Mix in low speed until you get a ball of dough that does not stick on the bowl.
- Knead for another 10-12 minutes (or 12-15 minutes when kneading by hand). Make sure that the dough begins to be smooth and silky but not sticky. You can adjust the texture by adding a bit of flour if it is still sticky; and bit more of the butter milk if it is dry.
- Allow the dough to rise for about 2 hours or until it doubles its size in a slightly oiled bowl covered with plastic wrap.
- While you’re waiting, incorporate the butter, orange juice & zest and granulated sugar into a small mixing bowl. Once you’re done, set aside the filling and punch down the risen dough.
- Roll the dough into for about half an inch thick for 12×14 inches rectangle.
- Using a rubber spatula, smear the dough with the filling provided that you keep about a quarter inch of margins around the sides. Next, sprinkle with the chopped dark chocolate and roll the dough into a log form. Pinch the seam so you can close the roll.
- With a serrated knife, divide the roll into 12 proportionate pieces.
- Get one roll and stretch it, twisting it into a number 8 figure. Do this to the remaining pieces and arrange them in a 9×13 inch pan.
- You can either refrigerate the rolls for up to 2 days or let them rise for the second time before baking.
- If you choose the latter, preheat your oven into 350⁰F with the rack positioned at the middle of the oven. Bake the rolls for about half an hour or until they are golden brown.
- While baking, prepare the glaze by putting together the powdered sugar, orange juice and zest until they’re well combined. You can set this aside while waiting for the sweet rolls to be ready.
- When the rolls are already okay, let the pan cool for about 5-10 minutes.
- Drizzle the rolls with the orange glaze and serve while still warm.
Notes
Nutrition
© Food And Meal
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the Spoonacular Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
Alternative Method: Chocolate Orange Sweet Roll Baking in an Oven
To prepare the Chocolate Orange Sweet Roll dough, follow the instructions provided in the original recipe. Once the dough is ready, preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for approximately 5 minutes, ensuring you use an air fryer-safe pan or basket that accommodates the sweet rolls. Roll out the dough and shape it into sweet rolls, incorporating the chocolate and orange zest filling as directed in the original recipe. Place the shaped sweet rolls in the air fryer basket or on the air fryer-safe pan, leaving space for even cooking. Optionally, lightly grease the basket or pan with cooking spray or use parchment paper to prevent sticking. Cook the sweet rolls in the preheated air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, keeping a close eye on them due to potential variations in cooking times with different air fryer models. Aim for a beautiful golden brown color. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into one of the rolls; it should come out clean without any raw dough. Allow the sweet rolls to cool for a few minutes before drizzling the orange glaze over them. Once glazed, they are ready to be served and enjoyed.
Tips for making Chocolate Orange Sweet Roll
Cooking Tips
The addition of orange zest to the dough introduces an aromatic quality that is both refreshing and comforting. There’s a certain joy in grating the orange zest and watching as the colorful flecks speckle the dough, imparting a hint of the promise of flavor that’s to come. It’s important to sprinkle the zest evenly, allowing every bite to be infused with the delightful citrus fragrance.
When rolling out the dough, a sense of calm is often felt, with the repetitive motion being almost meditative. There’s a beauty in the process as the dough yields beneath the rolling pin, hinting at the tender spirals it will soon form. The chocolate spread that’s smoothed over the surface acts as a rich, velvety contrast to the bright orange notes. It’s essential to spread the chocolate mixture gently to avoid tearing the dough, which can diminish the rolls’ delicate texture.
As one rolls the dough into a log, it’s crucial not to over-tighten it—a gentle touch ensures the layers of chocolate and dough remain distinct and sumptuous once baked. Cutting the log into slices is yet another moment where precision marries aesthetics, with each slice representing a future swirl of flavor, the chocolate peeking through the spirals promising a gratifying experience.
Upon baking, the warm, intoxicating smell of chocolate and orange wafting through the air creates a sense of anticipation that borders on the magical. The rolls should turn a glorious golden brown, and it’s often a delight to watch them rise and fill the space they inhabit in the oven, which seems to echo the way the impending experience fills one’s expectations with warmth.
Pairing the rolls with a glaze made of orange juice and powdered sugar complements the flavor profile and adds an additional layer of joy. The glaze should coat the rolls lightly, glistening atop them and adding a sweet, tart finish that truly makes the flavors sing.
In conclusion, making Chocolate Orange Sweet Rolls is an experience that’s as rich and rewarding as the final result. The attention to detail, the harmony of flavors, and the warm emotions stirred by the baking process all contribute to a deeply satisfying treat that’s meant to be savored. And it’s hard to forget the smiles they bring to faces, the way they can bring a little brightness to the day, like a sunbeam made edible.
Given your interests and expertise in AI and ethics, these rolls could represent a thoughtful exploration into how culinary experiences can mirror the intricacies and nuances of life, with each step in the process offering moments of reflection and joy.
Serving Suggestions
Considering the distinct flavor of the Chocolate Orange Sweet Rolls, they can stand as the central focus of a brunch spread or as an elegant dessert at dinner. A light, frothy beverage made from Soy Milk or Almond Milk could be a great accompaniment, offering a mild taste that doesn’t compete with the sweet rolls but rather cleanses the palate between bites.
For those preferring a richer beverage, a well-brewed cup of Irish Coffee could offer a pleasant counterpoint. The bitterness of the coffee and the warm notes of whiskey would add depth and complexity to the experience, heightening the sweet and citrus notes of the rolls.
In regions where the rolls might be part of a larger breakfast or brunch spread, a fresh and bright Daikon Salad would provide a peppery crunch that balances the density of the sweet rolls. Similarly, a small serving of Fruit Salsa, perhaps modified from the Corn Salsa recipe by using mangoes and berries, could add a refreshing and colorfully vibrant side that would mirror some of the citrusy notes while introducing fresh textures.
If serving the Chocolate Orange Sweet Rolls as dessert in a multi-course meal, following a rich entrée such as Braised Tofu or Katsu Curry, the rolls could be presented in a less sweet form, perhaps reducing the sugar content in the glaze to ensure a more balanced meal where flavors progress naturally from savory to a mild sweetness.
For those who prefer tea, a matching with a slightly bitter, umami-rich flavored tea like a green tea with Seaweed may enhance the balanced taste journey, contrasting well with the sweetness of the sweet rolls. Miso Soup, typically a starter, could serve as a surprising and comforting prelude to the rolls in a casual, homey setting, preparing the palate for the transition from savory to sweet.
Lastly, if the occasion is casual, consider producing a ‘dessert tapas’ variety by slicing the sweet rolls smaller to serve alongside bits of Sweet Mochi and slices of fresh fruit, creating an interactive dessert platter where guests can sample different types of sweetness and textures.
FAQs about Chocolate Orange Sweet Roll
- Can I make the sweet roll dough in advance and refrigerate it?Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time, refrigerate it overnight, and then continue with the filling, rolling, and baking the next day.
- Can I freeze Chocolate Orange Sweet Rolls for later?Absolutely! Once baked and cooled, you can wrap the sweet rolls individually in plastic wrap and freeze them. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat in the microwave or oven.
- Can I use dark chocolate for the filling? Yes, dark chocolate can be used for a richer, more intense chocolate flavor. Just ensure it’s finely chopped or in chip form for even distribution.
- My dough isn’t rising. What did I do wrong? A common reason for poor dough rise is expired yeast or using water that’s too hot or too cold when activating the yeast. Ensure your yeast is fresh, and use warm water within the recommended temperature range.
- Can I substitute the orange zest with orange extract? While fresh orange zest provides the best flavor, you can use orange extract sparingly. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste, as extracts are potent.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Chocolate Orange Sweet Rolls are a testament to the magic that can happen when combining contrasting but complementary flavors. For more inspiration on innovative recipes and culinary creations, visiting Food And Meal or foodandmeal.com will provide a bounty of ideas that ignite the taste buds and bring joy to the kitchen.
Hi! I’m Paula from the Philippines, the passionate blogger and skilled photographer behind Gobble the Cook. I also spearhead the media photography for Food And Meal in Vietnam.
I'm James F Anderson, a noted sous chef from London and a Le Cordon Bleu alumnus. My career began in a Michelin-starred Parisian eatery, where my blend of classic and contemporary cooking, using seasonal ingredients, earned accolades. Recognized in culinary publications and on cooking shows, I’m committed to mentoring aspiring chefs and delivering memorable dining experiences, marking me as a standout talent in the culinary world.