Cake slices on a white plate.

Orange Poppyseed Sweet Rolls

08/31/2025 | Bonia Bakery |

If sunshine had a flavor, I’m pretty sure it would taste like these Orange Poppy Seed Sweet Rolls. They’re soft, gooey, swirled with citrusy sweetness, and finished with the dreamiest orange glaze that drips into every nook and cranny. Basically, they’re sunshine in dough form—and quite possibly the best thing to ever happen to your brunch table.

These rolls are perfect for Easter morning, spring brunch with your besties, or even as a weekday pick-me-up (because honestly, we all deserve a warm, gooey sweet roll on a random Tuesday). They’re zesty, sweet, and have just the right hint of poppy seed crunch that makes them extra special. Breakfast, dessert, or both—there are no rules here.

One of my favorite parts of this recipe is the filling: a simple mix of sugar and fresh orange zest that perfumes the whole kitchen as the rolls bake. And then there’s the glaze—made with fresh orange juice, zest, vanilla, and butter—it’s tangy, sweet, and ties the whole thing together. Every bite is soft, bright, and bursting with citrus flavor.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

  • 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour, divided, plus extra for rolling
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp freshly grated orange zest (from about 1 orange)
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 ½ cups whole milk
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 tbsp poppy seeds

For the Orange Filling:

  • ⅔ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp freshly grated orange zest
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, room temperature

For the Orange Glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1–2 tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • Zest from 1 orange

Method

  1. Make the dough. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine 2 cups flour, sugar, orange zest, yeast, and salt. Add warm milk, butter, and egg; beat for 2 minutes. Switch to a dough hook, add 1 ½ cups flour, and knead on low until combined. Add remaining 1 cup flour and poppy seeds, kneading until smooth.
  2. First rise. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  3. Make the filling. In a small bowl, rub sugar and orange zest together with your fingertips until fragrant.
  4. Roll and fill. Roll dough into a 12 x 18-inch rectangle. Spread with softened butter and sprinkle evenly with orange sugar. Roll tightly into a log and cut into 12 equal rolls. Arrange in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise for another hour.
  5. Bake. Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake rolls for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown.
  6. Glaze. While rolls are still warm, whisk together powdered sugar, orange juice, zest, vanilla, and melted butter. Drizzle generously over the rolls.
  7. Serve. Pull apart and enjoy warm, gooey, citrusy perfection.

Why You’ll Love These Rolls

  • Soft, fluffy dough with a tender crumb
  • A bright and zesty citrus filling
  • The most luscious orange glaze
  • Perfect for brunch, holidays, or anytime you need a little pick-me-up

These Orange Poppy Seed Sweet Rolls are pure happiness in a pan—bright, sweet, and guaranteed to bring a little extra joy to your table. Make them for Easter, spring brunch, or whenever you’re craving something cozy and citrusy. You and your future self will thank you.