Mamma's Orange Refrigerator Rolls
My great-grandmother, known to everyone in the family as Mamma, lived a long, healthy life in Alabama and passed away in her sleep at 90-something when I was just finishing college. She had an open door policy to anyone who wanted to come 'sit for a spell', and was known for hosting lots of family holidays and reunions at her home. I fell in love with these soft little orange rolls with orange glaze she would serve with her brunches. They just melted in my mouth. At some point along the way, my mom got the recipe and passed it onto me. The dough is made the night before and refrigerated overnight. After rolling it the next day, the orange filling is spread on it, rolled up and then sliced into small rolls. Warning: these are incredibly addictive!
My great-grandmother, known to everyone in the family as Mamma, lived a long, healthy life in Alabama and passed away in her sleep at 90-something when I was just finishing college. She had an open door policy to anyone who wanted to come 'sit for a spell', and was known for hosting lots of family holidays and reunions at her home. I fell in love with these soft little orange rolls with orange glaze she would serve with her brunches. They just melted in my mouth. At some point along the way, my mom got the recipe and passed it onto me. The dough is made the night before and refrigerated overnight. After rolling it the next day, the orange filling is spread on it, rolled up and then sliced into small rolls. Warning: these are incredibly addictive!
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 6 tablespoons butter softened
- 2 cups confectioners sugar
- 1 eggs slightly beaten
- 1/4 cup butter (1/2 stick)
- 1/4 cup shortening (i recommend butter-flavored shortenin
- 3 ounces sugar
- 1 packages dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm water (about 105â° f but don't go warmer than 115â° f)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons orange zest
- 4 tablespoons orange juice
- Carbohydrate 20.6353975204072 g
- Cholesterol 9.85802083838112 mg
- Fat 3.82637840482283 g
- Fiber 0.334729172362782 g
- Protein 1.31387395967114 g
- Saturated Fat 2.33958226511763 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (40g)
- Sodium 1076.50526377381 mg
- Sugar 20.3006683480444 g
- Trans Fat 0.318520389065197 g
- Calories 121 calories
Step-by-step
- Boil 1/2 cup of water in a saucepan. Remove from the stove and add the butter and shortening and stir until melted. Add the sugar and salt. Cool to lukewarm.
- In a large bowl, put in the 1/2 cup of warm water and sprinkle the yeast over it. Stir to dissolve. Add the butter / sugar mixture and eggs to the dissolved yeast. Add 3 cups flour or enough to make a thick dough and mix thoroughly. Cover and put in the refrigerator overnight.
- About 2 to 2 1/2 hours before serving the rolls, turn the dough out onto a floured workspace, divide in half and roll each portion into a 12- x 8-inch rectangle.
- Spread the orange filling (recipe below) on the dough, dividing the filling between the 2 rectangles. Roll up each rectangle like a jelly roll and slice into 18 equal slices.
- Place the rolls in cupcake paper in muffin pans (which helps to hold the glaze when served) or use 3 greased 8- or 9-inch square baking pans. Let rolls rise for 1 1/2 hours.
- Preheat your oven to 375° F. Bake the rolls for 15 minutes or until lightly browned.
- Drizzle glaze over warm rolls and serve. Note: Reserve a few for yourself in case they get completely eaten up by everyone before you sit down.
- Stir together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and orange zest. Spread on the rolled-out dough rectangles.
- Mix together the confectioners sugar and orange juice. Drizzle over warm rolls fresh from the oven.
Mamma's Orange Refrigerator Rolls: A Legacy of Flavor
The aroma of warm, sweet rolls baking in the oven is a comforting memory for many. For me, that smell is inextricably linked to my great-grandmother, Mamma. She was the heart of our family, a woman who filled her Alabama home with love, laughter, and the most incredible food. Her kitchen was always bustling, a hub of activity where family and friends gathered for holidays, reunions, and spontaneous visits. Anyone could come "sit for a spell," as she’d say, and they'd always leave with full bellies and warmer hearts.
Among her many culinary masterpieces, one stands out above the rest: her orange refrigerator rolls. These weren't just any rolls; they were ethereal, melting in your mouth with a delightful burst of citrus. Light and fluffy, yet rich with the sweet tang of orange, they were the perfect complement to her legendary brunches. I remember the anticipation, the joyful chatter around the table as we waited for her to bring out this special treat. The warm, sweet scent promised a moment of pure deliciousness, a taste of family, history, and love.
Mamma passed away when I was in college, but her legacy lives on, most notably through her recipes. My mother carefully preserved her handwritten notes, passing down culinary treasures like these orange rolls. Now, years later, I find myself carrying on this tradition, recreating these magical rolls in my own kitchen, sharing them with loved ones, and keeping Mamma's memory alive with every bite.
The magic of these rolls lies not only in their incredible taste but also in their simplicity. They require minimal effort, a beautiful balance of convenience and exquisite flavor. The dough is prepared the night before, allowing for a stress-free morning. The next day, a quick roll, slice, and bake, and you're rewarded with golden-brown rolls that will disappear faster than you can say "Mamma's recipe!" The orange zest and glaze add a touch of brightness, a citrusy zing that cuts through the richness of the dough. They are a perfect combination of sweet and tangy.
More than just a recipe, Mamma's orange refrigerator rolls are a tangible piece of family history, a link to a time of simpler pleasures and stronger bonds. Every time I bake them, I'm transported back to my great-grandmother's kitchen, surrounded by the warmth of family and the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread. It’s a tradition I cherish and hope to pass down to future generations, keeping Mamma's legacy of love and delicious food alive for years to come.
The best part? The anticipation. The rising dough, the scent of baking bread, the anticipation of that first bite – it’s more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s about creating memories and sharing something special with those you care about. It's about savoring the little moments and the simple pleasures in life, just like Mamma always did.
So, I encourage you to try this recipe. Let the aroma fill your home, let the sweet taste transport you, and let the legacy of Mamma's love live on in every bite of these unforgettable rolls. Trust me, you'll be making these again and again.
And don't forget to save a few for yourself before they all disappear!
Ingredients: (A full list of ingredients is provided separately)
Tips for Success:
- Use good quality butter for the best flavor.
- Don't overmix the dough.
- Let the rolls rise properly for the best texture.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with the glaze – add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra layer of warmth.
This recipe is more than just a set of instructions; it’s a story, a legacy, a heartwarming reminder of the simple things that make life truly special. Enjoy the journey, enjoy the baking, and most importantly, enjoy the delicious results!
