1-First Step: Activate the Yeast and Mix Dough Sprinkle 2 1/4 tsp yeast into 1/2 cup warm milk (about 110°F). Stir in 1/4 cup sugar and let sit 5 minutes until foamy. Add 1 egg, 3 tbsp softened butter, 2 cups flour, and 1/2 tsp salt. Knead 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. For vegan adaptations, use flax egg here. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1 hour in a warm spot until doubled. This builds the bread-like tenderness in your easy orange roll cookies.

2-Second Step: Prepare the Orange Filling While dough rises, mix 1/4 cup softened butter, 1/2 cup sugar, and zest of 2 oranges into a spreadable paste. Grate zest finely for even distribution. This filling mimics the best orange rolls, delivering citrus bursts. Set aside at room temp. For low-cal, cut sugar to 1/3 cup.

3-Third Step: Roll Out and Fill the Dough Punch down risen dough and roll into a 12×16-inch rectangle on a floured surface. Spread filling evenly, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Roll tightly from the long side into a log. Pinch seam to seal. Use a sharp knife or floss to slice into 24 even pieces (1/2-inch thick). Place cut-side up on parchment-lined baking sheets, 2 inches apart. This step creates the iconic spiral of soft orange roll cookie recipe.

4-Fourth Step: Second Rise and Preheat Oven Cover rolls loosely with plastic and let rise 30 minutes until puffy. Preheat oven to 350°F. For gluten-free, rise time may shorten to 20 minutes. The extra lift ensures chewy, not dense, orange cookies.

5-Fifth Step: Bake to Golden Perfection Bake 12-15 minutes until edges turn golden. Centers stay soft. Avoid overbaking to keep that sweet roll cookies vibe. Cool on sheets 5 minutes, then transfer to racks. For no-yeast version: Mix 2 cups flour, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/4 tsp salt. Cut in 1/2 cup cold butter, add 1/2 cup buttermilk and 1 egg. Chill 30 min, roll to 12×10, fill with 3 tbsp butter, 1/3 cup brown sugar, 1 orange zest/juice. Slice 12, bake 375°F 10-12 min.

6-Final Step: Glaze and Serve Whisk 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tbsp orange juice, 1 tsp zest until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies. Let set 10 minutes. For cream cheese frosting alt, beat 4 oz cream cheese with glaze ingredients. Serve warm for potlucks. These orange roll cookies with glaze shine at gatherings, pairing well with coffee.